Although Ulster was dominant in almost all the finals, Kirsty Kelly of Leinster had come through tough matches on the previous day’s quarter/semi finals. In the quarter final she played against fellow Leinster friend Crona Rooney, this was an epic match with Rooney taking the opener 17-21, but Kelly dug deep and took the next two games 21-15, 21-9. Next up was Lisburns very young Caroline Black, this semi also went to 3 games, with the Northern girl narrowly winning the 1st, 20-22, but once again Kelly used her experience and went on to take the next 2 games and the match, 21-12, 21-13.

Kelly’s opponent on finals day was the very talented Ruth Roddis (Lisburn), Kelly won the opener 21-15 which was a surprise as she is normally slow out of the blocks, Roddis fought hard for every point and narrowly won the middle game 21-23, after a well deserved 90 second break both girls came out for the final battle. Kelly eased away with a 3 to 4 point lead which she maintained right up to the close. Congratulations to Kirsty Kelly who was crowned U/17 National girls singles Champion for 07/08 Season.

In the rest of the finals the very talented Tony Stephenson (Lisburn) made it a hat-trick of titles by winning singles, doubles and mixed titles. His opponent in all 3 finals was Leinster's very talented and courageous player Owen Marron who picked up 3 silver medals on the day. Ireland's Sinead Chambers made it a double victory, by winning the girls Doubles with fellow Lisburn player Ruth Roddis against Leinster pairing Ciara Brady and Laura Butler (21-11, 21-14). Chambers second win was the mixed Doubles title against Marron and Rooney 21-16, 21-18.

The Presentation was made by Leinster’s vice president Joe Buckley, who complimented all the finalists, referee, umpires, and also Siobhan Grehan (match control). All these players will battle if out again, in the forthcoming Nottingham trip at the end of this month!!

Finals Results:

Boys Singles

Semi: T Stephenson bt S Shannon 21-9, 21-4, O Marron bt R Sim 21-14,22-20,

Final: T Stephenson bt O Marron 21-14,14-22,

Boys Doubles

Semi: O Marron/L Moore bt C Chambers/D Marron 21-13,21-9,D Callow/T Stephenson bt S Shannon/A McConnell 21-16,21-19,

Final:D Callow/T Stephenson bt O Marron/L Moore 21-19, 17-21, 21-19

Girls Singles

Semi: R Roddis bt C Brady 21-10,21-12, K Kirsty bt C Black 20-22,21-12,21-13,

Final; K Kelly bt R Roddis 21-15,21-23,21-16

Girls Doubles

Semi: C Brady/L Butler bt S Brondum/J Killoch 21-7,21-11, S Chambers/R Roddis bt C Ni Mharnain/K Kelly 21-10,21-15,

Final:S Chambers/R Roddis bt C Brady/L Butler 21-11,21-14

Mixed Doubles

Semi: T Stephenson/S Chambers bt M Dolan/C Ni Mharnain 21-9,21-4,O Marron/C Rooney bt L Moore/L Butler 21-7,16-21,21-10,

Final:T Stephenson/S Chambers bt O Marron/C Rooney 21-16,21-18

Photos to follow.