Bruen & Walsh feted by Collooney handball club

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Bruen & Walsh feted by Collooney handball club

The year 2014 will go down in the annals of the Collooney handball club as one of its best years ever since the club was formed back in 1928, writes Michael McGee.

Further glory came to the club in the form of Shane Bruen (Masters B) & the youthful Paddy Walsh (Over 70’s) both claimed All-Ireland handball titles in September. 

To mark the achievements of club players Shane Bruen & Paddy Walsh winning All-Ireland handball titles this year, the Club made presentations of Galway Crystal to the all conquering duo. In what was one of the best years ever for Sligo handball at adult level with 6 All-Ireland titles coming to the Yeats County. 

Paddy Walsh at just 73 years of age claimed his 30th All-Ireland title with a hard fought win over his  great rival in Dublin's Mick O'Brien by 17-21, 21-14, 21-1 in Crinkle in the Over 70’s 60 x 30 final.  The legendary Walsh is the County's most prolific handball player having garnered an astonishing 30th title in 2014. He won his first title back in 1973 and received a Civic Reception from former Lord Mayor Marcella McGarry last year.

From a man winning his 30th to Shane Bruen winning his first. Bruen's long wait  for an All-Ireland medal is over. Bruen won both All-Ireland Masters B 60 x 30 singles & doubles titles. Bruen defeated Wexford's John Roche 21-17, 21-9 in the Na Fianna Club in Dublin. One week later Bruen was back in action in the doubles with partner Castleconnor's Martin Cooney. Bruen & Cooney came through with an  excellent 21-18, 21-10 victory over Wexford's John Roche & Damien Kelly played in Crinkle. 

The occasion also marked the first official club meeting in the new club meeting rooms following completion of the €200,000 40 x 20 handball court project which opened its doors on August 29th last.


The Club will hold an open day on Saturday 13th December at 11 am. Club coaches will be on hand to demonstrate the skills of handball and an exhibition match will take place. Refreshments will be provided.  All young players boys and girls and their families are invited to attend.

The AGM of the Collooney handball club will take place in the Club meeting rooms on Tuesday 13th January 2015 at 7 p.m.