GAA Handball President opens new handball courts at Tipperary club

GAA Handball President Conor McDonnell spoke of his pride at Carrick-on-Suir  Handball Club’s two new outdoor one wall courts as he officially opened the new additions to the club’s playing facilities last week.

Many of the club’s 70 members, ranging in age from 8 to 60 years, were present for the official opening of the courts at the club’s grounds on Tuesday, June 10.
Mr McDonnell paid tribute to the dedication of Carrick Handball Club’s members in “putting handball on the map” in their hometown, describing them as “custodians” of the sport for future generations.

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The Donegal native highlighted the coordination skills honed through handball which can be brought in to play in other sports. He urged the club to seek funding from the relevant sources for further development.

The club plans to build a second indoor 40 x 20 handball court if it secures funding. It’s existing indoor court opened in 1984.

Carrick Handball Club President Patsy Tobin, aged 90, a founder member of the club in 1970, attended the official opening ceremony.
One of his sons, Davy Tobin, is club secretary and treasurer and takes on most of the training and coaching.

On behalf of the club, he presented Mr McDonnell with a framed limited edition print of Carrick-on-Suir’s Old Bridge beautifully captured by renowned local artist Tony Oakey.
Davy explained how handball compliments all other GAA sports as every muscle in the body is used when playing.

The club is going from strength to strength as juvenile numbers are increasing and these newly built outdoor one wall courts are a welcome added asset. County Handball Secretary Ken Conway from Clonmel also attended the ceremony while Carrick-on-Suir Handball Club member Christy McGrath was presented with his Munster Silver Masters Medal 2024 by Mr McDonnell after the official opening.

Carrick Handball Club chairperson Cathy Cooke thanked all who attended the ceremony, particularly Mr McDonnell for travelling to Carrick-on-Suir to officially open the new courts. She also thanked all the parents and club members who worked hard to prepare for this special evening. She paid tribute to Davy Tobin who has been coaching juvenile players in the club for over 22 years and described him as the “backbone of our club’.

Davy’s brother Special Olympics World Games gold, silver and bronze medallist Gary Tobin from Treacy Park brought along his five medals and was congratulated on his brilliant achievements by the GAA Handball President.

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Anyone interested in joining Carrick-on-Suir Handball Club is welcome to call into the club, located on the Clonmel Road in Carrick-on-Suir across from Suirside Veterinary Clinic, any evening between Monday and Friday from 6pm-9pm.

Details of competitions and up to date news on Carrick Handball Club can be found on the club’s Facebook page.