Places in the All Ireland final at stake at St. Josephs on Sunday

It’s a big day for Wexford at St. Josephs tomorrow (Sunday) as three home players take on the champions of Munster in All Ireland 40×20 singles semi finals. The action starts at 2pm sharp.

Mick Armstrong will open the programme at 2pm when he faces John Nihill, Clare in the Golden Masters B grade and he will be strongly fancied to atone for several near misses in recent years by going all the way on this occasion. He comes from a family steeped in handball tradition, with sons, Keith, the current All Ireland minor doubles champion in both courts and Alan, as well as his brother Tommy heavily involved in the game. All will support him strongly tomorrow as he bids to get over this difficult hurdle and while little is known of the Clareman, he seems certain to provide a stern challenge which Mick will not take likely.

It’s another big day for the McWilliams family as Fergal attempts to write another successful chapter into the history of this handballing dynasty. Last year it was brother Barry who took home the winners medal in the Masters B Singles grade, while  dad Ger had led by example back in 2010 when he won the Emerald Masters B Doubles All Ireland title. It’s Fergal’s first time to take part in the 35 and Over age group and although he came through Leinster in fine style, this is a big step up against a player who has got very close to winning All Ireland titles in recent years.

One of Wexford’s finest young prospects in recent times is Daniel Kavanagh who announced himself in magnificent fashion at last year’s World Championship in Calgary, when he won the ultra competitive boys 17 an under singles and doubles titles. He also captured the All Ireland Minor Doubles titles in both 40×20 and 60×30 to make it a very special year indeed and he enters this All Ireland series as deserving favourite to win the Minor Singles title. That Canadian win was Daniel’s second world title as he had also won the 13 and under at the City West back in 2012 when he was partnered by tomorrow’s opponent. It should be a terrific finale to a great days play.