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Kennedy Progresses to 60 * 30 Final defeating Dessie Keegan of Mayo - Mon, 20 Aug 2007

Well done to Eoin Kennedy who defeated Dessie Keegan of Mayo 21-20, 21-5 in a real tough encounter to reach the 60 * 30 Senior Singles Final. Eoin going for his 4th 60 * 30 Title will face Kilkenny Legend Michael "Duxie" Walsh on Saturday September 1st in Croke Pk.

Eoin is into his 5th All-Ireland softball singles final with a 21-20, 21-5 victory over Mayo's Dessie Keegan played in Mullingar on Saturday evening last. Eoin got a whirlwind start going into an 9-0 lead. Keegan powered his way back into the match levelling at 9-9. Kennedy extended his lead to 18-10 but Keegan refused to give in. He stormed back to only be 18-15 behind. Kennedy was on game ball to Keegan's 15. Yet again the Ballaghaderreen man did not panic and he again drew level at 20-20. It was fantastic handball with both players on game ball. A long rallied ensured and Kennedy got some wonderful picks that saved the game. Kennedy taking the first game by the minimum 21-20. In the second game it was much easier as Keegan was mentally and physically drained after the first game. Kennedy took the second by 21-5.

Kennedy will now go on and face the legendary Michael Duxie Walsh 16 times champion. Eoin & Duxie Walsh have met in two previous finals. In the 2001 showdown Duxie beat the Dubliner by 2-21, 21-19, 21-12. Twelve months later and more experienced Kennedy got his revenge winning in 2 games by 21-6, 21-12. Duxie Walsh announced his retirement after the final but to his eternal credit he is back in the final 5 years on. Walsh is arguably playing some of the best handball of his career is in great physical fitness. Having completed the Dublin City marathon last year he has won many handball marathons in the court. The Kilkenny handball wizard, his final date with Kennedy will surely have the capacity crowd in Croke Park looking forward to another hugely enjoyable spectacle. In last years semi-final played in Garryhill Kennedy defeated Walsh narrowly by 21-20, 21-16 before going onto to win the final against Meath?s Tom Sheridan. Kennedy is aiming for a 4 in a row in the competition.

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