Hayes takes Clare handball hotseat

THE annual general meeting of the Clare Handball Board was held in Minogue’s Bar, Tulla last Thursday.
Having completed his five-year term, outgoing chairman Matthew McMahon will be replaced at the top table by Clarecastle’s Pat Hayes.

In his address, McMahon praised the hard work being done across the county, particularly at underage level, and wished all Banner County players well in this October’s world championships in Dublin. The O’Callaghan’s Mills man concluded by thanking his fellow board officers and club delegates, reflecting on a very successful five-year term as chairman.

Secretary Michael Hogan outlined a reasonably successful year in terms of titles won, the highlights of which were All-Ireland minor and junior titles for Colin Crehan, Niall Bolton and Cathal Hannon.

Treasurer Tommy Hegarty presented a very detailed report and highlighted the financial strain on the county board, stressing the need for fundraising initiatives. A special open-forum meeting is to be held shortly where underage delegates from all clubs will discuss how juvenile handball in Clare should be structured and run.

The following are the officers for the coming year: chairman, Pat Hayes (Clarecastle); secretary, Michael Hogan (Newmarket); assistant secretary treasurer, Tommy Hegarty (Clarecastle); PRO, Lisa Loughnane (Clooney); delegates to Munster Council, Tommy Hegarty and Joe Corbett (Tulla); delegate to county board, Tommy Hegarty.

Gabriel Sheridan (Clarecastle) was installed as adult county player selector, with a second selector to be confirmed in the coming week.

Meanwhile, Clare’s Diarmaid Nash is part of an Irish squad that travels to Holland this week to take part in the CIJB International One-Wall Handball Cup. With the formation of a new International Handball Federation, there is a strong focus on one-wall handball with major efforts underway to have it included as a test event at the 2016 Olympic Games.

The Irish team comprises Diarmuid Nash, Michael Gregan, Stephen Cooney, Killian Carroll, Conall McCavitt, Pauline Gallagher, Marianna Rushe.

There was success over the weekend for Tipperary pair, David Hickey and Michael Carroll, who defeated Cavan in the All-Ireland 60×30 Junior Doubles final. It was a particularly noteworthy achievement for Ballina man Hickey, who had already claimed this year’s singles title as well as singles and doubles 40×20 All-Irelands in recent years.