Magnificent All Ireland Emerald Masters victory for Jimmy Dunne

Report by AOB

It was back on Wednesday, 22nd July this year when Jimmy Dunne, Kilmyshal first served notice that he would be a contender for the All Ireland 60×30 Emerald (over 55) Masters B title. On that night at Ballymitty he pushed hot favourite Michael Rossiter, Ballyhogue all the way in the county final and left the definite impression that when the Leinster and All Ireland championship came around he would be very hard to beat. Rossiter had already won the grade in the All Ireland 40×20 championship and with Dunne’s game more suited to the bigger court, it was felt he had the tools to overturn that county final result if things went his way.

How correct that viewpoint proved to be when Dunne did get the better of the competitive Rossiter in the provincial final and then put the seal on a wonderful season when he beat Willie Corcoran, Mayo 14-21, 21-18, 21-10 in the All Ireland final played yesterday at Fahy’s Cross, Co Offaly.

The Kilmyshal stalwart played second fiddle for much of the opening game as he went down 21-14, but he battled hard to win the second 21-18 and then used his fitness and determination to overcome a game opponent on a match winning scoreline of 21-10.

The victory was a personal triumph for a man who only returned to the game in recent years, but who has, since then, strived to get the very best out of himself. His win in this championship is further evidence that when the talent is there, the system in Wexford will bring it out of you. To that end he may well be is a product of the system, but without the talent and determination to see it through, he would not be celebrating this weekend.