GAA Handball are delighted to announce the appointment of a new Regional Development Officer, 27 year old Carlow native Deborah Foley.
Deborah has been involved with the GAA as a player and coach from a very young age. With an Honours Degree in Bachelor of Business, Recreation and Leisure Management from Waterford IT – Deborah has accumulated almost 10 years’ experience working within the health and leisure industry, including, but not limited to, Development Officer positions with Triathlon Ireland and Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership.
When asked why she applied for this role she advised:
“Though I have always known about Handball, I only fully experienced it for the first time during my time away volunteering in Alaska. It is a game that I was immediately hooked on. Only now do I realise the possibilities of growth for the game, not only for young people, but for women, minorities and as a lifelong sport that has a worldwide platform, and is an organisation that I am extremely proud to be a part of and a role that I am very passionate about.”
It is an indication of the growth of Handball and the potential future growth that for the first time ever the Association will have two full time development officers. In what is an exciting period for the sport current National Development Officer Darragh Daly warmly welcomed the new staff member to assist with the overall promotion and development of Handball across Ireland.
“It is exciting for GAA Handball to have a second full time Development Officer for the first time ever, and we are sure Deborah’s appointment will be hugely beneficial to the continued growth the association has seen in recent years. This is the first step in a long term aim of having a minimum of one full time development office in each Province.”
Deborah will join the full time team in GAA Handball where her main tasks will inlude Club Development, Coach & Player Education, assisting with the running of competitions/events, and expanding & developing Handball in Schools.
If you would like to contact Deborah with any questions or queries, you can reach her on; 01 819 2937 or via deborah.foley.handball@gaa.ie