There was a lot of of very happy players going home from last weekends She's Ace Ladies Festival Weekend, so we have put together some of the nice words we received after the fun filled weekend drew to a close.
Mayobridge's Michelle McCoy, Charlene Lively & Kate Kane have only started playing Handball recreationally this year with a new One-Wall court built in the GAA Club's facilities. The trio made the long trek down to Castlebar for their first ever Handball event and admittedly they had a ball.
''We had a great weekend, thoroughly enjoyed meeting and playing players from all over Ireland in a well organised fun family event. It's a fantastic experience for players who have only started playing handball. We are looking forward to next year's event already!"
Carncorn's Carmel & Claire Reynolds were the reigning Mother & Daughter Doubles Champions from 2015, and although they couldn't retain their title, they both thoroughly enjoyed the weekend.
We both had a smashing weekend! It's lovely getting to meet all the old and new players.Looking forward to next year already!
Cork senior star Catriona Casey won the Ladies Open title for the second consecutive year, defeating Tyrone teenager Eilise McCrory in the final. Eilise was one of a number of talented 17&U players who accepted an invite to compete in the Ladies Open grade this year, and more than proved their worth.
It's great seeing the younger girls coming through and making their mark. There is a really talented bunch coming through which is exciting for Irish Handball. Us senior players are going to have to start watching our backs!
Roscommon's gifted teenager Fiona Tully also made the leap up into the Open grade, and actually went home with 5th Place (Ladies A/Open Drop Down).
"It was my first national open event and I throughly enjoyed it. It was a great experience playing the current open players especially the current World Champion Aisling Reilly. I feel I have gained a lot from this. It has really opened my eyes into how tough senior really is and I feel that this tournament will really benefit me in future competitions."
The O'Keeffe family from Kilfane HC in Kilkenny were well represented, with Roisin in the 13&U, Dearbhail in the 15&U, and mother Deirdre teaming up with Roisin to play in the Mother & Daughter Doubles. With Deirdre playing in her first Handball event, she showed some hidden skills to make the SF's, and enjoyed every minute of it.
I have never played Handball before but it is definitely a great game to be played by all ages. It can be played for fun or with a competitive edge. I know the girls (Roisin & Dearbhail) had a great weekend and enjoyed playing and meeting other Girls from different Counties. They were delighted to get so many games on both days and enjoyed the team event immensely.
Inis Mor's Niamh Donohue travelled over from the island with her 10 year old daughter Katie, with Katie playing in the 11&U fun event. This years 11&U event was modified to ensure all of the kids had fun and were under no pressure to win, with every player playing each other. All 11&U players were provided with a total of nine matches over the course of the weekend, with every player being provided with medals and Handball goodie packs.
"Katie said she had the best weekend ever. She was a bit scared at first in the 40x20 alley as it was her first competition ever but after a few games she loved it and had great fun. Her favourite was the One-Wall on the Sunday as she said she made loads of new friends and really wants to go back next year."
Kildare's Hannah Dagg, playing in her maiden Ladies Open event stating;
"It was a great experience playing girls that I have never played before. There was a great atmosphere and I was delighted to get the opportunity to play in the Ladies Open."