CJ Fitzpatrick – All Ireland Colleges Handball Champion
Thurles Handball club was the place to be last Saturday morning, November 8th as it hosted one of the most exciting All Ireland Colleges Finals for many years. Hazelwoods CJ Fitzpatrick, having received a walkover in the semi, found himself in the 60 X 30 court facing his opponent Stephan Cooney of Colaiste Naíthí, Ballaghadireen, Co. Roscommon.
CJ got off to a great start in the first game scoring the first 4 points without reply. However, this scoreline was evened up at five points a piece. In the final minutes CJ was looking at a scoreline of 13 to 20 in favour of Cooney. CJ would have to focus himself for the second game having lost 21-16. Eddie Prunty an aspiring handballer himself reassured us that CJ would take the second game once he settled. This he did in dramatic style winning out on a scoreline of 21-11.
It was all to play for in the tie-breaker with two very determined competitors heading back into court to do battle. Not surprising CJ settled quickly and notched up the first ten scores in style. He looked solid throughout the game and although Cooney managed to claw back some well deserved points, the hard working CJ showed great skill to win out on a margin of seven points taking the Senior Colleges Gold medal. Well done CJ on a fine performance.
