Promotion continues in Lagganstown

The quiet village of New Inn, in south Tipperary was awakened this week when over 100 children from local National Schools took part in a GAA Handball Open Day to promote and encourage growth of the sport in the area. Paul McGrath and upcoming talent Daniel Hayes, both members from the nearby Cashel HC were on hand throughout the Open Day to assist Development Officer Darragh Daly with coaching and taster sessions for all of the local children at the nearby New Inn GAC Hurling/Handball wall. It was clear there is a lot of potential in the area with many of the children regularly playing in the Lagganstown outdoor 60x30 court, however there was also a significant number of beginners. Regardless of the playing experience, all participants were thrilled that young Daniel Hayes attended to play demonstration games and display a selection of his growing collection of Provincial and All-Ireland medals.

Central to the success of the event was Lagganstown clubman Cyril Fitzgerald who has dedicated a lot of time to arise the interest currently growing steadily among the locals. Cyril was pivotal to the opening of the newly refurbished outdoor 60x30 in Lagganstown last year which saw top senior stars Ducksy Walsh and Gavin Buggy play an exhibition game to officially reopen the court. With both events fresh in the mind of the local children, the prospects of the game are on the up in Lagganstown. To sustain the enthusiasm for the game, weekly coaching sessions will be run in both schools, who are both also in discussions to erect new outdoor handball walls in their playgrounds.