Cork woman Catriona Casey has won pretty much every honour in the game, albeit at only 21 years of age. The one missing is the World Championship at Open level, but she will get the opportunity to complete the set in three weeks time in Calgary, in what will be her maiden Senior World Championships.
The Ballydesmond woman earned her spot on Team Ireland with an absorbing Irish One-Wall Nationals final win over Down’s Lorraine Havern, also in her maiden Senior One-Wall Nationals. Catriona spoke to GAA Handball with the Championships just around the corner.
What is your earliest memory of Handball?
I recall attending the weekly training sessions at Ballydesmond Handball Club with my friends. We actually started off in a squash court at the time, and eventually graduated to the 40x20 court. My earliest tournament memory is playing in the County Championships with my partner, Aishling O’Keefe. We were the only girls competing at the time and had a fierce rivalry with the Mallow players.
Who has been your toughest opponent to date & why?
In tournament play, I’d have to say Aisling Reilly. She’s a very powerful player. We’ve had many tough battles over the last 2 years or so, and I look forward to many more.
Who is your favourite Handballer & why?
My favourite handball player has always been my club mate, Tony Healy. His skill, dedication, sportsmanship, and athleticism are exemplary. He has amazing anticipation and a deep understanding of the game. It’s a pity he’s not still competing for handball’s top titles.
What has been your biggest achievement in the game to date?
My biggest achievement has probably been winning back-to-back US Open titles and remaining unbeaten on the WPH WR48 tour. All-Ireland Senior titles in 40x20 and 60x30 are definitely up there too, without a doubt.
What are you looking forward to most about the World Championships in Calgary?
Where do I start? It’s going to be my first time in Canada and my first time competing in the Open grade at the World Championships, so it should be a fantastic experience and a great challenge. I look forward to meeting friends from overseas, competing at the highest level, and watching some exciting games in other grades too.
How have you been preparing for the Worlds?
I’ve been preparing as I would for any major tournament; working on my fitness level, honing my skills in the court, and testing myself against some tough sparring partners. Hopefully it’ll all pay off.
You are one of 15 members on Team Ireland….how have you found the experience thus far and how are you getting on with the other team members?
I suppose the One-Wallers have been a somewhat late addition to the team, but having the opportunity to represent Ireland is a great honour and I’m relishing it. While I was familiar with most of the team before, it’s been nice to get to know some of the younger players better. Fingers crossed it’ll be a very successful Championship for the Team Ireland representatives.
Have you any match day superstitions?
No superstitions but I do like routine as it puts me at ease before a big game.
What is your long-term goal in Handball?
My long-term goal is to continue to enjoy playing and to reach my full potential. I’ve had a great time travelling to tournaments lately and hopefully this will continue for many years to come. I’d also like to contribute to the growth of the game as much as possible, through coaching and helping to raise its profile.
What is it about Handball that you enjoy most about everything else?
I really do think handball is the perfect game; it’s fast-paced, exciting, skillful, and immensely challenging. It demands huge fitness levels and mental strength. It’s great for a sport within the umbrella organization of the GAA to have such an international dimension. I enjoy having the opportunity to travel and represent my country. The handball community is a tight-knit one; there are great people involved, and I can honestly say I’ve made some of my best friends through handball.
Of all the shots in Handball, when executed perfectly, which shot is your favourite?
I like the corner kill, especially when hit on the fly… Wish I executed it more often myself!
Apart from you home court, what is your favourite Handball court to play on?
I love playing at the Tucson Racquet Club. My first time playing in the US Junior Nationals was there, so I obviously have very fond memories of that experience. Fittingly, my last Junior Nationals was also held there. Tucson is like the handball mecca of the US! I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time there last summer; the handball community was extremely welcoming and there was always someone to play against.
What do you like to do outside of Handball? Have you had any significant success at other sports?
I like listening to music, reading, and watching other sports. I played football up until a few years ago, and won a Junior A Munster Championship with Boherbue LFC in 2012. We reached the All-Ireland final but fell at the final hurdle unfortunately.
Tell me an interesting fact about yourself that we mightn’t already know.
I’ve always enjoyed art and drawing, and I once won a prize in the Texaco Children’s Art Competition for a portrait of my hero, Ducksy Walsh.