Micheal Breathnach clubwoman Ciana Ni Churraoin has already made her mark on the international Ladies Open scene, but still only 19 years of age, she will be Team Ireland’s 19&U rep for next months World Championships.
She aims to go out on a high after a dazzling juvenile career, which has seen her win, every major honour in the game, both nationally and internationally. Ciana spoke to GAA Handball ahead of her departure.
What is your earliest memory of Handball?
I remember watching my brother and a few of his friends playing when I was about seven and I wanted to play ever since.
Who has been your toughest opponent to date & why?
Catriona Casey. I never played her in competition until this year but she is one of the most consistent players in the game, which makes it difficult to get the better of her.
Who is your favourite Handballer & why?
Paul Brady. To be the best at any sport is special but to do that over such a long period of times show what a remarkable sportsman he is.
What has been your biggest achievement in the game to date?
It is always an honour to represent your country and I have had the privilege of doing this in 2009, 2011, and 2012. But in terms of titles, winning the 17&U World titles in 40x20 and One-Wall in 2012 was special.
What are you looking forward to most about the World Championships in Calgary?
I look forward to representing my country whilst playing to the best of my ability. I’ve never been to Canada so really I’m just looking forward to the entire experience.
How have you been preparing for the Worlds?
Football and Camogie have taken a backseat this year to allow me to prepare for the Worlds so I’ve been spending a lot of time in the court just training and getting some tough challenge matches in.
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?
It is always an honour to be given the opportunity to represent your country and it has been great to get to know both the younger and older players as we prepare to travel to Canada.
Have you any match day superstitions?
None that I can think of.
What is your long-term goal in Handball?
I hope to keep improving my performances at senior level and win open titles at home and abroad.
What is it about Handball that you enjoy most about everything else?
I enjoy the challenge of an individual sport as I am the only one to be held accountable for my successes and failures on the court. I also love that handball provides so many opportunities to travel and meet new people.
Of all the shots in Handball, when executed perfectly, which shot is your favourite?
The back wall kill.
Apart from you home court, what is your favourite Handball court to play on?
Kingscourt.
What do you like to do outside of Handball? Have you had any significant success at other sports?
I play a lot of football and Camogie for club and county. Handball has been my priority this year but I have enjoyed some success on the field having won a Minor All-Ireland title in Camogie in 2012, an Intermediate All-Ireland title in Camogie in 2013, back-to-back Minor All-Irelands in football in 2013 and 2014, and I also captained the Minor county Camogie team in 2014.
Tell me an interesting fact about yourself that we mightn’t already know.
I was born in London and moved home when I was 2.