With the Hardball championships due to commence shortly, a number of initiatives have come on stream in 2014 with a view to enhancing the profile of this traditional code and to broadening its appeal to a broader spectrum of Handballers and spectators than has been the case for a considerable time past.
This move emerges as a recommendation from the Hardball Review Committee that was set up to enable the re-establishment of the game as a significant and vibrant code within the handball family.
Among these initiatives will be • Increased promotion, particularly within non-traditional hardball clubs and counties • Enhanced presentation of the concluding stages of the championship • Structural changes, including the introduction of an Intermediate grade, which are designed to facilitate increased participation generally. Details of these changes are incorporated in the entry forms below • The designation of the Senior, Intermediate and Junior All-Ireland Hardball championships as ranking events
GAA Handball Hardball Championships 2015 – Points to note
- Existing Masters players who were at Junior hardball level prior to entering the Masters grade will play at Junior level.
- Existing Masters players who had played at Senior level prior to entering the Masters grade and have not won a Senior Hardball All-Ireland may, for 2015, opt to play at Intermediate or Senior level.
- Existing Masters players who have won a Senior Hardball All-Ireland must play at Senior level. Ball to be used in this year’s Hardball Championship is the standard Irish Hardball.
- Balls are available from GAA Handball Office.
Please return entry form and fees to: Austin McKenna, Fixtures & Events Officer, GAA Handball, Croke Park, Dublin 3.
Please note: With a series of Club Tournaments taking place in May, there may be changes to some fixtures. Players involved in Tournament events must notify County Secretaries so they can notify the Handball Office so as to make alternative arrangements for fixtures.
Closing date for return of Entry forms is TUESDAY 14TH April 2015