Kells capture 12th Handball title in 13 years

Kells Handball Club continued their remarkable dominance of the 60x30 game by capturing their 12th All-Ireland Senior Interclub title in the last 13 years with victory over Ballina (Tipperary) in Kingscourt on Saturday.

The Kells side of Gary McConnell, Brian Carroll, Daniel Farrelly, Michael Sheridan and Tom Sheridan produced another outstanding team display to claim the national crown and add yet another chapter to the club’s proud tradition.

Unlike the traditional format of handball matches, where games are played on a best-of-three basis to 21 aces, the interclub competition is decided on total aces accumulated across all matches, meaning every single ace can prove crucial over the course of the tie.

Kells laid the foundation for victory in the opening singles contest as current Senior Singles champion Gary McConnell delivered a commanding performance to defeat his opponent comfortably and hand the Meath club a valuable 17-ace advantage.

That lead was strengthened further in the doubles encounter where Tom Sheridan and Daniel Farrelly battled brilliantly to add another five aces to Kells’ tally, leaving them firmly in control heading into the final match. Sheridan continues to dominate at Masters level and has won every major title available in the grade, while Farrelly is a former All-Ireland Junior champion, highlighting the quality throughout the Kells panel.

Experienced campaigner Brian Carroll then finished the job in the concluding singles tie, ensuring the title once again returned to Kells following an impressive 72-52 overall victory. Carroll, alongside McConnell, currently holds the Senior Doubles title, underlining the strength and experience within the side.

Substitute Michael Sheridan added further depth to the panel. A World Championship doubles winner and multiple Masters title holder, he brought valuable experience to the squad throughout the campaign.

The triumph was especially satisfying for the club after suffering heartbreak in last year’s All-Ireland final. Having already secured the Leinster title earlier in the week, Kells completed a memorable provincial and national double with Saturday’s success.

The latest success once again underlines the extraordinary consistency within the club and their continued dominance on the national stage.

Kells Handball Club also acknowledged the continued support of sponsors KTD Ltd, whose backing of the club has been greatly appreciated.