Elliot Young of Arklow Racquetball Club has just returned from the German Open in where he played as part of the Elite Squad National Racquetball Team.
The event, held in Hamburg across the weekend of 6/7 April, saw a contingent of 26 in total travel from Ireland to participate in the competition. Included in the group were 11 competitors, coaches, parents and family members.
In the Men’s Open Doubles, Elliot partnered with coach Mick Cunningham, showcasing remarkable skill as they advanced to the quarterfinals. Despite a close match, they narrowly missed securing a win against their Irish teammates, Ben Carey, and Johnny O‘Keeney.
Elliot’s shining moment however, came in the B division. Despite being seeded last, Young displayed unwavering determination, powering forward to defeat all ranked opponents and reach the final. In an intense showdown against German player Gary Hodges, Elliot demonstrated his ability, claiming victory with a 3-1 score and clinching the gold medal.
“Elliot, a prominent member of Arklow Racquetball Club in Arklow, Co. Wicklow, has carved out a reputation in the Racquetball Association of Ireland C/D circuit.” – Racquetball Ireland
The Racquetball Association of Ireland have introduced a Racquetball Ireland Player of The Month as a means of highlighting athletes and their accomplishments throughout the calendar year.
On the back of his massive success at the German Open, not to mention his wins in this weekends Kilkenny Open, Elliot Young from Arklow has been selected as Player of the Month for March.
Arklow Racquetball Club would like to congratulate Elliot for being selected Player of the Month. We are very Proud of You Elliot.
Racquetball Ireland went on to say:“Congratulations to Elliot for being named Player of the Month for March. With his promising performance, we eagerly anticipate what this rising star will bring to the court next.”
Arklow Racquetball Club attend Kilkenny Open Championships
It turned out to be another stellar weekend for Arklow Racquetball Club at the All-Ireland Singles and Doubles Championships in Kilkenny at the weekend where a total of 12 talented Arklow players showcased their skills, and set their sights on All Ireland glory. The panel consisted of: Michael Barnes, Leon Barnes, Jay Barnes, Jimmy Gannon, Scott Young, Curtis Young, Elliot Young, Tyler Young, Joseph Farrell, Antonia Neary, Colm O’Keefe and Damien Kavanagh.
Antonia Neary and partner Aisling Hickey triumphed once again in the Ladies Open Doubles, retaining their title for the second consecutive year.
In the Men’s Open Doubles, Scott Young teamed up with Ben Carey of Araglin, making it to the final and securing a well-deserved Silver Medal.
Michael Barnes emerged victorious in the Men’s C Division, clinching gold after a thrilling final match against Jason Tenant. His impressive performance earned him a promotion to Division B!
In the D Division it was an all Arklow Affair in the final with Colm O Keefe and Elliot Young competing for bragging rights and the gold. Colm was in top form and couldn’t be stopped, powering his way to the gold leaving Elliot to settle with Silver.
In the Men’s Novice plate, Joseph Farrell showed us that he has been putting in the
work by winning his first All-Ireland Gold Medal defeating Charlie White in the Final. Congratulations Joseph, we hope to see many more over the next few years.
Arklow Racquetball Club were delighted with the fantastic results across both April events. Speaking on the Championships in Kilkenny, they said:
“A huge congratulations to all our players for their outstanding performances throughout the competition! And special thanks to Tournament Director, Jimmy Gannon of Arklow Racquetball Club for orchestrating a fantastic weekend of racquetball.”
