GlenbeighgirlsrulethealleyatAllIrelandHandballChampionships
THERE were celebrations in Glenbeigh at the weekend when two sisters began their handball career with the best possible outcome in Cavan.
Maggie and Clodagh Quirke, students at Glenbeigh National School, were unbeatable when they represented Munster at the All-Ireland Cumann na mBunscol Handball finals in Kingscourt, bringing home the prestigious Under-11 Doubles title.
It’s all the more impressive given the fact the winning duo only began playing the sport last summer.
“Before we travelled to Cavan, we took part in the Munster championships in Broadford. We were delighted and a little surprised to beat teams from Limerick, Clare and Tipperary in our first major tournament. We were also thrilled to be selected on the Munster team,” said Maggie (10).
The energy-sapping sport requires stamina, speed, agility and control over a ball that travels at speeds in excess of 35km/hr. The Mid Kerry girls got to grips with the game quickly, however, and have the titles to prove it.
They’re following in the footsteps of their famous father, John Joe Quirke, winner of the World Masters title in the US last year. He is also the holder of 10 All-Ireland titles at various grades.
“Playing in the All-Ireland final was a big step up for us. We had to work extremely hard to win. In the first game, we defeated Galway 15-8 and 15-12. It was more difficult against the Ulster champions, Tyrone. We scraped through with a three-point victory,” said Clodagh (8).
The final against Kilkenny was a tense, exciting affair, with the Kerry duo winning their first game 15-11. In a pulsating second game edged out their opponents to win the title.
“When we returned to school on Monday, they were all delighted we won the title and brought honour to the school and Glenbeigh Handball Club. We are lucky to have great coaches to teach us the skills of the game. They include Jack O’Shea, Christy Marty and our dad, John Joe. We will now train for the under-12 Kerry and Munster club competitions and just enjoy this great sport,” Clodagh added.
With the 2021 World Championships taking place in Croke Park, it will come as no surprise if the names of Clodagh and Maggie Quirke are engraved on the winner’s trophy in the Under-12 Doubles category.