Open titles go west at prestigious Mick Kerr Memorial
Men's winner at the Mick Kerr Memorial, Killian Carroll. Photo by Stephen Marken
By Paul Fitzpatrick
The first Major elite tournament of the year, the Mick Kerr Memorial, was down for decision in Co Tyrone last weekend and saw the Men's and Ladies Open Singles titles went west, one to Galway and the other to Boston.
Mallow native and America-based former world champion Killian Carroll made the trip across the Atlantic for the event, which was hosted by the Breacach club in Beragh and also saw some games in Greencastle, and went home with gold, giving up just 52 points over five matches.
Meanwhile, the Ladies crown was won by Galway's world champion Ciana Ní Churraoin. The Micheál Breathnachs star started slowly in her semi-final and final but showed her experience as she played her way into both games and won with a bit to spare.
The Tribeswoman defeated young Cork player Carmel Kelleher before an impressive win over Leixlip right-hander Mollie Dagg, who had raced into an early lead.
Ní Churraoin dropped game one of the final against Fiona Tully, who was in brilliant form, but found her stride to win 15-11, 11-1 from there.
“I wouldn't miss the best tournament of the year,” said the former Galway footballer.
“The hospitality has been amazing all weekend. I always love playing on this court and playing against Fiona, I always know it's going to be a tough one. She got one over me at the Golden Gloves so maybe that was to my advantage today going into the tiebreaker. I'm looking forward to the season ahead.”
Speedster Carroll, known for spectacular retrieving and remarkable athleticism, was in outstanding form throughout, defeating Shane O'Neill from the host club, Monaghan's Gavin Coyle and Corkmen Michael Hedigan and Daniel Relihan to make the final.
In the showpiece, he controlled proceedings against Wexford youngster Mark Doyle, who is currently studying on a handball scholarship at the University of Minnesota in Mankato and competing on the Race4Eight tour, 15-4, 15-6.
Despite the loss, it was something of a break-out tournament for the Taghmon man. He defeated local favourite Sean Kerr (grandson of the late Mick, a handball stalwart who also was on Tyrone's first Ulster SFC-winning side in 1956) in a tiebreaker and a major scalp when defeating 2022 All-Ireland champion Diarmaid Nash.
Carroll, for his part, was glad he made the trip. “It's a huge honour to be back-to-back champion. Niall (Kerr, organiser) forced me out of retirement. It's a fabulous tournament,” he said.
The next tournament on the Clár is the Kingscourt Shoot-Out this weekend, which has attracted a field of 64 players, mostly drawn from the junior and intermediate grades.