Kingscourt unveil new One Wall facilities

A crowd of over 80 spectators attended the official opening of the new Kingscourt Handball Club One Wall court last Sunday evening. The evening began with a number of exhibition matches, followed by a barbecue. County GAA board chairman Phil Smith was on hand to perform the official opening which, he said, was "further proof of the progression of the outstanding Kingscourt club'. Smith complimented the club committee for their hard work and foresight in planning and completing the project and also took time to congratulate Paul Brady (who refereed a number of matches), Patrick Clerkin and James Brady on their recent successes in Los Angeles. The latter also took part in an exciting exhibition doubles match which also involved local pair Michael Finnegan and Raymond Cunningham and went to a thrilling tiebreaker. The Kingscourt duo are currently preparing for the first round of the All Ireland 60x30 Senior Doubles, the draws for which will be revealed this week. Powerful right-hander Finnegan will be fancied to progress well in the singles while Cunningham, who has made a welcome return to the sport over the past 12 months, is regarded as one of the most astute doubles players in the game. The Ulster Masters Singles, Junior and Junior B Singles all begin this week also. One Wall handball is a fast-growing form of the sport which requires just a wall and a level area of concrete. The code originated in New York, where over 50,000 registered players compete, and has become highly popular in this country.