GAA Handball have paid tribute to David Britton, who steps down from his role as Head of Handball following close to three years of tremendous progress in all areas of the sport.
David took over in the role in October, 2022 and his tenure saw the sport celebrate its centenary as a member of the GAA Family as well as hosting two World Championships. The World Wallball Championships at the University of Limerick held in August 2024, and the World 4-Wall Championships at Croke Park and Leinster venues held in October 2024, were both record-breaking events in terms of entry levels and viewing numbers.
GAA Handball President Conor McDonnell said: "On behalf of GAA Handball, I want to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to David Britton, for the total professionalism, dedication and commitment he has shown in his role as Head of GAA Handball since taking up office in October 2022.
"David has led the organisation in a positive manner throughout, and this is so evident in many areas, such as the partnership with TG4 and the phenomenal viewing figures achieved, which is exceptional. The success of hosting two World Handball Championships last year, within budget, and viewed in 55 countries, together with two documentaries on TG4 is only part of the legacy that David has left in his short time with our sport.
"David has built up a solid relationship with our staff, and has always led from the front. On a personal note I want to say thank you David. I have spoken with him several times almost daily since he took up office and developed a great working relationship and friendship. As a custodian of GAA Handball, David Britton has undoubtedly left handball in a much better place and we are all so grateful for this. I wish David, his wife Maeve and family the very best in the future."
During Britton’s tenure, the sport moved into its new state of the art home at the National Handball Centre at Croke Park and employed a whole new staff team including Regional Development Officers who have been working on the ground, growing the game and assisting clubs.
Last year, over 13,000 children were introduced to handball through Cúl Camps while the numbers participating in GAA Handball programmes such as school programmes, coaching courses, referees courses etc, were up over 100% on 2023 figures, to almost 34,000 participating in these various programmes last year.
Among the other headline figures were a 66% rise in registered members from 2023 to 2024. Following a link-up with TG4 which brought the sport back to national television for the first time in over a decade, there were over 1.5 million views across multiple platforms, which was an increase of almost 1,500% on the previous year.
The organisation also saw great strides made in the areas of finance and governance. Under Britton’s guidance GAA Handball became debt free for the first time since 2012 and became compliant with the Good Governance Code for Sport, a requirement to receive funding from government departments such as Sport Ireland. The sport also witnessed new sponsorship deals being entered into with companies such as O’Neills.com and O’Meara gloves.
“It has been both an honour and a privilege to have served as the Head of GAA Handball.” stated David Britton.
“In this time we have achieved some fantastic milestones and I believe that the sport is in stronger position now, than it was at the beginning of this journey. I would like to thank our fantastic staff team of Padraig, Marguerite, Clare, Eoghan, Gearoid, Conor, Fiona and Eilise, whose level of commitment and enthusiasm has driven the sport during my tenure.
“I would also like to thank Paul, Stephen, Chris and Ollie for all their work helping to promote the game. A huge mention must go to the grassroots volunteer base who showed unbelievable work ethic and everything that is great about the GAA volunteer/community culture during both World Championships.
“A special mention to our Ard Comhairle, CCCC and national committee members who provided great support during my time and have been central to the sport's development. Thank you to former President Dessie Keegan for all his help and support and to all the other volunteers (apologies but there are just too many to mention) who were so giving and supportive throughout my time.
“To our current President Conor McDonnell and his family, I would like to say thank you all so much. Conor has been a fantastic President and an even better human being who has achieved so much during his term. I could not have asked for a better or more supportive person to have worked with side by side.
“I would like to wish Kevin Cooke, who is due to take over from Conor, all the best in the role. Handball is a fantastic game that encapsulates everything that is good about sport and community. It is a sport rich with history, heritage and potential, and one that all members should cherish and be immensely proud of.”