By Kevin Mulligan
The 2016 Gaffney Memorial Handball Tournament, proudly sponsored by Drury Oils Ltd., will see the attendance of the American maverick Sean Lenning. Hailing from Shorline, WA, on the western seaboard, Lenning is currently ranked No. 3 on the WPH professional handball circuit. Attracting top international talent represents a huge coup for tournament, which takes place from January 8-10 in Ballaghaderreen and St Coman’s Handball clubs.
Lenning is possessed of a playing style that can only be described as unique. Known as a ‘wristy’ player, he can generate murderous spin on the ball which, in combination with his unconventional shot-selection, often leaves opponents baffled as to what they are up against. However, Lenning does not just shoot from the hip in a wild fashion, as many commentators suggest. His eccentric style belies his immense talent. An intensely cerebral competitor, he knows that unorthodox play, when executed with the highest level or precision, can rattle and frustrate opponents more used to standard fare.
Hailed as a prodigy at underage level, the revitalised 30-year-old remains ever aloof of praise and casual in attitude, saying of a tremendously successful 2015:
“Winning the 3-wall and 4-wall US national doubles titles with Marcos Chavez made me happy. The One-Wall World Title and some pro stops weren’t bad either, but singles titles don’t thrill me as much”.
Lenning’s on-court antics and off-court utterances have left him baring the rather unfortunate moniker of ‘the Freak’. He is at the one time calm and reflective when thinking about the Gaffney Memorial, stating that “I’m just grateful to be attending. I try not to have many expectations, but I do anticipate having fun”. Then, inexplicably, following this with a knowing grin and the half-muttered sentence, “I hear things”.
Indeed, Lenning may play up to his nickname and reputation as a free spirit liable to do or say anything, but he is ever the crowd-pleaser with his distinctive style and has some interesting thoughts on a potentially hostile crowed when he comes up against the top Irish players on Irish soil.
“I don’t expect the crowd to be on my side or anything, but I know I’ll be appreciated. I think it’s cool when spectators actually root for who they want to win instead of trying to be neutral. I say - express yourself! If a smattering of applause comes my way, I’ll be content”.
Lenning continues, noting that “there are plenty of guys entered that I’ve never played before. I’d enjoy playing them.” However, a different form book will be consulted in the run-up to the tournament, as the bohemian American notes: “I’ve been studying Father Ted... learning a lot.”
This true entertainer of the game is not to be missed. Play begins in Ballaghaderreen and St Coman’s handball clubs on the evening of Friday, January 8, and continues all weekend. For ticket and other enquiries, please contact Padraig Gaffney on 0868599533. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.
Image courtesy of WPH