Handball News: Leitrim’s young guns shoot for the stars | Manorhamilton 1-wall tournament moved indoors to Drumkeeran

Leitrim’s young guns shoot for the stars in Cairn Community Games National Finals.

Medal success at national level is something which often alludes Leitrim’s juvenile athletes, however our young handball stars once again bucked this trend and consigned any sense of county inferiority to the bin when they secured two hard won Cairn Community Games medals in the national finals played in Drumlish Co. Longford last weekend.

Fenagh’s Sophie Kane playing for the Ballinamore Community games area once again showed why she is a name to watch in ladies 1-wall handball when the young 13 years old fought off older competitors to seal gold in the U16 girl’s national finals. Meanwhile Annaduff’ s Maxim Gilmartin who was representing the Mohill Community games area, won the bronze medal in the boys U16 national final.

Sophie Kane

Sophie’s was presented with a tough drawn against tournament favourite Aoife Walsh from Galway in her first game, but she competently defeated this top Irish player 21-13. This set the pace for the day as Sophie overcame Sligo, Wexford and Monaghan opposition, grinding out 21-11, 21-12 and 21-13 victories respectively. In the national final, which was an all-Connacht affair, Sophie defeating Grace Corrigan from Lisacull Roscommon on a 21-13 scoreline and securing the gold medal for Leitrim and rapturous celebrations.

Maxim Gilmartin started the day by quickly dispatching Cavan and Clare opponents 21-7, 21-9. His quarter final match against Sean Keyes from Meath produced a tough arm wrestle with two evenly matched players exchanging points all the way through the game. Tightly poised at 19 apiece, Maxim had to dig deep to eke out a 21-19 victory and a place in the semi-final against Enrico Patrizi from Westmeath. In the semi-final the Westmeath man gave a masterclass in serves with the eventual U16 Boys champion defeating Maxim 21-6. All was not lost as the plucky Annaduff man regained his composure in the third-place playoff to claim the bronze medal defeating Oisin McGrath from Kildare on a 21-14 scoreline.


Maxim Gilmartin

Leitrim had seven players in contention in the national finals and each proudly represented their county over the weekend. Well done to Abbie Kane representing Ballinamore Community Games area who reached the quarter finals of the girls u13 competition. Also well done to Eimear Ni Thiarnan from Drumshanbo area who was unlucky not to progress in the girls U13 competition too.
Ruairi McKiernan who also representing Drumshanbo area fell short of the medal positions when he bowed out in the boys u13 quarter finals. Eoin Mahon who represented Carrick area was given a very tough opening draw against Westmeath opposition in the boys U16 competition. Despite Eoin’s best efforts his Westmeath opponent prevailed. Conor Cox representing Mohill area gave a gallant performance against strong opposition in his first national finals in the U13 boys competition.


Conor Cox and his Westmeath opponent
Ruairi McKiernan and his Monaghan opponent   |  Maxim Gilmartin and Eoin Mahon
Eimear Ni Thiarnan and her Monaghan opponent | Abbie Kane and her Roscommon opponent

Interestingly all seven Leitrim players will all be eligible to play in their respective categories again next year! More great things to come from this brilliant bunch of athletes.

A special word of thanks to all the coaches and parents for preparing the Leitrim players for the national finals. A big thank you to everybody in Leitrim Community Games and Leitrim Handball for organizing competitions locally. Finally, a word of praise to all the referees and organizers, Longford Community Games, Longford Handball and Drumlish Sports Centre who ran the national finals so efficiently over the weekend.

Inclement weather doesn’t dampen spirits as Manorhamilton 1-wall tournament moved to Drumkeeran.

No outside event can be played in Leitrim without a plan B, this meant that Manorhamilton’s outdoor 2nd level student tournament was played indoor at Drumkeeran handball alley due to the heavy rain that we all experienced. A big thanks to the Drumkeeran team for their facilitation of the event which meant that we were able to run a great event indoors.

Players from Fenagh, Annaduff and Manorhamilton took part, and it was evident from an early stage that the Fenagh and Annaduff players had amassed a lot of experience in competitions already, none more so perhaps than young Abbie Kane from Fenagh who took the girl’s title. She defeated Abbey Miller from Manorhamilton who played some fantastic handball and performed excellently under pressure. Sadhbh Smith and Emma Curry battled it out in the plate competition, but it was Emma who triumphed on this occasion. In the main event there were lots of great games with Cormac Scarff, Daniel Kane, Adam Neary and Gary Cox all progressing. After some very entertaining games it was Daniel and Cormac who reached the final.

(1) Arró O’Reilly and Tadhg Kirwan with JP Kane.   (2) Abbie Kane and runner up Abbey Miller  (3) Sadhbh Smith and girls’ plate winner Emma Curry (4) Daniel Kane and Cormac Scarff 

From the outset you could see the experience that Daniel took into the final match, and he looked very comfortable at the front, but Cormac dug deep, and his competitive edge really came to the fore as he in turn moved forward to dominate the front. In the end it was Cormac who prevailed, taking the title on a scoreline of 15 12.

Finally, the plate competition was won by Arró O’Reilly who after an initial loss in the main competition put on a very dominant performance in the plate, however in the final Tadhg Kirwan really pushed him to the limit with some excellent play especially with his left and over hand. Arró really looked back to form and will be looking forward to the Connacht one wall later in the year.
Thanks to coach and referee Anthony O’Flynn and to Gráinne Mc Garty for hospitality as well as to the Drumkeeran club. Manorhamilton will host a national school competition next week.

Annaduff, Fenagh, Manorhamilton players and supporters at the 2nd level 1-wall tournament played in Drumkeeran.

 

 

David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Handball News: More European Handball Success | Maxim Gilmartin wins 1st year Boys Connacht Softball Championship

More European Handball Success for Fenagh’s Kane Family

Katie, Sophie and Daniel Kane from Fenagh added to their growing collection of European and Irish underage handball accolades when the European 1-wall tour stopped off in Ireland last weekend. Playing in a packed field of top Irish and European wallball players at the “Antrim Slam” event near Belfast, this Fenagh trio brought home a slew of awards reinforcing their growing reputation on the 1-wall circuit.

Older sister Katie won the 17 and under girl’s championship in some style on Sunday morning having been undefeated in all matches in this category. Also playing in the Ladies B category, Katie came tantalizingly close to booking herself a spot on the prestigious ladies tour when she was pipped by the bare minimum 21-20 in a nail-biting final.
Katie’s younger sister Sophie added to her earlier European Junior championship successes, winning the 13 and under girl’s plate title. Coming up against a strong opponent in her first group game on Saturday, Sophie was unlucky to lose by the bare minimum to the eventual group winner. Regrouping from this initial setback, Sophie went on to decisively win her remaining games and bring the plate back to Fenagh.

Meanwhile, their brother Daniel played some brilliant stylish handball to claim the runner up spot in the boys 15 and under cup competition. Holding his own against tough opposition at the group stage on Saturday, Daniel showed a great improvement in his game before eventually succumbing to current world number 1 player Kevin McGrath in the final.
Collectively Katie, Daniel and Sophie brought home more silverware from the European tour this weekend than any other family involved. Wales is the next stop on the European tour for the Fenagh trio when the Welsh open takes place in August.
Well done to everyone involved.

 
L-R : Dan McVicker (Irish Wallball Coach), Katie Kane (Girls 17 & under cup winner & Ladies B runner up),
Sophie Kane (Girls 13 & under plate winner), Daniel Kane (Boys 15 & under cup runner up).

Annaduff’s Maxim Gilmartin wins 1st year Boys Connacht Softball Championship

Huge congratulations to Annaduff’s Maxim Gilmartin who was crowned Connacht Softball – 1st year boys singles champion on Sunday last in Moycullen Co. Galway. Representing Mohill Community College, the young Annaduff clubman had to put in a brilliant performance in the big 60×30 alley to defeat Senan Johnston from St Nathy’s College in the final on a 15-12, 15,13 scoreline. The final turned into a long and physically demanding game of handball between two evenly matched players, where the lead and serve changed hands multiple times. Maxim dug deep to overcome Senan in both games and in so doing won the first ever Connacht Handball title for Mohill Community College!

Leitrim also competed in the boy’s intermediate singles championship with Tadhg Kirwan representing St Clares CS. Manorhamilton in the finals. Tadhg met a strong player in Sean Corrigan from St Nathy’s in his semi-final and despite his best efforts couldn’t find a way past him this time.

 

Maxim Gilmartin – 60×30 Connacht Colleges 1st year boys singles champion.

 

 

David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Handball News: Leitrim Host 4-Wall Adult Ladies | European One Wall tour event | Connacht Secondary Schools Softball finals

Leitrim Host 4-Wall Adult Ladies Championship Matches

Two adult ladies 4-wall All Ireland Championship games were hosted by Leitrim Handball in Drumshanbo on Saturday evening last.
In game one, Anna Scott from Mayo defeated Carol Mc Keon of Monaghan 21-13. 21-3 in the quarter final of the ladies Junior C championship.
Game two had Michelle Warren from Tyrone play Roisin Scott from Mayo in the ladies junior B quarter final, with the Tyrone lady progressing on a 21-14. 21-3 score line.
Anthony O Flynn from the Manorhamilton club was the referee for both games.
Well done to everyone involved in Drumshanbo and Leitrim Handball for helping facilitate these matches.

Picture : Roisin Scott from Mayo and Michelle Warren from Tyrone, Carol McKeon from Monaghan and Anna Scott from Mayo

 

Fenagh’s Kane’s set sights on further European success in Antrim.

One wall handball comes back into focus this weekend when the Antrim Slamswings into action at venues across Belfast, Newtownabbey and Toomebridge on Saturday May 3rd and Sunday May 4th.  This European One Wall tour event will feature a packed field of top Irish and European wallball players.
Fenagh’s Kane family will be joining the action, hoping to further build on their tour success’ in the Netherlands earlier this year with some titles on Irish soil.
Sophie travels to Antrim at the weekend to compete in the 13 & under girl’s categories. Her brother Daniel will compete in the 15 and under boys categories
Meanwhile older sister Katie is competing in both the girls 17 and under age group, as well as the women’s B singles events.

Best of luck Sophie, Daniel and Katie.

Connacht Secondary Schools Softball finals.

Big Alley (60×30) season starts this weekend with the Connacht Secondary Schools Softball finals fixed for May 4th and 5th next.
Leitrim Handball will have representation from two schools in the finals. Mohill Community College students Adam Neary and Maxim Gilmartin are competing in the 1st year championship.
They will also be joined in the 1st year competition by Arro O’Reilly from St Clares Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton.
Completing the Leitrim lineup is Tadhg Kirwin from St Clares CS who competes in the Intermediate (U17) championship.
Keep an eye out on the Leitrim Handball facebook page for further details of venues and times.

Best of luck Adam, Arro, Maxim and Tadhg.

 

 

David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Handball News: Leitrim Players Put Up Strong Fight in Connacht 4-Wall Semifinals

Leitrim Players Put Up Strong Fight in Connacht 4-Wall Semifinals

The Connacht Adult 4-Wall Singles Championship reached its semifinal stage over the Easter weekend, with Leitrim handball boasting two competitors vying for final places in their respective categories.
Proceedings began on Friday evening in Collooney, where Fenagh’s Barry McDonagh faced off against Mayo’s Vinnie McLoughlin in the Masters B category. McDonagh gave a determined performance, pushing his Mayo opponent to the limit. However, the more agile McLoughlin proved too much on the night, claiming victory with a 21-16, 21-15 scoreline.
On Monday evening, attention shifted to Aughagower, Co. Mayo, where Fenagh’s Ed Lee took on Michael Heraty in their Ruby Master semifinal. Despite Lee’s best efforts, home advantage played a crucial role as Heraty dominated proceedings in the court, with Ed struggling to find his usual rhythm from serve. Heraty ultimately took the place in the final on a 21-6, 21-10 scoreline.
These hard-fought semifinals mark the conclusion of what was a busy and action-packed 2025 adult and juvenile 4-wall season for Leitrim Handball. Attention now shifts to the upcoming summer months and “big alley” events that lie ahead.


Picture : Mayo’s Vinnie McLoughlin and Leitrim’s Barry McDonagh before their Connacht Masters B semi-final match.

 

 

 

David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Handball News: Connacht B Champ News | Connacht Adult 4-Wall Singles Champ Roundup | Brady Turns on the Style in Sligo

Connacht B Championship News

Leitrim’s juvenile 4-wall season concluded on Saturday morning last when a 12 strong team of up-and-coming Handball players competed in the Connacht B Doubles championships in Roscommon, Lisacul and Claremorris.
For most it was their first experience of playing competitively in Connacht. By all accounts everybody did brilliantly with all their hard work and training throughout the season coming to fruition. These young players will have learned a huge amount from their experiences on Saturday last and with continued practice, patience and coaching, they will be names to watch for in the next few years.  Keep up the good work.
A special word of thanks to all the juvenile coaches in Annaduff, Fenagh, Drumshanbo, and Manorhamilton clubs for giving all their time over the winter, as well as their dedication and enthusiasm for growing the game of Handball in Leitrim.
Maith sibh!

Collage – Connacht Juvenile B Doubles Championship 2025

 

Connacht Adult 4-Wall Singles Championship Roundup

Manorhamilton’s Joel Smith was in Connacht 4-Wall Singles Championship action last weekend when he played Roscommon’s Darragh O’Gara in their Silver Masters B quarter final on Saturday evening in Collooney .  Despite his best efforts, the Roscommon man got the better of Joel this time proceeding to the semi-final on a 21-9. 21-7 score line.
Connacht 4-Wall Singles Championship continues next weekend with two more Leitrim competitors entering at semi-final stage.  Fenagh’s Barry McDonagh will play Mayo’s Vinnie McLoughlin in their Masters B semi-final match, and Ed Lee will take on an opponent in the Ruby Masters grade.
Venue details and time, as well as competition results can be tracked online at https://knowthescore.ie/
Best of Luck Barry and Ed.
Leitrim’s Joel Smith and his Roscommon opponent, Daragh O’Gara before their Silver Masters B Singles Quarter Final match in the Connacht 4-wall championship.
World Champion Brady Turns on the Style in Sligo.
The oneills.com 4-wall Senior Singles All Ireland Championship presented an enthralling encounter last weekend between the ever-present 45-year-old Paul Brady from Cavan and the young pretender Cormac Finn from Sligo. Played before a full house in Collooney on Friday evening last, Brady who is 6 time and current world champion, utilized his impressive armoury of exception mobility, unbelievable serving and above all else quite incredibly accurate killing of the ball from every part of the court to see off his much younger competitor. Cormac, to his credit did pull off some exceptional shots against the maestro, however there weren’t just enough of these magic moments and the Cavan man took the match on a 21-4. 21-9 score line.
For Leitrim Handball fans it was an opportunity to see the world champion play on their doorstep. Young player Adam Neary from Annaduff was there, and after the match took the opportunity to have his photo taken with and chat with the great man. But better was to come when Paul produced a signed jersey for Adam to bring home with him, making the occasion a very memorable one for Adam.
Paul Brady will play Westmeath’s Robbie McCarthy in the Men’s Senior Singles Semi-final in Croke Park on Saturday afternoon next.

Annaduff Handball player Adam Neary meets current World Handball Champion Cavan’s Paul Brady after his Men’s senior singles match. Paul kindly gave Adam a signed jersey as a memento .

 

 

David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Handball News: Leitrim Community Games Handball Finals | Connacht Juv B Doubles Champ Finals | Connacht Adult 4-Wall Singles Champ Roundup

Plenty of Fun at the Leitrim Community Games Handball Finals

Fenagh Alley was busy on Saturday morning last as the 2025 Leitrim Community Games Handball finals took place. Building on the success of last year’s rejuvenated event, this year’s competition was even bigger, with more areas of the county taking part.

Spectators had the chance to watch some very entertaining and exciting handball matches, with players in the U13 and U16 categories showing off their one-wall skills in the hope of winning medals and securing a spot in the national finals.

Well done to everyone who participated, and congratulations to the medal winners. The gold and silver medallists will represent Leitrim at the national finals, which will be held in Drumlish, County Longford, on May 24th-25th.

A sincere thanks to everyone who helped organize and referee matches in their local areas as well as the county finals. Thank you to JP Kane and Fenagh club for hosting the county finals.
Best of luck to everyone heading to the national finals.

Full list of winners ( – see pics below):

U13 Girls:

  • Gold – Abbie Kane (Ballinamore)
  • Silver – Eimer Ni Thiarnan (Drumshanbo)
  • Bronze – Muireann Cox (Mohill)

 

U13 Boys:

  • Gold – Ruairi McKiernan (Drumshanbo)
  • Silver – Conor Cox (Mohill)
  • Bronze – Vinnie Ferguson (Manorhamilton)

U16 Boys:

  • Gold – Maxim Gilmartin (Mohill)
  • Silver – Eoin Mahon (Carrick on Shannon)
  • Bronze – Arro O’Reilly (Manorhamilton)

U16 Girls:

  • Gold – Sophie Kane (Ballinamore)

Connacht Juvenile B Doubles Championship Finals

The rescheduled Connacht Juvenile B Doubles Championship will be played next weekend, April 12/13th in Roscommon venues. Best of luck to all the young U11 – U13 boys and girls who are representing Leitrim. Keep an eye out on the Leitrim Handball Facebook page for further details of times and venues. (https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball).

Connacht Adult 4-Wall Singles Championship Roundup

The Connacht 4-Wall Singles Championship continues next weekend with two Leitrim competitors entering the alley at quarter final stage. Drumshanbo’s Leo Logan waits either a Roscommon or Mayo opponent in his Over 35’s quarter final match. Meanwhile Manorhamilton’s Joel Smith will play Roscommon’s Darragh O’Gara in their Silver Master B quarter final. Best of Luck Leo and Joel.

 

Collage – U13 medallists : Muireann Cox Mohill (Bronze U13 Girls), Abbie Kane Ballinamore (Gold U13 Girls), Eimer McKiernan Drumshanbo (Silver U13 Girls).
Vinnie Ferguson Manorhamilton (Bronze U13 Boys), Ruairi McKiernan Drumshanbo (Gold U13 Boys), Conor Cox Mohill (Silver U13 Boys).

Collage – U16 medallists : Sophie Kane Ballinamore (Gold – U16 girls),
Arro O’Reilly Manorhamilton ( Bronze – U16 Boys) with JP Kane,
Maxim Gilmartin Mohill (Gold u16 boys) and Eoin Mahon Carrick (Silver u16 boys)


Collage – Selection of photos from the Leitrim Community Games Handball Finals

David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Handball News: Coach & Teacher Training | Connacht 4-Wall 2nd Level Colleges Finals | Connacht GAA Handball 4-Wall Singles Championship — -copy

GAA Handball – Coach & Teacher Training in Annaduff

A significant milestone was reached by Annaduff GAA Handball Club on Thursday evening last when 14 coaches and parents from Annaduff and surrounding clubs graduated from the GAA Handball Foundational Coaching course. The course, delivered by GAA Handball’s Regional Development Officer Clare Conway, took place in the Leitrim GAA Centre of Excellence.
Earlier that day, teaching staff from Annaduff Primary School, and other local primary and secondary schools, participated in a GAA Handball Teacher Training workshop. This initiative ensures that schools in the area are now equipped to teach and promote handball as part of their PE classes, utilizing both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Together, these efforts provide a strong foundation for the young Annaduff Handball Club to build upon and will undoubtedly help foster greater interest in the sport within the local community.
A special thank you to Clare Conway and the GAA Handball staff, Clare Caslin and her team at Annaduff NS, Leitrim GAA CoE staff, and to all the parents, coaches, and executive members of Annaduff GAA Handball and Leitrim Handball, who generously gave their time and support to make this event a reality.


Coaches and parents from Annaduff and surrounding Handball clubs who completed the GAA Handball Foundation Coaching course.
Staff of Annaduff NS and surrounding schools who competed the Teacher Training workshop delivered by GAA Handball regional development officer – Clare Conway.

Connacht 4-Wall 2nd Level Colleges Finals

Congratulations to all those who represented Leitrim schools in the Connacht 2nd Level Colleges Finals in Galway on Saturday. This A-grade provincial competition, which had been on hiatus since Covid-enforced cancellation, was revived this year. Unfortunately, the original finals scheduled for January, were postponed due to Storm Eowyn.
Six players from St. Clare’s Community College Manorhamilton, Mohill Community School, and Ballinamore Community School represented Leitrim in last week’s matches. Although several players reached provincial final matches, no Connacht titles came to Leitrim this time. Nevertheless, the experience gained, and the friendships formed along the way were invaluable.
Well done to all involved, and better luck next time!


Peter Cox and Maxim Gilmartin who competed for Mohill Community College in the Connacht 4-wall Second Level Colleges Finals in Moycullen
Sophie Kane ( Ballinamore CS) in the 1st year girls singles Connacht colleges final in Moycullen
Eoghan Kelly & Adam Neary (Mohill Community College) in the 1st year boys doubles Connacht colleges semi-final in Claregalway on Saturday last.

Connacht Adult 4-Wall Singles Championship Roundup

The Connacht 4-Wall Singles Championship got underway last weekend with 30 matches across various adult grades, scheduled at 10 different venues over the next couple of weeks.
Manorhamilton’s Peter Boyle, competing in the Junior B grade, was the first of Leitrim’s seven competitors to take to the court. Peter faced Galway’s Padraic McNeela in Abbeyknockmoy on Saturday evening last. Unfortunately, Peter came out second best this time, with the Galway player advancing to the next round.
Next up for Leitrim is Fenagh’s Peter McDwyer, who will play Keith Donnellan from Galway in the Golden Masters B grade in Roscommon on Saturday evening. Best of luck, Peter!

 

David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Handball News: Connacht Silver Medals | Rescheduled Connacht Colleges 4-wall Finals | Connacht GAA Handball 4-Wall Singles Championship

Connacht Silver Medals for Manorhamilton’s Sadhbh and Ronan.

Two Connacht silver medals were the reward for Leitrim’s juvenile handballers who competed in the 40×20 B championships on Saturday last in Roscommon, Lisacul and Claremorris. Manorhamilton’s Sadhbh Smith and Ronan Sieber both competed brilliantly in the U13 girls and U11 boy’s singles finals, each bringing silver medals back to the north Leitrim club. Sadhbh and Ronan were part of a nine-strong group of young players who represented Leitrim with pride on the day.

Sadhbh began her journey to the U13 girl’s final against Mayo’s Mia Reid. It was the Mayo player who got off to the better start, but Sadhbh dug deep to score 7 to Mia’s 15. While Mia took the first game, Sadhbh had found a probing serve and when combined with her excellent volleying and calm demeanor, gave her victory in the second game 15-9. Mia had the all-important serve to start the third game by virtue of most points scored and while she made a few points Sadhbh managed to meet the ball and indeed hit a few nice roof shots to take service back. Both players were improving all the time, but it was Sadhbh who battled through to the final on a scoreline of 15-9.

Waiting in the final was Róise Leonard from Galway! Sadhbh battled hard in the first game but lost 15-3 while in the second she dug in and scored 6 against Róise. The Galway player was a worthy champion, but Sadhbh learned a lot from the experience and collected her silver medal for club and county.

Ronan Siebert started his U11 championship positively by beating both his Mayo and Sligo quarter final and semi-final opposition in two straight games. The final started with Ronan serving first against Roscommon’s Eoin McDermott. It was a tit for tat game with most points being won in rallies and not player error which is a credit to both players. Ronan took some difficult shots off the backwall successfully and making some very impressive pass shots. The game was tied at six apiece before the Roscommon player pulled away finishing the first game 11-6 to Roscommon.
The second game had some notable long rallies, but once again the Roscommon player pulled away to win 11-4. It was an impressive match, and the referee complimented both players on their level of play in an U11s final, with Ronan really showed he can and will be an A player of the future.

Elsewhere, Rhys Glancy came agonizingly close to reaching the U12 boys final when he lost out to his Mayo opponent by the bare minimum in a tiebreak game. Caoimhe Glancy, Muireann Cox, Eoghan Kelly, Senan Prior, Niall Loughlin & Sam Conroy all but in great performances in their respective matches but found themselves up against tough opposition. For most, this was their very first time playing in a Connacht Championship environment and they will have learned a huge amount from the experience, and will no doubt be ones to watch for Leitrim and their clubs in the future.
Well done one and all!


Top L- R:
Aengus Cunningham from Roscommon Handball presents the Connacht B U11 Boys finalists with their medals – Ronan Sieber (Leitrim), Eoin McDermott (Roscommon)
Róise Leonard (Galway) & Sadhbh Smith (Leitrim) – Connacht B U13 Girls Final
Bottom L-R:
Caoimhe Glancy (Leitrim) – Connacht B U11 Girls Quarter-final
Senan Prior (Leitrim) – Connacht B U11 Boys Quarter-final.
Muireann Cox (Leitrim) – Connacht B U11 Girls Semi-final
Eoghan Kelly (Leitrim) – Connacht B U13 Boys Semi-final

 

Rescheduled Connacht Colleges 4-wall Finals go ahead on Saturday next.

The re-scheduled Connacht colleges 4-wall championship finals take place in Claregalway and Moycullen Co. Galway on Saturday next, March 29th. This provincial 2nd level competition which was revived for the first time this year since Covid fell victim to storm Eowyn back in January.

Mohill Community College leads the way with four Annaduff club players in the finals. Peter Cox will compete in the Junior (u15) boys singles grade, while recent All Ireland u15 doubles finalist Maxim Gilmartin will take part in the 1st year boys singles event. Additionally, clubmates Adam Neary and Eoghan Kelly will team up for the 1st year boys doubles competition.

Ballinamore Community School will have Sophie Kane in the 1st year girl’s singles, and she will also be joined by Ella Crinnigan who will compete in the junior (u15) girl’s singles. St Clare’s Comprehensive School Manorhamilton will be represented by Cormac Scarff in the Intermediate (U17) boys single competition.
Best of luck to all the players next weekend. Beir Bua!

Connacht GAA Handball 4-Wall Singles Championship 2025

Adult handball springs back into action next weekend with several Connacht 4-wall singles championship Junior B and Junior C grade matches up for decision. First out for Leitrim will be Manorhamilton’s Peter Boyle who plays Galway’s Padraic McNeela in their Junior B preliminary round match on Saturday evening next, March 29th in Abbeyknockmoy. The very best of luck Peter in his championship match.

 

David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Handball News : Connacht B Championships (U14 – U17) roundup

Handball News : Connacht B Championships (U14 – U17) roundup.

Hard Luck to Gary Cox (Annaduff – U16), Dashiel Wilson (Manorhamilton – U14) and Peter Cox (Annaduff – U15) who despite giving their all, came up short against their opponents in the Connacht B championship played in St Coman’s Handball Club, Roscommon on Saturday morning last.

Peter Cox started strongly in his U15 semifinal against Roscommon’s Mark Farrell, taking their first game 15 to 14. However, Mark who was playing in his home alley, rallied to take the second game 12 to 15 sending this tight, tense match to a tiebreaker game. However, the young Roscommon man prevailed in the tiebreak game winning it on a 7 to 15 score.

In the U16 semi-final Annaduff’s Gary Cox came up against strong opponent in Roscommon’s Aron Lenord. Gary worked hard to get a foothold in the match, however playing on his home turf, Aron showed his slightly greater experience to win both games and match. Manorhamilton’s Dashiel Wilson gave it his best against the Galway’s Cillian Kirk in the U14 singles B Connacht Final, however with his greater 4-wall experience, the Abbeyknockmoy man always had the upper hand in the match.

Although disappointed with this weekend’s results, Peter, Gary and Dashiel will have learned a lot from their experiences in the 4-wall A & B championships this year and will come back stronger for it next year. 𝘉𝘦𝘪𝘥𝘩𝘭𝘢́ 𝘦𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘣𝘗𝘢𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘩!

Attention now turns to the Connacht B U11 – U13 boys and girl’s categories which will take place in Roscommon venues next weekend. Leitrim has an unprecedented 19 entries from across the county competing for titles!

The very Best of Luck to all our young competitors from Annaduff, Drumshanbo, Fenagh and Manorhamilton who are taking part.


L-R:
Aron Lenord (St Coman’s, Roscommon) & Peter Cox (Annaduff, Leitrim) – Connacht B U16 singles semi-final
Cillian Kirk (Abbeyknockmoy, Galway) & Dashiel Wilson (Manorhamilton, Leitrim) – Connacht B U14 singles final.
Mark Farrell (St Coman’s, Roscommon) & Peter Cox (Annaduff, Leitrim) – Connacht B U15 singles semi-final.

David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Handball News: It’s All Ireland Silver for Leitrim’s Maxim and Daniel | Leitrim Juvenile Handball Trials

It’s All Ireland Silver for Leitrim’s Maxim and Daniel after Croke Park weekend to remember.

Two rare, splendid silver All Ireland handball medals came to Leitrim last weekend when Annaduff’s Maxim Gilmartin and Daniel Kane from Fenagh contested the U15 Doubles 4-wall All Ireland Final in Croke Park on Sunday last. Although this talented Leitrim came up short of capturing the title itself, their exploits over the weekend announced to the handball world that Leitrim’s youth can compete with the best in Ireland at underage level!
Fresh from their recent Connacht title victory, the Leitrim duo entered this weekend’s All-Ireland series as underdogs. However, played some masterful handball on Saturday, Maxim and Daniel defied all the odds, booking their All-Ireland final ticket by defeating the highly fancies Tyrone pairing of Conor Molloy and Mickey Nugent in an hour-long match needing a tiebreak game to separate the sides.

The Leitrim duo started their semi-final slowly with some obvious big game nerves showing as they allowing the Tyrone lads to get an early grip on the first game which they couldn’t relinquish. However, regrouping for the second game and with the advantage of serve Maxim pushed them out into an early 3-0 lead before Tyrone quickly clawing it back and moved 6-3 ahead. With serve changing frequently and with protracted rallies, Tyrone was leading on scoreboard at 13-9. However, momentum swung to Leitrim when some exceptional serving from Maxim and strong back play form Daniel wrestled the game to 13 apiece. A fine front-wall play by Maxim sending the ball awkwardly in front of his Tyrone opponent was enough to push the Leitrim lads ahead 14-13. In a tense conclusion where both pairs resorted to deep balls to the back, Daniel Kane found the key to unlock the game when he angled a brilliant long shot off the front wall down onto the side to outmanoeuvre the Tyrone player and take the critical point bringing the match to a tiebreaker!

Maxim and Daniel entered the tiebreaker with a renewed momentum quickly taking serve and pushing into a 7-0 lead. Tyrone was coming back at 7-4 when two lovely low kill shot and a dive to meet an attempted Tyrone kill from Maxim wrestled back server for Leitrim and moved them up into a 10-4 lead. Serve once again changed multiple time, but Maxim and Daniel continued to keep the distance between the Tyrone lads on the scoreboard. At 14-9 and playing for the match, Maxim and Daniel held their nerve in an edgy last few minutes as the Tyrone lads pushed hard. But once again a perfectly powered return from Daniel forced the Tyrone player to snap at his shot, sending it into the roof and down to the floor, giving the critical score to Leitrim and sending their travelling supporters into rapturous applause.

Sunday’s All-Ireland final pitted Maxim and Daniel against the formidable Clare duo of Charlie Collins and Sean McGee. The final developed in a similar fashion to the previous days with the Clare duo racing into an early lead playing tricky low fast serves low along the floor. However, unlike Tyrone, this polished duo never allowed the Leitrim lads an opportunity to get a foothold in the match. Maxim and Daniel rallied hard in the second game to bring the score to 6-6 and give their follows hope that they a repeat of the heroics of the previous day could be on the cards! But that was as close as they got. The Clare combination systematically closed out the match in a workman like fashion with a flurry of fast serves in low along the left wall to the dismay of Maxim, Daniel and the large Leitrim supporters present.

While initially disappointed with not capturing the All-Ireland championship, the Leitrim duo can be very proud of their Connacht championship and All-Ireland silver medals wins this year. Handball historians pointed out that this is in fact the first time that Leitrim juvenile players picked up 4-wall medals in Croke Park, as previous finals would have been played in regional venues! Everyone associated with Leitrim Handball are very proud to have players of the caliber of Maxim and Daniel, and everything they have achieved this weekend. They are a brilliant example for all younger players of what can be achieved with practice and dedication.
Congratulations Maxim and Daniel.

Leitrim Juvenile Handball Trials.

Well done to all the young handball players who took part in the Leitrim Juvenile Handball trials in Drumshanbo on Friday evening last. The prizes on offer on the night were qualification places in the upcoming Connacht Juvenile B championships.  It’s a testament to the growing strength of Leitrim Handball that 58 single and doubles entries were received from the clubs across the county and had to be reduced to 2 entries in each category after some very competitive games.  Congratulation to the following who go forward to the Connacht finals In Roscommon on 23rd March for U11, U12, and U13 categories and March 16th for U14 to U17 categories.
Best of Luck everyone.

Below is a collage from the Leitrim Handball trials, Drumshanbo Friday March 7th.

 

More images from an eventful weekend in Croke Park and the homecoming !

 

 

 

David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Handball News: Croke Park Date for Daniel and Maxim | Connacht Cumann na mBunscol Finals | Connacht Final – Men’s 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐁 𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬

Croke Park Date with Destiny for Daniel and Maxim.
The 2025 juvenile 4-wall handball session reaches its conclusion this weekend with the All-Ireland semi-finals and finals up for decision in the National Handball Centre in Croke Park. This year’s finals have special interest from a Leitrim perspective with Fenagh’s Daniel Kane and Annaduff’s Maxim Gilmartin aiming to bring the boys under 15 doubles All-Ireland title to Leitrim.
Having secured their place in the finals by winning the Connacht title in recent weeks, the Leitrim duo enter Court 2 in Croke Park next Saturday to take on a Tyrone pairing of Conor Molloy and Mickey Nugent in the All-Ireland Semi-final.

Maxim, who is a first-year student in Mohill Community College, and Daniel who is in second year in Ballinamore Community School have been masterfully coached by JP Kane and Peter Heaney amongst others. Although entering the contest as underdogs, this ambitious Leitrim partnership have the skills, strength and potential to create a shock and wrestle the title away from Ulster or Munster hands.
Everybody involved with Leitrim Handball wishes Daniel and Maxim the very Best of Luck next weekend.
Go n-éirí an t-ádh le Daniel agus Maxim!

Connacht Cumann na mBunscol Finals.
There were thrills and spills a plenty in Salthill Handball Club on Saturday last when the 2025 Connacht Cumann na mBunscol finals were played off.
Five Leitrim primary schools were represented by an 11 strong team of competitors.
Congratulations and well done to Mark MacShera from St Patricks NS Drumshanbo who won silver in the U13 boys singles category. Mark played exceptionally well on the day beating the talented Roscommon player, and recent Connacht U12 A finalist – Patrick Farrell on his way to the final.
Also, congratulations to Doireann McKiernan and Eimer McKiernan from St Brigid’s NS Drumcong, who secured the bronze medal in the U11 girls doubles grade.
Special mention to Abbie Kane from St Caillins NS Fenagh in the girls U11 singles, and to the Annaduff NS U11 doubles partnership of Conor Cregan & Gerry Sharkey. Both brought their opponents to tiebreak games and were unlucky not to progress in their respective grades. An admirable achievement for these young players in a Connacht final setting!
Other Leitrim players who did well on the day include Ronan Seibert – Gaelscol Chluainin who was playing in the boys U11 singles category. Kian McNabola & Sam Conroy from St Brigid’s NS played in the boys U13 doubles competition. Ciara Conlon & Kayla Crinnigan from St Caillins NS also played in the girls U13 category.
Well done to each and every one of the boys and girls who represented their schools, handball clubs and county with great pride. Win or lose, it was a brilliant fun day that will stay long in the memory.

Connacht Final – Men’s 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐁 𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬
Manorhamilton’s Joel Smith and Anthony O’Flynn contested the 40×20 Connacht Final in the Silvers Masters B Doubles grade in Collooney on Saturday evening last. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be for Joel and Anthony this year as the Mayo duo of Francie McDonagh and James McNulty took the match on a scoreline of 21-12, 21-9.
𝐵𝑒𝑖𝑑ℎ 𝑙𝑎́ 𝑒𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑃𝑎𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑐ℎ!

David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball

Handball News: Connacht U15 Doubles Champions – Connacht Silver Master Final – Connacht Cumann Na mBunscol Handball finals

Leitrim’s Maxim and Daniel are Connacht U15 Doubles Champions.
For the third weekend in a row Leitrim was the epicentre of the Connacht juvenile handball world with 30 of the best young players from across the province vying for glory on Sunday last in Fenagh. 11 Connacht boys and girl’s title were up for decision with All-Ireland semi-final places part of the prize on offer. Leitrim Handball had a strong representation of 5 players in action on the day.

First up for Leitrim was Annaduff’s Maxim Gilmartin and Fenagh’s Daniel Kane who needed to overcome the Roscommon duo of Tiernan Hyland and Ryan McDermott in their U15 doubles Connacht Final. Displaying some early nerves, the Fenagh – Annaduff combination had to come from behind in their first game after the Roscommon duo raced into an early 10-3 lead. However, Maxim and Daniel fought their way back into the game to steal the win by the bare minimum. Upping the tempo in the second game the Leitrim pair got to grips with their opposition and went on to secure a famous Connacht title for Leitrim on home soil. Maxim and Daniel now go forward to represent Leitrim in the All-Ireland Juvenile semi-finals in the next few weeks. Times and venue are yet to be decided.
Well done but hard luck to Manorhamilton’s Cormac Scarff & Tadhg Kirwin, and Fenagh’s Katie Kane. They battled hard in their respective matches, but the Connacht title alluded them this time round. While disappointed, Cormac, Tadhg and Katie can rest assured that everyone is very proud of their achievements.

The standard of Handball on display last weekend in Fenagh was first-rate, with each Connacht county winning at least one title.
Congratulations and well done to everyone in Fenagh Handball club who hosted the Connacht Finals with great professionalism on Sunday last. They are setting the standard for other clubs in the county to follow. A special word of thanks to everybody who helped out and to all those who refereed the matches on the day. Also a word of recognition to those who kept the venue and online scoreboard updated ensuring that the results from Fenagh were available online in real-time across the world.

Left – Connacht U15 Doubles champions 2025 – Maxim Gilmartin and Daniel Kane Right Top – Galway – Caoimhe Ní Gloinn defeated Leitrim – Katie Kane in the Connacht Girls U17 final. Right Bottom – Mayo – Sean Nevin and Feidhlim Gulfoyle defeated Leitrim -Cormac Scariff and Tadhg Kirwan. Medals presented by Aengus Cunningham – Roscommon Handball.

 

Connacht Silver Master Final for Joel and Anthony
Everyone in Leitrim Handball wishes the very best of luck to the Manorhamilton dynamic duo of Joel Smith and Anthony O’Flynn who compete in the Connacht Men’s Silver Masters B Doubles final next weekend. Joel and Anthony will play Francis McDonagh & Aidan McNulty from Mayo in the final.


Connacht Cumann Na mBunscol Handball finals 2025.
Best wishes to all the schoolchildren from Leitrim who will be representing the county in the Connacht finals in Salthill Co. Galway on Saturday next March 1st. Win or lose, this will be a great experience for all involved. Go n-éirí an t-adh libh!

David Mahon
OCP Liathroid Láimhe Liatroma
https://www.facebook.com/LeitrimHandball