Handball Softball fans will see current champion Robbie McCarthy in action for the first time this year as he puts his title on the line tomorrow, at Na Fianna in Dublin, entering the competition at the quarter-finals stage against former Doubles champion Carl Brown.
Sailor McCarthy from Westmeath got a bye into the last eight and he is a short-priced favourite to reach the semi-finals and face either Meath neighbour Gary McConnell or Gavin Buggy, the former Wexford senior hurler.
McCarthy is aiming to win his eighth senior singles crown and in many people's estimation can do just that.
That feeling may be a bit premature as either No 4 seed McConnell and ranked No 5 Buggy could provide a formidable hurdle in the semis.
They also appear on the bill at Na Fianna with the younger McConnell favourite to remain in the competition but Buggy is an experienced campaigner who reached the Softball Nationals final, three weeks ago, in which he lost to Martin Mulkerrins in two games at Wexford.
It is one of a number of double bills, this weekend, that should bring the fans out in big numbers.
Another is at Crinkle where Mulkerrins puts his crown up for grabs with his opponent being David Hope from Offaly. Going for the Softball double, Galway man Mulkerrins will be in no mood to lose his title and should reach the next stage.
McCarthy and Eoin Kennedy (Dublin) have dominated the Softball Senior Singles for over a decade but the latter, a nine times champion, has yet to rev up to full steam this season. An injury hampered his style in the Softball Nationals.
He clashes with Mayo's Joe McCann who pulled off a super success last weekend against Tipperary's Ger Coonan but the westerner may have to up his game more to overcome the craft of Kennedy in this battle of two seasoned players.
Over at Cashel, in the Ladies' Championship, Martina McMahon defends her crown and the stage looks set for another final battle with Catriona Casey, as the world's top two females meet again. McMahon won the Nationals in a two game final against Casey who is still smarting from defeat in the Women's World 40x20 final, last year, by Limerick girl McMahon.
The pair have met a number of times since with the honours divided.
McMahon won the Softball Nationals against her now arch Cork rival and it would seem that they will clash again in the final of the Softball Championship. Casey is not looking that far.
“There is a semi-final against Aoife McCarthy to be played before thinking of the final,” protested five times titleholder Catriona who has reached every final since 2011 and could well keep that run going, despite defeat by McMahon in the Softball Nationals final.
The McCarthy household in Westmeath will, of course, be hoping for a double tomorrow with Robbie and sister Aoife in action. It is doubtful if they will get it as Aoife has a stern task ahead,
First on the bill at Cashel will be a quarter-final between Aishling O'Keeffe (Cork) and Aoife Holden (Kilkenny) who, surprisingly, defeated the Leesider in the Nationals.
Wrapping up the weekend action will be the meeting of Ciara Mahon (Kilkenny) and Leah Doyle (Kildare).at Garryhill. The more experienced Mahon took the honours when the pair met in the Nationals and will start as favourite again.
MyClubShop.ie Handball Softball Senior Singles Championships
Tomorrow – Men's Quarter-finals: At Na Fianna Dublin, Robbie McCarthy (Westmeath) v Carl Browne (Dublin); Gavin Buggy (Wexford) v Gary McConnell (Meath).
At Crinkle Co Offaly, Martin Mulkerrins (Galway) v David Hope (Offaly); Eoin Kennedy (Dublin) v Joe McCann (Mayo).
Women's Quarter-finals: At Cashel Co Tipperary, Aoife Holden (Kilkenny) v Aishling O’Keeffe (Cork); Catriona Casey (Cork) v Aoife McCarthy (Westmeath).
At Garryhill Co Carlow, Ciara Mahon (Kilkenny) v Leah Doyle (Kildare).
