Saturday 28 February 2015

Shane Bruen & Paddy Walsh reach All-Ireland handball 40 x 20 finals


Collooney handball club players Shane Bruen & Paddy Walsh are through to this year’s All-Ireland 40 x 20 Championships finals following hard earned victory’s, writes Michael McGee


Walsh’s fightback

First into action was the legendary Paddy Walsh against Cork’s Pat O’Brien. The Sligo star had a very slugglish start and quickly found himself behind by 15-1. With great encouragement from the home faithful he began to claw his way into the game and found his rhythm.  A dominant spell by Walsh which yielded 11 straight points in a row saw the Cork man’s lead reduced to 3 (15-12)  O’ Brien got a great pick of the back wall and his return landed inch perfect onto the front wall and he quickly took the first game with a tap in to the left corner by 21-16. 

In the second game Walsh started brightly with a 7 point salvo.  Although O’Brien fought back to within touching distance at 10-6 behind it was the closest he was going to get as Walsh assumed control and he took game two with an ace to O’Brien right hand side by 21-6.

In the deciding 3rd game Walsh looked to be going out of the championships with O’Brien going into an almost insurmountable 16-7 lead.  Just like in his Connacht final success over Galway’s Peter Mulryan , Walsh staged a remarkable recovery. Again with the County’s faithful supporters fully behind Walsh the fightback began. A now rejuvenated Walsh with an extra pep in his step exploded into action and with a barrage of quick fire points fought back quickly to level at 16-16.  The momentum swung back in Walsh’s favour. Walsh gritted his teeth and went for the jugular.   O’Brien appeared shell shocked with the onslaught from the Sligo star.  Walsh the Sligo handball warrior finished strongly.  The Cork man managed to save 3 game points but the Sligo man was not going to be denied thus winning it out overall by 16-21, 21-6, 21-16. Walsh will now play Dublin's Ned Flynn in the final. Flynn defeated Antrim's Seamus Graham 21-18, 21-20 in his semi-final.

Bruen’s fitness carries the day

In the Masters B singles semi-final Shane Bruen came into the semi-final following a successful Connacht campaign.  Standing in his way was Clare’s Tom Kirby of the famous Kirby clan who dominated handball in Ireland and at World level in the 1970’s and ‘80s.   Bruen had a dream start in the opening game hitting the front with a huge 17-2 lead. However a finger injury forced him to take a time out to get some treatment before resuming play.  Bruen looked the more livelier player to advance throughout while Kirby had a very relaxed style. Kirby, the Munster Champion was a dogged and stubborn opponent who refused to go away  quietly and kept coming back for more and Bruen had to be alert at all times to stoutly defend his lead.   Kirby fought back to 19-13 behind and forced Bruen to serve game ball 3 times before the Yeats County man finished in style. Kirby brilliantly returned game ball inches from the bottom of the back wall but Bruen with an exquisite passing shot passed Kirby’s left side to win the opening game by 21-16. 

In game two there was no more than 3 points between the players until the final stages such was the closeness and intensity of the contest.  One of the highlights of game two was a number of long high tempo rally’s. At 10-9 ahead a long 30 shot rally was played out before Bruen winning the point with a precision score of the back wall that landed inch perfect onto the front wall. Bruen’s showed great willingness to work hard and covered every inch of the Collooney court and his greater fitness eventually wore down a resolute and ever improving Kirby. Bruen was patient in his build up and was content on keeping the ball onto the ceiling waiting for any openings that might come from the Clare’s returns. Kirby began moving in to shot volleys and came within touching distance. Bruen’s lady luck shone on him a number of times when winning vital points while Kirby’s sometimes too relaxed style of play cost him dearly as he spurned a number of glorious chances close to the front wall when in good positions.  Bruen changed serve and began an over hand serve landing in Kirby’s left corner.  With a slender 15-14 lead the Collooney club star played his best handball and stretched his lead to 19-14 with a number of good kills off the back wall.  The highlight of the entire match was an energy sapping and lung bursting rally with over 40 shots thrown in before Bruen bagged it with an accurate kill to the left corner.  He duly took the second game by 21-16 much to the relief and delight of the home crowd.  Bruen will now face Wexford’s Barry McWilliams in the All-Ireland Masters B singles 40 x 20 final on Saturday 14th March.

 All-Ireland handball 40x 20 championships semi-finals results:
Over 70’s singles: Paddy Walsh (Sligo) dft Pat O’Brien (Cork)16-21, 21-6, 21-16
Masters B Singles: Shane Bruen (Sligo)  dft Tom Kirby (Clare) 21-15, 21-16

Paddy Walsh on left is congratulated by Cork's Pat O'Brien following Walsh's success in the All-Ireland handball 40 x 20 championships semi-finals played in Collooney today


A section of the large attendance at today's All-Ireland handball 40 x 20 Championships in Collooney

Paddy Walsh in action against Cork's Pat O'Brien

Enjoying today's matches in Collooney were Ballymotes Lisa & Martin Golden, Francis Mc Cann & James Kelly Ransboro
The legendary Paddy Walsh in action
Paddy Walsh ready to unleash another piledriver
Shane Bruen in action against Clare's Tom Kirby

Supporters at today's semi-finals were Francis McCann, Dave Mulhern, Peter the great Chambers, Mick McMorrow, Michael Maloney Clare, Mick Kelly & Michael Murphy
Shane Bruen & Tom Kirby before the start
Shane Bruen in action
Dan Kirby and a pensive Tom Kirby discuss strategy's during one of the time outs
An exhausted Shane Bruen following his match with Clare's Tom Kirby
Dan Kirby and Ballymote native John Cawley Clare handball player welcome guests in Collooney 





Saturday 21 February 2015

Bruen & Walsh to reach finals


Paddy Walsh Over 70's  & Shane Bruen Masters B singles in All-Ireland semi-finals


Collooney club players Shane Bruen & Paddy Walsh have home advantage for their All-Ireland handball  40 x 20 singles semi-finals, writes Michael McGee

Over 70 Singles: Paddy Walsh (Sligo) v Pat O’Brien (Cork)


The legendary Paddy Walsh is first into action when he takes on Cork’s Pat O’Brien for a place in this year’s final.  Walsh, who had a stunning victory over Galway’s Peter Mulryan in the Connacht final will go in as slight favourite.  Walsh had to battle through a painful shoulder injury to reach the last four.  Having won the first game the Galwegian came back strongly to take the second. Walsh’s greater reserves of energy and his relentless workrate blitzed Mulryan in the deciding third game.

Walsh, the Sligo handball wizard will have another battle royal in hand as faces the Munster champion. The last time these two players met was in the 2013 All-Ireland 60 x 30 finals with the Sligo man coming out on top by 21-6, 21-13. Walsh is Sligo’s most decorated player of all time is the holder of an astonishing 30 All-Ireland titles. He won his 1st All-Ireland title in 1974 and won doubles titles with Mick Kelly & Padraig Maye. Walsh has the heart of a lion and with the Collooney faithful roaring, willing him home he should pounce and reach another decider for Sligo's greatest ever handball statesman

Masters B singles
Shane Bruen (Sligo) v Tom Kirby (Clare)

Years ago the Kirby name would strike fear into hearts of handballers throughout Ireland with the legendary brothers Dan, John & Pat Kirby All-Ireland and World champions.

Shane Bruen is from another era and is unfazed by the Clare's man famous historic pedigree.
Bruen was victorious in last year's All-Ireland Masters B 60 x 30 singles and doubles titles and is aiming for more success in the 40 x 20 court 2015. In the Connacht final Bruen defeated his great rival Mayo's Michael Ginely 21-8, 21-14 while Kirby defeated Tipperary's David Tobin 21-18, 21-8 in the Munster final. Bruen is already having a great season as last weekend on the provincial doubles crown to that of the singles he won two weeks ago.

The Collooney man is out to stamp his authority on the match and has set his sights firmly on reaching this years decider. His great work rate is one of his hallmarks and it will be needed against Kirby

With Sligo's fervent supporters firmly behind Bruen it should be enough to propel him to victory.

All-Ireland 40 x 20 championships semi-finals
Saturday 28th February in Collooney at 3 p.m.
Over 70 Singles: Paddy Walsh (Sligo) v Pat O’Brien (Cork)
Masters B Singles: Shane Bruen (Sligo) v Tom Kirby (Cork)

In last weekend’s Connacht handball 40 x 20 championships doubles finals only the Masters A doubles pairing of Shane Bruen & Martin Cooney were successful. The duo had a titanic struggle with Mayo’s Jason Judge & Pat Foy. The Sligo men just edging it 21-20, 21-18 in a fantastic doubles final. Sligo other pairings Michael Bruen & Gerry Coleman Junior C and  Mick McMorrow & Michael Murphy Emerald Masters B doubles were beaten at the Provinical final stage.

Results Connacht handball 40  x 20 championships finals 

Junior C doubles:  Gerry Coleman & Michael Bruen (Sligo)  lost to  11-21, 18-21 Michael O’ Rianne & Chris Connaughton (Galway)
Emerald Masters B  doubles: Michael McMorrow & Michael Murphy (Sligo) lost to Frank Macken & John O’Malley (Mayo) 4-212, 5-21

Masters B doubles:  Shane Bruen & Martin Cooney (Sligo) dft Jason Judge & Pat Foy (Mayo) 21-20, 21-18
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Wednesday 18 February 2015

Ocean FM Sports Radio Quiz


Commiserations to the Collooney handball club quiz team of Gerry Coleman, Aoife McDonagh & Michael McGee who were defeated by a sports knowledgeable St. Mary’s  side in the Q-Final of the Ocean FM Sports Quiz by 31-22.

The club would like to wish the St. Mary’s team of T .J. Killgallen, John Lynch & Peadar Niland the very best in their semi-final.

Many thanks to Darragh Cox  Sports Editor Ocean FM and all on the Ocean FM team for organizing the quiz.

Monday 16 February 2015

Collooney players in All-Ireland semi-finals


Sligo's Paddy Walsh & Shane Bruen in All-Ireland 40 x 20 championships semi-finals


Shane Bruen will play Clare's Tom Kirby in the All-Ireland Masters B semi-final match. Kirby deft Tipperary's David Tobin 21-18, 21-8 in the Munster final

Paddy Walsh will play either Mossy Butler Waterford or Cork's Pat O'Brien no result yet from the Munster final.


All-Ireland handball 40 x 20 championships:
Masters B singles semi-final:  Shane Bruen (Sligo)
v Tom Kirby  (Clare)

Over 70's semi-final:  Paddy Walsh (Sligo) v Mossy Butler (Waterford) or Pat O'Brien (Cork)

Connacht v Munster home and away fixtures 2015 All-Ireland championships 2015



Connacht v Munster home and away All-Ireland  40 x 20 handball championships semi-finals 2015

Collooney to host Connacht 40 x 20 doubles finals





Upcoming Fixtures for Collooney
Sunday 22nd Feb at 3 p.m.

U-21 doubles:  Conor Burke & Cormac Moran (Mayo) v James Duffy & Michael Carroll (Roscommon)

Golden Masters  B doubles:  Denis Phelan & Brendan McNeela (Galway) v Jimmy Nolan & Pierce Kilkenny ( Roscommon)

Ruby Masters Doubles:  Morgan Darcy & John Kelehan ( Galway) v Matt Coady &  Michael Corbett (Mayo)


Over 70’s doubles:  Seamus O’Fatharta & Partner (Galway) v Matt Grier & Michael Reilly (Mayo)

Best of luck to all the players and welcome to Collooney.

Sunday 15 February 2015

Bruen & Walsh Connacht handball 40 x 20 Champions.

Paddy Walsh & Shane Bruen Connacht handball 40 x 20 champions


Bruen & Walsh Connacht handball 40 x 20 Champions.

Collooney handball club players Shane Bruen & Paddy Walsh made the long journey to Curraghboy a winning one, writes Michael McGee.
 

Bruen gave a solid and impressive display with victory over Mayo’s Michael Ginley thus winning the Club’s first Connacht title of the year .  The versatile Collooney club man was composed throughout and powered his way to a straight sets victory over the Bofield club man. Bruen  won both All-Ireland Masters B singles & doubles 60 x 30 titles last year is now a serious contender for outright glory in the 40 x 20 court at Masters B level

Collooney didn’t have long to wait for Connacht handball title number 2 with The Legendary Paddy Walsh at  just 74 years of age continuing to defy time with another stunning  performance.  Walsh who was a serious doubt just hours before the game with a painful shoulder injury gave a virtuoso display.  In a pulsating encounter Walsh took the opening game by 21-12.  In the second Galway’s Peter Mulryan fought back strongly winning by 21-16.  Walsh’s legendary determination and his indefatigable will to win came to the fore in the deciding game. The Sligo man was hungrier and more focussed giving another master class display winning the final game by a huge margin 21-2.  

Connacht Handball 40 x 20 Championships finals results:

Masters B singles:  Shane Bruen (Sligo) dft Michael Ginley (Mayo) 21-8, 21-14
Over 70’s:  Paddy Walsh (Sligo) dft Peter Mulryan (Galway) 21-12, 16-21, 21-12

Collooney handball Club P.R.O.  Michael McGee is already looking forward to the Connacht handball championships doubles 40 x 20 deciders as he previews the weekend’s  3 doubles finals involving Collooney handball doubles players.
Junior C doubles:  Gerry Coleman & Michael Bruen (Sligo) v Michael O’ Rianne & Chris Connaughton (Galway)

Collooney players will be involved in 3 more Connacht doubles finals. Up first is the Junior C Doubles  with Gerry Coleman & Michael Bruen into another Connacht  doubles Final.  The duo are knocking on the door for the past few years without actually finding a way through. In their semi-final  contest after a shaky start the Bruen & Coleman  combination  weathered the storm and began to take control playing controlled and incisive handball along the way to an exciting 18-21, 21-8, 21-8 win over  Roscommon’s Alan Mannion & Robbie Kelly.  They again will need to produce the goods against Galway’s  Michael Rianne & Chris Connaughton.  Curraghboy may just be the venue for the historic breakthrough for Bruen & Coleman

Emerald Masters B  doubles: Michael McMorrow & Michael Murphy (Sligo) v Frank Macken & John O’Malley (Mayo)

In the following match sees the Emerald Masters doubles pairing of Michael McMorrow & Michael Murphy take on the experienced Frank Macken & John O’Mallley.  McMorrow & Murphy are a new partnership and as yet untested having received a bye in their semi-final.  Macken & O’Malley already had an successful outing  in the championships having beaten Galway’s  Pierce Lalor & Willie Corcoran in their semi-final.  Murphy is making a welcome return to handball and the Castleconnor club man will relish getting into competitive handball after a lengthy lay off from the game. Michael McMorrow is training hard with the likes of legendary Sligo player Paddy Walsh putting him through his paces. McMorrow an All-Ireland 60 x 30 doubles champion with John McLoughlin in 2011 will be hoping for a repeat of the glory days in the smaller 40 x 20 court. It remains to be seen have the fledging Sligo partnership done enough work to compete against the battle hardened Macken & O’Malley. The greater experience by Mayo,  may win the day but McMorrow & Murphy have nothing to lose and will give it everything in the  Sligo colours.

Masters A doubles:  Shane Bruen & Martin Cooney (Sligo) v Jason Judge & Pat Foy (Mayo)

From one doubles team starting off to another combination who already tasted All-Ireland success.  The Masters A doubles team of Shane Bruen & Martin Cooney had an unbelievable 2014. Cooney won 3 titles, the Silver Masters  B  40 x 20 singles and followed this up winning the Silver Masters B singles 60 x 30 title and Masters B doubles with Shane Bruen. Shane also won the Masters B  60 x 30 singles for good measure.  
Cooney was recognised by the Connacht G.A.A Council at their recent annual prize giving awards ceremony in Castlebar for winning 3 All-Ireland handball titles in 2014.  The step up to the A grade does not seem as undaunting  for the duo who are well capable of making a big impression in the A grade. Their opponents are from the nearby Bofield Club. Mayo’s Jason Judge & Patrick Foy were All-Ireland Masters B doubles champions in 2013. The final has all the hallmarks of going the distance and don’t be surprised if this one goes to a tie break to separate them.   Bruen who had a fantastic win in the singles last weekend will be eager to take the doubles also.  Bruen  & Cooney get the nod to herald their entry into the A grade with a Provincial title at their first time of asking.

Connacht 40 x 20 handball championships doubles finals

Saturday 21st February in Curraghboy at 3 pm.
Junior C doubles:  Gerry Coleman & Michael Bruen (Sligo) v Michael O’ Rianne & Chris Connaughton (Galway)

Saturday 21st February in Curraghboy at 5 pm.
Emerald Masters B  doubles: Michael McMorrow & Michael Murphy (Sligo) v Frank Macken & John O’Malley (Mayo)

Saturday 21 February in St. Coman’s at 5 pm.
Masters B doubles:  Shane Bruen & Martin Cooney (Sligo) v Jason Judge & Pat Foy (Mayo)

Tuesday 10 February 2015

Bruen & Walsh to continue on winning way’s

Bruen & Walsh to continue on winning way’s

Club P.R.O. Michael McGee previews Provincial singles finals involving Club players this weekend.


Shane Bruen Masters B Singles

Shane Bruen & Michael Ginley renew rivalry’s in the Masters B singles final. Shane Bruen looked well on course in last year’s encounter but a nasty finger picked up against Ginley severely  hampered his chances and it was the Mayo man who came through.  Shane got his revenge in the 60 x 30 court defeating the Mayo man in 3 games before going on to win the All-Ireland Masters B singles final. Sunday’s encounter could also go to a deciding 3rd game but the Sligo man looks in better shape this year and should get over challenge by the Bofield Club man.

The legendary Paddy Walsh takes on Galway’s Peter Mulryan in the Over 70’s final.  Walsh the legendary Sligo Wizard looks odds  on favourite  to keep up his remarkable handball career. The holder of 30 All-Ireland handball titles in an astonishing career is going well in training and should have too much for the Galwegian.

Michael McGee makes a welcome return to action for the first time in 6 years in the Silver Masters B decider. Battling back from 3 career threatening serious spinal surgery’s in 4 years the Meath native takes on Mayo’s John Coyle. The Sligo man received a bye in the semi-final while Coyne defeated Galway’s Mike Keneally  21-9, 21-6 in Inverin.  The Mayo man will start as clear favourite.

Peter Chambers has an uphill battle in the Golden Masters B singles decider on Sunday’s decider in Salthill.  Peter defeated Roscommon’s Jimmy Nolan  21-9, 21-14 in his semi-final contest in Lisacul while Miller defeated Michael Coleman in straight games.  Peter Chambers going well in training but a step up will be required if he is to become Connacht champion.

  
Connacht handball 40x 20 championships finals:
Sunday 15th February in Curraghboy at 3 p.m. :
Masters B singles:  Shane Bruen (Sligo) v Michael Ginley (Mayo)
Over 70’s singles:  Paddy Walsh( Sligo) v Peter Mulryan (Galway)

Sunday 15th February in St. Coman’s Roscommon at 3 pm:
Silver Masters B singles: Michael McGee (Sligo) v John Coyne (Mayo)

Sunday 15th February in Salthill at 3 p.m.

Golden Masters B singles:  Peter Chambers (Sligo) v George Miller (Mayo

Club P.R.O. Michael McGee previews the Connacht handball 40 x 20 championships finals involving Collooney club players



Martin Cooney & Shane Bruen  Masters A doubles 



Collooney handball Club P.R.O.  Michael McGee is already looking forward to the Connacht handball championships doubles 40 x 20 deciders as he previews the 3 doubles finals involving Collooney handball doubles players.

Junior C doubles:  Gerry Coleman & Michael Bruen (Sligo) v Michael O’ Rianne & Chris Connaughton (Galway)

Collooney players will be involved in 3 more Connacht doubles finals. Up first is the Junior C Doubles with Gerry Coleman & Michael Bruen into another Connacht Final.  The duo are knocking on the door for the past few years without actually finding a way through. In their semi-final  contest after a shaky start the Bruen & Coleman weathered the storm and began to take control playing controlled and incisive handball along the way to an exciting 18-21, 21-8, 21-8 win over  Roscommon’s Alan Mannion & Robbie Kelly.  They again will need to produce the goods against Galway’s  Michael Rianne & Chris Connaughton.  Curraghboy may just be the venue for the historic breakthrough for Bruen & Coleman

Emerald Masters B  doubles: Michael McMorrow & Michael Murphy (Sligo) v Frank Macken & John O’Malley (Mayo)

In the following match sees the Emerald Masters doubles pairing of Michael McMorrow & Michael Murphy take on the experienced Frank Macken & John O’Mallley.  McMorrow & Murphy are a new partnership and as yet untested having received a bye in their semi-final.  Macken & O’Malley already had an successful outing the in the championships having beaten Galway’s  Pierce Lalor Willie Corcoran in their semi-final.  Murphy is making a welcome return to handball and the Castleconnor club man will relish getting into competitive handball after a lengthy lay off from the game. Michael McMorrow is training hard with the likes of legendary Sligo player Paddy Walsh putting him through his paces. McMorrow an All-Ireland 60 x 30 doubles champion with John McLoughlin in 2011 will be hoping for a repeat of the glory days in the smaller 40 x 20 court. It remains to be seen have the fledging Sligo partnership done enough work  to compete against the battle hardened Macken & O’Malley. The greater experience by Mayo,  may win the day but McMorrow & Murphy have nothing  to lose and will give it everything in the  Sligo colours.

Masters B doubles:  Shane Bruen & Martin Cooney (Sligo) v Jason Judge & Pat Foy (Mayo)

From one doubles team starting off to another combination who already tastedAll-Ireland success.  The Masters A doubles team of Shane Bruen & Martin Cooney had an unbelievable 2014. Cooney won 3 titles the Silver Masters  B  40 x 20 singles and followed this up winning the Silver Masters B singles 60x 30 title and Masters B doubles with Shane Bruen. Shane also won the Masters B singles for good measure.  Cooney was recently recognised by the Connacht G.A.A Council at their recent annual prize giving awards ceremony  in Castlebar for winning 3 All-Ireland handball titles in 2014.  The step up to the A grade does not seem as undaunting  for the duo who are well capable of making a big impression in the A grade. Their opponents are from the nearby Bofield Club. Mayo’s Jason Judge & Patrick Foy were All-Ireland  Masters B doubles champions in 2013. The final has all the hallmarks of going the distance and don’t be surprised if this one goes to a tie break to separate them.  Bruen & Cooney get the nod to herald their entry into the A grade with a Provincial title at their first time of asking.

Connacht 40 x 20 handball championships doubles finals

Saturday 21st February in Curraghboy at 3 pm.
Junior C doubles:  Gerry Coleman & Michael Bruen (Sligo) v Michael O’ Rianne & Chris Connaughton (Galway)

Saturday 21st February in Curraghboy at 5 pm.
Emerald Masters B  doubles: Michael McMorrow & Michael Murphy (Sligo) v Frank Macken & John O’Malley (Mayo)

Saturday 21 February in St. Coman’s at 5 pm.
Masters B doubles:  Shane Bruen & Martin Cooney (Sligo) v Jason Judge & Pat Foy (Mayo)


Connacht handball championships doubles 40 x 20 finals

Upcoming Connacht handball Championships 40 x 20  final fixtures involving Collooney club players

Saturday 21st February in Curraghboy at 3 pm.
Junior C doubles:  Gerry Coleman & Michael Bruen (Sligo) v Michael O’ Rianne & Chris Connaughton (Galway)

Saturday 21st February in Curraghboy at 5 pm.
Emerald Masters B  doubles: Michael McMorrow & Michael Murphy (Sligo) v Frank Macken & John O’Malley (Mayo)

Saturday 21 February in St. Coman’s at 5 pm.
Masters B doubles:  Shane Bruen & Martin Cooney (Sligo) v Jason Judge & Pat Foy (Mayo)


Monday 9 February 2015

Connacht handball 40 x 20 championships for Collooney

Connacht handball 40 x 20 championships finals:

Saturday 14th February in Collooney at  5 p.m.
Minor Singles:  Niall Joyce (Mayo) v Michael Fallon (Roscommon)
Intermediate Singles:  Ian McLoughlin (Mayo) v Neil McDermott (Roscommon)
U-21 Singles:  Ross Gordon (Roscommon) v Mayo

Sunday 15th February in Collooney at 3 p.m.
Ladies Minor Singles:  Fiona Tully (Roscommon) v Galway
Ladies Intermediate Singles:  Ciana Curran (Galway) v Lauren Riordan (Roscommon)
Emerald Masters A singles: Eamon Conneely (Galway)  v Ger Walsh (Roscommon)

Sunday 22nd February in Collooney at 3 p.m.
Ruby Masters A Doubles:  Morgan Darcy & John Kelehan (Galway) v Matt Coady & Michael Corbett (Mayo)
Over 70 A doubles:  Matt Grier & Michael Reilly  (Mayo) v Seamus O'Fatharta & Ptr (Galway)

U-21 Doubles: Conor Burke/Cormac Moran (Mayo) v Roscommon)

Harte’s reach Connacht Colleges doubles final

Harte’s reach Connacht Colleges final

Connacht Colleges doubles runners-up Vincent & Diarmuid Harte with the winners from Williamstown Vocational School





Vincent &  Diarmuid Harte representing Summerhill College reached the final of the U-15  40 x 20 doubles. In their semi-final contest the Collooney club players defeated Cathal McGourty & Tom Breen 15-6, 15-6. Unfortunately in the final despite putting in a great performance the duo fell to a doubles pairing from Williamstown Vocational School. Both Vincent & Diarmuid are underage again next year.

Sunday 8 February 2015

Ocean FM Radio Sports Quiz

Ocean FM Radio Sports Quiz


Best of luck to the Collooney handball club Quiz Team of Gerry Coleman, Aoife McDonagh & Michael McGee who take on St.Mary's G.A.A. Club in the Quarter finals of the Radio Quiz on Thursday evening at 9 p.m. in the Crozon Inn Sligo.

Saturday 7 February 2015

Bruen & Coleman into Connacht final

Bruen & Coleman into Connacht final

Connacht handball 40 x 20 Championships semi-finals
Junior C doubles:  Michael Bruen & Gerry Coleman (Sligo) dft Alan Mannion & Robbie Kelly (Roscommon) 18-21, 21-8, 21-8

Almost perennial provincial finalists  Michael Bruen & Gerry Coleman are through to yet another provincial decider when getting the better of Roscommon’s Alan Mannion & Robbie Kelly in Saturday’s Junior C doubles semi-final in Collooney.  In a very even first game with little separating the sides it was the Roscommon pair that made the breakthrough with scores delicately poised at 18-18. The Roscommon duo finished stronger to take the opening game.

Despite this setback Bruen & Coleman began to settle to the task in hand. In the second the Sligo men were never really troubled as they raced away to record a comfortable 21-8 win in the second.  The tie breaker followed in a similar vein with Michael Bruen killing well and Gerry Colman’s accurate roof shots helped to keep the Rossies on the back foot.  Most of the long rallies were won by Sligo and Bruen’s/ Coleman’s and their greater workrate paved the way for an exciting 21-8 win in the 3rd.

Bruen & Walsh to continue on winning way’s

Shane Bruen & Michael Ginley renew rivalry’s in the Masters B singles final. Shane Bruen looked well on course in last year’s encounter but a nasty finger picked up against Ginley severely  hampered his chances and it was the Mayo man who came through.  Shane got his revenge in the 60 x 30 court defeating the Mayo man in 3 games before going on to win the All-Ireland Masters B singles final. Sunday’s encounter could also go to a deciding 3rd game but the Sligo man looks in better shape this year and should get over challenge by the Bofield Club man.

The legendary Paddy Walsh takes on Galway’s Peter Mulryan in the Over 70’s final.  Walsh the legendary Sligo Wizard looks odds  on favourite  to keep up his remarkable handball career. The holder of 30 All-Ireland handball titles in an astonishing career is going well in training and should have too much for the Galwegian.

Michael McGee makes a welcome return to action for the first time in 6 years. Battling back from 3 career threatening serious spinal surgery’s in 4 years the Meath native takes on Mayo’s John Coyle. The Sligo man received a bye in the semi-final while Coyne defeated Galway’s Mike Keneally  21-9, 21-6 in Inverin.  The Mayo man will start as clear favourite.

Peter Chambers has an uphill battle in the Golden Masters B singles decider on Sunday’s decider in Salthill.  Peter defeated Roscommon’s Jimmy Nolan  21-9, 21-14 in his semi-final contest in Lisacul while Miller defeated Michael Coleman in straight games.  Peter Chambers going well in training but a step up will be required if he is to become Connacht champion.




Connacht handball 40x 20 championships finals:
Sunday 15th February in Curraghboy at 3 p.m. : 
Masters B singles:  Shane Bruen (Sligo) v Michael Ginley (Mayo)
Over 70’s singles:  Paddy Walsh( Sligo) v Peter Mulryan (Galway)

Sunday 15th February in St. Coman’s Roscommon at 3 pm:
Silver Masters B singles: Michael McGee (Sligo) v John Coyne (Mayo)

Sunday 15th February in Salthill at 3 p.m.
Golden Masters B singles:  Peter Chambers (Sligo) v George Miller (Mayo


Friday 6 February 2015

Upcoming Connacht 40 x 20 final fixtures in Collooney


Connacht handball 40 x 20 championships finals:

Saturday 14th February in Collooney at  5 p.m.
Minor Singles:  Niall Joyce (Mayo) v Michael Fallon (Roscommon)
Intermediate Singles:  Ian McLoughlin (Mayo) v Neil McDermott (Roscommon)
U-21 Singles: Gordan Nolan (Roscommon) v Mayo)


Sunday 15th February in Collooney at 3 p.m.
Ladies Minor Singles:  Fiona Tully (Roscommon) v Galway
Ladies Intermediate Singles:  Ciana Curran (Galway) v Lauren Riordan (Roscommon)
Emerald Masters A singles: Eamon Conneely (Galway)  v Ger Walsh (Roscommon)

Sunday 22nd February in Collooney at 3 p.m.
Ruby Masters A Doubles:  Morgan Darcy & John Kelehan (Galway) v Matt Coady & Michael Corbett (Mayo)
Over 70 A doubles:  Matt Grier & Michael Reilly  (Mayo) v Seamus O'Fatharta & Ptr (Galway)
U-21 Doubles: Conor Burke/Cormac Moran (Mayo) v Roscommon)

Monday 2 February 2015

No joy for our Golden Masters B doubles team



On Friday last our Golden Masters B doubles pairing of Stanley Harte & Peter Chambers were expected to do well in the Connacht doubles semi-finals.  However the lads were ambushed in Lisacul and fell in straight games (17-21, 10-21) to the rossies. Collooney hosts two Connacht doubles championships with the Junior C & Silver Masters B doubles parings all in action against Roscommon on Saturday starting at 5 p.m.

The Collooney handball team of Aoife McDonagh, Gerry Coleman & Michael McGee take on St. Mary's G.A.A.Club in the quarter-final of the Ocean FM sports radio quiz in the Crozon Inn on Saturday 12th February at 8.30 p.m.

Fixtures:  Friday 30th January in Lisacul at 7 p.m.
Golden Masters B Doubles semi-final:  Peter Chambers & Stanley Harte lost to Jimmy Nolan & Pearse Kilkenny (Roscommon) 17-21, 21-10.


Saturday 7th February in Collooney at 5 p.m doubles semi-finals
 Junior C Doubles  Gerry Coleman & Michael Bruen (Sligo)  v Roscommon
Silver Masters B doubles:  Peter Davey & Michael McGee (Sligo) v Roscommon