It was billed as an epic but, in the end, Charly Shanks v Robbie McCarthy II was a bit of a damp squib - not because the wasn't good (it was awesome) but because one man just oozed class throughout.
When the pair met in last year's All-Ireland final, Shanks led 20-16 in the third game only for McCarthy to claw it back to win 21-20.
Shanks admitted before yesterday's final that he would “never get over” that loss but he insisted he was a better player now, and mentally stronger than last time.
McCarthy, though, was coolness personified. He dominated the centre of the court and refused to take a step back, admitting afterwards that he had identified a trend from last year's final which he was keen to address.
“It was always going to be about controlling the front of the court, I think last year I let him drive me back a bit – this time, I wanted to attack more, to serve and shoot. I mised a good few as well but I got a lot of good ones,” said the three-in-a-row senior champion.
Men's Senior All-Ireland 40x20 Final 2016Watch as Robbie McCarthy closes out the match to seal his third consecutive All-Ireland Senior Singles crown with a classy display last night in front of biggest Senior Final attendance in recent memory at Kingscourt HC, Cavan.At only 28 years of age, just how long can McCarthy keep this running streak going?
Posted by GAA Handball on Sunday, March 20, 2016
For this Irish naval recruit, it was all plain sailing as he closed out the final 21-13, 21-7. Based in Hawboline naval base in Cobh, McCarthy spends a lot of time at sea of late, limiting his court time.
“I'm doing a lot of fitness training, I'm trying to strengthen up my leg because I had a bit of a problem with it over the last six or seven weeks. I laid off a bit on the handball training but it has left me fresher and it seems to be working.
“Next up for me? Probably the big alley [60x30 championships] or maybe the US Nationals in Minnesota in June, we'll see.”
Meanwhile, Cork's Catriona Casey turned the tables on her great rival, Aisling Reilly of Antrim, to win the ladies Senior Singles for the second time.
Reilly defeated the Rebel right-hander in the final of last August's World Championships but Casey snatched the first game 21-20 here and received from a 4-21 second-game loss to win the third set 21-9.
Ladies Senior All-Ireland 40x20 Final 2016The rivalry thats just keeps on giving! Watch as Catriona Casey seals the match winning point to dethrone the reigning champion Aisling Reilly, and upset the odds in last nights All-Ireland Senior Ladies 40x20 Final in front of a jammed packed Kingscourt HC, Cavan last night.
Posted by GAA Handball on Sunday, March 20, 2016
In the men's Minor Singles, Tyrone's Sean Kerr defeated Cork's Tadhg O'Neill, with Fiona Tully of Roscommon winning the corresponding ladies grade.
A record crowd paid in to Kingscourt, Co Cavan for the finals, which were part of a groundbreaking festival weekend.
For more, see www.gaahandball.ie.
