Handball: McCann and Walsh hope to reach finals
Two of Sligo's most accomplished players go into All-Ireland semi-final action next weekend. St. Mary's Paddy Walsh takes on old foe in Dublin's Mick O'Brien. O'Brien defeated Walsh in last year's fixture but Walsh had compensation when taking the doubles with Padraig Maye.
Walsh will have to be on guard as O'Brien the Leinster champion had an impressive showing in the Leinster championships. Walsh for his part has been training 2-3 times a week and is showing improved form of late. A home fixture for Walsh in Collooney should give the Sligo man the edge and his hunger for another All-Ireland title should be enough to see the legendary Sligo player through to another All-Ireland final appearance. Meanwhile Francis McCann will travel to Clogh in Co. Kilkenny to take on Johnny Brennan in the Golden Masters Singles. McCann too has playing solidly off late and had a teriffic win over Leitrim's Eddie Lee in the semi-final.
McCann's Connacht final did not take place as his Mayo opponent had to withdraw because of injury. McCann from the Ballymote club will have it all to do against Brennan in his home court. The Sligo player will need to be at his best if he wants to get the better of Brennan. This contest could go either way but McCann is tipped to get to the final with a narrow victory. All-Ireland Championships 60 x 30 semi-finals: Saturday 21st August, at Collooney, Sligo, commencning 5pm
Ruby Masters Singles: Sligo Paddy Walsh v Mick O'Brien Dublin Saturday 21st August, at Clogh, commencing at 4pm Golden Masters A Singles: Francis McCann Sligo v Johnny Brennan Kilkenny
