Kells club host successful tournament
Meath's Brian Carroll missed out on the chance of becoming one of the first names to be carved on the Michael Black Memorial Cup when, along with his playing partner, Westmeath's Robbie McCarthy, they were edged out in the final by Wexford pair Barry Goff and Colin Keeling at the weekend. This was the first year the tournament was held and the action unfolded in Kells and Carnaross last Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The event attracted a large number of players from various parts of the country. The tournament kicked-off in Kells on Friday evening in the masters and junior category when Jimmy Reilly and Michael Gaynor overcame Cavan's Patrick Clerkin and James Brady while Kells pair Peter Flanagan and John Molloy narrowly edged out Anthony McConnell and Joe Cummins. The masters and junior tournament continued at Crossakiel on Saturday where Mullingar's Robbie McCarthy and Crossakiel's Mark Farrell got the better of Stephen Quinn and Peter Reilly. Pat McGovern and Ray Cunningham fought through a tough battle to win their tie. The senior action got underway in Kells on Saturday morning. First up was Carroll and McCarthy and they won their tie to progress to the next round. Recently-crowned US Nationals 40x20 champions Tom Sheridan and Michael 'Duxie' Walsh defeated Carl Browne and Michael Finnegan. In the senior semi-finals Carroll and McCarthy were first to book their place in the decider as they got the better of reigning All-Ireland singles and doubles champion Kennedy and Wicklow's Michael Gregan 17-21, 21-20, 11-4. The second semi-final resulted in the previously unbeaten Sheridan and Walsh defeated by Goff and Keeling, the latter combination winning the tie break 11-8. Sunday's action commenced with some of the local juveniles displaying their skills in front of a packed gallery. Danny Dunne and Daniel Farrelly paired up against Jonathan McGovern and Lauren Farrelly with the latter pair winning 21-14. McGovern then paired up with Evan Sheridan to overcome Robert Fox and Colin McGovern 21-12. The masters/junior final was then keenly contested by Flanagan and Molloy who took on Crossakiel's Mark Farrell and Mullingar's Robbie McCarthy who won the tie break, 11-9. The stage was now set for the open final with the Michael Black Memorial Cup up for grabs. Before play got underway the new viewing gallery was officially opened by club stalwart Tony Friary. Keeling and Goff were not to be out-done however and they constantly drew their opponents out of position making room for kill shots which neither player turned down. The Wexford duo managed to up their game another level and it was too much for Carroll and McCarthy as the Model County men got their hands on the trophy with a 21-12 win. The late Michael Black's daughter, Mary, presented the cup.