By Kevin Mulligan
The 7th annual John Gaffney Memorial Handball Tournament, proudly sponsored by Drury Oils Ltd., will take place from January 8-10 in Ballaghaderreen and St Coman’s handball clubs. A stellar line-up of Ireland’s top handballers sees this year’s tournament as one of the best to date, with current All Ireland champion Robbie McCarthy leading the charge take back the title he has won twice previously.
The 2015 final wowed the packed gallery in Ballaghaderreen, as the former champion, Clare’s master tactician Diarmaid Nash, was just edged out in a specular and physically gruelling final against young Cork star Killian Carroll.
In addition to established top players and former champions, one mystery wild-card will be added to the final roster which is sure to add a new element of the unexpected to this year’s tournament. This superstar of the game has never attended the Gaffney Memorial before, and is guaranteed to be a crowd favourite when he is announced in the coming weeks. Suspense and anticipation abounds.
However, this year’s field includes a number of dark horses who have shown recent form and are sure to challenge the more established players. Kilkenny native Peter Function came through a hugely competitive Golden Gloves tournament in Belfast to reach the final as recently as November, and then followed it up with an impressive win the All Ireland Collegiate doubles intervarsity. Function will be game for a rematch with his nemesis that day, Armagh’s Charlie Shanks, who will be gunning for the title alongside him.
The year just past has been a vintage one for Mayo Minor Niall Joyce, and likewise Clare’s Colin Crehan stormed through the 2015 Intermediate Championship. Both have huge momentum behind them, and claim their place in this year’s tournament as a testament to John Gaffney’s commitment to developing talented young players.
Flanking these up-and-comers are Brian Carroll (Meath), Joe McCann (Mayo), and Martin Mulkerrins (Galway), who have lit up the court in Ballaghaderreen on previous years can beat anyone on their day. All signs point to a brilliant sceptical.
In sum, a fantastic tournament awaits all handball fans in Ballaghaderreen in January, with more players to be announced soon. Preliminary matches begin on Friday evening, January 8, with Saturday’s play beginning at 9am.
Weekend tickets (€15), day tickets (€10), and tickets for OAPs/students (€5) can be purchased from Padraig Gaffney by calling/texting 0868599533, or bought at the door.