Kilkishen HC’s Tiarnan Agnew is one of the most exciting young Handballers around, and he will now get the chance to showcase his skills on an international stage as an Official Team Ireland Member for next month’s World Handball Championships in Calgary.
Tiarnan’s stylish two-handed play saw him run out a convincing winner in April’s Irish Junior Nationals 15&U grade, winning his three matches in straight games, conceding double figures in only one game.
Tiarnan spoke to GAA Handball as he fine tunes his preparation for the Worlds in three weeks time.
What is your earliest memory of Handball?
- I’m not sure what age I was, but my earliest memory would be watching my older brothers play.
Who has been your toughest opponent to date & why?
- I have always found Wexford’s Daniel Kavanagh to be a really tough competitor. Every game we have played has gone to a tiebreaker. Daniel is also on Team Ireland as the 17&U rep so it is nice to have a player of his quality as a teammate.
Who is your favourite Handballer & why?
- Irish Team Captain Robbie McCarthy would be my favourite player because of his character and class on the court.
What has been your biggest achievement in the game to date?
- Making the Irish team is probably my biggest achievement, alongside achieving All-Ireland titles in 40x20 and 60x30 in the same year.
What are you looking forward to most about the World Championships in Calgary?
- This is my first time competing abroad, so getting that experience of playing in a different country is exciting.
How have you been preparing for the Worlds?
- I have just knuckled down, fully committed my time to Handball, and trained hard. I am travelling to get competitive games and feel confident in my form.
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?
- It’s a great experience and an opportunity to meet and play people outside of my own grade. So far I have enjoyed the experience.
Have you any match day superstitions?
- No, I take each match as it comes.
What is your long-term goal in Handball?
- I would like to keep developing my game so it is strong enough to compete regularly at the top level both at home and abroad.
What is it about Handball that you enjoy most about everything else?
- I love the fact that it is a self driven sport and within your own control.
Of all the shots in Handball, when executed perfectly, which shot is your favourite?
- The kill shot, when it rolls out
Apart from you home court, what is your favourite Handball court to play on?
- St Colman’s HC, Roscommon
What do you like to do outside of Handball? Have you had any significant success at other sports?
- I play a good bit of Hurling and have captained Clare’s Forristal team.
Tell me an interesting fact about yourself that we mightn’t already know.
- I was the first person in my club to win a 40x20 Under-14 All Ireland title.