Clare’s Colin Corbett showed incredible resilience to come back from the death at the end of both the second and third games of April’s Irish Junior Nationals 19&U final against Monaghan’s Darren Doherty to seal his spot on Team Ireland with an 11-9 tiebreak win.
The big Tulla club man has been training hard as he now turns his attention to winning World gold in Calgary. Colin spoke to GAA Handball about his preparations.
What is your earliest memory of Handball?
- I remember my Dad telling my brother and I that we were going to handball training one evening when I was about 6 years old. I remember chasing the ball like a puppy and I have been hooked since. Thankfully my co-ordination has improved since then.
Who has been your toughest opponent to date & why?
- Niall Bolton. He makes you fight for every ace and has the reach of a giraffe.
Who is your favourite Handballer & why?
- Paul Brady because his hunger to win never wanes. Plus he managed to play football for his county as well as being a World Champion Handballer.
What has been your biggest achievement in the game to date?
- Winning the Worlds 17 & Under Doubles in 2012. It was a surreal feeling winning a world medal.
What are you looking forward to most about the World Championships in Calgary?
- The opportunity to play against the best players in my age group and seeing the top senior players compete for the #1 spot. I am also looking forward to a break from work and the rain (hopefully).
How have you been preparing for the Worlds?
- It is all about the hard yards…training hard, playing games and eating healthy.
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 has been a really good experience meeting new people and getting to interact with senior players who I Iook up to and playing in top facilities The training is well planned and organised and everyone is friendly and on board with the plan.
Have you any match day superstitions?
- Stay clear of magpies.
What is your long-term goal in Handball?
- Win an Open Championship .
What is it about Handball that you enjoy most above everything else?
- The feeling of achieving something on your own merit and hard work -when you are in the court you really have to think on your feet. There is no team to carry you.
Of all the shots in Handball, when executed perfectly, which shot is your favourite?
- The lob serve - it is the most deceiving shot of all.
Apart from your home court, what is your favourite Handball court to play on?
- Kingscourt particularly Courts 1 & 2
What do you like to do outside of Handball? Have you had any significant success at other sports?
- Hurling - won County U16, Minor and U21 B championships with my club. I have also represented my County at minor level.
Tell me an interesting fact about yourself that we mightn’t already know?
- I love a good 99 ice cream.