DJ Carey: There is no better game for kids than playing handball
THE important role handball could play in the development, from a sporting and educational model, of children across Kerry is illustrated by children attending a Mid Kerry primary school. Pupils attending Curraheen National School, between Killorglin and Glenbeigh, are pioneers in promoting the sport and its all thanks to the development of a Handball Wall on the school grounds.
Curraheen NS, which dates back to 1909, has an enrolment of 37 pupils who avail of the outdoor Handball Wall and play area. However, due to Covid-19 the sound of children at play and the unique whistling sound of a handball being hit against the wall can no longer be heard across the Mid Kerry countryside as pupils wait the lifting of current restrictions.
The wall and play area were constructed 18 months ago at a cost of €50,000 thanks to funding from the Clar Programme, an initiative aimed at schools in a rural setting, and coordinated by Claire Doyle, a teacher at Curraheen School.
“The wall is a double sided concrete structure which has been a phenomenal success for our pupils. It has given them the opportunity to sample one of Ireland’s oldest sports, handball and provides a fun element as they are introduced to the sport,” said Michael O’Toole, principal of Curraheen NS.
According to Mr O’Toole the new initiative has already reaped success both inside and outside the classroom.
“Playing handball has dramatically improved the fine and gross motor skills of the participants. Concentration levels have soared and this has been evident in the classroom. There is also the added dimension of social interaction between the students with Fifth and Sixth Class taking on the responsibility of coaching the children in the junior classes. This task by the senior pupils has improved their leadership skills and have also taught them patience and a keen appreciation for the skills needed to work with children. For some children handball offers an alternative to football or soccer and this is to be welcomed.”
Juvenile handball in certain parts of Kerry has been riding on the crest of a wave since January. Interest in the sport has been at an all time high in areas such as Glenbeigh, Ballymacelligott and Lispole. The skills associated with the sport were showcased at the Kerry Juvenile championships in Glenbeigh and again at the Kerry Cumann na mBunscol Championships played in Lispole with varying degrees of success.
However, the lack of handball clubs in North Kerry, the heart of hurling in Kerry, is worrying. Despite trojan work and the promotion of handball at Primary School level there were no competitors from Tralee and North Kerry at the recent Kerry Cumann na mBunscol Championships.
The legendary Kilkenny hurling star DJ Carey, holder of nine All-Stars and five All-Ireland senior medals, is a passionate advocate for handball. An accomplished handballer, he won multiple All-Ireland titles, including the 2016 All-Ireland Masters Doubles title with the late Ducksy Walsh.
“There is no better game for kids than playing handball. From a coordination point of view and from thinking on your feet, this is a lovely sport that anyone can play, at any level and at any age,” Carey said.
“If you think of squash, tennis and racquet ball, you don’t really develop your weaker side. In handball you have to develop your weaker side and play with both hands. It’s key to the success of the game and your own personal success.”
Carey added: “It’s no secret that Kilkenny are successful in hurling. In every district of the city, there are two handball courts. There are eight outdoor courts in Kilkenny city and three or four indoor courts. The reaction times of kids and adults playing handball are quicker than most. My footwork and anticipation came from handball. The game of handball stood to me more than anything in the game of hurling.”
ONE of Kerry’s young rising stars is Liam Mac an tSithigh from Lispole. This young player has grown in confidence and is set to make a major breakthrough this season.
At the County Juvenile Championships in Glenbeigh he finished runner-up in the U-13 Singles championship and added another silver medal to his collection when he partnered Oisin Foley (Lispole) in the U-13 Doubles final. Following a brave and spirited performance in the Kerry Cumann na mBunscol Championships he finished a very close runner up in the U-13 Singles final.
Another player to catch the eye this year is Lucas O’Riordan from Glenbeigh. He has demonstrated exceptional skill this year winning the Kerry U-13 Singles title and adding a gold medal in the Doubles final.
At the Kerry Cumann na mBunscol Championships in January he produced a phenomenal display to win the U-13 Singles championship and a place in the Munster final in Tipperary where he defied the odds to claim a runner up berth in U-13 Singles final.
Juvenile players to watch when Covid-19 restrictions are lifted