Whitecross handballer Fíachra ​Ó Dúill makes All-Ireland  history

Fíachra Ó Dúill from the St. Killian’s club, Whitecross made history last weekend when he captured the Men’s minor Wallball All-Ireland title, meaning he had a clean sweep of minor All-Ireland titles in the one calendar year – 40x20, 60x30 and Wallball. 

This is the first time any man has achieved such an accolade.

Going into the Wallball Championships, Ó Dúill had already held all three titles at the one time as he had taken major honours in the Wallball minor grade in 2022 and both 40x20 and 60x30 in 2023.

He was then able to win back to back Wallball titles to ensure his status as one of the most successful minors in history.

In the All-Ireland semi-final, Ó Dúill faced the 2022 French Open silver medallist, Munster Minor Champion, Cian Dunning from Cork. 

Many people were expecting a close contest owing to the skillset the Leesider possesses and the current form of the orchard star but Ó Dúill had his sights firmly set on reaching yet another All-Ireland minor decider and pulled off a very strong 15-1 15-0 victory.

Conor Hession from Galway, the Connaught champion had accounted for the talented hurler and handballer from Kilkenny, Conor Doyle in the other semi-final to set up a clash with the defending champion.

The Armagh man wasn’t going to give up his title and controlled the game from the outset, winning in two straight games to emerge as triple All-Ireland Champion for 2023. 15-2 15-3

What an unbelievable achievement from the Whitecross handballer.

Back to Back Ulster and All-Ireland Wallball Masters Titles for Doyle

A hugely successful 2023 for veteran James Doyle saw him claim the Masters Irish Nationals, Ulster and All-Ireland titles and various other international tournament crowns.

After winning the Ulster title the previous week, the defending champion went into the All-Ireland series as favourite.

Facing Doyle in the semi-final was Munster champion from Kerry, multi All-Ireland winner, John Joe Quirke.

In the first game, Doyle had some tremendous serves and kill-shots, taking the game 15-1 and continued in similar fashion in the second game (also 15-1) to seal his place in the final.

David Stanners, Wexford who has travelled the country all year with notable tournament successes came through the other semi-final against Ollie Cassidy of Mayo.

Stanners was however no match for the Armagh man as Doyle sealed his victory, with a fine display of serving on a 15-2 15-2 score line to take the All-Ireland Masters title once again.