IT HAS been quiet on the competitive handball front for Lorraine Havern of late.
The only action she has seen since winning in Italy over a month ago has been practice. Now, the Down girl is revving up for a high octane few months ahead.
The serious action begins this weekend when Havern defends the Ulster One-Wall Championship title at Loughmacrory, when a possible repeat of last year's final could ensue on Sunday. Last year, Havern defeated Maeve McElduff 15-8, 15-13 in the final and is favourite to retain the title.
Favourites sometimes fall, of course, and there are others in the draw who could upset the odds.
“I have been just concentrating on training since winning in Italy,” said Havern.
“At the present time, I am not interested in the 40x20 game as my preparations are concentrated on the One-Wall World Championships in August. The Ulster Championships this weekend begin a busy time leading up to Canada and it would be a good start to retain the title at Loughmacrory. Yes, it could be another provincial final against Maeve.”
Havern missed the big events in Inis Mór and Mallow because of family commitments. Next on her list, after Loughmacrory, is the Mount Talbot event next weekend and then the All-Ireland One-Wall Championship is coming up.
Certainly, she is determined to prevent the chance of a McElduff double this weekend as Maeve's brother Conor is favourite to win the Men's Open title. He lost out in the final last year to Charly Shanks, who is currently in the US and will not defend the provincial crown.
Conor is the reigning All-Ireland One-Wall men's champion and his stiffest test may come from some of his Tyrone county opponents, but there are many others capable of winning also.
Major challenges should come from Gabhain McCrystal plus Monaghan duo Darren Doherty and Terry McElvaney. Tyrone will pose strong challenges in most ties, with Pól Clarke, Johnny Woods and Patrick McCrory all hopeful of a bold showing.
The Men's B competition will have an enticing semi-final line-up, with Down's Richie McNally, Tyrone's Éamon McCrory, Cavan's Cormac McMahon and Antrim's Jordan O'Neill all bidding for honours.
The C grade looks wide open, with five counties battling it out for success. In the Master's, Irish team manager Niall Kerr should retain the title, but there could be a family final, with Chris and Kenny Curran in the draw. The Golden Master's has a quality field, too, with Down's Seán McNally and Brian Havern included. As usual, the name Havern is a common thread running through many competitions, with Mary the favourite in the Ladies' C Competition.
Elsewhere, there is a host of grades down for decision as over 130 players will contest for championship honours.
All the boys' and girls' sections are bulging with promising talent, with Tyrone and Armagh players very much to the fore. Breacach’s Seán Kerr is favourite in the boys' U18, while Armagh hold the aces in the girls' U18 competition, on which Niamh Coleman has stamped her authority.
Armagh's Megan McCann and Tyrone's Michaela McCartan look good in the girls' U16, while, at U14 level, watch out for Monaghan's Eoghan McGinnity and Tyrone's Dara Curran, Armagh's Dearbhla Coleman and Tyrone's Caitlín Conway, Elizabeth McGarvey, Mairéad Fox and Emer Kerr.
Another big entry from across six counties will contest grades from U10 up to Golden Masters, with the Men's and Ladies' Open finals taking centre-stage on Sunday. The action begins on Saturday morning.
