Handball News: She’s Ace – 2nd Level Schools Finals – Ballinamore TY

Sophie shows She’s Ace in Clare finals.

Well done to Fenagh’s Sophie Kane who reached the semi-final in the 13 and under category of the She’s Ace Handball Festival last weekend

This annual ladies 4-wall championship took place in Clare over two days, and featured top female players from elite level through to the best in juvenile grades from u11 to u17.

In a packed category, with over 50 players vying for success, Sophie played some unbelievably brilliant 4-wall handball on her path to the semi-final. To reach the last 4 is even more remarkable considering that she still has another year left playing in this age group.

Although a final appearance alluded her this year, there is no doubt that Sophie will carry a favourites tag into next year’s competition.

Maith thú Sophie.

Leitrim 2nd Level Schools Finals round up.

Competitive post-primary schools Handball is experiencing a resurgence this year, with the Connacht 2nd level schools 4-wall handball championship returning to the 2025 event calendar. Following a highly competitive county 2nd level championship playoff in Fenagh last week, Leitrim sends seven top juvenile players to represent their schools at the Connacht Finals hosted in Galway venues on Sunday next, January 26th.

Mohill Community College leads the way with four players in the finals. Peter Cox will compete in the Junior (u15) boys singles grade, while Maxim Gilmartin will take part in the 1st year boys singles event. Additionally, Adam Neary and Eoghan Kelly will team up for the 1st year boys doubles competition.

Ballinamore Community School will have Sophie Kane in the 1st year girls singles, and she will also be joined by Ella Crinnigan who will compete in the junior (u15) girls singles. St Clare’s Comprehensive School Manorhamilton will be represented by Cormac Scarff in the Intermediate (U17) boys single competition.

Best of luck to all the players next weekend. Beir Bua!

Ballinamore transition year students try handball.

A big well done to all the transition year students in Ballinamore Community school who had the opportunity to try handball last Friday as part of the GAA Future Leaders Programme.

Clare Conway, the GAA Handball regional development officer for Leitrim, delivered an engaging presentation to the class and demonstrated a variety of simple drills, highlighting the numerous fitness benefits of this fast-paced, skillful, highly entertaining, and fully inclusive sport. She also explained how easy it is to get started— all you need is a ball and a wall.

If you’re a teacher interested in hosting a similar event at your school, or if you’d like to learn more about the benefits of GAA Handball, there will be in-service teacher training in Leitrim later this month. For more information, reach out to Leitrim Handball via their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball) or contact your local club in Annaduff, Fenagh, Drumshanbo, or Manorhamilton.

David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma