St Joseph’s clubman Daniel Kavanagh will be Ireland’s Boys 17&U representative after cementing his place by defeating Fergal Coughlan in April’s 40x20 Junior Nationals Final.
We spoke to Daniel as he took time out from his training ahead of next month’s World Championships.
What is your earliest memory of Handball?
The earliest memory of Handball I have is actually the first time I played. I was in St Joseph's in Wexford with my Dad. He was playing a bit of racquetball at the time and he had brought me to the alley with him that night to try out the game. Seamus Buggy happened to be there on the same night. He took the racquet off me and gave me my first pair of gloves! I've been hooked ever since! That was roughly four years ago. Before that, I knew the game but never played.
Who has been your toughest opponent to date & why?
Easy! Breacadh’s Sean Kerr. Sean and I have done battle a lot over the last 2-3 years or so. Every time we play it's 1.5 – 2 hour games! We meet in most competitions these days and the games are never a let down. Sean has a low centre of gravity and has every shot in the book, from both hands! I've never played anyone like him. Fantastic player. We've actually teamed up for the Worlds this year in the Doubles.
Who is your favourite Handballer & why?
Paul Brady - For me it's his consistency and his dedication! Every aspect of his game, warm-up, training are all done at 100% every time! He thrives on perfection and being the best at what is in front of him, whether that's a treadmill or a Worlds Open Final it's approached with the same 100% commitment. He has brought handball to a whole new level. He's also a nice guy outside of sport. The best handballer that ever lived!
What has been your biggest achievement in the game to date?
There are a few that stick out. County Senior Doubles with Gavin Buggy when I was a last minute stand-in. I had only turned 15. Of course being the only player from Wexford to earn a spot on an Irish squad is up there and has really boosted the younger players in the county but for me, silver in the singles and then winning the doubles with Tadhg O'Neill (Mallow) in Citywest at the 2012 Worlds is top of the pile! I would love to replicate it this time round.
What are you looking forward to most about the World Championships in Calgary?
All of it. I can't wait to play on the other side of the world and represent my country while doing it! I can't wait to be part of the team, in the team hotel, supporting each other at games, meeting other teams, the parade, the craic ...... Just everything! Bring it on!
How have you been preparing for the Worlds?
Well I have changed my training routine; I've been doing a lot in the gym to try to improve my core strength and speed. I've always felt I was fit enough for the long games but felt my speed to the ball and feet could be better and would suffer a bit late on in games. So I've been concentrating on them aspects in the gym. I also try get into the alley every day. Even for half an hour on my own. My Dad and I have been talking a lot about my game, really trying to break it down and analyse certain shots and approaches. Gavin Buggy has also been helping me in the alley and getting me games.
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's been good so far, really good. We all get along and I've built some good friendships with other team members already. As for the experience, it's been incredible! When we are all training or the all at the photo shoot and we are all wearing the tricolour its' an amazing feeling. Sometimes it takes a minute to sink in that I'm there as part of Team Ireland. I'm going to make the best of it, that's for sure!
Have you any match day superstitions?
Yes, It's just something I always do. I visit my Grandad's grave. He was a big fan of mine before he got ill and would come to watch me train and play. He used to play years ago in the open alleys and was able to give me advice and help before games. So now on any "big game" day or on the morning before we leave for a weekend competition I visit his (and my gran's) grave and ask him for the same help he always gave me. If I don't visit I feel like I've forgotten something! I remember the morning of the Minor Doubles Final this year in Roscommon. We decided to get a bus up with some kids from the club. They couldn't understand why the bus was pulling into Barntown Graveyard.
What is your long-term goal in Handball?
Honestly, and this is the truth. I've always wanted to represent Ireland. I remember in 2012 in City West saying to my Dad how "I'd love to be one of that Team." I would love to win another world title also. But long term I just want to keep playing and keep trying to climb the ladder. Hopefully find someway of travelling while playing.
What is it about Handball that you enjoy most about everything else?
It's the community of it. The game brings clubs and counties together on regular basis. It's always aggressive competition on the court yet off it there's a real sense of community, Friendship like. Everyone knows everyone and no one begrudges you doing well. Even my Mam and Dad and my Brother Josh have met lifelong friends through me playing Handball. What other sport is like that? I love it! Love everything about it.
Of all the shots in Handball, when executed perfectly, which shot is your favourite?
Sidewall Front-wall kill into the right corner. Un-gettable when executed correctly. Can't beat the feeling of a flat roller into the right corner!
Apart from your home court, what is your favourite Handball court to play on?
Apart from The Joseph's, has to be Breacadh, Co Tyrone. True floorboards, fast walls, good solid glass wall. Deadly court. I love the way the viewing area is set at a different height to the ally. You can come out of the alley when you're playing and still be away from the crowd. It's also a fairly small viewing area and there's a real "cauldron" feel to it when you play there. I've had a few rattles with Sean in there and have always enjoyed it.
What do you like to do outside of Handball? Have you had any significant success at other sports?
Yes I play Hurling and Football. I play for division one side Clonard GAA Club in Wexford and I've been playing on various development squads coming up through the age groups. I have been on the minor county football squad for the last two seasons but I've had to step back this year and tried to pay more attention to Handball.
Tell me an interesting fact about yourself that we mightn’t already know.
My name is actually Daniel Byrne, but everyone calls me Daniel Kavanagh so I just go with it!