Thursday the 4th May 2017 saw the Leinster Final Day of the 1st Year Boys One Wall Competition in UCD.
The finals day had eight teams compete in what was a thrilling display of handball for everyone to behold. The schools that reached the finals day were:
- St Finian’s (Westmeath) x 2 teams
- St Mary’s (Louth) x 2 teams
- St Mark’s (Dublin)
- Portmarnock (Dublin)
- St Kieran’s College (Kilkenny)
- Kilkenny City Vocational School (Kilkenny)
After a lengthy battle through preliminary rounds, the semi-finals saw both St Mary’s teams face off against St Finian’s and St Keiran’s respectively. St Finian’s emerged victorious in their semi-final, where St Mary’s and St Keiran’s went to a third game, from which, St Mary's came out on top.
The final stage was then set to show case the talents of the Westmeath and Louth sides. The first game was as tight as could be with St Finian’s taking a 15-14 win, the second game was just as exciting with Finian’s prevailing over St Mary's on a 15-12 margin.
Pictured Below: Runners Up St Mary’s (Louth)
Pictured Below: Leinster Final Winners St Finian’s (Westmeath)
The Blitz day also included a workshop given by GAA Handball’s National Development Officer Darragh Daly, who then partook in an exhibition game against Kilkenny’s recent U21 All-Ireland finalist, Brian Mahon – who showcased the skill set that is needed to prevail at the top level of handball.
Well done to each player involved in making the One-Wall Blitz series such a success, but also, thank you to all the teachers and school staff who continue to support the growth of handball. Without whom, handball growth & development would not continue on the upward trajectory it is currently experiencing.
If your school is interested in becoming involved in handball, or in participating in a school’s one wall blitz, please contact one of our Development Team:
Darragh: darragh.daly.handball@gaa.ie
Deborah: deborah.foley.handball@gaa.ie