Honours even in Presidential Handball Showdown

It was honours even for the GAA Presidents at the Ultimate Handball Showdown at Croke Park on Saturday afternoon as the GAA’s 125th Anniversary celebrations drew to a close.

The final game of the day pitted GAA President Christy Cooney and Former Ladies Football President Geraldine Giles against her camogie counterpart Joan O’Flynn and Handball President Tony Hannon.

In a keenly contested 10-minute timed game Cooney and Giles stole a last gasp equaliser which saw the sides tied at six points each.

Earlier players from 20 different counties including All-Ireland Football winning captain Darran O’Sullivan and Kilkenny’s Tommy Walsh took part.

Cork footballer Donncha O’Connor won the 40X20 doubles title with fellow countyman Tony Healy, with Wexford goalkeeper Anthony Masterson pairing with Gavin Buggy to defeat Tommy Walsh and Ducksy Walsh in the 60X30 decider.

In the Women’s games Mags Darcy and Shauna Hilley took the 40X20 title, with Mayo’s Cora Staunton claiming 60X30 honours with Roscommon’s Deirdre Donohue.

RESULTS:

GAA Handball Ultimate Showdown
40X20 Doubles: Donncha O’Connor & Tony Healy (Cork) defeated Andy Moran & Joe McCann (Mayo)
60X30 Doubles: Anthony Masterson  & Gavin Buggy (Wexford) defeated Tommy Walsh & Ducksy Walsh (Kilkenny)
60X30 Doubles: Deirdre Donohoe (Ros) & Cora Staunton (Mayo) defeated Ashling Reilly (Ant) & Katie McAuley (Derry)
40X20 Doubles: Mags Darcy (Wexford) & Shauna Hilley (Wicklow) defeated Maria Daly (Kerry) & Mairead Morrissey (Tipperary).