After a brilliant day of racquetball at Clogh, Kilkenny for the 2026 60X30 Doubles All-Ireland Finals at which  Mark Murphy and Tom Morrisey retained their senior title again this year in producing high quality racquetball in the big court.  Playing outstandingly in the final, the Kilkenny pairing defeated Templeudigan's Paddy Boland and Sean O Neill 3-1. 

The ladies senior final was an entertaining final from start to finish with great rallies throughout between the Templeudigan pairings. Niamh Murphy/Ann Boland took the title 3-1 against Suzanne Fitzharris/ Sally Byrne. 
Kilkenny’s Don Lawlor/ Billy Walsh had a great win in the over 50’s final against their club mates Derek Fitzpatrick & Jim Doyle. 

The Clogh pairing of Jack Carroll & David Langton put on an excellent display in the novice final and were worthy winners. The runners-up were Shane O’Dowd/Darragh O’Callaghan(Clogh/Fermoy).

The U16 boys final was also an excellent spectacle. We got to see brilliant racquetball from start to finish and all four boys were killing great shots throughout. It was the Ballanne partnership of Danny Quigley and Joey Gaffney that prevailed in the end taking the title defeating  with a 3-1 win over Shane O’Dowd(Clogh) and Darragh O’Callaghan(Fermoy).​
Tournament Director for this event: Niamh Murphy


Photo: All Ireland 60x30 Senior Doubles Champions - Mark Murphy & Tom Morrissey(Kilkenny)

The 43rd Irish Open and 40th Arklow Open proved to be a fantastic weekend of racquetball, with a huge turnout, high-quality matches, and a brilliant atmosphere throughout the event. 
Players travelled from across Ireland and beyond to compete, making it a truly memorable tournament for all involved.
There was no shortage of thrilling action across the grades. In the Men’s Open Singles, Johnny O’Keeney (Fermoy) won a gripping 4-game battle against Mark Murphy (Kilkenny). 
In the Women’s Open Singles, Aisling Hickey (Rossmore) delivered a strong performance, defeating Arklow’s Antonia Neary in straight sets.
Arklow had plenty to celebrate across the weekend, with standout performances from Joseph Farrell, who claimed the Men’s B Singles title in dominant fashion, and Paddy Dodd, who secured victory in the Men’s C/D Singles. 
Tyler Young also impressed, winning the Men’s Novice Singles, and we are delighted to announce that this marks Tyler’s well-earned promotion out of the novice grade. A brilliant achievement and very well deserved.
Other notable winners included Daniel White (North Sligo) in the Men’s Novice B Singles, Robert Weber (USA) in a tightly contested Men’s 40+ final, Noel O’Callaghan (Fermoy) in the Men’s 50+, and Billy Walsh (Kilkenny) in the Men’s 60+.
The Junior final was an all-Arklow affair, with George Foley edging out Chris Neary in a thrilling 5-game match. George also went on to claim victory in the Men’s Novice Doubles alongside Ray Kehoe.
In doubles action, Johnny O’Keeney and Mark Murphy combined to win the Men’s Open Doubles after another 5-game classic, while Billy Walsh and Don Lawlor took the Men’s C/D Doubles title.
Off the court, the club was proud to host a civic reception to welcome three visiting international players: Robert Weber, Kelly Gremley, and Jessica Wei, whose presence added greatly to the tournament.
A special mention must go to Liam Og Cooke (Cavan), who was awarded the Michael Barnes Sportsperson of the Tournament Award, recognising not only his performances on court but his outstanding sportsmanship, attitude, and willingness to support others throughout the weekend.
We were also delighted to honour Mick Cunningham, who was formally inducted into the Racquetball Association Hall of Fame in recognition of his years of dedication, commitment, and invaluable contribution to the sport.
Finally, a massive thank you to the Arklow club whose hard work and organisation made the tournament such a success, as well as to our generous sponsors for their continued support.
Full Results

Congratulations to Mick Cunningham on his induction into the Racquetball Association of Ireland's Hall of Fame. The presentation took place during the 43rd Irish & 40th Arklow Open on Saturday, May 2nd.

To mark the occasion, Association President Susan Farrell presented Mick with a Mayo Crystal vase.

​A member of the Araglen club in Co Cork, Mick is highly regarded for his extensive administrative work, specifically in the areas of coaching and coach education.

A full resume of Mick's achievements will be published shortly in the Hall of Fame section of our website.

​Photo: Susan Farrell, President of the Racquetball Association of Ireland and Hall of Fame Inductee, Mick Cunningham