One of the most progressive handball clubs in the country, Kingscourt HC, are leading the way once again after they launched an ambitious new project in relation to primary schools last week.
Last Friday marked the official opening of two regulation outdoor One Wall courts at St Joseph’s NS in Kingscourt, and plans are afoot to extend the initiative to four more national schools in the area.
“The project has been funded from a couple of sources,” explained Kingscourt Handball Club official Brendan Gargan.
“Our lotto team, and our top seller John Cunningham, have been doing a great job, and our Monday night lotto team led by Margaret Clarke have also done fantastic work. It has also been partially funded by the Kingscourt Handball Club juvenile committee, led by Philomena and Kathleen Finnegan.”
Gargan confirmed that the club have received the green light to construct courts at Kilmainhamwood NS, Meath Hill NS, Muff NS and Cabra NS. He thanked St Joseph’s principal Mairéad Corbally and world champion Paul Brady, who officially opened the facility, as well as GAA Handball CEO John Kelly, who attended and spoke on the day.
"The Kingscourt Club are an example to clubs all around the country of what pulling together and hard work can achieve" said Kelly. "This is a fantastic development in the ever growing popularity of the sport of One Wall Handball and I would urge other schools to follow the lead of St Joseph's and reap the fantastic benefits of One Wall Handball."
Brady who had just returned from Los Angeles following his victory in the US Nationals and Michael Finnegan ten time All Ireland Doubles Champion and two time World Doubles Champion were both present to show their support and the kids gave the two players a fantastic reception as they wished them well in the upcoming World Handball Championships.
“We would like to wish Paul and Michael Finnegan good luck in the upcoming World Championships, they are a great source of pride for our club,” said Brendan.
The day finished with a demonstration of One Wall from Kingscourt Handball Club members as eager pupils lined up to have a go and play the perfect game.
