“World Gold & Silver for Nenagh’s Sinead Meagher”
Sinéad Meagher made a sensational impact at the World Handball Championships in Calgary Canada winning Gold & Silver at the 2015 Finals. Tipperary had seven Players competing at the World Championships Pat & Aiden O Flaherty from Youghalarra, Colin Ryan, Daniel Hayes, John O Donoghue & David Moloney From Cashel & Sinead Meagher from Nenagh.
Sinéad’s success was even more remarkable as she had a broken finger a few weeks before the finals but her determination and never give up attitude saw her through and got her the success she so richly deserved. She also competed in the 1Wall singles and doubles reaching the Quarter finals in both. In the 4 Wall singles Sinéad recorded wins over Doireann Murphy from Clare 21/10, 21/15 in the Q/F and beat Ella Donnellan (Clare) in the S/F 21/4, 21/8. In the Singles Final against Fiona Tully from Roscommon Sinead took a heavy knock to the head when she collided with the wall and this setback may have cost her Gold as she battled on after winning the second game 21/12 to lose the tie break 11/2.
Sinéad teamed up with Clodagh Nash from Clare in the doubles and the long nights training paid off when in the Q/F they beat Anna ní Ódhráin Ní Mhurchú & Eimear NÍ Bhiada from Galway 21/9, 7/21, 11/6. In the Semi final they beat Niamh Coleman & Alana Doran Armagh 21/11, 10/8 Retired Inj. In the Final they beat Ella Donnellan & Doireann Murphy from Clare 21/16, 21/14 to win Gold.
Daniel Hayes (Cashel) won Silver in the 19 & Under doubles when he teamed up with Colin Corbett from Clare. They were beaten in the final by Johnny Woods & Pól Clarke after winning the first 21/17, they lost the second 21/10 & the Tie Break 11/6. Daniel reached the semi Final in the singles but was beaten by Daren Doherty 21/5, 21/5.
David Moloney (Cashel) won Silver in the 35+ grade doubles where he partnered Ducksy Walsh from Kilkenny. They were beaten in the final by Domnic Lynch (Kerry) & Gavin Buggy (Wexford) 21/14, 21/6. In the Singles David was beaten in the Semi Final by Marcos Chevez 21/12, 21/14. David & Ducksy also competed in the Open Doubles but were beaten by Lenning & Chevez 21/15, 21/8.
Colin Ryan (Cashel) competed in the 17 & Under but was beaten in the singles Q/F by Fergal Coughlan from Clare 21/12, 21/19. In the Doubles he partnered David Walsh from Cork and they reached the Semi final where they were beaten 21/12 , 21/17 by Daniel Cavanagh & Sean Kerr.
Aiden O Flaherty (Youghalarra) competed in the 17 Doubles where he partnered Rory Rakcohey from Canada. They were narrowly beaten in the Q/F by Matthew Mc Cartan & Turlough Clarke from Tyrone after winning the first 21/20 they lost the next 21/12 and the Tie Break 11/7. In the Singles Aiden was beaten by Micheal Gaulton.
Pat O Flaherty (Youghalarra) & John O Donoghue (Cashel) competed in the Golden Masters 50+. In the Singles Q/F Pat was beaten by Roberto Meneses after winning the first 21/20, he was beaten in the second 21/15, and lost the Tie break 11/0. John beat Clayton Leech (Pitt Meadows) 21/20, 21/10 but was beaten in the Q/F by Egin Jensen (Dublin) 21/12, 21/9. In the Doubles Pat & John were beaten in the Semi final by Christy McGovern & Egin Jensen after winning the first 21/13, they went down 21/9 in the second and narrowly losing the Tie Break 11/9.
Overall, Ireland totally dominated the World Championships winning Both Mens & Ladies Open Singles & Doubles, A, B & C Divisions most of the Masters and all of the Juniors. Well done to all.
Paddy Collins P.R.O.
