Limerick leftie Martina McMahon is one half of Team Ireland’s Ladies Open Doubles combination, after she teamed up with Antrim’s Aisling Reilly to win April’s World Trials.
McMahon is a rising star in the game and is starting to make a name for herself at international level as well. Martina spoke to GAA Handball ahead of next weeks World Championships.
What is your earliest memory of Handball?
Going down to the alley with my brother Tom. I was intrigued by the game so I gave it a go and haven’t looked back since.
Who has been your toughest opponent to date & why?
My mother! She’s going all out for the Worlds this year. She started training last Saturday. We had a tough battle. One-Wall is definitely her game, she’s well able to block.
Who is your favourite Handballer & why?
Pat Murphy. For an oul fella he knows how to play ball. Like my mother he too can block. However, no one has told him you can’t block in 40x20 yet. On a serious note, CJ Fitzpatrick is my favourite handballer. He has lightning quick hands and a serious head on him for the game.
What has been your biggest achievement in the game to date?
Getting to the All-Ireland 60x30 Senior Singles Final last year.
What are you looking forward to most about the World Championships in Calgary?
The experience and meeting up with players from all over the globe. I was fortunate enough to travel to a couple of Pro Stops this year and I got to know a couple of new faces. These types of competitions are what bring us together.
How have you been preparing for the Worlds?
I’m training as much as I can which is hard as I’m working now but thankfully the players in the club are more than willing to work around my schedule and give me games at any hour.
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 a great feeling being part of Team Ireland and getting the chance to represent your country. I get on well with the other team members, I have known the most of them a while as we’ve often crossed paths in the past.
Have you any match day superstitions?
No, not that I can think of.
What is your long-term goal in Handball?
To be the best I can be, make it to number one but still have some fun along the way.
What is it about Handball that you enjoy most about everything else?
I love every aspect of the game and the feeling you get when the shots come off.
Of all the shots in Handball, when executed perfectly, which shot is your favourite?
Kill shot.
Apart from you home court, what is your favourite Handball court to play on?
St Comans, Roscommon.
What do you like to do outside of Handball? Have you had any significant success at other sports?
I used to play Camogie for club and county but I gave it up last year to concentrate on handball. I’ve won a couple of All-Irelands with the County at under 16, minor and intermediate. We were a successful club underage and thankfully came through at adult grades as we won the intermediate championship in 2013 to put us up senior.
Tell me an interesting fact about yourself that we mightn’t already know.
I’m only left handed for handball, I’m right handed for everything else.