Cavan's Michael Finnegan has had an illustrious playing career, and next week, as part of Team Ireland, he will bid to win his 3rd World Open Doubles title. One of the games best ever right sided doubles players, Finnegan will team up with long term doubles partner Paul Brady to complete Team Ireland's Open Doubles partnership in Calgary.
Michael spoke to GAA Handball ahead of next week's departure.
What is your earliest memory of Handball?
I remember the first time I played. My dad was big into Handball and he brought me down as a young lad to tip around.
Who has been your toughest opponent to date & why?
It would have to be my doubles partner Paul Brady. We are club mates, and have been doubles partners for a long time so I have seen first hand his quality and the effort and commitment he has to continuously succeed.
Who is your favourite Handballer & why?
Vince Munoz. His serving in particular was exceptional.
What has been your biggest achievement in the game to date?
I suppose it’s between two things. I have won two World Senior Doubles titles, one with Paul and the next with Eoin Kennedy. But at a push I would probably say that winning 10 All-Ireland Senior Doubles titles with Paul is the number one.
What are you looking forward to most about the World Championships in Calgary?
I’m just looking to go out to enjoy the experience and competing against the best. It’s always nice getting to compete in different countries and hopefully we can come back with a title.
How have you been preparing for the Worlds?
Nothing out of the ordinary, simply getting good training matches in, working on my fitness levels in the gym, and eating the correct foods. The training is done at this stage so I will be resting up now the week before the Worlds as the action will come thick and fast as I am playing singles and doubles out there.
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 setup this year was great to be fair, very well organized. We have had two training camps in Kingscourt and then just last weekend we were in St Joseph’s, Wexford for the third, and the hospitality was second to none. All the young players in the club came down to watch the training which added to the day.
There is a great mix of experience and youth in the team, and many of the players have been on numerous Irish teams before. Everyone is getting on well and there is a nice atmosphere and team morale building.
Have you any match day superstitions?
No not really. I would be quite relaxed most of the time to be honest before I go in to play.
What is your long-term goal in Handball?
Well I just turned 40 there a few weeks back so I am not sure about long term goals, I just want to enjoy my Handball and keep playing at the top as long as I can. I think I have done reasonably well in my playing days, and when I hang up the gloves as such I would like to take a hands on role in coaching the next generation coming through.
What is it about Handball that you enjoy most about everything else?
You can’t beat the 1v1 battle it offers. It’s a great work out when you get two evenly matched players, but most of all it is just a very enjoyable game to play.
Of all the shots in Handball, when executed perfectly, which shot is your favourite?
The dump shot
Apart from you home court, what is your favourite Handball court to play on?
St Coman’s, Roscommon. It’s a lovely warm and fast court, and they are a great club there as well, always willing to help when needed.
What do you like to do outside of Handball? Have you had any significant success at other sports?
Not no more but I played football with Kingscourt Stars for years and we won a few titles within the county.