Annaduff’s Maxim Gilmartin shines in the Shannonside Handball League Finals.
The inaugural Shannonside Winter Handball League drew to an exciting conclusion on Sunday afternoon last with the grand finals up for decision in Fenagh alley. This new event on the local handball calendar saw 32 up and coming handballers from Leitrim and surrounding clubs compete for silverware in 2 divisions. Sunday last was the culmination of over 65 exciting league matches played during the Christmas break in Fenagh, Drumshanbo, and the Leitrim GAA Centre of Excellence in Annaduff.
The marquee A division finals lived up to their billing when four top juvenile players displayed amazing skills and astounding rallies, justifying their places in the finals. Annaduff club rivals Peter Cox and Maxim Gilmartin served up an enthralling match in the first semi-final. Despite Maxim winning these games were a lot closer than the score suggested. Meanwhile, the second semi-final saw Fenagh’s Ruairí McKiernan playing Drumshanbo’s Mark MacShera. These two skilful rivals served up some exciting rallies, but Ruairí edged the match to book his place in the final.
Maxim’s greater age and strength came to the fore in the final as he controlled proceedings for most of the match, however Ruairí did give him plenty to think about at stages with some great serve and return play. Maxim took gold this time, but with continued training Ruairí will be a strong contender in years to come.
Collooney’s Lochlan Walsh played Annaduff’s Enda Sharkey in the B league final with Lochlan taking home the gold to Sligo after a very entertaining match. These are two names to watch out for in the future. The B Plate final was an all Annaduff affair with Padraig Mahon and Rhys Glancy vying for the gold medal. Playing to Cumann na mBunscol rules, Padraig took some early scores off Rhys’ serve to push himself into the lead. Rhys came back strong with some brilliant return play down the centre, however Padraig did just enough to hold him off and take gold.
Although winning medals was a nice bonus, the core aim of this league was to give players an opportunity to improve their skillsets and confidence in a competitive environment ahead of their upcoming 4-wall championships. Both beginner and experienced players alike achieved this objective, and it was especially heartening to see so many new players grow in confidence as the league progressed.
A special word of thanks to everyone who helped set up and run the League in Fenagh, Drumshanbo and Annaduff over the last number of weeks. Also thank you to the referees, and to the club committees for arranging food, heat and light in all the venues. Finally, a huge thank you to all the competitors, coaches and parents for making this new league such a big success.
Best of luck to everyone as they go into their respective championship competitions.
Congratulations to all the Shannonside Handball League winners and finalists.
A League:
1st – Maxim Gilmartin (Annaduff)
2nd – Ruairí McKiernan (Fenagh)
3rd – Peter Cox (Annaduff)
Runner Up – Mark MacShera (Drumshanbo)
B League:
1st – Lochlan Walsh (Collooney)
2nd – Enda Sharkey (Annaduff)
3rd – Abbie Kane (Fenagh)
Runner Up – Doireann McKiernan (Fenagh)
B Plate:
1st – Padraig Mahon (Annaduff)
2nd – Rhys Glancy (Annaduff)
3rd – Joe Canning (Drumshanbo)
David Mahon
13/01/2025
