Injury threatens Hynes three in a row ambitions

Tommy Hynes bids to extend his domination of Wexford handball at Ballymitty tomorrow evening when he takes on Mikie Berry, Barntown in the county 60×30 senior open singles final. The 43 year old St. Mary’s clubman does however go into this blue riband of the domestic season with a neck and shoulder injury which seriously threaten his three in a row ambitions.

The injury sustained by Hynes a fortnight ago is similar to the one which kept him out for about six weeks a few years ago and hopes are high that this time around the severity will not end his season at this critical juncture. Already he has had to miss the county doubles final and with his preparation seriously affected for his clash with Berry, it is clearly a case of wait and see for the reigning champion.

By contrast Mikie Berry has enjoyed a terrific season both at ‘home’ and in Leinster and his achievement in reaching this final has been matched or even surpassed by his exploits at provincial level which have seen him qualify for both the Leinster intermediate singles and doubles finals.

When he took on Hynes earlier in the league stages of the championship he was a clear second best as the Wexford town man put on a terrific performance to blow him away, but now, fitter and with a string of wins behind him he will feel confident of challenging the man who is the clear number one handballer in Wexford in both 60×30 and 40×20.

In summery, if Hynes has recovered sufficiently and if his lack of preparation for this final does not hinder him too much then he will win. If however he is not at his best then Berry has the killing process to win his first ever county senior singles title.

Visitors to Ballymitty tomorrow evening are asked to observe parking restrictions which will be in place due to another event in the local hall. These will be strictly enforced and cooperation will be appreciated.