GAA Handball Ireland has seen unprecedented growth in the past number of years and in 2012 will be embarking upon one of the most ambitious projects to date in the Organisation's history. The World Handball Championships will be staged in The Citywest Arena, Dublin, from 11th to 21st October and this will provide the platform for record numbers in terms of 2,000 players (men and women of all ages), 33 countries and 5,000 spectators per day (10 days) at an International Handball event.

From the Association's perspective it is particularly exciting to see the incredible growth and enhanced standards within ladies handball in Ireland and indeed around the World. Under our Women In Sport programme, in conjunction with the Irish Sports Council, the She's Ace Initiative will help sustain this growth into the future. GAA Handball unequivocally offers a terrific avenue for women of all ages to participate in a healthy and social activity, which offers so many tremendous benefits in communities everywhere.

Our initiative is now further enhanced by the support of our new Sponsor, Tour America, and we have no doubt that this relationship can ensure further expansion and growth for both parties, as we aim to promote increased participation by women of all ages in our games. I thank Tour america and also our associated Charity, Breast Cancer Ireland, in complementing what we believe to be an excellent initiative.

Chris Curran

Chief Executive Officer  

The She's Ace Initiative…

The initiative is aimed at promoting increased participation of women of all ages in all aspects of our sport and is in line with the Irish Sports Council’s Women in Sport initiative.

She’s Ace goes further however and wishes to embrace the International Olympic Council's 2012 Declaration stating  “That the promotion of women’s participation in sports activities, management and administration should, and must, serve the wider goal of supporting the international agenda of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls”. 

Purpose: To support and encourage female stakeholders of all ages, to reach their potential both on and off the court, while driving awareness of Women in Handball and increasing participation numbers.

Outcome: For women and girls to be are aware of GAA Handball and have a desire to be involved in the Association for fitness, fun or sporting success,resulting in increased number of players, officials, administrators and supporters.

Our Sponsor, Tour America...

Tour America is a specialist travel company sending Irish residents to the USA in their thousands. An Irish success story, having grown by 50% during the recession and creating new jobs in the process. The company has also won Travel Agency of the Year 2011 voted by the public, and Best Use of Social Media 2011 voted by the media, Best Tour Operator 2011 (Cruise Holidays brand)  voted by Evening Herald. 

Mary McKenna, Managing Director of Tour America and the Tour America team are honoured to be associated with GAA Handball and the SHE'S ACE initiative supporting getting women back into sport at all ages and ability levels.

Associated Charity, Breast Cancer Ireland...

Breast Cancer Ireland is a charity established to raise funding to support pioneering breast cancer research. Through research, it's main goal is to transform breast cancer from often being a fatal disease, to a chronic illness that can be maintained long term through treatment. Early detection is critical to ensuring a positive outcome. Through national collaboration, with each of the eight designated cancer centres, they hope to speed up discovery rates and ultimately affect better treatment outcomes for patients diagnosed. 

Aisling Hurley from Breast Cancer Ireland said" often breast cancer is seen as an older woman's disease , but  women of all ages can be affected" She added " we are delighted with the opportunity of partnering with "She's Ace" and Lady's Handball, making ALL women Breast Aware. Our motto is Breast Health - Your Wealth."