Sligo Singles v Mayo at home Sat/Sun 9th/10th June
Junior C: Colin Slevin
Over 35: Shane Bruen
Masters B: Mark Murphy
Silver Masters B: Martin Cooney
Golden Masters A: Francis McCann
Golen Masters B:Peter Chambers or Stanley Harte
Emerald Masters A: Hugh McGarry
Emerald Masters B: Peter Davey
Sligo Doubles v Mayo away on Sat/Sun 16th/17th June
Junior C: Tom Foody & Joe Gorman
Masters B Doubles: Martin Cooney & ptr
Golden Masters A Doubles: Francis McCann & Hugh McGarry
Golden Masters B Doubles: Peter Chambers & Stanley Harte
Emerald Masters A Doubles: Mick McMorrow & ptr
Welcome to the Sligo Handball Blogpage. It is a new medium that the County will use to publicize its events. Enjoy reading the articles and Happy Blogging. Michael McGee Sligo Handball PRO
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Death of Paddy Murphy R.I.P.
The Sligo Handball Board expresses it sincere sympathy to Mark Murphy Sligo Handball Board fixtures Secretary on the death of his father Paddy Murphy R.I.P.
Paddy Murphy, Cloonkeelane, Enniscrone Co Sligo. Peacefully at his residence. Remains reposing at his residence from 2pm today Tuesday until 12 midnight on Wednesday with removal on Thursday morning to Kilglass Church arriving for 11am requiem mass with burial afterwards in Killanley Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu to the Patients Comfort Fund Oncology Unit Sligo General Hospital. House is private on Thursday morning.
Paddy Murphy, Cloonkeelane, Enniscrone Co Sligo. Peacefully at his residence. Remains reposing at his residence from 2pm today Tuesday until 12 midnight on Wednesday with removal on Thursday morning to Kilglass Church arriving for 11am requiem mass with burial afterwards in Killanley Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu to the Patients Comfort Fund Oncology Unit Sligo General Hospital. House is private on Thursday morning.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Irish One Wall Nationals 2012
The Irish One-wall nationals take place in Dublin's Citywest from Friday 6th-8th July 2012
Click here for an entry form
Click here for an entry form
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Sligo 60 x 30 Trials Fixtures
The following fixtures need to take place before the 1st round of the Connacht 60 x 30 championships v Mayo
Emerald Masters A singles: Hugh McGarry v Michael McMorrow
McGarry dft McMorrow 21-20, 21-14 on Friday evening.
Golden Masters B singles: Peter Chambers v Stanley Harte
Junior C doubles: Tom Foody/Joe Gorman v Tom Tuffy/Michael Browne
Emerald Masters A singles: Hugh McGarry v Michael McMorrow
McGarry dft McMorrow 21-20, 21-14 on Friday evening.
Golden Masters B singles: Peter Chambers v Stanley Harte
Junior C doubles: Tom Foody/Joe Gorman v Tom Tuffy/Michael Browne
Mount Talbot 1 Wall Tournament
The Mount Talbot 1 wall Tournament takes place from 22nd-25th June.
Click here for an entry form
Click here for an entry form
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Irish 60 x 30 Nationals 2012
The 2012 GAA Handball 60x30 Nationals take place in Kilkenny, Tipperary and Dungarvan over the weekend of 15th to 17th June 2012.
Irish Nationals 60 x 30 entry form
Irish Nationals 60 x 30 entry form
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Collooney Handball Club celebrate
Historic day in the annals of the Collooney Handball Club as the sod is turned for the new 40 x 20 handball court, writes Michael McGee.
On Friday evening last the Collooney Club celebrated the official sod turning ceremony for its new 40 x 20 court handball court. In what seemed like the entire Collooney community turned out to celebrate with the handball club. Huge numbers attended. The TG4 camera crew were on hand to record the historic occasion. Earlier TG4 visited the Ocean FM studios in Collooney to record interviews with presenters Francis Boylan & David Murtagh ahead of their eagerly awaited one wall rematch. Danny Gallagher was the M.C. and he called upon Hugh McGarry Collooney Club Chairman to deliver the first speech in the 60 x 30 handball court.
McGarry welcomed Fr. Pat Peyton P.P Collooney, Officials from the Connacht Handball Council, Connacht GAA Council, Sligo G.AA. Board, Sligo Handball Board, Sligo County Council Chairman, local public representatives, members from the local handball clubs, Owenmore Gaels, Chris Curran CEO GAA Handball, supporters, the Collooney community, local press & TG4. In a detailed speech McGarry was heartened by all the messages of support he received from Collooney people in America & England in recent days. The new 40 x 20 court would be built beside the 60 x 30 and McGarry hoped it would not take away from the traditional court. With the local Church of the Assumption Collooney its spires overlooking the handball court McGarry said when the angelus bells ring out all handball play is stopped with the older players while the young players may not say their full prayers McGarry said amusingly. The Chairman refelected back to 1928 where the piece of ground on the fairgreen was kindly donated by the Cooper family from Markree Castle. The Collooney dramatics society was set up to raise the £100 to build the court. The first play raised £50 of the cost. In a long list McGarry named the players of the past from the 1920’s right up to the present day who contributed and brought great honour and success to this historic club. He also mentioned “Ballymote’s Francie Cawley, the great Francis McCann, Martin Golden, All-Ireland handball champion Marcus Henry who could pick a ball inches from the back wall and kill it inches from the front wall. But the greatest local player that McGarry had seen was Michael Porter R.I.P. the holder of 11 All-Ireland titles and 21 Connacht titles who passed away last December.“ McGarry then asked for a minutes silence for the deceased club members. Robert Walsh, Dermot Harte & Johnny Muldowney were thanked for their hard work in getting the court looking in pristine condition and duly received a great round of applause. Patricia McCann, Denise Mullen & Collette Gallagher were praised by McGarry for providing the refreshements and for their great community spirit to the club. McGarry explained funding comes from the weekly bingo every Thursday evening and members contribute to the club lotto. McGarry welcomed anyone who would be in a position to contribute to the lotto for a period of 6 months. The Chairman bemoaned the fact “the club don’t have a 40 x 20 court of intercounty standards. It is simply not good enough our players have to leave the county. In a rousing finale McGarry used the famous line from a Barack Obama speech “Is feidir linn”. If we stick together we will do it,” enthused the Club Chairman.
Peter Chambers Sligo Handball Board Chairman then spoke. He opened his speech welcoming all in attendance saying “it was an historic and proud day for the Collooney club. Handball is the oldest game in Ireland and predates the G.A.A. with the first recorded game of handball in Ireland played in Galway in 1527. Handball has now become and international sport with the Irish bringing handball all over the world. Collooney has a rich and famous handball tradition and heritage which lives on in this club.” Chambers also thanked Johnny Muldowney, Robert Walsh & Dermot Clarke for having the court in pristine condition. He thanked “the people of Collooney for their support down through the years and all the bingo players and encouraged them to continue their support over the summer months. The 40 x 20 court is essential to promote the game as the players need to compete at the highest level.” Chambers is very confident “that within 18 months the club will be ready to go onwards and upwards. He asked for the support of the public representatives present to help the club securing Government sports funding to continue the project. The local media Sligo Champion, Sligo Weekender & Ocean FM were commended for their promotion of handball. TG4 were also thanked for helping handball giving it a huge profile.” The County Handball Chairman also received a warm round of applause.
Cyril Feehily Sligo G.A.A Chairman then took the stage and pledged his continuing support for handball. He acknowledged the outstanding work being done by Chris Curran GAA Handball CEO. The GAA in Collooney has got a huge awakening according to Feehily. “Owenmore Gaels & Collooney Handball Clubs are progressive clubs. You want this and we need this given.” He also asked the support of Politicians present to back the club in its fundraising drive. “So many people are involved in this community and despite these difficult times we can move forward in sport and education. Handball is known all over the world. In Sweden where it is played it means so much to them.” Feehily is very enthusiastic with the Collooney handball project. Well done & every success ended the Co. GAA Chairman to great applause.
Boylan still Ocean FM Handball champion
With the speeches out of the way the stage was set for the Ocean FM handball rematch between Francis Boylan Leitrim & David Murtagh Sligo. Leitrim’s Jamie Murray was the referee. In a fifteen minute match Boylan left off from the first match going into an 6-1 lead. The Sligo man was playing catch up all the time as Boylan maintained his lead. With the Sligo support fully behind the Sligo man Murtagh gave his all to get back into the contest. This he nearly achieved. After a comeback built on heart and purpose Murtagh mounted a great challenge. Twice he was within a whisker of the champion. At 18-17 the crowd on the edge of their seats extolling the Sligo man to seize the initiative. Murtagh was in a great position. However from somewhere Boylan summoned up untapped energy cracked into gear again with a five point blast. This time there was no fairytale riposte as Murtagh faded after an exhaustive comeback. The Sligo man bravely fought back with 3 points but it wasn’t enough. Boylan was relieved when the referee finally called time and the Leitrim man survived by 23-20 to retain the Ocean FM champion trophy for 2012.
In the second of the one wall matches Thomas Healy defeated Johnny Banks by 26-19.
The highlight of the evening the sod turning ceremony was performed by Maureen Mullen & Michael Flynn two people who have given outstanding service to Collooney organisations . The Collooney Handball Club were meticulous in their preparations and the committee of Hugh McGarry Chairman, Peter Chambers, Stanley Harte, Mick Kelly, Paddy Walsh, Peter Davey, Connell Cannon, Michael McGee, Shane Bruen, Michael McMorrow, Seamus Duffy & Brendan Carey can be justifiably pleased with their endeavours.
In a lovely gesture by the club all around the walls was adorned with photos of past and present player’s achievements. The dedicated handball committee with the support of the local community in Collooney and Sligo will have even bigger and better things to celebrate in the next couple of years. The historic founders in 1928 would have been very proud of this present generation knowing their lasting legacy they built upon is in such very good hands
On Friday evening last the Collooney Club celebrated the official sod turning ceremony for its new 40 x 20 court handball court. In what seemed like the entire Collooney community turned out to celebrate with the handball club. Huge numbers attended. The TG4 camera crew were on hand to record the historic occasion. Earlier TG4 visited the Ocean FM studios in Collooney to record interviews with presenters Francis Boylan & David Murtagh ahead of their eagerly awaited one wall rematch. Danny Gallagher was the M.C. and he called upon Hugh McGarry Collooney Club Chairman to deliver the first speech in the 60 x 30 handball court.
McGarry welcomed Fr. Pat Peyton P.P Collooney, Officials from the Connacht Handball Council, Connacht GAA Council, Sligo G.AA. Board, Sligo Handball Board, Sligo County Council Chairman, local public representatives, members from the local handball clubs, Owenmore Gaels, Chris Curran CEO GAA Handball, supporters, the Collooney community, local press & TG4. In a detailed speech McGarry was heartened by all the messages of support he received from Collooney people in America & England in recent days. The new 40 x 20 court would be built beside the 60 x 30 and McGarry hoped it would not take away from the traditional court. With the local Church of the Assumption Collooney its spires overlooking the handball court McGarry said when the angelus bells ring out all handball play is stopped with the older players while the young players may not say their full prayers McGarry said amusingly. The Chairman refelected back to 1928 where the piece of ground on the fairgreen was kindly donated by the Cooper family from Markree Castle. The Collooney dramatics society was set up to raise the £100 to build the court. The first play raised £50 of the cost. In a long list McGarry named the players of the past from the 1920’s right up to the present day who contributed and brought great honour and success to this historic club. He also mentioned “Ballymote’s Francie Cawley, the great Francis McCann, Martin Golden, All-Ireland handball champion Marcus Henry who could pick a ball inches from the back wall and kill it inches from the front wall. But the greatest local player that McGarry had seen was Michael Porter R.I.P. the holder of 11 All-Ireland titles and 21 Connacht titles who passed away last December.“ McGarry then asked for a minutes silence for the deceased club members. Robert Walsh, Dermot Harte & Johnny Muldowney were thanked for their hard work in getting the court looking in pristine condition and duly received a great round of applause. Patricia McCann, Denise Mullen & Collette Gallagher were praised by McGarry for providing the refreshements and for their great community spirit to the club. McGarry explained funding comes from the weekly bingo every Thursday evening and members contribute to the club lotto. McGarry welcomed anyone who would be in a position to contribute to the lotto for a period of 6 months. The Chairman bemoaned the fact “the club don’t have a 40 x 20 court of intercounty standards. It is simply not good enough our players have to leave the county. In a rousing finale McGarry used the famous line from a Barack Obama speech “Is feidir linn”. If we stick together we will do it,” enthused the Club Chairman.
Peter Chambers Sligo Handball Board Chairman then spoke. He opened his speech welcoming all in attendance saying “it was an historic and proud day for the Collooney club. Handball is the oldest game in Ireland and predates the G.A.A. with the first recorded game of handball in Ireland played in Galway in 1527. Handball has now become and international sport with the Irish bringing handball all over the world. Collooney has a rich and famous handball tradition and heritage which lives on in this club.” Chambers also thanked Johnny Muldowney, Robert Walsh & Dermot Clarke for having the court in pristine condition. He thanked “the people of Collooney for their support down through the years and all the bingo players and encouraged them to continue their support over the summer months. The 40 x 20 court is essential to promote the game as the players need to compete at the highest level.” Chambers is very confident “that within 18 months the club will be ready to go onwards and upwards. He asked for the support of the public representatives present to help the club securing Government sports funding to continue the project. The local media Sligo Champion, Sligo Weekender & Ocean FM were commended for their promotion of handball. TG4 were also thanked for helping handball giving it a huge profile.” The County Handball Chairman also received a warm round of applause.
Cyril Feehily Sligo G.A.A Chairman then took the stage and pledged his continuing support for handball. He acknowledged the outstanding work being done by Chris Curran GAA Handball CEO. The GAA in Collooney has got a huge awakening according to Feehily. “Owenmore Gaels & Collooney Handball Clubs are progressive clubs. You want this and we need this given.” He also asked the support of Politicians present to back the club in its fundraising drive. “So many people are involved in this community and despite these difficult times we can move forward in sport and education. Handball is known all over the world. In Sweden where it is played it means so much to them.” Feehily is very enthusiastic with the Collooney handball project. Well done & every success ended the Co. GAA Chairman to great applause.
Boylan still Ocean FM Handball champion
With the speeches out of the way the stage was set for the Ocean FM handball rematch between Francis Boylan Leitrim & David Murtagh Sligo. Leitrim’s Jamie Murray was the referee. In a fifteen minute match Boylan left off from the first match going into an 6-1 lead. The Sligo man was playing catch up all the time as Boylan maintained his lead. With the Sligo support fully behind the Sligo man Murtagh gave his all to get back into the contest. This he nearly achieved. After a comeback built on heart and purpose Murtagh mounted a great challenge. Twice he was within a whisker of the champion. At 18-17 the crowd on the edge of their seats extolling the Sligo man to seize the initiative. Murtagh was in a great position. However from somewhere Boylan summoned up untapped energy cracked into gear again with a five point blast. This time there was no fairytale riposte as Murtagh faded after an exhaustive comeback. The Sligo man bravely fought back with 3 points but it wasn’t enough. Boylan was relieved when the referee finally called time and the Leitrim man survived by 23-20 to retain the Ocean FM champion trophy for 2012.
In the second of the one wall matches Thomas Healy defeated Johnny Banks by 26-19.
The highlight of the evening the sod turning ceremony was performed by Maureen Mullen & Michael Flynn two people who have given outstanding service to Collooney organisations . The Collooney Handball Club were meticulous in their preparations and the committee of Hugh McGarry Chairman, Peter Chambers, Stanley Harte, Mick Kelly, Paddy Walsh, Peter Davey, Connell Cannon, Michael McGee, Shane Bruen, Michael McMorrow, Seamus Duffy & Brendan Carey can be justifiably pleased with their endeavours.
In a lovely gesture by the club all around the walls was adorned with photos of past and present player’s achievements. The dedicated handball committee with the support of the local community in Collooney and Sligo will have even bigger and better things to celebrate in the next couple of years. The historic founders in 1928 would have been very proud of this present generation knowing their lasting legacy they built upon is in such very good hands
Friday, May 18, 2012
Photos from the Collooney Handball Club sod turning ceremony Friday May 18th 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
Collooney Handball club celebrate start of new handball court
The Collooney handball club will officially turn the sod for the start of its new handball facility on Friday May 18th writes, Michael McGee.
The project will include a new 40 x 20 court, upgrading the existing 60 x 30 court and an outdoor one wall court. The Club has been in existence since 1928. The then Chairman Alfie Higgins a signal man on the Midland Railway and WP McElroy and Secretary approached the land owners the Cooper Family of Markree Castle who kindly donated a plot of ground on the Fairgreen. The Collooney dramatic club was formed to raise funds to build the alley. The sum of £100 was agreed with Messers, Gilhawley & Taylor from Enniscrone who were employed to do the work. Dances & plays were run by the local dramatic society in the old Camphill School. The first play raised £50. The first meeting regarding the alley was actually held outdoors on the footpath outside Cullen’s licensed premises. At the official opening in 1928 Joe & Paddy Bergin who had local connections and were residing in Tipperary played Jim Hunt & Eddie Perry from Sligo. Others who played included Joe Lane, Guard Cunnion from Ballintogher, Jim & Mickey O’Rourke from Ballisodare.
Over the years changes have taken place extending the side wall and erection of a low back wall. Many of the players associated with the club are now prominent GAA county stars. Mickey Noone played on Sligo’s first ever Connacht Championship winning side in 1928. Mick Jennings, Georgie Higgins, Jack Brennan & Sonny Weir also played with Collooney. The Clifford brothers Paddy, Francie & Vincent played with Sligo in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Paddy & Vincent Brennan, Ansulum Doyle, Sonny Hennessy, Fintan Quigley, Kevin Darcy, Padraig Lang, Michael McTiernan and of course the Walsh brothers Dessie, Paddy & Raphael. The legendary Paddy Walsh the holder of 28 All-Ireland handball titles received a special achievement award at the annual GAA Handball presentations in 2010. Other players associated with the club include Michael & Aidan Flynn, Tony Grey, Jimmy Brown, Johnny Brown of Ballisodare, the O’Rourkes of Ballisodare, the Nairn’s of Ballisodare, the great John Joe Lane, Tom Collery, Freddie Irwin, Sonny Weir, Jim Bonner, Gerry Connelly, John Kehoe, John & Michael Mannion, Paddy Callaghan, Jimmy Scanlon & Mick McDonagh.
The present crop of stars include Shane Bruen, Paddy Walsh, Vincent McKeon, Hugh McGarry, Connell Cannon, Mick Kelly, Peter Davey, John McLoughlin, Ken Cunningham, Pat O’ Sullivan, Seamus Duffy, Stanley Harte, Michael McGee, Sean Coen, Mick McMorrow & Peter Chambers all have won numerous Connacht & All-Ireland handball titles.
In 1996/97 the height of the walls was extended to 27ft and the installing a new floor. Dressing rooms were added in 1999.The old galvanised roof was replaced in 2001 with a modern roof. With the added facilities Collooney hosted many Connacht handball championships matches and a number of All-Ireland semi-finals & finals. There was a number of fundraising adventures including bed pushes, sponsored cycles, Queen of Tirerrill Beauty Competition, weekly draws and “give us a clue competition.” Club Chairman Hugh McGarry and Committee sat down in January of last year with plans for the new handball complex unveiled. The meeting was attended by Cyril Feehily Sligo G.A.A Chairman, Fr. Pat Peyton Collooney P.P. representatives from the local sporting clubs and Sligo Handball Officials and supporters. Fundraising includes a weekly lotto and bingo in the Collooney Hall each Thursday. Three years ago the Collooney Handball Club generously received a cheque for $2,000 dollars from Andy Healy, President of the Boston Sligo Association Healy who is a native of Strandhill. Healy went to Summerhill College Sligo in 1965 before emigrating to Boston. The club are at present applying for Government sports funding. The present committee of Hugh McGarry, Stanley Harte, Shane Bruen, Michael McMorrow, Seamus Duffy, Mick Kelly, Paddy Walsh, Peter Chambers, Peter Davey, Michael McGee, Connell Cannon & Brendan Carey are working extremely hard on this project. There is a great sporting community spirit in Collooney with the award winning Owenmore Gaels G.A.A. pitch opened last October and the recent developed modern playground on the fairgreen.
The celebrations will begin with a TG4 camera crew visiting the Ocean FM’s radio station at 1 p.m.for interviews with Francis Boylan & David Murtagh co-presenters on the popular “Lazy afternoon show.” Just seven weeks ago Boylan, a Manorhamilton native representing Leitrim defeated David Murtagh in the Sligo colours by 15-9, 15-12 in an exciting contest. The re-match looks set to be equally exciting. After the interviews TG4 will travel to Tubbercurry from 2 – 4 p.m. to film students from the Holy Family N.S. Recently Ballymote native John Cawley a teacher in the school set up a handball club in the school with amazing results. The pupils are being coached by an International Athletics champion & a treble All-Ireland handball champion in Padraig Maye. After interviews and coaching the cameras will return to Collooney for the official sod turning at 6 p.m. Local G.A.A stalwarts Michael Flynn & Maureen Mullin who have given outstanding service to the local community organisations will have the honour of turning the first sod on the club’s new handball court. Maureen Mullin was treasurer of the St. Feichin’s Community Games from 1973-1998 and Treasurer of the Teeling Centre for the past 26 years. Michael Flynn was handball trustee back in the 1970’s.Following the sod turning ceremony the eagerly awaited rematch between Ocean FM’s Francis Boylan v David Murtagh will take place which is sure to get the large Sligo faithful fully behind Murtagh as he attempts to win the Ocean FM handball champion trophy for 2012 at his second attempt. There is also a celebrity challenge between well known locals Johnny Banks Teeling Centre Manager and Tomas Healy. The match will be refereed by Chairman of the Owenmore Gaels G.A.A. Club Martin Cannon. Refreshments will be provided. The afternoon’s handball highlights in Sligo will be shown on the TG4 GAA Handball Show later in the year.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Macsports Handball Manufacturers
For the full range of products of handballs, gloves & goggles see the link below. The company provide an excellent service to all GAA Handball players and supporters.
Macsports
How to make handballs
Address: Ger Og McCormac Macsports Unit 1 J.F.K. Drive Bluebell Dublin 12
E-mail: macsportsirl@gmail.com
Telephone: (0)1 4566177
Fax: (0)1 4504414
Macsports
How to make handballs
Address: Ger Og McCormac Macsports Unit 1 J.F.K. Drive Bluebell Dublin 12
E-mail: macsportsirl@gmail.com
Telephone: (0)1 4566177
Fax: (0)1 4504414
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Celebrations in Collooney Handball Club
Celebrations in Collooney Handball Club
Collooney Handball Club will have the Official sod turning ceremony on Friday 18th May. This small but vibrant club in Sligo is starting out on an ambitious project which will see a new 40 x 20 court, upgrading the existing 60 x 30 court, and an outdoor 1 wall court. TG4 Cameras will spend the day in Sligo. It’s first port of call will be to the Ocean FM studios at 1 p.m. to interview 2 of the station’s radio presenters Francis Boylan & David Murtagh who will go head to head again to be crowned Ocean FM handball champion 2012. Boylan representing Leitrim got the better of his co star David Murtagh in the Sligo colours last time out. Following interviews the television crew will travel to Tubbercurry from 2 – 4 p.m to film pupils in the Holy Family National School playing handball in St. Brigid’s Hall. Ballymote native John Cawley a teacher in the Tubbercurry School has recently started handball in the school with amazing results. The pupils are being coached by Padraig Maye an International Athletics champion and a treble All-Ireland champion. GAA Handball National Development Officer Darragh Daly will be teaching the skills on the day. Following 2 hours in Tubbercurry the crew will return to Collooney for the Sod Turning ceremony at 6 p.m. Michael Flynn & Maureen Mullin two of Collooney’s longest serving GAA stalwarts will have the honour of turning the sod. Afterwards the handball one wall rematch between Ocean FM’s Francis Boylan (Leitrim) v David Murtagh (Sligo) will take place. There is also a celebrity one wall match between well known Johnny Banks Teeling Centre Manager and Tomas Healy County Councillor. Refreshments will be provided. Members of Sligo G.A.A. Board, local TD’s, media and invited guests are expected to attend the celebrations. The Sod Turning ceremony and handball games will be shown on the TG4 GAA Handball Show at a later date.
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