Westmeath ace McCarthy wins yet another handball crown

There was a sense of déjà vu about proceedings at a sold-out National Handball Centre, Croke Park last weekend as Westmeath’s Robert McCarthy claimed the All-Ireland Senior Softball Singles title in impressive fashion, cementing his position as one of the all-time greats in the game.

The Mullingar man has played in 18 finals and won 12 All-Ireland titles in what has been a truly incredible handball career. “At the start of the year I wouldn’t have thought this would happen but it’s unbelievable, I’m delighted,” he beamed.

The big day in the softball season was not without drama, particularly in the men’s decider, as first-time finalist Cormac Finn from Sligo came from behind to force a tiebreaker against the peerless McCarthy. The Mullingar veteran commanded the first game, winning 21-6, and had a big lead in the second before the 22-year-old from Ballymote hit his stride, a spectacular kill from the back wall when defending game-ball the highlight as he snatched it 21-20.

McCarthy, though, leaned on his experience to dictate the terms in the tiebreaker, running out an 11-1 winner. While obviously thrilled with his success, he was quick to pay tribute to the emerging stars in the sport, among them his opponent Cormac Finn, who produced such an impressive display.

“To see the young guys coming through is unbelievable; Cormac’s day is coming and it’s not too far away,” remarked McCarthy.

Uachtarán Kevin Cooke paid tribute to the two finalists, but reserved special praise for McCarthy. “We got to witness a Master and an up and coming Master today,” he said, following Saturday’s decider. “The All-Ireland Senior Championship trophy goes back to Mullingar.”

Robbie McCarthy congratulated the Ballymote fans and his own supporters for such a great attendance at the Saturday’s final. “It’s unbelievable to be back and winning. I’m absolutely over the moon,” he added.

Remarkable feat

For McCarthy to bounce back this year and win another All-Ireland is a truly remarkable feat. And the Mullingar star has great time for his opponent, Cormac Finn. The legendary Ducksie Walsh took Robert under his wing at 14 and now McCarthy has been trying to give Cormac games and nurture the talent that is there.

For the McCarthy family, this latest success is very emotional. Watching Robert pull out with injury last year and all the work that goes in behind the scenes from everyone to aid the recovery, it’s just extra special as he is nearing the end of his career. Robert tried to retire last year, but it’s hard when you live and breathe the sport.

And playing for fun and just the pure love of the game seems to have taken a lot of pressure off him, and he just seems to be enjoying every minute of it.

Robert’s sister, Natasha, collected all his gold medals from the museum a few weeks ago - 24 in total. This latest success was his 25th senior singles Gold All-Ireland medal in total, his 12th Gold medal in Softball.

Robert will be back in action next Sunday in the All-Ireland Senior Doubles Softball, partnering Colm Jordan.