McConnell hopes to complete coveted softball hat-trick

Gary McConnell is on course for a superb hat-trick of major softball titles as he prepares to face defending champion Robbie McCarthy in the All-Ireland Senior Softball Singles final this Saturday in Abbeylara, Co Longford (programme starts at 1pm), writes Paul Fitzpatrick.

McConnell expressed his delight after booking his place in the decider with victory over Kilkenny youngster Kyle Jordan of Kilfane in the semi-final.

"Absolutely delighted to be back in the final. That was the goal at the start of the year – to get back into the Senior Singles final. I’m there now,” stated the Kells right-hander.

“I’m not too happy with today’s performance, but I’m looking forward to next weekend to up my game. I’m playing Robbie, that’s what I wanted at the start of the year, and I have it now. As I said, I’m delighted," he said.

McConnell, who recently won the Senior Doubles title alongside clubmate Brian Carroll, admitted the previous week had been a difficult one off the court. The Meathman became emotional as he recalled the passing of a dear clubmate, Jimmy ‘Noddy’ Black.

"We had a tough couple of days in the club as one of our members passed away. It’s been hard, but I’m delighted to be in the final. One big game left – that was the goal at the start of the year. I’m there, and I cannot wait for next week."

Reflecting on his opponent, McConnell was full of praise for Jordan, who was making his debut at this stage of the championship.

"He’s a tricky player, he has two brilliant hands, and he’s definitely going to be there in the next couple of years. He’s really good and does some amazing things with both hands. He caught me out today, to be honest – I didn’t expect him to be as good as he was. He’s a young 60x30 player coming through, and we have to produce them. He’s definitely one of them in the making.

"He’s going to be there or thereabouts with the next generation coming up. He’s an extremely good player and not far away."

McConnell, who produced a comeback win over Sligo’s Cormac Finn in the quarter-final, now faces long-time champion McCarthy in the decider as he bids for a first Senior Singles crown – and he promised he will perform on the big day.

"I’m so confident – confidence is high with me. I’ve done a lot of work this year, not only on the court but off it, mentally. I can’t wait to get in next week.

That’s what we train for, these big days. I said at the start of the year that I was going to get to as many finals as I could, and luckily I got to the Nationals and the Doubles, but this was the one I was looking forward to. I’m there now. Today’s performance is gone, and you’ll see a different me next week. I can’t wait."

Carroll, meanwhile, fell to McCarthy in his semi-final, with the Meathman level at 19-all in the first before losing it and fading in the second. McCarthy is gunning for a 12th title in this grade.

The men's and ladies finals will be streamed live on the Spórt TG4 YouTube channel.