Juvenile Handball Boys’ County Finals

Tuesday 18.02.2020

On Sunday 16th the Juvenile Boys’ County Finals took place in Breacach. Like the girls, the boys put on some extraordinary displays and kept the crowds exhilarated.
Games still to be played are
U12B Michéal Meenagh v Conor McPhillips
U14B Ronan O Sullivan v Joe McGlinchey/ Callum O Driscikk
U15B Callum Stewart v Ruairi O Sullivan

The U10A saw Loughmacrory’s Michéal McCrystal and Breacach’s Aidy Farley battle it out. Both games between these two were exciting and extremely close. The scoreline finished 15-10, 15-12 with Aidy Farley being the victor.

U10B was contested earlier in the week. Again, both games were very close but Seamie Slane from Carrickmore overcame Greencastle’s Shea McAleer in two games.

Michéal’s brother had more joy in the U11A Final as the Loughmacrory boy claimed the honours over Tarlach Tracey from Greencastle. This game had the crowd on the edge of their seats as it went to the third game.

Tarlach won the first game quite convincingly 15-5. Ciaran then sailed into the lead in the second game. Tarlach wasn’t giving up on the second game too easily fighting his way back in but losing out 15-11. Tarlach and Ciaran are two very promising young players and the final rally in the game really proved this. With some unbelievable retrieves on both sides Ciaran was the eventual winner, taking the third game 11-9.

Loughmacrory were victorious in the B section with Lorcan Meenagh proving too strong for his Breacach opponent Michéal Mullin who was denied the County title in two straight games.

U12 was dominated by Breacach with club mates Ben McGarvey and Eoghan Mullan contesting this title. Ben narrowly lost out in the first game with some exciting rallies and well positioned shooting from these outstanding young players. Eoghan managed to pull ahead in the second and was crowned U12A County Champion.

Shea Munroe from Carrickmore took the U13A honours against Pomeroy’s Sean Kennedy. The Carrickmore boy was too strong on this occasion as he powered through both games.

Sean Óg Teague and Eoghan Conway both from Greencastle contested the U13Bs. The boys were very evenly matched as they took a game each on the closest of scorelines . The third game went in favour of Sean Óg Teague 11-8.

Breacach’s Ruairi Kerr and Ulster doubles partner Martin Coyle from Pomeroy competed against each other in the U14A Final.
Ruairi’s serving and kills won him the first game with ease. Martin fought hard in the second game but unfortunately it wasn’t to be for the Pomeroy player as Ruairi defeated his partner in two games.

The U15 and U16 finals were both all Loughmacrory affairs.  Thomas Duff and Eoin McElholm in the U15s and Gary McAleer and Conor Fox in the U16s.
Thomas and Eoin’s games were both quite close, but both went to Eoin 15-12, 15-10.

In the U16s Conor took an 8-1 lead over clubmate Gary with his power serves. The two boys had some great rallies and showed some wonderful skill. It wasn’t to be for Conor as Gary pulled ahead and claimed his victory in two straight games.

Breacach boys and Ulster doubles partners Ciaran Mc Nally and Darragh Nixon contested the U17s. Darragh put it up to his clubmate well but Ciaran’s experience went in his favour denying Darragh the title.

Well done to all these young players. All of the boys should be very proud of themselves and the future of Tyrone Handball looks bright..
Thanks to hosts Breacach and to all the Referees and volunteers who helped out in any way.