Crossakiel bt Sligo

Crossakiel defeat Sligo

Crossakiel club players collectively created a piece of notable history when they defeated a gallant Sligo county team in a 60 x 30 handball tournament sponsored by Michael McGee present Club P.R.O. now based in Sligo. Representing Sligo were Steven Quinn, Michael Gaynor, John Farrell, Eugene O’Reilly, Mark Farrell, Michael McGee & Vinny Farrell. McGee the Sligo Handball Secretary lined out with Crossakiel in the historic event. The club took the opportunity to unveil their new playing strips sponsored by Paddy Carney Crossakiel Ltd

Steven Quinn was the first player into action as he took on top Sligo player in Francis McCann. The Sligo man was the quicker to settle taking game 1 by 21-9. It was then we were to see the full quality of what Steven Quinn is capable of. In that second game he pinned McCann back in defence and had time to score important winners close to the front wall. Quinn demonstrating his full skills was well on top taking game 2 by 21-8. In the tie break it was equally as exciting but McCann’s greater experience eventually took its toll as Quinn tired in the closing stages. The Sligo man winning by 15-8 but he knew he was in a game with the “Mighty Quinn” pushing him all the way.

In the 1st doubles match proved equally as exciting also needing 3 games to decide it. In for Crossakiel came Michael Gaynor & John Farrell who tasted success when winning the Leinster U-15 B doubles 40 x 20 title back in 1999. Gaynor & Farrell made all the early running and took game one by 21-12. Sligo’s Mick McMorrow & Hugh McGarry were stung in action and in one displays of the day McGarry playing outstanding handball. McMorrow getting a number of important winners and roll outs they brought the second contest of the day to another tie breaker. Sligo had the momentum built up and despite Gaynor & Farrell throwing everything into it. It was the Sligo men that held firm taking it in a close final game by 15-8. Crossakiel’s 2nd doubles pairing of Eugene O’Reilly & Mark Farrell had little difficulty in defeating Mark Murphy & Peter Chambers by 21-6, 21-8. And in the final game Michael McGee lined out with his former club mates and with Vinny Farrell they took on Murphy & Chambers. Sligo took the 1st game by 21-12 but Crossakiel hit back immediately in the second and with Vinny Farrell in inspirational form they got the better of the Sligo men. The final was score was 160-143. Just before the presentations Hugh McGarry Collooney Club Chairman spoke and thanked the Crossakiel club on their achievement and mentioned that the Collooney court was based on the plans from the Crossakiel club and had a number of photos on hand from his trips to Crossakiel at the time. McGarry hoped that the event will lead to closer ties and friendships and that looks likely. Michael McGee made the presentations to the victorious Crossakiel team and to the runners-up. Afterwards both sets of players went for a meal in Molly Fultons. That evening the Crossakiel players celebrated their historic win with a night out in Sligo. The following morning Michael McGee showed the Crossakiel players around some of the scenic places in Sligo before the team having one last meal at lunchtime. The Crossakiel players made the long but happy journey back as winners. The event looks set to go from strength to strength next year.