Sligo handball legend Paddy Walsh was honoured with a special presentation at last Friday’s Sligo G.A.A Awards, writes Michael McGee

Paddy Walsh received a “Special achievement award” at last Friday’s Sligo G.A.A All-Stars banquet in the Radisson Hotel.  Walsh will certainly remember 2013 with a lot of fondness. On September 15^th last he made the long trip to take on Cork’s Pat O’ Brien in the All-Ireland 60 x 30 championships Over 70’s singles final.  Probably with a little trepidation as it was at the same venue that the St. Mary’s star lost out in the 40 x 20 singles final. However he made no mistake taking it by 21-6, 21-13. It was Paddy’s 29^th All-Ireland title having won his first title way back in 1974.  Less than 3 weeks later our handball legend was honoured with a Civic Reception by Sligo Lord Mayor Marcella McGarry.  The same weekend Paddy along with Aoife Quinn & Gerry Coleman were introduced to the crowd during half time of the Sligo G.A.A Senior football finals in Markievicz Park.   What a season it has been for our Sligo handball star.  At 73 years of age and arguably playing the best handball of his career he has no intentions of slowing down and already focussing on winning more titles in 2014.  Congratulations Paddy on your achievements and awards  during the past year. What an inspiration to us all here in Sligo.