O'Callaghan Targeting 17th National Title
O'Callaghan Targeting 17th National Racqeutball Title
On the 10th & 11th March at the National Singles Championships been held in Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, O’ Loughlin’s clubman Noel O’ Callaghan will be aiming to win his 17th National title in a row. A supreme star of Irish Racquetball O’ Callaghan won his first National Open title in 1991 at just 15 years old defeating Mick Ryan, Cavan in the final. Prior to his first win Noel had showed his potential by winning National under 15, 16, 17, 18 and ‘C’ titles.
Noel got just reward for winning this title when at just 16 he was chosen to represent Ireland at the European Championships in Antwerp later on that year. To date Noel has represented his country 3 times at World Championships and 5 times on the European stage. In 2001 he was a member of the Irish team that won the European title on home soil, when the Europeans were held in Castlebar. This summer Noel will represent Ireland at the European Championships in Italy and will be hoping to his collection the European Singles Title, a title that has eluded him to date.
In Kingscourt O’ Callaghan will face some stiff opposition particularly in the form of Arklow’s Jimmy Gannon & Touraneena’s Triston Hickey both of whom will not be short of confidence after they both defeated Noel at recent tournaments. Other contenders will be Joe Farrell & Adam Neary (both Arklow), Anthony Butler (Clones) and Martin McConnon (Kingscourt).
For Further Information:
Helen Shanahan, PRO, Racquetball Association