Handball Report 2003-2004

The number of counties taking part in the handball exhibitions over the last few years has remained at 24.  All 6 Munster counties took part in the exhibitions, 7 from Leinster, 7 from Ulster and 4 from Connacht. The regional coordinators, P.J. Fitzpatrick (Munster), Tony Crowe ( Leinster), Sean Flanagan (Connacht) and Peter Mc Sherry (Ulster) all reported very successful events. My sincere thanks to all the coordinators for a job well done. The boys and girls exhibitions in Croke Park were also very successful and most enjoyable. The National Committee of Cumann na mBunscol are examining ways of making these days more enjoyable for pupils, parents, teachers and coaches. The support of our Chairperson Jim O Reilly and Development Officer Eamon Mullen at the Croke Park days is very much appreciated.  No praise is high enough for Donal Fallon (Kildare) and Donal Hayes (Limerick) who shared refereeing duties over the two days. 

If any child/ children are unable to attend on finals’ day it would be appreciated if they or their teacher notify the runner up at the regionals.   This happened once in 2003 and allowed the planned programme to take place.  However in another age group a child failed to notify me that they were unable to attend and this disrupted the programme of games. 

Lorcan O Rourke (Irish Handball Council) has requested me to obtain the names and addresses of all schools participating at county level. I appeal to all counties to furnish me with this information as soon as possible.

In future I would like to be in a position to have all county medals available on regional finals day.  This requires all counties to fill in full the entry forms and to return them in good time. 

Once again I look forward to a very successful 2004 and I thank all for their cooperation in the past.

Croke Park Dates

March 27^th at 10.30am              Girls under 11 singles and doubles

March 27^th at 1.00pm               Girls under 13 singles and doubles

April 3^rd at 10.30am                 Boys under 11 singles and doubles

April 3^rd at 1.00pm                   Boys under 13 singles and doubles

Maolseachlainn Mac Geibeannaigh