All Ireland semi finals promise a huge Handball Day in Wexford tomorrow

Tomorrow is a huge day for handball enthusiasts in the south east with four Wexford players in action in the All Ireland semi finals at St. Josephs Handball Centre in Wexford town.

Matches will take place in both courts beginning at 2pm and with three Wexford clubs represented a big crowd is expected. Below is a brief resumé of the matches as they will take place.

Mick has been close to winning a 40×20 title on several occasions in the past few years and with ‘home’ advantage he will be strongly fancied to qualify for another final.  His opponent Conor Kerr, Tyrone  will be making his second trip to the county in a matter of months, having played Stephen Murphy, Castlebridge in the 60×30 semi final last September. Defeat was his lot on that occasion but Ulster is a 40×20 stronghold  and he is certain to provide a very robust challenge to Armstrong on this occasion.

Barry is a brilliant player and a strong fancy for this title in his first year in the grade. He will be faced by the skillful Michael Clerkin, Monaghan in what should be a cracking encounter. The Ulster champion fell to another Wexfordman John Roche in the 60×20 championship but his style lends itself to the smaller court and he will be difficult to beat. McWilliams though has been operating at a high level in both Wexford and Leinster and will be ready for the challenge.

Wexford’s Glen Fuels Handballer of the Year for 2014, Keith has enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame in the past few years and is now reaping the benefit of taking on all comers, both in the county championship and elsewhere in the country. The result is a player who is unafraid of losing and sometimes that is a vital component in the makeup of winners. Sean Kerr is a terrific young handballer who will test the Wexford player to the full however in what should be a cracking game of all that is good in handball.

Back from a self imposed 14 year exile and now one game away from an All Ireland final place, Michael appears to have lost little of the determination and ability that saw him win a couple of B Nationals many years ago. Fitness and mobility are in plentiful supply with this competitive player and they will be needed against the very capable Havern who comes with his own high hopes and strong credentials. This is likely to be another terrific clash with victory going to whoever sticks the pace best.

All in all a great days handball is in prospect and patrons are advised to get to the venue well before the 2pm start as a very big crowd is expected.