WORLD POLICE AND FIRE GAMES 2013 – HANDBALL

“THE ENFORCER Mc DONNELL” shows the worlds police how the Irish do it.

Monaghan Harps Handballer, Conor Mc Donnell has just returned from the World Police and Fire Games in Belfast with no less than four medals, comprised of two Gold, One Silver and One bronze.  It was a tremendous result by the recently retired Garda Sergeant.  Handballers from Ireland, Spain, Mexico and U.S.A.  took part.  On day one of competition it was One Wall Handball, and the team of players from Mexico were much fancied to take honours in the event, and indeed through to form they took honours in both Singles and Doubles.  Conor opened in the Masters Singles and sealed his first Gold with victories over Spanish and Irish players.  He then teamed up with Tom Sheridan,  the top Irish Senior player in the Open Singles and whilst they were defeated overwhelmingly by the Mexicans in the Semi-Final they composed themselves to defeat Paddy Donovan and Michael O Brien, Ireland  in the Bronze play off.

The Four wall Handball Event was staged over two days and the Irish were expected to do well in the Four Wall and they didn’t disappoint.  Whilst the Mexicans and Spanish put up a good showing in the final two days of competition, it was the number one seed Tom Sheridan that took the Open Singles title and he and his brother Michael won the Open Doubles.  In the Masters Singles Final  Conor Mc Donnell started off very promisingly against his former Garda colleague Tony O Flaherty, but Tony took the first game 21-16, and in the second game Tony served tremendously to create an early lead and continued the pace throughout the second game to take the title and Gold.  Tony and Conor teamed up in the Masters Doubles and had victories over Irish and American opposition to get the Gold Medal.  The entire list of medal winners can be found on the WPFG2013  and gaahandball websites.

The handball event passed off well at Queens Physical Education Centre, Belfast and much praise must go to organisers John Burns, Diarmuid Marsden, Austin Mc Kenna and volunteers and referees.

The World Police & Fire Games is a biennial event for serving and retired police, fire, prison and border security officers. WPFG is the third largest international multi-sport event in the world and will be the largest ever sporting event to take place in Northern Ireland. In 2013 there 56 sports were held at 41 venues across Northern Ireland. As expected, over 7,000 competitors from over 60 countries took part.  The 2015 WPFG is being hosted by Fairfax, U.S.A.