Handball News: Kanes Make It an All-Leitrim Final at “Battle of the Courts 2025”

Kanes Make It an All-Leitrim Final at “Battle of the Courts 2025”

Clough-Ballacolla, Co. Laois – Leitrim’s emerging handball talent made a powerful impression at the “Battle of the Courts 2025” last weekend, as six juvenile players competed against the country’s best in an early-season showcase. Hosted by Clough-Ballacolla Handball Club in County Laois, the event drew over 70 young athletes from all four provinces and served as a key warm-up for the upcoming Connacht and National 1-Wall Championships.

Leading the way for Leitrim were Fenagh sisters Sophie and Abbie Kane, who lit up the U13 girls’ division. Both impressed on opposite sides of the draw, showing outstanding skill and composure to reach the final. Sophie ultimately claimed the title, continuing her excellent run of form in 2025. Abbie, competing above her age category, also turned heads with her maturity and consistent performances. The duo will be strong favourites heading into the Connacht Championship.
In the U17 girls’ division, Katie Kane delivered a gritty and determined display. After a narrow defeat in her opener, she bounced back strongly with a dominant win and was unlucky to lose her third game 21-18 in a tightly contested encounter. As one of the younger competitors in this grade and facing some of the top-ranked players in the country, Katie showed she’s right in the mix as the championship season approaches.

In the U17 boys’ competition, Annaduff’s Gary Cox began strongly with a first-round win before facing Wexford’s Nathan Lawlor in a high-quality match. Despite a 21-15 loss, Cox played some outstanding handball. With some tightening of his serve, he looks poised to make a real impact in the weeks ahead.
Fenagh’s Daniel Kane also put in a strong showing in the U15 boys’ division. He secured wins against opponents from Kilkenny and Cork before narrowly losing out to eventual champion Thomas O’Brien of Wexford. Their match was evenly balanced until a few late errors swung momentum. Kane’s display suggests he’ll be a serious contender when championship action kicks off.
Annaduff’s Adam Neary also impressed in the U15 boys’ grade. After three consecutive wins, he once again met Wexford powerhouse Charlie Roche who denied him a place in the final four. While Roche repeated his win from a previous meeting, Neary showed continued improvement and is steadily closing the gap with the top players. He’ll be a key player for Leitrim in the provincial campaign.

As the Connacht and National 1-Wall Championships draw closer, Leitrim’s juvenile handballers look well-prepared to make their mark in 2025. Next up for the girls are back-to-back weekends of action, starting with the “She’s ACE” Wallball Festival in Galway (Sept 12–13). They will be joined by the boys on the following weekend for a trip to the Aran Islands to compete in the “Aon Bhalla Inis Mór” event.