Robbie McCarthy returns to Croke Park

Westmeath underage handball prodigy, Robert McCarthy, will contest this year's All-Ireland Senior Softball Semi-final at Croke Park handball headquarters on Saturday next.McCarthy, from the Mullingar Club, will take on former Wexford hurler, Gavin Buggy in one of the most eagerly awaited weekends in Irish handball.The Lake County man had an outstanding victory in the quarter-final, when he dispatched Mayo kingpin, Dessie Keegan, after a thrilling 21-19 tiebreaker.This weekend, however, he faces a very different opponent in Buggy."Gavin has two great hands and moves very well around the court," said McCarthy."He's clinical and I will really have to be at the top of my game to beat him, but I'm confident that I can."McCarthy won Minor titles in 2003 and 2004 and his last outing in Croke Park was one to remember, as he collected the All-Ireland Intermediate Singles and Doubles crowns in 2006."I enjoy playing in Croke Park, but it is a very different alley to most and it will take time to get used to the glass sidewall," said McCarthy.With reigning senior softball champion, Eoin Kennedy (Dublin) having already secured his place on that squad, the winner of the McCarthy v. Buggy semi-final will go on to represent Ireland in the World Championships in Portland, Oregon next October, so there is a lot to play for."Obviously I would love to represent my country again, but it is one step at a time and we'll just see what happens."McCarthy played for Ireland in the US Junior Nationals in 2006 and with great success, as he collected the 19 and Under title.Now, he is in the senior ranks and Gavin Buggy is providing the hurdle to, what could be, his first All-Ireland Senior.He has the potential, but will have to take his best game to the Croke Park court. Action gets underway at 5pm on Saturday.For tickets, please contact Croke Park on 01-8192384 or email niamh@handball.ie.