Kilworth man claims All-Ireland handball title
Kilworth’s John Horgan took home an All-Ireland title recently at the re-arranged 2020 All-Ireland 4-Wall finals.
Completed over three consecutive weekends, Mr Horgan took on Kilkenny man, Anthony Martin in the 35+ B Final, emerging victorious 19-21, 21-8, 21-15.
News of the title was welcomed by those locally, including Michael Dunne who is a founder of the Kilworth Handball Club.
“It’s very good news. I have great memories of John when he began handball with me when I was managing the Kilworth juvenile club,” Mr Dunne said.
According to Mr Dunne, John picked up several titles while playing as a juvenile with Kilworth.
“He was very committed to the sport and from an early age, it was apparent that he had a great ability. He was dedicated to training and he would listen to advice, take it and use it,” Mr Dunne added.
“John was constantly involved as a juvenile and was winning quite often. I’m glad he kept handballing and delighted that he’s involved. I’m thrilled that he’s still winning at this stage”.
RUNS IN THE FAMILY
Another All-Ireland that John Horgan took part in was recalled by Mr Dunne, who remembered John and James Moakley travelling to Cavan to compete against a Tyrone team in the U21 category, in what turned out to be a very close match.
“They had great success playing doubles together, but they were beaten on that occasion. It was a tremendous game and they showed great talent. As doubles, they were a great combination and they worked well together. They were very careful to do pretty much exactly as told and there was a great rapport between the trainers and the coaches and themselves,” Mr Dunne added.
In September 2013, Mr Horgan’s sister Bríd also took an All-Ireland title, winning the U17 All-Ireland Girls title, indicating that the sport runs in the family.
Handball is an area of much pride for the Kilworth community and since the club’s inception in 1984, it has gone from strength to strength. Based in the Sports Complex, the club was set up shortly after the complex was built, with Mr Dunne taking on the setting up of a juvenile club.
“I was with them 20 years or so and at one stage, we had 80 members, which must have been a record. There’s been a lot of success in the club. We had great success and great fun,” Mr Dunne added.
Covid-19 saw the 2020 All-Ireland 4-Wall finals, sponsored by O’Neill’s, postponed to this year and completed over three consecutive weekends.
Five finals took place on Saturday, November 20 at Kingscourt Handball Club in Cavan, with Kilworth’s John Horgan winning the over 35 B title. Congratulations!