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Juvenile Blitz in Mullingar

Br Hugh Gallagher, OFM, was fundamental in developing youth in Multyfarnham and Westmeath throughout the 70's and 80's. Br Hugh Gallagher, OFM alongside the friars fundraised while Br. Hugh completed the covering of both 60x30 alleys within the friary in Multyfarnham himself to ensure the youth could play throughout the Winter months.

He travelled the Country with the youth of Westmeath and had many champions such as Liam Cassidy, Seanie Murphy and Caroline Tierney throughout his years involved in Handball.

This development blitz was ran to honor the work and dedication of Br. Hugh with the youth in Multyfarnham and Westmeath with the blessing of the Franciscan Brothers.

It was a bitter cold and frosty morning on Saturday 19th November but there was a buzz of excitement as 44 youths descended on Westmeath’s only 60x30 court, Mullingar, to compete in the Br. Hugh Development blitz of 2022.

There was a fantastic display of handball with players coming from Dublin, Meath, Louth, Longford, Kildare and of course there was some great representation from Westmeath.

Players were given the opportunity to compete in the 60x30 blitz initially with those unsuccessful in the primary rounds going into the 40x20 to play a separate plate competition.

Sportsmanship was reviewed by Leinster officials and referees across the day with “player of the tournament“ awards provided to those who displayed outstanding respect and kindness on the court.

Leinster officials and the referees had also assessed skills over the course of the matches to recognise those who displayed the necessary skills in the most fluid manner.

The Mullingar Club had a few extra pictures added to the wall from the coloring table and outdid themselves in arranging raffle prizes, hosting a free raffle on the day with each player included in the draw.

All players were provided with a fabulous Westmeath jersey sponsored by Westmeath Handball alongside balls and promotional items provided by GAA Handball.

The blitz was to be a day of handball and fun for the youth of North Leinster Counties that have not had the opportunity to compete in Championship and was a huge success overall.

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Results

  • U13 Girls: Coco/ Sophie (Meath) dft June/Grace (Dublin) 21-16.
  • U13 Girls Plate: Aoife/Holly (Meath) dft Ruth/Vidya (Dublin) 21-17.
  • U13 Boys: Eoin/Joseph (Kildare) dft Enrico/Conor (Westmeath) 21-14
  • U13 Boys Plate: Peter/Oisín (Dublin) dft Thiago/Piotor (Louth) 21-12
  • U15: Thomas/Adam (Longford) dft Liam/Lucy (Dublin) 21-7.
  • U15 Plate: Patrick/James (Dublin) dft Conor/Sean (Dublin) 21-16.

Awards

  • U13 Skills: Kate (Meath), Turlough (Meath), June (Dublin), Luke (Meath), Ruth (Dublin), Darragh (Westmeath)
  • U15 Skills: Sean (Kildare), Fintan (Dublin), Mark (Westmeath)
  • Female Player of the Day: U15—Lucy (Dublin), U13—Sophie (Meath)
  • Male Player of the Day: U15—Liam (Dublin), U13—Enrico (Westmeath)

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We’d like to thank Leinster for their support - for Leinster President, Ricky Barron, Leinster Coaching Officer, Billy Love, and Leinster Youth Officer, Gerry Murphy taking the time to join us at our event. Not only did they show up but they assisted with refereeing, time keeping and judging the different awards.

A massive thank you to Mullingar Handball Club for hosting the event, especially to Robbie Snr, Tina, Sandra and Liam. You have all put in so much work to ensure the players had a great day. Thanking the young volunteers of the club who did tremendous work in the lead up to Saturday and a special thanks to the parents who provided drinks and snacks for the players also.

Thank you to those who sponsored prizes, the McCarthy family, Fagan’s Toymaster and GAA Handball.

Thanking our own two senior players, Aoife & Robbie, for taking the time to support the very players who look up to them. Two minutes of their time playing ball or chatting meant the world to some of our young players.

With lots of memories made and some new friendships formed, we want to thank the players, parents and coaches for supporting the blitz - we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!

Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí

The kindness of all our visitors meant that the donations for the refreshments amounted to €207.00. With the donations going directly to Mullingar’s inclusive training prorgamme, it means you are assisting the inclusion of children with Autism within our sport. Thank you to you all for your generosity!

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Report by Westmeath GAA Handball