Colleges just around the Corner

By Conor O’Gorman

This weekend, the intervarsity competitions end its calendar year on Irish soil. Although kingscourt Co.Cavan will be the home court for the competition, courts from all over Monaghan, Cavan, and Meath will play host to over one hundred third level students, from all over the country. As with previous collegiate tournaments, these students will compete across a variety of grades which will range from beginner to all-Ireland senior standard.

In the blue ribbon men’s event some of the country’s top players will go head to head in the hope of taking home the gold. Players such as: Galway’s Martin Mulkerrins (UCD), Kildare’s Niall O’Connor (AIT), Wexford’s Peter Hughes (DCU), and Monaghan’s Terry McElvaney (DCU).

The women’s open tournament will have a similar array of talent on show with contenders in the form of Corks Catriona Casey (UL), Westmeath’s Aoife McCarthy (AIT), Kilkenny’s Ciara Mahon (TCD), and Cork’s Aishling O’Keefe (DCU).

Not only are players traveling from all over the country to compete in this tournament, but local players as well, in the form of Colm Mc Elwain, Terry McElvaney(Monaghan Harps), Niamh Farrell (CMX), Kyle Duff (CMX), Cathal Swinburne (CMX), Damien Boylan (CMX), and Neil McEnaney (CMX).

The collegiate scene boasts a very high caliber of handball and this weekend promises to be a great showcase for the GAA sport. All are welcome to come and watch any of the games over the entire weekend, free of charge! So if you find yourself passing by kingscourt (or any of the host clubs for that matter), or are an avid fan of great quality handball, make sure to call in. Games will commence at 6pm on Friday, with the finals being played on Sunday Morning.

Finally, if anybody has any queries about the competition you can contact the ICHA directly via email at ichahandball@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you there!

List of courts being used for the tournament: