Final heartbreak for Mullingar's Robbie McCarthy

There was disappointment for young Mullingar handballer, Robbie McCarthy when he contested his first All-Ireland 60x30 singles final in Croke Park last Saturday.Facing the defending champion from St. Brigids, Blanchardstown, Eoin Kennedy came up short in the decider. Crowned champion for the past six years, Kennedy used all his experience to power past McCarthy in straight games.Noted for his lightening serve, Kennedy underlined his status as the king of the large court, when producing too much firepower for the former 19 and Under World Champion. He blitzed McCarthy in the opening game, winning 21-9 and he produced a more emphatic second game, coming through 21-7.While it was disappointing for the young Mullingar man and his many supporters, Robbie will know many further opportunities will present themselves in the coming years.No doubt he gained valuable experience and if there was any consolation for Robbie, it was his selection on the Irish team which will be competing in the World Championships.