Remarkable Year of Growth and Achievement in 2025 for Leitrim Handball

As 2025 draws to a close, Leitrim GAA Handball can reflect with pride on a year marked by significant growth, strong community involvement, and notable success at regional, national and international levels.

The past year has seen participation across the county continue to rise, with Leitrim’s four handball clubs now catering for over 100 juvenile players. While many enjoy the sport socially, an increasing number are competing at a high level, highlighting the healthy balance between participation and performance within the county.

The season began on a positive note in January with the successful running of the Shannonside League. Featuring over 60 games and involving juvenile players from Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo, the league provided valuable competitive opportunities and set the tone for the year ahead.

One of the standout stories of 2025 was the continued success of Fenagh’s Sophie Kane. Sophie enjoyed an exceptional year, winning the Connacht Under-13 40×20 title and claiming medals at European level. Her performances were recognized when she was awarded the Juvenile Leitrim Sport Star of the Year for her achievements in handball both nationally and internationally.

Sophie’s sister, Katie Kane, also had a strong season despite struggling with injury. Highlights included winning gold at the European Tour Under-17 one-wall competition in Belfast and finishing runner-up in the Ladies B grade at the same event. Katie also collected further honors throughout the year at Connacht and national level.

Success was spread across clubs and age groups. Annaduff’s Maxim Gilmartin and Fenagh’s Daniel Kane were Connacht Under-15 boys’ doubles champions, while Maxim also won the Connacht 60×30 schools’ championship with Mohill Community College and secured a bronze medal at the National Community Games Under-16 boys singles finals. He later reached the semi-final of the All-Ireland Under-14 60×30 championship.

At All-Ireland level, Daniel Kane and Maxim Gilmartin played exceptionally well reaching the Under 15 40×20 doubles final, earning silver medals, while Nora Smith of Manorhamilton finished runner-up in the Girls Minor 60×30 All-Ireland final. Manorhamilton players Joel Smith and Anthony Flynn also featured prominently, finishing runners-up in Connacht Silver Masters B doubles competitions across both 40×20 and 60×30 formats.

Leitrim once again demonstrated its ability to host major events, welcoming the Connacht Juvenile A Finals to Fenagh, Annaduff and Drumshanbo, and hosting All-Ireland Ladies 40×20 Championship matches in Drumshanbo. Connacht 60×30 championship games were also hosted in Drumkeeran during the summer.

Coaching and development remained a central focus throughout the year. National school teachers across the county undertook handball training courses, while additional coaching and teacher education sessions were delivered in Annaduff by GAA Handball Regional Development Officer Clare Conway. Increased parental involvement and volunteer engagement on club committees further strengthened the county’s handball structure.

Player welfare continued to be a priority, with Leitrim GAA Handball completing updated risk assessments and child safeguarding statements. Over 20 coaches and mentors completed safeguarding training during the year, reinforcing the county’s commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment.

Despite challenging weather conditions, local events such as the Manorhamilton one-wall tournament proved highly successful, adapting seamlessly when play was moved indoors. Cormac Scarff wins the boys title, with Arro O’Reilly winning the plate. Abbie Kane wins the girls title, with Emma Curry winning the girls plate.

As the season moved into autumn, Fenagh’s Ed Lee featured prominently in his first foray into wallball competitions, finishing runner-up in the Connacht Diamond Masters final, having achieved silver in the All-Ireland Ruby Masters 60×30 final earlier this year, underlining Leitrim’s core strength and foundations at adult level.

Overall, 2025 has been a year to celebrate for Leitrim GAA Handball — a year of achievement nationally, with growing progress, participation and immense pride locally. The dedication of players, volunteers, and supporters has laid a solid foundation for continued success, and the county looks forward to building further on this momentum in the 2026 seasons to come.