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2016 Congress Review

Today saw the 2016 Annual GAA Handball Congress take pace in Croke Park, as the Handball community gathered to review 2015 and plan ahead for 2016.

Uactaran Willie Roche opened proceedings by announcing to the attendees that GAA Handball National Manager was unable to attend due to him being in hospital with ill health, but passed on his wishes and congratulated him on a excellent and very thorough annual report (read below), stating Mr Kelly has been an excellent manager to work with who regularly goes over and beyond to ensure Handball progresses.

National Manager Report 2016

Competitions Review 2015

Uachtaran CLG Aogan O'Fearghail: 

Uachtaran CLG Aogan O'Fearghail was also present for proceedings and spoke with passion on his desire to help GAA Handball grow as an association and offered some encouraging words to delegates on the situation with the National Handball Centre. O'Fearghail stated that 

"my focus is to build a National Handball Centre during my term........and I am totally devoted to that."

He proceeded to inform delegates that the new plan is to build the new Handball facility behind the Cusack Stand as part of a new walkway into Croke Park, with the application currently with Dublin City Council. O'Fearghail acknowledged that Handball is missing a home at Croke Park that the other codes possess, and whilst confident it will happen, he believes it will give a huge injection to the sport once completed.

The Uachatran CLG spoke of the benefit the GAA Handball branding has been for our game, as it has brought with it a new awareness. O'Fearghail has a background in Handball himself, and reminiscing of the exposure old outdoor courts had from decades ago, he spoke very highly of the potential of the One-Wall game. He noted particular success he has witnessed first hand in his own school, Dernakesh NS, who have erected two One-Wall courts, highlighting the game is a "fantastic introduction to the sport of Handball."

Special mention was given to World Champion Paul Brady who he described as "simply outstanding in not only his level of dedication and play, but also his manner and demeanour on and off the court." Current Ladies World Champion Aisling Reilly was next in line for praise, with the Uachtaran explaining he met Aisling at the opening of a brilliant new two court Handball facility in Colaiste Feirste (Belfast), and noted the "outstanding contribution she gives to our sport as a player and through media commitments."

Finances:

GAA Finance Manager Joan Kelly presented an overview of GAA Handball's Accounts, commending the job done in "stabilising the sport again after a difficult few years." Mrs Kelly stated that the Irish Sports Council grant to GAA Handball has consistently decreased in recent years, which provided increased difficulties for GAA Handball to maintain and increase their high standards, which they have maintained impressively. 

Mrs Kelly informed the delegates that a €100k grant from GAA to GAA Handball has been made for the second year running, as part of the outstanding debt from the 2012 World Championships, with the debt now standing at €1.45m. However it was noted that the financial affairs are now in a much more healthy place and a long term finance plan has commenced to address the outstanding debt.

Uachtaran CLLE Willie Roche:

Now with two years of his three year term completed, our GAA Handball Uachtaran Willie Roche felt the highlight of 2015 was the clean sweep of the Open grades at the World Championships, and noted that whilst not on top yet in the Wallball grades, stated "the Irish are coming, and fast!"

Whilst speaking of All-Ireland Wallball Championships, Uachtaran Roche spoke of a need to think through the proposals fully to determine if a 'Championship' in this code will have a 'negative' effect in our already excellent Wallball events across the country, culminating in the brilliant weekend pinnacle tournament at Breaffy House every July with the Irish Wallball Nationals. Issues of travel, time, and burnout of both players and officials must be considered in what is already a jammed pack annual calendar.

On the topic of Hardball, Uachtaran proposed it may be an option to combine the Hardball & Softball season into one 60x30 court season, due to the small numbers and extreme challenges the Hardball code has to overcome in order to grow. Uachtaran Roche reflected on an old newspaper article from the 1960's that he came across recently, highlighting the difficulties the code faced back then, yet we are still faced with the same issues 50 years later, and he would welcome any suggestions to enhance the development of the code.

Uachtaran Tofa CLLE Joe Masterson:

Today was also a huge milestone for Fahy's Cross clubman Joe Masterson as he was confirmed as the incoming President for 2017 after running unopposed. Joe stated

"I am deeply honoured and privileged, and I will endeavour to do my best for the promotion of GAA Handball during my term as Uachtaran." 

Motions:

The two below motions were both passed at todays Congress:

Motion 1 - Tipperary

That in the case where a player cannot fulfil Championship game, including Senior, (except in the case of the death of an immediate family member) on the dates outlined in the National Clar then the County must field a substitute or concede the match. However if the opposing county are willing to refix the match, then it shall be played at a venue nominated by the opposing county. 

Motion 2 - Tipperary

THAT FO-RIAL 45 (N) be amended as follows: (N) Junior B, Junior and Open Team of Four 60x30 and 40x20 All-Ireland Club Championships i.e. delete “Intermediate”.