HARPS HANDBALL

The draws are out for the much-anticipated World Championships and pride of place goes to Ramunas who plays on Day 1 (October 11th ) in the 17 age group. Day 2 sees Justas and Eoghan in their respective grades of 13 and 11.  Incidentally Eoghan’s achievements this season have resulted in him getting the highest seeding in the Singles.  Conor Mc Donnell and Martin Mc Entee will begin their campaigns on Day 3.  One young player to look out for is Jakub Szkup who has improved a lot this season.  While most of our players have trained hard for the Worlds we have some who have sustained injuries and are hoping to be injury-free before play begins.

Most of our adult players have also volunteered to help referee matches throughout the competition.  The full fixture list is displayed in the club and all players should take note of their starting times.  As some matches begin at 8am it is advisable to have overnight accommodation arranged in time.

MELLANS HANDBALL

World Championships. We have 12 players from the club taking part in the World Championships beginning next Thursday the 11th of October in the City West Hotel in Dublin, from the juveniles of Ryan Harnet, Aaron and Ryan Mohan, Gary Mc Kenna and Ryan & Gary Treanor(T), then in the U21’s we have Padraig Mc Kenna and Christopher Mc Kenna(D) in the C section is Eamon Todd and the Masters of Michael Mc Carron, Mickey Todd and John Treanor, we would like to wish all the players all the best in their respective grades, we would also like to wish all other county players taking part all the best in the competition. All fixtures are on the website but no times have been done as we are going to print. Anyone travelling to the event as players, parents, coaches or just spectators if you want check out the handball website about accommodation in the City West as some good deals are being advertised at the moment but due to not knowing any times this is proving a bit of a problem.

Mono League. The Mono League is up and running from Tuesday evening past, there is the usual mix of the old dogs to new comers and some who dusted of the gear and got back into the alley which is always great to see, good luck to all taking part, we will be playing the games on Tuesday and Friday evenings, Friday is to accommodate players who are only available at the weekend and whatever night the games are fixed it must be played on the night no exceptions.

Juvenile Leagues. The juvenile committee are currently setting up the juvenile leagues for all the players who played in last year’s and will be setting up coaching sessions for the younger players and all new comers to handball, so once you have your registration paid book the alleys and get practising.

Alley Bookings. When the Mono League, Juvenile Leagues and coaching sessions are set up we will be block booking the courts for these times, so any practise time being booked must be used by that person, it is very important that people who book the alley play and don’t leave the court lying empty, this also applies to league games, they must not be played outside their allocated times as this spare practising time is vital for all players.

Adult Blitz. We are running an Adult Handball Blitz in St.Mellans on the 7th of October at the Fun Sports Day, we will have registration on Sunday morning at 11:30 am with hopefully play beginning at 12 noon, there will be a cup and a plate competition so all will get at least 2 games, it will be on time basis probably 10 minute per games with all players being graded so anyone could be playing anyone, and it will be open to players from minors up, this would an ideal bit of a run out for any minors to adults playing in the World Championships.

EMYVALE HANDBALL

Darren Doherty again proved his undeniable talent by winning the under 17 grade at the prestigious Golden Gloves tournament last weekend. Darren dft Patrick McCrory, Tyrone in the semi at St. Paul’s and went on to meet Belfast man Jordan O’Neill in the final.  He sailed through on a scoreline of 21 5 and 21 14 to take the title.Best of luck to Darren in the forthcoming World Championships.