Francis McCann was the surprise recipient of a club presentation in the Ballymote Handball Club last Friday evening, writes Michael McGee.
McCann holder of 17 All-Ireland titles in an outstanding sporting career was completely caught off guard as he walked into the Ballymote club where he was presented with a piece of Waterford Crystal. McCann won the Golden Masters Singles All-Ireland 60 x 30 singles title in 2011 and Connacht Masters player of the year award. Before the presentation Martin Golden congratulated McCann on his successes last year. McCann was due to receive the club presentation before Christmas but that was hastily cancelled due to the death of Michael Porter a legend in Irish Handball. McCann won 19 Connacht titles & 5 All-Ireland titles with his dear friend & doubles partner Michael Porter. Golden on behalf of the club sympathised with the Porter family on their sad loss.
Making the presentation to McCann was 4 members of the Ballymote Juvenile club Jason Dwyer, Luke Tarmey, Sean & Kevin Woods. Also celebrating McCann’s latest achievement was Tubbercurry Teacher John Cawley who was established a new handball club in the Holy Family National School and already a number of them are showing huge potential according to Cawley. Sligo Handball Secretary/PRO Michael McGee asked McCann that it was great to be recognised by his own club with this presentation. The affable McCann replied “It came as a great surprise as I was not expecting it. I am delighted the way the club has recognised me for the achievement of winning the Golden Masters Championship and receiving the Connacht Masters player of the year award. I am very happy that the club has seen fit to reward me with this presentation tonight.”
I then put it to Francis that his exploits in 2011 has given a major boost to handball in Ballymote & in the County. “ Yes, and at the end of the day it is all about the young people and hopefully it will inspire some of the young members to build on this success in the future. I am happy to be involved in coaching with training already extended to 3 evenings a week with the increased numbers. Our main priority is to win an underage All-Ireland title. At the moment we are focussing on winning a number of County titles then provincial and hopefully then move onto the All-Ireland championships stated McCann.”
I congratulate Francis on all his playing achievements. His accomplishments in 2011 can’t be underestimated. He has given everyone in the Sligo G.A.A. fraternity a huge boost and is someone we in Sligo handball all look up to. His relentless drive & determination and willingness to work hard has always been his hallmark , the mark of a champion. Now all the County handball players want to emulate the inspirational Ballymote star I wish Francis even more success in the years ahead and I have no doubt with the likes of Francis McCann & Martin Golden heavily involved in coaching that in the not too distant future today’s young stars will also bring great distinction to the Ballymote club.
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