Fenagh Handball Club recently hosted the Connacht 4-Wall Second-Level Schools Championships. Staging 30 matches over two days was a major undertaking for the Leitrim club, but thanks to a strong collective effort, the event ran smoothly throughout. Players who travelled from across Connacht were well looked after in the warm and welcoming surroundings of Fenagh Alley, with excellent hospitality on offer. The 40×20 alley was presented in pristine condition, showcasing its newly laid timber floor, freshly painted walls and striking GAA Handball livery.

Three Co. Leitrim second-level schools were represented at this year’s finals, with Mohill Community College leading the way. The school had six pupils in finals action and returned home with an impressive haul of two gold and two silver medals.

Mohill’s first-year doubles pairing of Rhys Glancy and Enda Sharkey produced outstanding performances, overcoming strong opposition from Roscommon and Sligo to claim the Connacht C gold medals — the only gold secured by Leitrim competitors over the weekend. Gary Cox earned silver in the Senior Boys’ Singles category, despite sustaining an injury during his final. Sam Conroy also picked up a silver medal following his appearance in the First Year Boys C final.

There was disappointment, however, for highly fancied Mohill player Maxim Gilmartin, who suffered defeat in the Junior A Singles semi-final at the hands of Scoil Mhuire Strokestown’s Eoin Grehan. Adam Neary, returning to action after an injury-enforced lay-off, found the going tough in his Junior Boys B semi-final, with Galway’s Tomás King in control throughout, though Neary showed promising glimpses of his ability as the contest progressed.

St Clare’s Comprehensive, Manorhamilton, was represented by Tadhg Kirwan, who gave a good account of himself in the Senior Boys B competition but was unfortunate to face strong opposition in Scoil Mhuire Strokestown’s Patrick Grehan in his opening round game.

Drumshanbo Vocational School also enjoyed a successful finals weekend, with all four of their competitors claiming silver medals. Ruairí McKiernan and Mark MacShera both impressed on Saturday, reaching the finals of the First Year Boys B and A Singles competitions respectively. The Drumshanbo silver tally continued Sunday when first-year doubles pairing Kian McNabola and Michael Prior finished runners-up in the Doubles B category.

From a Leitrim Handball perspective, the Connacht 4-Wall Second-Level Schools Championships were a resounding success both on and off the court. Fenagh Handball Club provided excellent hosting, while Leitrim schools collectively claimed eight winners and runners-up medals. The championships highlighted the continued strength and depth of second-level handball across County Leitrim. Well done to everyone involved on and off the court!

2026 Connacht 4-Wall Singles Championship News
Manorhamilton’s Joel Smith was in Connacht 4-Wall Singles Championship action last week, taking on Sligo’s Clive Slevin in their Golden Masters B clash on Wednesday evening in Collooney. Despite a determined performance, Smith was unable to halt Slevin’s progress, with the Sligo man advancing to the next round on a 21–10, 21–14 scoreline.

Manorhamilton’s Anthony Flynn and Fenagh’s Ed Lee are both set to enter the championship fray over the coming weekends. Venue details, match times and results can be followed online at knowthescore.ie. Best of luck to Anthony and Ed as their campaigns get underway.

Attention turns to Primary School handball next weekend with the 2026 edition of the Co. Leitrim Cumann na mBunscol 40×20 finals taking place on Sunday, Feb 1st.  Best of Luck to all the boys and girls, who will be playing in the u11 and u13 singles and doubles competitions. Draws, times and venue will be published on the Leitrim Handball’s Facebook page later this week.

Congratulations to all the nominees for the 14th Annual Leitrim Sports Star Awards 2025, which once again recognize the outstanding dedication and achievement of sportspeople and volunteers across the county. Leitrim Handball is proudly represented this year, with PRO and Annaduff Handball Club member David Mahon nominated in the Volunteer of the Year category. David’s nomination is an acknowledgement of his tireless work promoting and developing handball at both club and county level. Best of luck to all nominees on the night.