Tyrone’s Maeve McElduff is one of three members on Team Ireland that hail from the Breacadh HC in Tyrone. Maeve will be Team Ireland’s One-Wall Girls 19&U rep in Calgary, and she spoke to GAA Handball ahead of her departure.
What is your earliest memory of Handball?
- My earliest memory of handball would be travelling down to Wicklow with my family to watch daddy play in his All-Ireland Junior 60x30 Semi-Final. It wasn't long after that I started playing myself, unfortunately they lost that day, but it was a good day out.
Who has been your toughest opponent to date & why?
- Galway’s Ciana Ni Churraoin. It hurts me to say, I have only ever beat her once, in One-Wall, and I haven't yet came close to her in the 40x20 code, but it is always a close battle in the One-Wall, she is a great player.
Who is your favourite Handballer & why?
- I would have to say Aisling Reilly, she has been around at the top for a few years now, and her skill level is immense. As well as this, Aisling socialises with everyone around her. Lorraine Havern would be my favourite One-Waller, she puts great angles on all shots, great to watch, and is such a modest person.
What has been your biggest achievement in the game to date?
- Achieving a place on Team Ireland definitely has to be my biggest achievement to date. Anyone who plays Handball aims to earn a spot on the team, and I'm glad that the training put in has paid off. In addition, earning gold and silver at the World Championships in 2012, gold being in doubles along with Ciana, and the silver in the One-Wall singles.
What are you looking forward to most about the World Championships in Calgary?
- To be honest, I am looking forward to the whole experience, and I look forward to every minute of it.
How have you been preparing for the Worlds?
- In preparation for the Worlds, I have been working on improving my fitness. It is vital to be fit, particularly when playing One-Wall, because of the intensity and speed of the game. I've also been getting as many games as possible, from more experienced players, from around the club and county. My brother Conor plays me a few games too. It’s good to get all those games, and I am thankful of them.
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 is class, and everyone on the team is very friendly, and everyone seems to get along very well. I look forward to Canada, when the team will be together and having the craic in the hotel, and supporting each other in all their games.
Have you any match day superstitions?
- No, I just get nervous sometimes, but once the game gets underway, I stay relaxed.
What is your long-term goal in Handball?
- My long-term goal is to be able to compete with the top senior players in the country, and to give them good games, and just to improve on my own game. Winning games and tournaments is a bonus.
What is it about Handball that you enjoy most about everything else?
- The social aspect to handball has to be my favourite part. Outside of the court, everyone gets on well, and you make friends from other counties across the country. I have made great friends since starting Handball.
Of all the shots in Handball, when executed perfectly, which shot is your favourite?
- The passing shot is my favourite shot, especially in One-Wall. If you pass your opponent, it makes it difficult for them to get a good return, then it gives you the opportunity to finish off with a fly kill shot.
Apart from you home court, what is your favourite Handball court to play on?
- Tucson, Arizona One-Wall courts have stood out in my memory. The weather conditions were perfect and the set up of the courts were class, as well as the scenery in the background. I loved playing on them courts. My favourite 40x20 court, apart from Brackey, would be Kingscourt because of the five court facilities, which brings everyone together.
What do you like to do outside of Handball? Have you had any significant success at other sports?
- My favourite thing outside of Handball would be music. I love playing music. I enjoy most genres of music, but particularly Irish traditional music. Sessions are great craic, and the music is class. I love playing with friends and family, music comes from both sides of the family, both my Granny and Granda play the button key accordian, and have a great ear for music, so we all picked it up from them. I play football with my club, Beragh, I enjoy playing football, its good for fitness, and I enjoy the nights out with the girls in the team.