McCarthy aims to add yet another major title to his CV
Paul Fitzpatrick
Mullingar handball ace Robbie McCarthy, recognised one of the sport’s all-time greats, has won almost every major honour in the sport but one that has eluded him thus far is an All-Ireland Senior Doubles medal.
Robbie’s last elite-level success was in the World Championships last November at Croke Park when he paired with Mayo man Joe McCann to win a memorable Open Doubles title, defeating the crack pairing of Killian Carroll and Martin Mulkerrins.
On Saturday, the 37-year-old will line out in the All-Ireland Senior Softball Doubles decider, again at Croker, when he pairs with Fermoy, Co Cork native Colm Jordan. The Westmeath pairing face a formidable challenge against the reigning champions, Gary McConnell and Brian Carroll from Meath.
In last weekend’s semi-finals, Meath duo Gary McConnell and Brian Carroll edged past Galway’s Martin and Diarmuid Mulkerrins in a gripping clash, 21-8, 20-21, 11-2. Meanwhile, Westmeath’s McCarthy and Jordan were dominant in a straight games victory (21-12, 21-12) over Dublin’s Eoin Kennedy and Carl Browne, last year’s beaten finalists.
Westmeath delivered a clinical performance in their semi-final. McCarthy, playing left side, was in top form, dictating the play and covering every inch of the court as they ran out 21-12, 21-12 victors against the former champions.
A repeat performance should see McCarthy and Jordan go close and if they can up a bit – which is always possible – they will fancy their chances of taking down the brilliant Kells duo.
McConnell has been in outstanding form of late while Carroll’s record of 11 Senior Doubles medals in the ‘big alley’ speaks for itself.
Meath will seek to keep the ball away from McCarthy – a wise policy – but that will be a tricky task and is an intriguing sub-plot to what has the makings of a very entertaining match.
Action serves off at 1pm with the ladies Senior Doubles final between Galway and Limerick. Both matches will be streamed live on the Spórt TG4 YouTube channel.