UL Wolves Handball Club strike gold in four grades in Galway

UL WOLVES Handball Club continued their winning streak this past weekend in Galway at the ICHA 40x20 Doubles Intervarsities when taking home gold in four grades, Women’s Open, Men’s A, B and C respectively.

After the club's recent success at the 60x30 Intervarsities last month in Wexford, the UL contingent were looking forward to the weekend, ready for a busy and intense schedule of games and determined to bring back more trophies to Limerick.

Preliminary rounds took place on Friday evening in with the Women’s Open taking place in Indreabhán, Men’s Open in Moycullen and the Men’s B and C grades in Salthill.

A total of 20 UL players made the trip to Galway, comprising of a mixture of players from Open to Beginners. After some outstanding games across all divisions, the scene was set for the finals on Saturday evening with UL contesting four titles in the Women’s Open, Men’s A, B and C.

First up on the schedule was Evan Murphy and Colin Healy in the Men’s Open Semi-Final where they faced MTU pair Adam Walsh and Conor Walsh. It was a fast and entertaining game, but the UL pair fell short on this occasion. Henry McGrath and Sean Murphy played their way to the Men’s A final where they emerged victorious.

The Women’s Open final was yet again another all-UL affair. Niamh Heffernan and Sinead Meagher returned in flying form to defend last year’s victory. They beat fellow UL teammates Cliodhna O’Connell and Aisling Shanahan to retain the Women’s Open Doubles title for the second consecutive year.

Cian O’Donnell and Jack Glynn were next up, playing together for the first and came home with the Men’s B title where they defeated UCD resulting in the third win for UL.

Well done also to Aoife Guildea and Aoife Hurley who reached the Women’s Open Doubles Semi Final, but unfortunately came up short against their own college teammates and eventual winners Niamh and Sinead.

Well done to Darragh Ducey and Adam Coggeran who reached the Men’s Open Doubles Quarter Final before losing out to TCD. Eoin Hegarty and Keith Crehan teamed up in the Men’s A, but lost out by the narrowest of margins to UCG.

Special mention and congratulations to new members and beginners Sandy O’Callaghan, Patrick Nevin and Alan Costello who have shown great dedication, determination and improvement since joining the club. They played excellent handball throughout the weekend.

Sandy and Patrick and proved that all the training was worth it when they came out victorious in the Men’s C final defeating UCG. A huge well done also to Alan Costello and Adam O’Shea who took part in the Men’s B, reaching the semi-final but losing out to UL pair and eventual winners Cian and Jack,

Overall, the weekend was a great success with UL players showcasing great skill and determination throughout all grades and proudly represented the University of Limerick. UL returned home with four titles in the bag bringing the tally to seven titles in the last two tournaments.

Massive thanks to everyone in Galway Handball and especially the ICHA who made the weekend possible. Everyone was well looked after, and all the courts and venues were in excellent condition as always.

Next up on the agenda is the 40x20 Singles in Belfast at the end of January, perhaps the most prestigious event on the Intervarsity calendar where UL will endeavour to replicate the skill and winning attitude displayed last weekend.

Keep up to date with UL Wolves Handball Club news and results by following 'ulwolveshandball' on Instagram and Facebook.