Cork handballer, Daniel Relihan.
By Paul Fitzpatrick
The cut and thrust of elite level doubles play generally lends itself to some epic matches and great storylines and this year’s oneills.com Senior Doubles finals, down for decision this Saturday at Croke Park, certainly tick those boxes.
The men’s final promises to be another gripping showdown as reigning champions Daniel Relihan and Michael Hedigan of Cork face Kilkenny’s Peter and Paddy Funchion.
For Cork, this final represents an opportunity to consolidate their status as the leading doubles pair in the game. The Liscarroll duo will be playing in their third final succession; after losing to Clare’s Diarmaid Nash and Colin Crehan in 2023, they went one better last year in an unforgettable 11-10 tiebreaker. Their ability to handle pressure and deliver in clutch moments was on full display in that encounter, with right-side specialist Hedigan stepping up with some nerveless late kills, and they’ll need every ounce of that composure against a determined Kilkenny side hungry for a breakthrough.
While the Kells brothers—Peter and Paddy Funchion—are contesting their first Senior Doubles final, they are no strangers to championship success. Having already claimed Intermediate Doubles titles in both 4-Wall (2014) and Softball (2024), their chemistry and experience together make them a formidable force. They have been on the cusp of a senior breakthrough for several years and, after knocking on the door, now stand just one step away from national glory.
Peter plays the left and has a well-rounded game, with the ability to kill consistently off both hands, while Paddy plays the tricky role on the right.
Both teams come into the final after impressive semi-final performances. Cork were tested in their 21-12, 21-19 victory over a skilful Westmeath pairing of Robbie McCarthy and Colm Jordan, holding off a strong comeback in the second game. In contrast, Kilkenny were emphatic winners, dismantling an experienced Meath duo in former winners Brian Carroll and Gary McConnell, 21-13, 21-1.
Kilkenny handballer, Peter Funchion.
The Funchion brothers will look to carry that momentum into the decider, where their sharp attacking play – highlighted by a succession of flat kills, particularly in the right corner, last time out - they hope, could unsettle the defending champions.
Both sides are well balanced, with the skilful Relihan liable to kill the ball from anywhere on the court and Peter Funchion also capable of spectacular flat kills from deep court, it could well come down to a shoot-out between both left-side players, although Paddy Funchion and Hedigan are accomplished killers of the ball too.
The pairs carry the hopes of two of the leading clubs and, indeed, counties. This title has been brought back to Noreside on five occasions, the most recent being 1998 (Michael ‘Ducksy’ Walsh and DJ Carey) while the Rebels have won it three times, Relihan and Hedigan last season ending a 23-year wait since Tony Healy and Stephen Palmer took top honours in 2001.
First on the card at the National Handball Centre is the oneills.com Ladies’ 4-Wall Senior Doubles final, which pits defending champions Galway against first-time finalists Tyrone.
For Galway’s Ciana Ní Churraoin (from the Micheál Breathnachs club) and Niamh Heffernan (Claregalway), this final represents another step in their journey as they seek to put titles back to back. As defending champions and favourites, they bring an unmatched combination of experience, power, and composure.
Ní Churraoin, the World Open Singles champion and former All-Ireland Senior Singles champion, is one of the most decorated players in the sport, while Heffernan, just 23, is a rising star who has already made a name for herself on both the domestic and American singles circuits. Their chemistry and ability to handle high-pressure moments make them the team to beat.
Galway’s road to the final was businesslike, as they overcame a strong Wicklow-Wexford combination (Patricia Byrne and Holly Hynes) in the semi-finals. This will be their third consecutive final.
Two years ago, the Tribeswomen suffered heartbreak, losing 11-10 in a tiebreaker to Cork’s Catriona Casey and Aishling O’Keeffe, but they responded emphatically in 2024, securing the title with a dominant 11-0 tiebreaker victory over the same opposition. Adding further motivation is their near-miss at the World Championships, where they finished as runners-up so, with Casey and O’Keeffe not entered this year, they will be determined to reinforce their status as Ireland’s top pairing.
Tyrone handballer, Eilise McCrory.
Standing in their way are Tyrone’s Eilise McCrory (Breacach) and Aoife Kelly (Loughmacrory), who are eager to make history for their county. While this may be their first Senior Doubles final, they have shown they belong at this level, with McCrory’s brilliance in the semi-final against Kilkenny particularly standing out.
The left-hander is an elite singles player who plays an aggressive game, shooting the ‘bottom brick’ at every opportunity. Kelly, a strong all-around player, complements her perfectly, playing the tricky right-side role very well.
Tyrone’s challenge will be to disrupt Galway’s rhythm and prevent Ní Churraoin from controlling proceedings with her vast experience. Heffernan’s court coverage and attacking instincts add another layer of difficulty for the challengers. If McCrory can impose her game early and Kelly steps up to the occasion, an upset cannot be ruled out but Galway start as firm favourites.
The All-Ireland adult and Masters semi-finals also take place at Croke Park over the weekend. The Senior Doubles programme on the show court serves off at 2pm with the ladies final, with the men’s proceeding straight after.
The action will be streamed live on the Spórt TG4 YouTube channel.
Watch the semi-finals here: