By Con Dennehy
Excitement reached fever pitch at the Boherbue Handball Complex in Cork this week during a pulsating and energy sapping Munster Diamond Masters B Doubles final. In a typical Cork and Kerry clash, the final was an enthralling test of skill and passion with scores at a premium. The Kerry duo of Pat Leahy (Asdee) and Dermot Casey (Ballymacelligott) faced the formable Cork players Tim Joe Healy (Ballydesmond) and John Lyons (Macroom) in one of the most exciting games played in Munster this season.
In the opening game Kerry edged out a hard fought win on a 21-19 scoreline thanks to superb play from Leahy.
“The second game was equally exciting as all four players traded scores. It was almost impossible to separate the sides with Cork edging past Kerry in the final seconds to win on a 21-19 scoreline. It was an incredible two games of absorbing and highly entertaining handball,” said Jack O’Shea, Kerry Handball Board PRO.
There was no time for the vocal gallery to take a breath as all four players lined up for the tie break game and the honour of Munster champion.
Similar to the two opening games, the final game was equally tense and exciting. Some great scores from Pat Leahy (Kerry) and Tim Joe Healy (Cork) kept the game on level terms.
“This was a tight and hard fought game with just a score between the sides. However Cork just shaded a victory at the end winning on a scoreline of 11-10. Watching the levels of skill and fitness in this game it was hard to believe this category was for players over 65. They were simply superb.
