All-Ireland glory for Tipperary's Prentice after Wallball thriller

Ballina’s Siobhan Prentice brought another national title back to Tipperary after a superb performance at the All-Ireland Wallball semi-finals and finals, hosted by Clogh Ballacolla, Co. Laois, at the weekend.

Prentice enjoyed an excellent run in the Ladies Junior B competition, beginning with a 15-4, 15-11 victory over Monaghan’s Niamh McElwain in the All-Ireland semi-final.

That set up a final showdown with Laois player Orla Brophy and, in a cracking contest, Prentice came through on a 15-10, 15-13 scoreline to secure the All-Ireland title for Tipperary and Ballina.

There was also Tipperary involvement in the Juvenile Girls U14 competition, where Ballina’s Emily Monaghan was defeated by eventual All-Ireland champion Nina McBride of Antrim.

In the Diamond Masters competition, Martin Spain of Loch Eorna represented Tipperary in Sunday’s final, where he was defeated by Monaghan’s Paul Cassidy, 15-6, 15-1.

It was another strong showing for Tipperary handball on the national stage, with Prentice’s Ladies Junior B success providing the highlight of the brilliant weekend.