Crossakiel Club wins Pride of Place Award

Crossakiel Handball Alley wins County Award


Congratulations is extended to everyone involved in Crossakiel Handball Club on winning 1st prize in the prestigious Meath County Council’s “Pride of Place Award” for 2010. Members have been busy over the summer erecting hanging baskets and having the grounds outside the handball alley in pristine condition. Inside the alley recently members spent the day painting and cleaning the alley ahead of this weekend’s McDermott Cup

Crossakiel in their new sponsored playing shirts

Crossakiel Juvenile players in new strip


Crossakiel’s young Juvenile players were recently pictured in the new playing strip kindly sponsored by P. Carney Ltd. All club players will now be easily recognisable when they take part in national competitions throughout the Country. The Club colours will be Red, White & Black. Red & white is the colours of the Parish Club Ballinlough and black represents the old club colours back in the 50’s and 60’s. The Official presentation by representatives from Paddy Carney will take place at the McDermott Cup Tournament on Sunday October 10th next.

Mark Farrell wins Junior/Masters doubles final in Kells Tournament

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.

McConnell & Reilly McDermott Cup winners 2010

Reilly & McConnell take McDermott Cup in absorbing encounter


Peter Reilly & Gary McConnell played outstanding handball on the way to an exciting and thoroughly enjoyable McDermott Cup 60 X 30 Tournament final played in Crossakiel on Sunday October 10th last writes Michael McGee. Their opponents Christy McGovern & John “Boy” Molloy recent All-Ireland winners also gave exhibitions of handball that thrilled the large crowd that witnessed one of the best doubles finals seen in many years. Local business man John Reilly and Club Secretary kindly sponsored the trophies


The previous evening the Juvenile competition was played and Jonathan McGovern & Evan Sheridan both Kells reached the final. The plate final was won by Johnny Reilly Crossakiel who beat fellow Club player Jack Tunney by 15-9. Reilly earlier in the evening was a member of the Ballinlough GFC U-15 team that won the Meath County final in Dunderry.


Great displays all round as Kells stars shine


Kells & Crossakiel hosted the games from 10 am. The standards by all players was very high and every game was played as if it was an All-Ireland final itself. Anthony McConnell & Jimmy Reilly had an narrow 31-30 win over Francis McCann & Michael McGee in the 1st game in Kells while Leitrim’s Jamie Murray & Eddie Lee just did enough to get over the line with an 31-28 over Crossakiel’s Michael Gaynor & Eugene O’Reilly. The Galway & Roscommon combination of Pat Conway & Neil McDermott also had a good 1st round win over Meath’s Peter Flanagan & Joe Cummins in a lively encounter winning 31-22. Early pre tournament favourites Christy McGovern & John “Boy”Molloy had little difficulty of disposing of Ciaran Neary & Danny Riordan in round 1. The Kells Club dominated to such an extent filling 3 out of 4 semi-final spots. Their club players all giving awesome performances and it is easy to see why the Kells club have one off the strongest if not the strongest club sides in the Country. In the first Cup semi-final the Kells duo of Garry McConnell & Peter Reilly made light work of Kilkenny’s Dan Breen & Ger McGrath. The second semi was much closer with Christy McGovern & John “Boy”Molloy forced to pull out all the stops after a determined fightback from Anthony McConnell & Jimmy Reilly. The plate final was won by Ciaran Neary & Dan Riordan. Neary with his long, accurate powerful left hand proved too much for Louth’s John Kelly & Sean Devlin. Neary’s doubles partner Dan Riordan like Neary after a sluggish start got stronger in each subsequent game and they were well deserving winners of the plate final long before the finish. The Juvenile final was played and Evan Sheridan Kells powered his way to a 21-6 win over Jonathan McGovern also Kells.


Just before the final the Official re-opening of the club took place with 3 representatives Frank Reilly a founder member of the Club in 1950, Mrs McEachen whose 2 sons laid the first blocks to close in the alley and Richard McDermott cutting the ceremonial tape. The Cup is played in memory of Richard’s father Jimmy. Club Chairman Steven Quinn thanked everyone who made it happen past & present members who worked hard in keeping handball alive in the village.


McConnell & Reilly magnificent in McDermott Cup final


The eagerly awaited final between the youthful Gary McConnell & Peter Reilly and the “masters” Christy McGovern & John “Boy”Molloy began. It was the “young guns” that fired into a quick 7-0 lead. McGovern & Molloy were in 3 times and failed to register a score. McConnell on the left gave a brilliant display throughout the final and was equal to everything that Molloy & McGovern could throw at him. The final was played at breathtaking pace throughout and the skills on show by the Kells players was quite remarkable even astonishing. The contest had everything in it long rallies, some top drawer kills, excellent retrieving off a very high standard and quality. McConnell covered every inch of the Crossakiel court and Reilly nipping in on numerous times to cut out the hopping ball won many important points as a result. McGovern & Molloy reduced the lead to 15-11 but McConnell/Reilly closed ranks and went onto take game one by 21-11.


When questions were asked would McGovern & Molloy have the legs to keep going after a long day’s handball this they did and served up a tremendous final. At 7-0 to the good early in the second McGovern was teak tough in the left side and Molloy missed very little either. McConnell & Reilly fought back well to be only 2 behind at 11-9. Molloy was getting in great accurate serves forcing McConnell on the left to follow the trajectory of the ball over to the right corner to return them. Molloy using all his experience continually got into good positions to kill the ball and keep ahead. This they did and a number of enforced errors seen Molloy & McGovern seal game two by 21-14.


McConnell outstanding


At the start of the tie breaker young McConnell returned ball inches from the back well and landed perfectly onto the front before John Molloy could reach it for an 5-1 lead. They pulled further ahead by 12-3. McGovern got a number of great kills on the right and even Reilly had to smile watching the “master” at work. Unfazed by this McConnell/Reilly surged well clear again. Reilly with an amazing dive without fear of injury gained serve at 17 and 3 more quick scores in succession had them on game ball. The “masters” now visibly began to tire from the awesome workrate especially from McConnell and Reilly finished strongly. Molloy/McGovern to their credit never gave up but the day belonged to McConnell & Reilly who eventually wore down the masters. It was left to McConnell who shaded the top performances from the other 3 to finish this thrilling contest with the winning score coming in the left corner to win by 21-11. The presentations took place soon after and Steven Quinn presented the runners-up with their awards while Richard McDermott presented the Jimmy McDermott Cup for 2010 to Gary McConnell & Peter Reilly.


The Crossakiel club can be very proud of their efforts. Just eleven months ago the Club reopened and the young Committee worked their socks for the past 6 weeks working late at night to ensure the court was in perfect playing condition. Refreshments were provided throughout the day for players & supporters and this was much appreciated. The Jimmy McDermott Cup 2010 will go down in history of Crossakiel handball club. The performances by the quartet of Kells men Christy McGovern, John “Boy” Molloy, Gary McConnell & Peter Reilly will live long in the memory by all who witnessed an action packed and engrossing finale.

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.

Michael McGee wins Connacht Handball Title

Crossakiel's Michael McGee wins Connacht Handball Title


McGee makes handball history for Crossakiel


Crossakiel club man and Sligo player Michael McGee along with Martin Cooney won the Masters B doubles Connacht Championships 60 x 30 title in Williamstown Co. Galway.


Mayo’s Joe Dowling & James Towey were overwhelming favourites as they already have taken the 40 x 20 All-Ireland doubles title in the same grade and were aiming for the double. Sligo started very well but Mayo came back strongly and took game one by 21-17. Martin Cooney was in outstanding form all day and nullified the dangerous Dowling on the left. McGee with some expert serving to Towey’s right side gained many important scores. Sligo taking game two by 21-12. In the final game McGee’s serving helped to put Sligo into a big lead of 13-1. Mayo came more into the contest but the Sligo men held firm eventually taking the Provincial title by 21-9. It was the Club’s first adult provincial title in the clubs history since the club formed way back in 1920.

Eugene O'Reilly is double Canadian Handball Champion

Eugene O’Reilly win’s 2 Canadian National Handball Titles




Heartiest Congratulations is extended to Crossakiel’s Eugene O’Reilly who captured not one but two Canadian Nationals Handball 40 x 20 titles in Burlington Ontario Canada at the weekend. With good preparation before going out to represent Ireland Eugene was in confident in his own ability’s but would never have imagined that he would come back to Crossakiel with two Canadian National Handball Titles.

Playing the handball of his life Eugene, the only test that the Crossakiel star came against his doubles partner Peter Flanagan. Having strolled to the final he had a big battle against Flanagan but came through this test displaying excellent exhibitions in the art of killing and defensive play. Many players would have been happy with one national title but Eugene teamed up with Peter Flanagan as they destroyed the doubles field. In the final the Meath men hammered Pelissier brothers Bernard & Ethiene from Montreal 21-9, 21-6. Eugene O’Reilly follows in the footsteps of Michael McGee who also won 2 Canadian Titles in Vancouver in 2002.




Results Canadian Nationals Men’s C Singles and Doubles


Round of 16: Eugene O'Reilly (Crossakiel CO. MEATH) d. Jeff Walsh (St. John's, NL) 1,1
Christopher Avalos (Richmond Hill, ON) d. Adam Smith (Burlington, ON) 13,13
Peter Flanagan (Kells, CO. MEATH) d. Cyril Pumphrey (St. John's, NL) 1,1
Jérôme Santerre (Québec, QC) d. Kris Graves (Oshawa, ON) 6,5
Ryan Elliott (Fort Erie, ON) d. Daryl Wiebe (Winnipeg, MB) 3,5
Ken Dunn (Hamilton, ON) d. Etienne Pelissier (Montreal, QC) (12),11,4
Shawn O'donnell (Toronto, ON) d. Don Cramp (Little Britain, ON) 2,7
Quarters: Shawn O'donnell (Toronto, ON) d. Dylan Copeland (Winnipeg, MB) 7,8
Eugene O'Reilly (Crossakiel, CO. MEATH) d. Ken Dunn (Hamilton, ON) 10,2
Ryan Elliott (Fort Erie, ON) d. Christopher Avalos (Richmond Hill, ON) 10,(18),9
Peter Flanagan (Kells, CO. MEATH) d. Jérôme Santerre (Québec, QC) 2,11
Semis: Peter Flanagan (Kells, CO. MEATH) d. Shawn O'donnell (Toronto, ON) 6,10
Eugene O'Reilly (Crossakiel, CO. MEATH) d. Ryan Elliott (Fort Erie, ON) 7,6
Final: Eugene O'reilly (Kells, CO. MEATH) d. Peter Flanagan (Kells, CO. MEATH) 18,12




Men’s C Doubles Quarters: Colin Pumphrey / Peter Walsh (St. John's, NL/St. Johns, NL) d. Daryl Wiebe / Dylan Copeland (Winnipeg, MB/Winnipeg, MB) WBF - Injury,19
Bernard Pelissier / Etienne Pelissier (Montreal, QC/Montreal, QC) d. Ryan Elliott / NOTENTERED (Fort Erie, ON/) WBF - No Show
Mike O'donnell / Shawn O'donnell (Toronto, ON/Toronto, ON) d. Don Cramp / Kris Graves (Little Britain, ON/Oshawa, ON) 12,15
Semis: Eugene O Reilly / Peter Flanagan (Crossakiel, Co. Meath/Kells, Co. Meath) d. Mike O'donnell / Shawn O'donnell (Toronto, ON/Toronto, ON) 5,6
Bernard Pelissier / Etienne Pelissier (Montreal, QC/Montreal, QC) d. Colin Pumphrey / Peter Walsh (St. John's, NL/St. Johns, NL) (20),17,4
Third: Colin Pumphrey / Peter Walsh (St. John's, NL/St. Johns, NL) d. Mike O'donnell / Shawn O'donnell (Toronto, ON/Toronto, ON) 7,7
Final: Eugene O'Reilly / Peter Flanagan (Crossakiel, Co. Meath/Kells, Co. Meath) d. Bernard Pelissier / Etienne Pelissier (Montreal, QC/Montreal, QC) 9,6