There was to be success for local players John Maguire and Matthew McGann at the Ulster Veterans’ Championship at the Boat Club, Belfast last week.

Irvinestown’s Maguire claimed the Over 50s Singles and the Over 40s Doubles title while McGann made up for his defeat in the semi-finals of the Over 35s Singles by securing the Over 40s Singles.

Maguire has worked hard since having knee surgery and was delighted with the victory.

“I’m very happy with how it went. I had knee surgery back in December and I played in the Irish Vets in February to get me back playing again and I’m delighted with the wins last weekend,” he commented.

McGann described his victory as ‘bitter-sweet.’ He had targeted the Over 35s title but had to settle for success in the Over 40s.

“To be honest, I was aiming for the Over 35s and I was really disappointed to have lost in the semi-finals. It was good to have won the Over 40s but I would say that it is bitter-sweet,” he stated.

Maguire defeated Helen’s Bay player Graham Knowsley in the semi-final of the Over 50s before following up with a comprehensive 6-1, 6-1 win over Michael Mullen from Bangor in the final.

He then teamed up with Godfrey Gaston in the Over 40s Doubles event and they clinched the title with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Gordon Boal and Michael Mullen in the decider.

McGann, who had been victorious in a couple of the events at last year’s Vets Championships was to suffer disappointment in going out at the semi-final stage of the Over 35s but he made amends in the Over 40s as he swept aside the challenge of Andy Moore in the final, 6-2, 6-4 to claim the win.

Another local player, Stephen Cuthbertson from Omagh was also among the winners when he paired up with Leeds’ Mike Breslin to take the Over 55s Doubles crown.