Magical display by Mark Farrell in Junior/Masters final
Mark Farrell from the Crossakiel club played sensational handball along with Westmeath’s Robbie McCarthy snr in an outstanding Junior/Masters doubles final played in Kells before the final of the Men’s Open doubles for the Michael Black Invitational Memorial Cup final.A number of games were played in Crossakiel. Farrell was on fire all weekend. In the 1st game Farrell & Carthy had a marathon battle with Crossakiel’s Stephen Quinn & Peter Reilly. In an energy sapping contest Farrell & McCarthy just edged out the Crossakiel /Kells combination by 21-17, 14-21, 11-8. In their semi-final clash Farrell/McCarthy again had a tough battle against Pat McGovern & Ray Cunningham before securing a place in the final by 21-16, 21-17.
The stage was set for the final but it was going to be a daunting prospect playing world champion John “Boy”Molloy and Peter Flanagan both from the Kells Club. Molloy & Flanagan knocked Michael Gaynor & Jimmy Reilly out in the semi final in another tie breaker winning by 21-20, 21-9, 21-4. It looked that Molloy & Flanagan were going to win when taking the 1st game pretty comfortably by 21-8. McCarthy & Farrell re grouped and playing outstanding handball Farrell & McCarthy brought the fight to the Kells men and stunned the top Kells players taking game two by 21-15. McCarthy with great serving to Molloy’s corner and with Farrell rolling out shots with increasing regularity. Farrell playing the handball off his life was up for it and not one bit daunted against such quality opponents. In a thrilling end to this wonderful contest Farrell & McCarthy sensationally took this final at the death winning 11-9 in the match of the weekend.
This was Mark Farrell’s finest ever achievement in handball. If only the Crossakiel Club was opened for the past 10 years Farrell would have an All-Ireland medal or more to savour. A wonderful achievement for Mark personally and for the Club.
Already the club just 8 months back in business has a number of outstanding achievements Eugene O’Reilly winning the double of Canadian titles, reaching this year’s doubles final and now Mark Farrell along with Robbie McCarthy winning the Junior/Masters final in the Michael Black Memorial Tournament. More successes look likely in the months ahead. For now Mark Farrell can celebrate on a remarkable achievement on his part and no doubt this latest success will spur on the club’s new star to more noteworthy achievements into the future.
Well Done Mark - Michael McGee club PRO
That winning smile - Robbie McCarthy Westmeath pictured with Crossakiel's Mark Farrell on right following their sensational win in the Junior/Masters doubles final at the Kells Tournament last weekend.
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