With all the commotion and build up that goes with the run up to a pinnacle sporting event, GAA Handball spoke to the always cool-headed Limerick star, Martina McMahon.
McMahon is no stranger to the bright lights of All-Ireland final day, yet, she still has not captured the crown of the small alley. This Saturday will see her second attempt at ousting the reigning champion and always clinical, Catriona Casey, and in the process, provide spectators with what is sure to be the game of a lifetime.
McMahon had an outstanding semi-final victory against current World Champion and Irish Number 3 seed Aisling Reilly; 21-15, 21-12, Saturday last in Court 1, Kingscourt HC, Cavan. When asked how she was feeling coming off the bat of such a win, McMahon was elated in her response;
I’m delighted to say the least, Reilly is no easy feat.
McMahon went on to mention that coming into the semi-final, she knew that it was going to be a difficult task to overcome, especially with it being a World Championship year and with Team Captaincy at stake. And to have the reigning world champion and the 2015 Team Captain standing her way, McMahon knew it was going to be tough. She reflected on the pair’s most recent encounter which resulted in an 11-10 tiebreak win for McMahon at the 2017 GAA Handball 40x20 Nationals, and knew that the game at hand was going to be tough. On her victory, McMahon stated that she is “happy to have gotten over the line on this occasion and is looking forward to the weekend ahead.”
With such a solid win in an All-Ireland Championship semi-final behind her, surely the Shanonsider native will have a surge of confidence coming into the arena against Casey. However, quick to remember last year’s encounter McMahon states that; “We all know that at last year’s All-Ireland final I didn’t show up, that’s not taking away from Catriona, my head was in a scattered place.” This year, McMahon notes that she has “a more structured routine, whereby less is more”. On the game itself, McMahon is resolute in her approach:
I’m going to give it my best shot, there’s a double achievement at stake and I am not going to pass up on this offer too easily!
Speaking of confidence, the psychological aspect of the sport seems to play a large part in McMahon’s training and preparations. In previous interviews, the Broadford HC athlete has mentioned that she has never felt ‘at home’ in other alleys. On this, McMahon claims that in the semi-final she didn’t think about where she was playing, “I took it as being me and the four walls, just like any other alley. I felt a lot more confident with my performance and I now know I can put that to bed from herein.”
Transcending this positivity into her final preparations will be paramount for McMahon’s success, in acknowledgement of this, she states;
If your head isn’t in the game, how is your body supposed to be?
Despite the strives that she has made, she does note that there is always room for improvement and all the work that she has been doing needs to be brought into the alley this weekend. Reflecting once more on what a win this year would mean, McMahon is adamant that the chance to captain Team Ireland is part of her arsenal when it comes to motivating herself for this game and is trying to use that to the best of her advantage.
Finally, to walk the path that Martina McMahon has paved for herself, it takes a tremendous amount of time, talent and tenacity. When GAA Handball asked what the game of Handball means to the Limerick Lady, she replied with a very heartfelt answer; “They say life is for living, well I wouldn’t be living if I didn’t hit a ball off a wall. Be it at home or out in the garden with my dog, I touch a handball every day, to me it’s more than a hobby, it’s a way of life.”
Of course, most athletes accredit their success to those around them. McMahon is no different as she states that; “I am thankful for the group of people around me (they know who they are), they have helped me become the player that I am today. Also, I must compliment GAA Handball and their continuous hard work in promoting and growing the game that we love.”
Whatever side you are batting for in the upcoming decider, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that this is a game not to be missed.
The Ladies Senior Singles All-Ireland final will take place Saturday 17th March at approximately 4:30pm in Kingscourt HC, Cavan. To witness what is sure to be an exhibition on how Handball should be played, make sure to purchase your tickets by clicking the button below;
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