sport focus
Squash News with Andrew Garnett
THE first half of the squash season drew to a close last week with the conclusion of the December competition. Unprecedented numbers saw five divisions in the men’s side for the first time ever and the ladies section continues to grow also. In Division 5, Adrian McCarthy played young Colm Cagney. Although serve swapped between players on a number of occasions, it was Adrian’s power that saw him overcome his opponent on a score of 3-0. The men’s Division 4 Final saw Eoin Horan and Tim Lynch facing off where once again it was a case of youth versus experience. Tim who of course has been a member of the squash club for many years had the tactical know how but it wasn’t enough to stop Eoin winning 3-1. Interestingly, it was pointed out on the night it’s the first time that an Aquila Club staff member has won a squash title in the December Competition, history made! Unfortunately, a bout of illness prevented Mike McCarthy from contesting the Division 3 Final and Ray O’Callaghan took the spoils as a result. In Division 2 we saw a real dingdong battle between Matt O’Connor and Tom Murphy. This game was played at a very fast pace with some great rallies taking place between the two as both went above and beyond to retrieve shots. Matt took the opening game to shoot into the lead but Tom found his rhythm to nab the next two and establish a 2-1 lead overall. The fourth game of the match was a very tense affair as service went over and back and with Tom
fading, Matt surely thought he could take it to a deciding fifth. However, it was not to be and Tom held on to win on a score of 3-1. The women’s final saw club stalwart Miriam Murphy play Zoe McHale who after a few years away marked her return in style. This match was an entertaining affair with both players making some nice shots and giving their all. When all was said and done it was Zoe who emerged victorious capping off a great season for her. The showpiece of the night paired reigning club champion Donnagh Crowley with Majic, a carbon copy of last year’s final. Those watching this game were treated to some top class squash as both players showed power and touch in equal measure with a vast array of shots. Some brilliant rallies were had and Majic had quite a few opportunities to make a mark but in the end it was Donagh’s shot making abilities that saw him run out winner on an impressive score of 3-0 and in doing so retaining the Maurice O’Donoghue Memorial Cup. A special word of thanks to all those who participated in the monthly competitions this year, it’s great to see so many new members joining. Thanks also to Mike Crowley and his team who ensure everything runs smoothly. Congratulations once again to all of this month’s winners. Finally, our gratitude to this month’s sponsor, The Aquila Club, and its staff who keep the place in tiptop shape.
At the presentation of prizes of the Gleneagle Squash Club Christmas competition Gleneagle O'Donoghue Cup were seated from left, Ray O'Callaghan, Eoin Horan, (Gleneagle Aquila Club), Zoe McHale, ladies winner, Eamon O'Donoghue (Gleneagle Hotel), Donagh Crowley (overall winner), Tom Murphy and Miriam Murphy. Second row from left are Colm Cagney, Sarah Egan, Lisa O'Brien, Mike O'Donoghue, Michelle O'Leary, Ger Foley, Keith Cronin, Maciej Truchan and Tim Lynch. Third row from left are Kevin Smith, Stanley Wade, Karen Smith, Dieter Gogsch, Kieran O'Connor, , Matt O'Connor, Michael Buckley, Martin McDonnell (Munster Squash Captain), Mike Crowley (Chairman) and Connie Doyle. Back from left are Donal O'Sullivan, Don Ring, Gordon Buckley, Mark Egan, Kevin Donnelly, Kevin Landers, Brendan Counihan and Sean Casey. PICTURE: EAMONN KEOGH
Eamon O'Donoghue, left, presents the Gleneagle Squash Club Christmas competition Gleneagle O'Donoghue Cup to Donagh Crowley (overall winner). On right is Martin McDonnell (Munster Squash Captain). PICTURE: EAMONN KEOGH
TJ McCarthy, IJA, Michael Prendergast, Killarney Judo Club, Eoin Fleming, Dublin, TJ Dennehy, Tralee, and John Ward, Dublin, who won medals in the All-Ireland Judo Championships.
Diarmuid O'Callaghan (O'Callaghan's Gala, sponsor) presenting the prizes for Deerpark Pitch & Putt Club's 2016 Christmas Hamper competition to Michael O'Connor (overall nett). Also included in photo are David O'Donnell (representing overall gross winner Damien Fleming), Robbie O'Brien Jnr (representing second nett winner Robbie O'Brien Snr), John Kelly (Club PRO) and Jason O'Sullivan (third nett winner).
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Killarney Advertiser 22.12.16
Killarney Rugby Club members who travelled to Listowel for a rugby event aimed at developing the sport among girls across Kerry.