Mallow Handball Club has enjoyed a lot of success at major competitions in the United States in recent years, and David Walsh continued that proud tradition over the Christmas period when he won gold and silver at the US Nat-ionals, which were held in Portland, Oregon. To get to the final, David Walsh defeated Alejandro Savando (Arizona), Devin Peters, and Irish player Paddy Murphy, and his opponent in the decider was Michael Gaulton, a highly-rated Canadian player. David won a competitive final 21/11, 21/13, taking the USHA junior national title, and as well as that he partnered with Paddy Murphy in the 19 and under doubles, where they played their way to the final before bowing out.
Also making the long journey to Portland were Brooklyn Hickey and Michael O’Mal-ley. Brooklyn easily saw off his first round opponent and booked his place in the last 16 before bowing out, while Michael O’Mal-ley got to the last 8 before losing to Michael Gaulton, who was David Walsh’s opponent in the final. For a ful report, see page 17.