New handball team officially launched

Niall has completed his foundation coaching level and will be working closely with the kids developing their handball skills over the coming months.

"We are very lucky to have somebody of the calibre of Niall working with the kids," said Clann na Banna handball co-ordinator Barry McConville.

"Niall has a wealth of experience playing handball, and he has a real passion for the game. No doubt this passion will rub off on the kids, creating a new generation of handball enthusiasts in the town!"

"Handball is a fantastic way to get fit and stay fit", said Niall. "The game requires you to use both hands, no matter if you want to or not! It's also a fantastic way to help develop a child's co-ordination.

“It develops both fine and gross motor skills, while having a bit of fun at the same time. The kids really love playing the game, and it's great to see them playing handball out on the street with each other, after all, all they need is a ball and a wall, it's that simple"

Clann na Banna GAC hope to have their own courts within the near future, but in the mean time they are using the squash courts in Banbridge Leisure centre for the U10's. "If we had handball courts in the town here we could pack them out every night in the week, that's how much interest has been shown from the local community, and not just GAA enthusiasts, from the entire community in Banbridge. It really shows why handball has a worldwide appeal", added Barry.