Emyvale clubman Darren Doherty earned his spot on Team Ireland with a nerve wrecking two point final win over Fergal Coughlan at the Irish One-Wall Nationals in early July.
The stylish Doherty fell agonizingly short in claiming his spot on Team Ireland two months previous when he fell to a tiebreak defeat to Colin Corbett in the 40x20 Junior Nationals, but he showed his mental resolve to bounce back from that disappointment to claim the One-Wall title, and with it his ticket to Calgary.
What is your earliest memory of Handball?
- When I was in second class my brother Daniel used to play handball at lunch times, in the outdoor alley at the school. Our teacher at the time wouldn’t allow us to play as she thought it was too dangerous. Daniel used to sneak me in so I could play. After that I began playing at my local club when I was 7.
Who has been your toughest opponent to date & why?
- Colin Crehan, because he can make you feel like a fool when you play him. His shot selection is of the highest quality and he has a fantastic ability to let the ball drop to within a centimeter from the floor.
Who is your favourite Handballer & why?
- Paul Brady. To quote a good friend of mine: “When he plays, it doesn’t look like he’s playing the same sport in comparison to everyone else”. His dedication and commitment is something that everyone can admire, not just handball players
What has been your biggest achievement in the game to date?
- Getting on Team Ireland for these World Championships.
What are you looking forward to most about the World Championships in Calgary?
- The atmosphere, the experience, the people, the games, and most of all - that twelve-hour flight.
How have you been preparing for the Worlds?
- Different kinds of fitness training, playing games and trying to stay mentally fresh.
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?
- The experience with the team has been excellent. They do all they can to make sure you are feeling your best. As for the team members, we’re all just a big family in handball so no trouble there.
Have you any match day superstitions?
- No, there are too many things that can go wrong already in a game without putting added worry about your shorts being on backwards so you can win or your water bottles being in the right position in order for you to play well. They’re just distractions that are not needed
What is your long-term goal in Handball?
- The plan is to keep playing as long as I can and try to become as good as I possibly can be.
What is it about Handball that you enjoy most about everything else?
- The mindset you’re in when every ball you hit is just perfect, for me it’s one of the most satisfying headspaces to be in. That feeling of being invincible for the hour you’re playing is very addictive.
Of all the shots in Handball, when executed perfectly, which shot is your favourite?
- The serve. The perfect serve can make the rest of your game just flow with complete elegance.
Apart from your home court, what is your favourite Handball court to play on?
- Santry in Dublin, the heat and speed of the court suit my game very well.
What do you like to do outside of Handball? Have you had any significant success at other sports?
- I just like learning new things, could be anything at all. As for other sports I haven’t played many for a long time due to handball commitments so no recent success there.
Tell me an interesting fact about yourself that we mightn’t already know.
- I’ve a mean looking exterior but inside am just a big telly tubby.