Handball News: European 1-wall title for Fenagh’s Sophie Kane
2025 is less than one week old and Leitrim Handball is already celebrating a rare multiple medal success at international level! Building on their recent World Championships titles, Fenagh’s Kane family augmented their growing reputation in1-wall circles bringing back a gold, silver and bronze medal from the European 1-wall Tour – Junior Open which took place in Menaldum, Netherlands on Friday and Saturday last.
Sophie Kane made short work of a packed international field to claim the girls u13 European title. Entering the arena at 7:30am Friday morning, she put in a sterling performance to cruise through her 4 group and 2 playoff games in under three hours, dropping no more than 4 points in any of her sets! This result cements Sophie’s status as the top u13 girls 1-wall player at European and world level.
Not one to rest on her laurels, on Saturday Sophie renewed her successful world championship doubles partnership with Tipperary’s Molly Joyce. Playing in an U15 category, Sophie and Molly fought off older pairings for a place in the European doubles final. Up against a strong Belgian & English doubles combination in the final, Sophie and Molly gave it their all but finished in second place claiming the European silver medals.
Older sister Katie competed in the European girls u17 singles competition. Flying out of the traps, Katie topped her group beating England’s number 1 player along the way. Despite playing well, Katie bowed out in the semi-final to eventual winner Eloise Clément from Belgium. A European bronze medal is a magnificent achievement for Katie.
Katie’s younger brother Daniel also participated in the European boys u15 competition. He played exceptionally well, doing enough to exit a tough group and make it to the quarter final stage. A highly commendable achievement in a very packed field. Well done, Daniel.
Sophie, who is also shortlisted for the Leitrim Junior Sports Individual 2024 award, is the first Leitrim Handballer to achieve international title success since Donal Wrynn back in 2009.
Congratulations and well done to Sophie, Katie, Daniel and all involved in Fenagh Handball. Exciting times ahead.
David Mahon
PRO Leitrim Handball
