GAA Handball – Catriona Casey defeats Maria Daly

Cork’s Catriona Casey defeated Kerry’s Maria Daly 21-15, 21-10 in the GAA Handball All-Ireland Ladies Senior Singles Final.

Cork’s Caitriona Casey has been widely tipped by many quarters as a star of the future, but after defeating Kerry’s Ashley Prendville in the All-Ireland 40×20 SF, Casey is clearly a force to be reckoned with in the present.

The two Ladies Open All-Ireland SF’s took place over the weekend, with Kerry’s Maria Daly defeating Kildare’s Anna Spence in the first SF in Nenagh, Tipperary on Sunday. Having won multiple All-Ireland titles, and reaching many finals, the experienced Daly enters each years Championships with clear intentions of success. In the QF’s however Daly was made dig deep to pull out a nail biting 21-19 tiebreaker victory over Down’s Lorraine Havern, after falling behind 19-11. But against Kildare’s Spence, who herself had a solid straight games victory over Wicklow’s Patricia Doyle in the QF, Daly looked assured and under control throughout, claiming victory on a 21-8, 21-9 score line, to seal yet another final spot.

On Monday night in Cappagh, Limerick, Daly’s doubles partner Ashley Prendville faced the challenge of Caitriona Casey to determine who will challenge Daly. Casey is in fine form, her consistency being impressive, claiming the 19&U World Title, the Irish Ladies Intervarsities Title, and the US Collegiate Ladies Open Title, all without dropping a single game. But from the outset, Casey controlled the match in a dominating performance, winning 21-3, 21-8 to set up an all Munster show piece final with Daly.

That final will take place in Kingscourt HC, Cavan as the top billing in a large She’s Ace programme of games, which includes the Girls Cumann na mBunscoil National Day, and the Minor Ladies Singles Final. That will be contested by Galway sensation Cianna Ni Churraoin and Tyrone’s Maeve McElduff. McElduff sealed her final spot in a hugely entertaining game on Sunday against Limerick’s Martina McMahon, overturning her All-Ireland Colleges final defeat to the same player two weeks ago, winning 10-21, 21-11, 21-18.

SHES ACE DAY

Saturday 23rd March – Kingscourt, Cavan

1.00pm Girl’s Cumann na mBunscoil National Day

4.30pm Ladies Minor Singles Final

Cianna Ni Churraoin (Gal) v Maeve McElduff (Tyr)

5.30pm Ladies Senior Singles Final

Caitriona Casey (Cork) v Maria Daly (Kerry)