Antrim’s Aisling Reilly won her maiden World Senior Singles title three years ago. Next week, as GAA Team Ireland captain, she bids to retain her crown in Calgary.
An emphatic showing back in April’s All-Ireland Final against Catriona Casey saw the St Paul’s women turn the form book on it’s head to retain her All-Ireland title, and with it the Irish captaincy. Aisling spoke to GAA Handball ahead of her defence next week.
What is your earliest memory of Handball?
I always remember playing every Friday after school until the dead of night with a few of the boys from my primary school up at our club with our coach at the time Mary Lindsay. I think on some occasions she begged us to go home. There was 4 of us who kind of stuck together right through until about U14.
Who has been your toughest opponent to date & why?
There are a few. Ricky McCann always gives me great tough training games at home. Whenever you think you can see the finish line he pulls out the most ridiculous shots and I’m left calling him every name under the sun.
Who is your favourite Handballer & why?
Paul Brady. What he has achieved to date is incredible and to have been able to dominate the sport for the length of time that he has is just class. His professional approach to training and over all preparation has taken the sport to a new level and something that everybody else is twigging on to and starting to replicate.
What has been your biggest achievement in the game to date?
Two things really jump to mind when I’m asked this question. The very first Senior Open title I won back in 2008 at the Irish Nationals and easily my World Title in 2012.
What are you looking forward to most about the World Championships in Calgary?
Having never been to Calgary before I’m looking forward to a new venue and city to visit. But I’m looking forward to the tournament starting, that’s when I’ll be most comfortable.
How have you been preparing for the Worlds?
Like I would any other tournament. A lot of games/court time and just making sure I give myself the best possible chance I can.
You are one of 15 members on Team Ireland….how have you found the experience thus far and how are you getting on with the other team members?
Funnily I have been fortunate to have made it on to Team Ireland since 2006 so at this stage I try to give advice to particularly the juvenile’s members on the team if they want. There are a lot of new faces this time around and I look forward to learning more about them over the course of the tournament.
Have you any match day superstitions?
I wouldn't say I am superstitious. I just have a routine that I follow regardless of where I am. Make sure I get the basics right plenty of sleep, food, water at the right times etc.
What is your long-term goal in Handball?
At this stage I really just focus on one tournament to the next. I obviously have goals that I want to achieve. I still have a lot I have to work on which keeps me busy.
What is it about Handball that you enjoy most about everything else?
I suppose the fact that it’s all down to me at the end of the day on the court. The people you come across at different tournaments - some quare characters and the travelling part.
Of all the shots in Handball, when executed perfectly, which shot is your favourite?
An ace serve is hard to beat and takes the least amount of energy. A flat rollout has to be the nicest though - even if you fluke it.
Apart from you home court, what is your favourite Handball court to play on?
Kingscourt is one of the best facilities we have and i always like playing there. The players are always looked after! Coláiste Feirste have just opened their 2 new state of the art courts in Belfast which I have played on a few times now. They’re class.
What do you like to do outside of Handball? Have you had any significant success at other sports?
I used to play Camogie and Ladies football for my club St.Pauls. We were decent in both but particularly in football. I won a few County and Ulster championships and lost out in an All-Ireland seem final in 2009. That game was the last time I ever played.
I had just come back from the worlds in Portland, Oregon and was beaten in the final of the Open. I knew how close I had been so decided I had to focus 100% on handball instead of splitting between 3 sports.
Tell me an interesting fact about yourself that we mightn’t already know.
I don’t actually like exercising and I am obsessed with guddies/runners. I have more runners than sense.