Handball News: Ed Lee Leads County to Victory | Boys U15 Doubles Challenge | Clonguish One Wall Open

Leitrim’s Ed Lee Leads County to Victory in Connacht Softball Championship

Titles Shared as Connacht’s Finest Shine in Drumkeeran and Collooney
A thrilling evening of 60×30 handball unfolded last Saturday as the 2025 Connacht Softball Singles Championship Finals took centre stage in Drumkeeran (Leitrim) and Collooney (Sligo). Spectators were treated to a series of high-quality contests across multiple grades, with titles shared among four counties.
Fenagh’s Ed Lee delivered one of the standout performances of the evening in Collooney, producing a dominant display in the Ruby Masters Singles Final to defeat Mayo’s John Nally with a convincing 21–4, 21–1 scoreline. Representing Leitrim, Lee’s consistent play and strong control throughout the match secured a well-deserved victory, bringing the title proudly back to the county. Ed’s victory served as an inspiration to the next generation of Leitrim handballers who were present to watch and support him.

In Drumkeeran, Sligo’s Josian Oskoz emerged victorious over Glencar Manorhamilton’s Joel Smith in the Golden Masters B Singles Final. The opening game was closely contested, with frequent changes of serve keeping the score tight at 9–7 in Oskoz’s favour. The Sligo player then found his rhythm, pulling away to claim the game 21–9. The second game mirrored the first, with Oskoz establishing an early lead. Smith battled hard to regain momentum, and both players showcased remarkable intensity and fitness in a fiercely competitive contest. Ultimately, Oskoz capitalized on crucial moments to maintain control and sealed the match with a 21–10 win.

There was further celebration for Roscommon in Drumkeeran as Glenn Walsh produced a commanding performance in the Golden Masters A Final, defeating Mayo’s Tom Sweeney 21–6, 21–5. Mayo ensured their presence on the honors board as well. In the Junior C Singles Final held in Collooney, Darren Walsh emerged victorious against Roscommon’s Eddie Conboy, who put in a determined effort to finish runner-up.

Earlier in the week, Joel Smith earned his place in the Golden Masters B final with a thrilling semi-final victory over Mayo’s Martin McAndrew in Collooney. After a tough opening game defeat (5–21), Smith rallied to take the second game 21–12 and clinched the tiebreak 11–7 in dramatic fashion. Though he narrowly missed out in the final, Smith’s performance throughout the championship garnered widespread admiration.
A special thanks is extended to the match officials and organizers at both Drumkeeran and Collooney for their dedication and professionalism in delivering a seamless and enjoyable championship finale.
Congratulations to all finalists and county representatives on an exciting and successful 2025 Connacht softball singles championship season

Pic: Leitrim’s Ed Lee celebrates with supporters after his Connacht Final victory.

Leitrim-Cork Pairing Set for Boys U15 Doubles Challenge

Best of luck to Leitrim and Annaduff’s Maxim Gilmartin, who is set to compete in the GAA Handball Juvenile Softball Nationals next weekend. Maxim will team up with Cian Buckley of Ballydesmond Handball Club, Co. Cork, forming a strong partnership in the Boys 15 & Under Doubles category.
The event takes place in Kilfane, Co. Kilkenny on Saturday, and all eyes will be on this promising duo as they look to make their mark on the national stage.
Go n-éirí libh!

Pic: Cian Buckley, Ballydesmond, Cork and Maxim Gilmartin from Annaduff, who will pair up for the Juvenile Softball Nationals next weekend.

 

Clonguish One Wall Open Draws Strong Leitrim Participation

Clonguish GAA Handball Club will host its third annual One-Wall Open over the August Bank Holiday weekend, with adult competitions on Sunday, August 3rd, followed by juvenile events on Monday, August 4th. The Co. Longford based tournament has gone from strength to strength, becoming a standout fixture on the One Wall calendar.
Leitrim Handball will be well represented across both days. Annaduff’s Adam Neary and Gary Cox are set to take part, while the Kane family from Fenagh—Daniel, Katie, Sophie, and Abbie—will also be in action. They’ll be joined by their father, JP Kane, who is competing in the Adult Junior category.
Best of luck to all Leitrim players heading to Clonguish.
Beir bua!

 

David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball