The Eamonn Murphy Cup a one-off tournament took place on Saturday the 30th of November to remember one of our founding fathers. The tournament commissioned by the late Eamonn’s extended family was to incorporate a mix of youth and experience.
Some of our younger members got there first taste of their future handballing careers playing with and against our most senior of players including world and All Ireland champions.
First in Ryan Harkin & Eoghan Sheehan playing Patrick Herlihy & Darragh Moynihan. This proved to be a blistering affair with Ryan fresh of his recent all-Ireland victory showing tremendous form which seemed to rub off Eoghan who had some outstanding kill shots winning this encounter 15-8, 15-7.
Tadhg Carroll & John O’Neill teamed up to face Ciaran Buckley & David Walsh. Tadhg & John here combined very well and were able to work as a team to carve out a victory with some superb rallies from both sets of teams.
Dale Cusack & Padraig Buckley faced off recent All-Ireland winning doubles partnership Ken O’Neill & Darren Whelan which brought around the first tie break of the day. This really was a game of “three halves” as both teams showed their strengths during different games with Ken & Darren winning out the tie break in spectacular form.
Into the court then arrived Killian Carroll & Mick Conroy to take on Ryan Harkin & Eoghan Sheehan at the semi-final stage. Mick who has been putting in many hours during the last couple of months was playing his first competitive competition. This was a titanic battle with the game going right down to the wire with Killian & Mick just shading a narrow victory which had the crowd very much on their feet.
The second semi-final pitched father against son with Tadhg Carroll & John O’Neill challenging Ken O’Neill and Darren Whelan. This match again had some outstanding skills being displayed with both sets playing so solidly it was a pity one of them wouldn’t be able to progress any further in the competition. On this occasion it was Tadhg & John turn to progress.
After a day in which the youth became men and the men became youthful it was down to the final. Mick Conroy & Killian Carroll pitched against John O’Neill & Tadhg Carroll. The quality of handball on display at this encounter was extraordinary with it impossible to distinguish the seasoned players from the beginners. It was to prove to be Killian & Mick’s day though as they managed to secure a victory taking the honours on this very special of occasions. Congratulations to all who took part and everyone that gave a hand including our volunteering “Michelin chefs” who keep each player and spectator fuelled throughout the day and also a thanks to the extended Murphy Family for being present on the day.