Handball News: A Spectacular Saturday for Sophie | Connacht U11 – U13 A and U14-17 A championships

Saturday last was another memorable day for Leitrim Handball, when the indomitable Sophie Kane added the Connacht U13 girls single title to her ever-growing collection of accolades. Later that evening, Sophie’s multiple national and international successes over the last 12 months was justly rewarded when she collected the 2024 Junior Sports Individual award at the Leitrim Sports Star Awards. A spectacular day for the young Fenagh lady!

These celebrations were a nice distraction on a very busy weekend for Leitrim Handball as the county co-hosted the Connacht U11 – U13 A Championships with Collooney Handball Club in Sligo. Spectators in Fenagh, Drumshanbo and Annaduff were treated to the top underage players from across Connacht showcasing their repertoire of skills in some brilliant high-class handball matches.

Leitrim handball was well represented with four of their up-and-coming players competing over the weekend. Playing in her home alley in Fenagh, Sophie Kane had to work hard to overcome dogged Galway opposition to get through her early round games. In the final, Sophie rallied strongly, defeating Keely Póil from Inis Oírr Co. Galway on a scoreline of 15:6, 15:1 before collecting her Connacht gold medal to rapturous applause from the local and travelling spectators.

Making her Connacht championship debut in the girls U11 singles category, Abbie Kane played strongly in her match against eventual champion Grace Connaughton. Her Galway opponent did enough to edge through, but Abbie can be happy with her day’s work in Drumshanbo.

Meanwhile in Collooney, two more Leitrim players compete in the U13 boy’s singles finals. Drumshanbo’s Mark MacShera played well in his match against Roscommon’s Michael Walsh however the Roscommon man prevailed. Fenagh’s Ruairi McKiernan had early success when he overcame Galway’s Liam Simon-Riggot in a tiebreak game. Despite carrying an injury into the matches, Ruairi fought hard in the next round to bring eventual finalist Donnacha Mulligan to a tiebreak game however the Claregalway man got the better of Ruairi this time.

All travelling supporters were treated to the very best of Leitrim hospitality over the weekend. A special word of appreciation to all the volunteers who provided or served refreshments, and to everyone who helped referee games, or helped in any way over the weekend.

Not one to rest on her laurels, Sophie Kane together with Ruairi McKiernan now turn their attention to the All-Ireland Gael Linn U13 mixed doubles finals next weekend. Playing in Breacach Co. Tyrone, the Fenagh duo are aiming to bring this prestigious title to Leitrim.