The momentum of handball continued in Galway last weekend with the hosting of the inaugural Co. Galway She's Ace event in a number of venues throughout the county.
This Galway Co. Board initiative proved to be a major success, as it attracted in excess of 100 female players from juvenile to adult grades and serving as a warm-up event to the upcoming National event in Breaffy House. It was, in essence, a festival of female handball.
With an emphasis on participation and enjoyment, the event gave an opportunity to younger players in particular, to compete in a cordial atmosphere, and for parents and guardians to see first-hand the value of handball in the development of young athletes. All participants were also presented with a t-shirt and medal.
The finals were staged in Salthill Handball Club, appropriately on Nollag na mBan, and spectators were treated to a terrific display of skills and athleticism as Ciana Ni Curraoin and Niamh Heffernan played out the final in the Ladies Senior grade. During the finals day Ciana, who is currently studying in the US, gave a Q&A with all the younger girls.
" I'm only home for Christmas and I was proud to have been part of the event. The huge number of younger girls who have come from every club in Galway is fantastic and hopefully more events like this will see those girls go on to adult grades.“
A big thanks to all clubs who hosted the event, and those who helped out with refereeing and catering for everyone. Without the help of parents and coaches it would be impossible to run events like this. Let's all work to continue the growth and development of ladies handball throughout the county and further engender the love for the sport.
