THERE WAS GOOD news for Donegal handballers at this year’s Ulster Cumann na mBunscol finals as Mark Marley and Caoimhe McGlynn landed provincial titles.
By Paul Fitzpatrick
The finals were staged at the impressive new Coláiste Féirste complex in Belfast and onlookers were impressed with the very high standard of play on show among the finest young players in the province.
Photo caption: Doengal’s Ulster Cumann na mBunscol handballers Oisin Marley and Caoimhe McGlynn at the Coláiste Féirste complex in Belfast
Pride of place went to McCumhaill’s player Oisin Marley, who won the U13 Singles in the colours of Dromore NS, Killygordon, and Glenfin’s Caoimhe McGlynn, who took the U11 Singles crown.
Marley, son of former U21 All-Ireland champion Mark, did it the hard way. He was 10-1 down in his semi-final before clawing his way back to 10-10 and losing the first set on an agonising 11-10 scoreline.
However, he bounced back to win the second game 11-6 and then turned on the final with a 15-10, 15-11 win over Cavan’s Oisin Byrne in the decider.
Meanwhile, McGlynn, representing SN Choimin, also turned in a sparkling performance in winning her first Ulster title.
The pair now advance to the All-Ireland series, which will be played off in Kingscourt, Co Cavan this Saturday.
It will be a busy weekend for the young champions, in fact, as both will also be in action in the Ulster juvenile championships in Belfast on Sunday.
In total, 16 Donegal juveniles will make the trip for the first round of the championship.
Donegal entries
Boys
U12 Singles: Luke McGlynn
U12 Doubles: Gavin McCormack, Daniel Marley
U13 Singles: Oisin Marley
U15 Singles: Odhran McGlynn
U16 Singles: Kyle O’Meara
Girls
U12 Singles: Sarah Deans
U12 Doubles: Katie McGlynn, Nicole Morrow
U13 Singles: Caoimhe McGlynn
U14 Doubles: Danielle McGinley, Eithne Bonner
U17 Singles: Mary Ward
U17 Doubles: Aine Ward, Cathy Ward
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