In the latest in our Meet The Team series, we hear from Regional Development Officer Fiona Shannon.
Name: Fiona Shannon
Home club: St Pauls GAC, Belfast
Background in handball (playing/administration): Played handball from a young age. Started from the age of 9 and won many underage titles both nationally and internationally and continued through into senior. Have 18 All Ireland titles in singles and doubles and I'm a former World Handball champion for three consecutive years and hold two doubles world titles with my sister Sibeal.
Other sporting achievements/interests: Qualified personal trainer.
Hobbies outside of handball: Love all things fitness. Lifting weights and keeping fit.
Areas of responsibility as RDO (geographically): Ulster Province.
What attracted you to the role? Handball has been a huge part of my life, I love playing and coaching the game. When the chance came up to work in Ulster GAA promoting and developing the game it was a no-brainer.
What are your hopes for the future for the sport in the short and long term?
Short term to ensure that every child growing up knows what handball is. To keep providing the opportunity for everyone to play handball both recreationally and competitively at any age.
Long term it would be amazing to see handball included in the Olympics. It is already played worldwide and this will showcase the sport to a wider audience internationally.