Mai Farrell R.I.P

The death has occurred Mai Farrell Grandmother of our Committee members Susan, Jackie, Mark, John & Vinny,  peacefully in her 92nd year in the loving care of the staff St Camillus Nursing Home, Killucan surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by her loving husband Tom and daughter Kathleen. Survived by her sons and daughters, Margaret, Christopher, Tony, Gerard, Geraldine, Martin, Noel, Josephine, Linda and Louise, 32 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, brother Tommy, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Reposing at her son Tony's residence Carrick View, Crossakiel on Friday, 22nd of December, from 3pm to 8pm removal on Saturday morning to arrive at St. Alphonsus Liguori, Kilskyre at 12 noon for Funeral Mass and burial after to adjoining cemetery. House private Saturday morning.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam uasal

Cathal Flynn RIP

It is with great sadness the club announce the death of our Committee member Cathal Flynn. The club expresses its sympathies to the Flynn family on the their sad bereavement.  

Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas síoraí dó. 

The death has occurred of Cathal FLYNN

Boltown, Crossakiel, Kells, Meath / Blacklion, Cavan

The death has of Cathal Flynn, suddenly at Cavan General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his parents Myles and Cecilia, his sister Mary and brother Jimmy. Sadly missed by his loving wife Kathrine, children Deirdre, Brian and Caitriona, sons-in-law Ronan and Derek and daughter-in-law Jenny, his grandchildren Ailbhe and Oran. Brothers Frankie, John, Kevin, Desmond and Eamonn, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives many friends. May Cathal Rest in Peace. Reposing at his residence from 3 pm until 8 pm tomorrow,Tuesday evening, with removal on Wednesday morning to Ballinlough Church arriving for Funeral Mass at 12 o'clock followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. ( Family flowers only please, donations, if desired, to St. Francis Hospice). Family time on Wednesday morning please.

Date Published: Monday 4th December 2017

Date of Death: Sunday 3rd December 2017

Hugh Reilly Memorial Cup stays in Crossakiel

Proud moment: Kevin Reilly representing the Reilly family presents the Hugh Reilly Memorial Cup to Crossakiel club captain Vinny Farrell

Cup Champions:Mark Farrell, Steven Quinn, Kevin Reilly representing the Reilly family, Michael McGee, Vinny Farrell, John "Boy"Molloy and mascot  Warren Farrell holding the Hugh Reilly Memorial Cup

Vinny Farrell, Michael McGee, Danny McGovern & Mark Farrelly

Hugh Reilly Memorial Cup and Trophies alongside the McGee Cup won in August

Keith Blackburn & Mark Farrell 

John Farrell & Mark Farrell with the clubs new crop of Juvenile handball stars

Joe Cummins, Anthony McConnell, Steven Quinn & John Boy Molloy

Crossakiel & Kells handball teams following the Hugh Reilly Memorial Cup 60 x 30 final

Hugh Reilly Memorial Cup stays in Crossakiel

Crossakiel won the the inaugural Hugh Reilly Memorial Cup with a resounding win over Kells played in Crossakiel handball club writes Michael McGee

  The 5 team competition comprising of  2 doubles and 1 singles up to 31 aces format. The contest started at 12 noon and first into action was Crossakiel doubles pairing of Vinny Farrell & Michael McGee against Kells Danny McGovern & Mark Farrelly. The opening exchanges was close enough but thereafter Farrell & McGee hit the front and could not be caught. In the end it ended 31-13 giving Crossakiel a healthy lead.

Farrell fires Crossakiel to memorable cup win

In the singles was Crossakiel's Mark Farrell facing the ever improving Keith Blackburn.  Farrelly started slowly with the opening exchanges shared. However it could be seen from early on once Farrell went through the gears it was only going to be one result. Blackburn  is a very capable Junior C player and much is expected of the Kells players in the next couple of years. Farrell on the other hand is  that little bit more experience and he used this to telling effect once he opened up and began to express himself.  Farrell this years Leinster semi-finalist fired into an 14-5 lead and then assumed control reeling off 12 more points without reply and going well out in front by 26-5. Blackburn to his credit never gave up and made a mini revival but to to avail as Farrell finished with aplomb winning comfortably in the end by 21-10. Before the second doubles match. Mark & John Farrell put the Club' Juvenile starts through their paces with a a training session.  

McConnell outstanding

The much eagerly awaited second doubles match with Crossakiel's Steven Quinn & John "Boy"Molloy facing the formidable Kells pairing of Anthony McConnell & Joe Cummins. With the Reilly Cup already secured the match was a formality but the Kells men went in search of a first win of the day. McConnell the Master was a revelation on the day and hardly put a foot wrong, nothing past him on  the left and no matter what Quinn & Molloy threw at him he was equal to it.  Cummins to on the right lofted many high lobbing serves into Quinns left corner asking questions of the Crossakiel player. Kells took the first game all to easily by 21-6. In the second it was a lot more closer.   Quinn & Molloy played much more coherently but still McConnell & Cummins could not be caught and ran out deserving winners by 21-13.

Just before the presentations Club Chairman Steven Quinn thanked all players for the "good standard of handball  and was very proud of his Crosakiel players. It was a special year with the Cup played in Hughie's memory."  The Chairman was very pleased with the overall organisation of the well run event.  Kevin Reilly on behalf the the Reilly family said "it was a great pleasure to attend and make the presentations. He said his late brother would have been proud  & delighted.  He was delighted to see all the young players in action along with the Crossakiel & Kells Players and thanked the organisers for their hard work."   With the speeches over Kevin Reilly presented the Hugh Reilly Memorial Cup to Captain Vinny Farrell.  It was a special moment for the club to win the inaugural cup and to have it resting in Crossakiel for the next year..

(Photos with thanks to Jackie Farrell)

Crossakiel to clinch inaugural Hughie Reilly Memorial Cup

Crossakiel bid to end season on a high with success in Hughie Reilly Memorial Cup writes Michael McGee

Crossakiel go into Cup action again this weekend when they take on the might of Kells in the inaugural Reilly Cup in memory of the late Chairman Hughie Reilly who passed away in August of last year.

With the McGee Cup already secured the club will be aiming to do the double of Cup competitions  and close out the 60 x 30 season in style.

The action gets underway at 12 noon and sees Vinny Farrell & Michael McGee taking on Kells pairing of Danny McGovern & Mark Farrelly. Farrell & McGee narrowly got the better of Collooney's Gerry Coleman & Martin Brannigan in the McGee Cup Tournament back in August  Farrelly & McGovern will provide a stern test in what is expected to be a close opening contest.

In the singles Crossakiel's Mark Farrell faces Keith Blackburn. Farrell has made steady progress this year's reaching the Leinster Junior C singles and doubles semi-finals. While Blackburn is likely to punish any mistakes going and the Crossakiel player will need to keep these down to the minimum in order to win.   Farrells greater fitness should be enough to win.

Before the main doubles event there is a Juvenile competition between Crossakiel & Kells Clubs with the best young players in action

The main event is the second doubles competition with Club Chairman Steven Quinn teaming up with the vastly experienced John "Boy" Molloy Kells a World handball champion. While the Kells pairing of Anthony McConnell & Joe Cummins are multiple All-Ireland winners. It will be an intriguing contest with Quinn's power strokes and Molloy's wealth of experience up against McConnell's great determination and Cummins work rate all over the court will ensure this contest goes down to the wire.  Molloy & Quinn are tipped to win it narrowly in what has the hallmarks of a titanic battle to see what Club will take home the Reilly Cup.

Members of the  Crossakiel who will be action on Sunday in the inaugural Hughie Reilly Memorial Cup.

Michael McGee, absent Roddy Wearen,  Vinny Farrell, Steven Quinn & Mark Farrell.

Crossakiel retain McGee Perpetual Cup.

Crossakiel & Collooney teams 

Back row: Steven Quinn, Michael McGee, Vinny Farrell, Mark Farrell & Roddy Wearen

Front row: Martin Brannigan, Stanley Harte Jnr, Michael McMorrow, Gerry Coleman, Seamus Duffy & Stanley Harte Snr.

Crossakiel team: Michael McGee, Roddy Wearen, Vinny Farrell, Stephen Quinn, Mark Farrell and mascot

Collooney team: Stanley Harte Snr, Michael McMorrow, Gerry Coleman, Seamus Duffy, Stanley Harte Jnr & Martin Brannigan.

Crossakiel retain McGee Perpetual Cup.

Vinny Farrell’s performance ensures the McGee Cup stays in Crossakiel for another year at least, writes Michael McGee

The annual Michael & Bernadette McGee perpetual Cup 60 x 30 tournament took place in Crossakiel on a sunny Saturday 5th August last. Collooney made the long journey to the Royal County to take on the reigning champions hoping to inflict a first defeat on the Meath men. The Crossakiel team of Steven Quinn, Michael McGee, Vinny Farrell, Mark Farrell and Roddy Wearen went in as slight favourites against a Collooney team consisting of Stanley Harte Jnr, Gerry Coleman, Martin Brannigan, Seamus Duffy, Michael McMorrow and Stanley Harte Snr. In the first singles Steven Quinn took on young Stanley Harte Jnr. The Collooney man made a game of it but Quinn this year’s Leinster Junior singles finalist had a little more overall court craft to put Crossakiel firmly out in front.

Farrell outstanding

The first doubles seen Michael McGee making a welcome return following a troublesome shoulder injury and making his first competitive outing of the year while Vinny Farrell also devoid of competitive matches made a welcome return to action. In the corresponding match of two years ago the fixture will be best remembered by the now infamous exquisite 50 ft roll out by Farrell in Collooney. Facing the Meath pair were Gerry Coleman who only hours earlier contested the Connacht Silver Masters B singles final in St. Coman’s Roscommon. Partnering Coleman was Martin Brannigan the Clubs Junior C player who is showing plenty of potential in the new club colours. Indeed at the start the Sligo pairing took the fight straight away to the Meath men racing into an 9-0 lead. McGee and Farrell eventually worked themselves into the contest and having drawn level at 9-9 the contest ebbed and flowed throughout with little separating both teams. Vinny Farrell was a Colossus on the right in the Crossakiel shirt as everything Brannigan & Coleman threw at him in the right corner he returned with equal interest. Farrell played like a man possessed and gave a man of the tournament performance right to the very end. His outstanding performance finally broke the Collooney men’s resolve. The Collooney men were in front for most of the contest but the Crossakiel men finished that little bit stronger and won narrowly by 31-27. 

Farrell & Wearen doubles delight

The second doubles seen the Crossakiel duo of Mark Farrell & Roddy Wearen taking on the Masters Michael Mc Morrow and Seamus Duffy. Farrell & Wearen reached the quarter final of this year’s Leinster Junior C 60 x 30 doubles and they took off from there. Farrell & Wearen were the stronger pairing on the day while it has to be said Michael McMorrow was playing having worked throughout the night and still put up creditable performance while Seamus Duffy was never found wanting on the right and played some top handball to stem the Crossakiel men overall skill and strength. The final score didn’t matter as Crossakiel had one hand on the cup after the first doubles match. Following the contest both sets of players and supporters assembled in the Welcome Wagon where the games were shown clearly on the big screen. After a delicious meal Steven Quinn the Crossakiel club Chairman gave a speech as did club Secretary Michael McGee who thanked his former club mates for making the long journey from Sligo to attend the event. He warmly praised the Collooney club for welcoming him to the club during his time there and also praised the Collooney club for its fundraising efforts which now sees Collooney with a state of the art 40 x 20 handball Court. Turning to his Crossakiel colleagues he said “these men from Sligo are the envy of everyone not only in Crossakiel but throughout the country with what a small but dedicated number of members have achieved in a relative short space of time under former Chairman Hugh McGarry and now Peter Davey. Following the speech McGee presented the Family Perpetual Cup to Captain Steven Quinn. 

Crossakiel members have expressed their intentions of travelling to Collooney in 2018 to try to make it a first 3-in-a-row of wins. Collooney on the other hand will be making plans to scupper this and will be bolstered by the inclusion of players such as the calibre of Shane Bruen, Peter Chambers, Dave Mulhern & Mark Murphy . Next year’s competition is already eagerly awaited

Leinster 60 x 30 Championships

Leinster 60 x 30 championships

Wednesday 2nd August in Tinahely (Wicklow) at 8 p.m.

Junior C doubles: Mark Farrell/Roddy Wearen (Meath) v J.R. Finn & Alan O' Neill (Wexford).


Recent news

Crossakiel players bow out of Leinster Championships

Mark Farrell  & Steven Quinn

Steven Quinn reached the final of the Junior Singles where he came up against Carlow's David Fenlon in Ballymore Eustace. Steven reached the final following victory's over C.J. Delaney (Kilkenn) and Dublin's Robbie Farrelly. It proved another agonizing evening for Steven in a provincial decider narrowly going down by 20-21, 12-21 to the Carlow man. The following evening in Mullingar it did not get better for Mark Farrell in the Junior C singles against Offaly’s Cathal McNamee. Despite losing the first game by 17-21 he bravely fought back to take the second by the same scoreline. However his brave comeback just fell short as he ran out of steam. Mark pushed McNamee to his limits and the Offaly man was relieved to get out of Mullingar with a slender win in the tie breaker. Even in defeat both Mark & Steven can take a lot of positives out of this years 60 x 30 singles campaign and no doubt will come roaring back into action in 2018 with much confidence.

Results 2017

Leinster 60 x 30 championships

Wednesday 4^th July in Ballymore Eustace

Junior Singles: Steven Quinn (Meath) dft C.J. Delaney 21-12, 14-21, 21-17

Thursday 13^th July in Fahy Cross

Junior C singles:   Mark Farrell (Meath)  dft   Sean Stoll (Kildare) 21-0, 21-2

Junior A singles:  Steven Quinn (Meath) dft Rob Farrelly (Dublin) 21-13, 21-19

Tuesday July 25^th in Na Fianna Dublin

Junior C doubles: Mark Farrell & Roddy Wearen (Meath) dft  Declan Kilmurray 7 Cathal McNamee Offaly 21-12, 21-14

Thursday 27^th July in Ballymore Eustace

Leinster Junior singles final: Steven Quinn ( Meath) lost to David Fenlon (Carlow) 20-21, 12-21

Friday 28^th July in Mullingar

Junior C singles: Mark Farrell (Meath) lost to Cathal McNamee (Offaly) 17-21, 21-17, 16-21

Crossakiel handball Club honour Hughie Reilly

Crossakiel handball Club honour Hughie Reilly

The Crossakiel handball club with the cooperation of the Communications Workers Union An Post, and the Jim Connell Committee delivered a fitting memorial tribute to former club chairman Hughie Reilly, writes Michael McGee

On Sunday evening last the Parish of Crossakiel turned out to witness the unveiling of a memorial plaque/scroll in memory of the late Hughie Reilly, former Chairman of the Crossakiel handball Club who passed away on 9^th August 2016.   With the Co-operation from the Crossakiel handball club,  Jim Connell Committee and the  Communications Workers Union  Kells Branch an Post, it was decided to erect a memorial plaque in honour of  the former Chairman,  the driving force in getting the then open 60 x 30 covered in and which was officially opened in 1986.

 

Local craftsman man Louis Leavy was given the task of constructing the stone memorial plaque while Mark Bennett of Bennetts Monumental Stoneworks Kells , carried out the inscriptions.

Steven Quinn Chairman of the welcome everyone to the unveiling and said “it was just brilliant for the club this year to have the memorial stone plaque in Hughie’s honour.” The Chairman thanked the Communications Workers Union for donating the initial stone to the Reilly family.  He also thanked James Quail from the Communications Workers Union for their massive input into the project and also Meath County Council for permission. Craftsman and Sculptor Louis Leavy was warmly thanked for his magnificent work as was Mark Bennett of Bennetts Monumental Stoneworks for all the inscription work.   Others who were thanked were Peadar Byrne from the Jim Connell Committee, the handball committee and Jim Curry Hillside Stores Drumbaragh who kindly donated all the flowers for the occasion.

James Quail the Communications Workers Union representative then spoke and said he was “very honoured and privileged to be at the unveiling”. He praised the late Chairman describing him “as playing a pivotal role in An Post for over 40 years and for his work on the Jim Connell Committee.

Christina McEachen mother of the late Paul McEachen was also remembered. He was a trainee on the building project and who was subsequently killed in a tragic motorbike accident in 2005.   She thanked everyone for remembering her son on the plaque.

Rosaleen McDonnell sister of the late Chairman then spoke on behalf of the family and said the Reilly family were honoured and grateful to receive such an amazing scroll from the Kells Communications Workers Union in recognition of Hughie’s 42 years of hard work in An Post.  She also thanked James Quail the Communication Workers Union representative for doing the honours at the unveiling. “It was a place close to Hughie’s heart and he would be more than happy to see where the scroll is”.  He would often say “It will be on your scroll.” She also thanked Louis Leavy for his “ very skilful stonework” and the Crossakiel handball club for arranging to erect the scroll in her late brother’s memory. 

Historic unveiling:  Peadar Byrne Jim Connell Committtee, Steven Quinn Club Chairman, Christina McEachen, James Quail Communications Workers Union & Rosaleen McDonnell sister of the late Hughie Reilly

Speaking at the historic unveiling is Rosaleen McDonnell

John Smith, Mary McIloney,, Flora McDonald & Christina McEachen

Never fail to deliver : Eamon Yore, Cyril Convey, Jane Duffy & James Quail former Colleagues of Hughie & members of the Communications Workers Union An Post Kells

Eamon Yore,  James Quail, Cyril Convey, Jane Duffy, Rosaleen McDonell & Kevin Reilly

Historic Proud Moment for the Reilly Family: Kevin Reilly, Rosaleen McDonnell, Matt Reilly, Paddy Reilly & Pauline Farrelly

Crossakiel handball club committee - Jacquie Farrell, Mark Farrell, Steven Quinn, Kit Farrell, Susan Farrell, John Farrell & Vinny Farrell.

Brendan & Nicholas Smith ( Ballinlough Plastering)  Main Sponsors of Crossakiel handball Club alongside Jacquie Farrell, Mark Farrell, Steven Quinn, Kit Farrell, Susan Farrell, John Farrell & Vinny Farrell

  Same photo with Nicholas's son

"It will be on your scroll" - It is now Hughie

Written in Stone  - Handball in Crossakiel  

Fitting memorial to Hughie Reilly

 Dedicated club Officials and workers for the club Susan & Vinny Farrell

John Farrell, Sean Quinn, Peadar Byrne, Steven Quinn, Susan, Vinny, Jacquie & Kit Farrell, Louis Leavy Craftsman and Kevin Reilly

Brendan Smith, Nicholas Smith & son, Jacquie Farrell, Mark Farrell, Louis Leavy Steven Quinn, Michael McGee, Kit Farrell, Susan, John & Vinny Farrell & Sean Quinn,

The next generation of handball stars

The Hughie Reilly Stone Memorial Plaque a fitting memory to an outstanding clubman

John Smith,  Flora McDonald, Mary McIloney, Christina McEachen, Matt Reilly, Pauline Farrelly, Paddy Reilly, Rosaleen McDonnell & Kevin Reilly

Former player and worker on the project Paul McEachen sadly missed but never forgotten 

A section of the large crowd that attended the historical unveiling

Crossakiel handball club celebrate sponsorship presentation.

Crossakiel handball club secure new sponsorship deal

The Crossakiel handball club received sponsorship from Ballinlough Plastering last evening. The company’s Managing Director Nicholas Smith a native of Ballinlough set up his own Company Ballinlough Plastering in Quincy Boston  in 2007.  The company is already regarded as one of the City’s top plastering company’s in the Boston region.

Speaking at the Sponsorship deal in the handball club last evening Chairman Steven Quinn thanked Ballinlough Plastering for their generous sponsorship describing it “as a big day for the club and great for the future of the club to secure sponsorship with this renowned company overseas.”

The company was represented by Brendan Smith father of Nicholas Smith who made the Official presentation on behalf of the company.  It is worth noting Brendan played handball for many years with the club.

Official Sponsors of Crossakiel handball club

Brendan Smith  of  Sponsors Ballinlough Plastering with thanks to Nicholas Smith & Family in centre alongside Steven Quinn Club Chairman on left and Mark Farrell club Juvenile Officer on the right

Club stars of the future:

Back row: Mark Farrell, Brendan Smith of Ballinlough Plastering Main club Sponsors and John Farrell

Middle row: Darren O'Higgins, Luke Harte, Conall Farrelly, Patrick White, Peter Hand, Cian Buckley

Front Left to Right: Adam Harte, Jack McDonnell, Reece Farrell, Aaron Rothwell, Warren Farrell,

Hughie Reilly remembered: The Crossakiel handball club presented the new Jersey to Kevin Reilly brother of the late Chairman Hughie Reilly.  In a nice gesture by the club on the sleeve of the new shirts bears a postman's hat as Hughie was a postman giving a life time of service as a member of An Post locally. It also bears his birthday (1952-2016).  Kevin also played many years with the club.

Group presentation left to right Kit Farrell, Vinny Farrell, Susan Farrell,John Farrell, Mrs McEachen, Kevin Reilly, Brendan Smith,  Mark Farrell, Peadar Byrne & Jackie Farrell

Crossakiel handball Club Committee

Back row left to right: Mark Farrell, Steven Quinn, John Farrelln & Michael McGee
Front row: Vinny Farrell, Susan Farrell & Jackie Farrell

Crossakiel players in Leinster handball 60 x 30 championships

Crossakiel handball club will have two players involved in this years Leinster handball 60  x 30 championships, writes Michael McGee

Up first will  be Mark Farrell in the Junior C singles & doubles. The athletic looking club player is making steady progress in the past couple of years. He won the double of Meath Junior B singles (defeating Roddy Wearen) and doubles  60 x 30 championships titles last October. A strong player he will give the grade a stern test and no doubt will give a very good account of himself.  Don't be surprised to see him in the shake up for Leinster honours.  While in the doubles Mark will partner Kells man Roddy Wearen.  The new combination are also expected to do well and will pose many questions of doubles pairings in the weeks ahead.

Meanwhile the clubs other staring player Steven Quinn goes in the Junior singles grade .The mighty Quinn was the clubs first All-Ireland medal winner winning the U-14 singles 40 x 20 & 60 x 30 titles back in 1991. He had to wait another 24 years before finally making the breakthrough when winning the Over 35 B doubles with Kells man Joe Cummins.   Steven & Joe  reached last years Junior doubles final only to be beaten by one ace by Wexford's David Kenny & Eugene Kelly in Ballymore Eustace after three absorbing games of handball.  Like his club Colleague, Steven should be in the shake up for a Leinster title come August.  The club wish both players  the best luck in Leinster.

Pictured: Mark Farrell & Steven Quinn will be hoping to get their hands on more silverware in this years Leinster 60 x 30 championships

Junior C singles: Mark Farrell Crossakiel (Meath)
Junior C doublese: Mark Farrell Crossakiel & Roddy Wearen Kells (Meath)

Junior Singles:  Steven Quinn Crossakiel (Meath)

Two GAA Sports - One proud Parish Club Article for Ballinlough GAA Match programme Sunday 7th May 2017 Official Opening Meath v Cavan

Two GAA Sports - One proud Parish 

Crossakiel Handball and Ballinlough GAA clubs have been intrinsically linked for well over 70 years, writes Michael McGee.

Crossakiel handball club members have proudly played with distinction on Ballinlough winning teams. Veterans such as Hugh Tully, Mattie Corcorcan, Tom McDonnell all pulled on the Ballinlough shirts. The trio showing a keen eye on the other small ball sport in the Parish while also winning County hurling titles with Kilskyre in the 1960’s. More recently handball club players such as Goalkeeper Tommy “dropsy” Smith was a safe pair of hands on the winning Ballinlough teams (Junior 1998 and Intermediate 1991). Other players of note who played both GAA codes were Seamus Byrne, Joey Byrne, Brendan Smith Ballinlough. Stalwarts such as Cathal Flynn former Chairman of the football Club and Padraig Gaughran served on handball committees. Michael Gaynor & John Farrell won Leinster U-17 doubles titles back in 1999 and also lined out with Ballinlough at underage level. Michael’s brother Shane also proving a versatile handball and football player. Mark Farrell the present Juvenile handball officer played in goals with Killough Gaels (Ballinlough/ Kilmainhamwood amalgamation) were narrowly beaten by Round Towers in the Meath Minor Football Championship decider in 1993. Another Crossakiel handball player who also played in goals with the reds was Basil Balfe. 

Another handball/football/Cavan link is the one and only Paul Brady. The five time World handball champion and arguably the greatest handballer of all time came to Crossakiel on a cold Sunday evening last January to officially open the club’s new defibrillator kindly sponsored by An Post and Crossakiel handball club. Brady was first called into the Cavan senior panel by Meath Man Mattie Kerrigan in the winter of 2002. He played for Cavan for nine years, generally at wing-back but also in the half-forward line, and was regarded as one of the most consistent players in the county. He earned a call-up to the Ulster squad for the inter-provincial series and has two county U21 medals, three Cavan SFC medals (1998, 2006 and 2012) and one Senior League medal (2012) with Mullahoran Dreadnoughts. He was Man of the Match in the 2012 county final win over Kingscourt Stars. Brady's uncle was the great Phil 'The Gunner' Brady who played for Cavan for many years, winning three All-Ireland medals.

The Farrell family dynasty of Crossakiel also provided 3 more accomplished players to both handball and football with Christopher winning a Meath U-17 doubles title with Eugene O’Reilly in 1999, Barry a County handball champion also in 1999 and Robbie a member of the recent winning Ballinlough side that won the Mattie McDonnell Intermediate Cup in 2014 and reached the Leinster Intermediate Cup final later that year. Mark’s two sisters Jacquie and Susan are heavily involved on the Club Committees with Susan the present Ballinlough Juvenile club secretary and handball Club PRO. Johnny Reilly the clubs committee member was a selector for the Intermediate team. 

In the club’s golden but short era in Juvenile handball gained unprecedented success between 2010-12. With the “conveyor belt” under the expert guidance of national and international handball star Eugene O’ Reilly reached stellar heights with the likes of Gary Reilly, Johnnie Reilly, James Baugh, Jack Tunney and the late Ricky McDermott R.I.P. all doing the Crossakiel handball club proud in Leinster handball championships. A number of players going on to win underage titles with Crossakiel & Ballinlough and breaking into the Ballinlough senior side subsequently. The aforementioned Eugene O’Reilly reached dizzying heights when winning the both the Men’s singles and doubles titles (with Kells man Peter Flanagan) Canadian championship in Burlington Ontario Canada in 2008. Reilly also won the Men’s C One Wall National title in Sligo the previous year and also scooped the U.S. Collegiates title and the Men’s C U.S. title in Los Angeles. The Patrickstown man also received the “National Handball Coach of the Award in 2010”. Eugene somehow found time to be an important member on Ballinlough teams. 

Eight years previous came another Canadian double success story with Michael McGee also claiming both the singles and doubles Canadian Championship in Vancouver in May 2002. McGee also created history when teaming up with Kells man John “Boy” Molloy” as the first Irish handball doubles pairing to win a Welsh One Wall doubles title back in August 1999. He has also served on National & County handball committees in Meath, Dublin & Sligo as Secretary & PRO. Michael, brother of former Club Chairman Seamus also played with Ballinlough for many years at underage and Junior level. Michael also reported on many Sligo Senior GAA matches in Markievicz Park for the local press Sligo Champion & Sligo Weekender. 

A Club article without the mention of one Hughie Reilly R.I.P. (August 2016) would not be an article at all. Our esteemed leader left a devoid that will never be fully filled in the Club. Hughie, larger than life was instrumental in getting the old 60 x 30 open court fully covered (officially opened in 1986) and where it is now recognised as one of the best 60 x 30 courts in the country having hosted National and All-Ireland championships matches. Hughie installed in us the love of handball and I can remember clearly he bringing his young handball stars to competitions in Kells, Rathmore etc in his yellow Hillman hunter car. Hughie, alongside Phil Mattews was immensely proud of one young Steven Quinn from the village (now the present Club Chairman). The mighty Quinn proved unstoppable when winning both All-Ireland 60 X 30 & 40 x 20 U-12 singles titles in 1991 an outstanding achievement. Hughie’s dedication to the club will never be forgotten. Already a Handball Cup competition in Hughie’s honour will be played for later in the later. And the club’s new playing shirt will bear the birthdate of our inspirational leader. Hughie’s brothers Kevin & Paddy also played handball with Crossakiel and football with Ballinlough. 

The Crossakiel handball club congratulate Ballinlough GFC on its opening. The Club has come a long way since the pitch opening in September 1976. A huge amount of work has gone into the upgrade of facilities in the last decade and its members can be immensely proud of their achievements both on and off the field into turning the playing facility into one of the top GAA County grounds in Meath. 

Comhghairdeas Baile an locha

Michael McGee

Runai
Crossakiel handball club

The Story of Welsh Handball by Author Kevin Dicks

Press Release

Date
20.3.2017
Contact at Y Lolfa
fflur@ylolfa.com

WHAT IS THE TRUE NATIONAL SPORT OF WALES?

The debate about the true national sport of Wales has been raging for years between rugby and football fans. But a new book claims that the first and true national sport of Wales is neither of these, but the little less know sport of Handball.

In industrial Wales Hanbdball (or Pêl-law) was the predominant sport – drawing crowds of thousands to watch the game that could be described as similar to squash, but without the rackets. Courts were to be seen in many parts of the Welsh valleys and it was played in yards of pubs in front of betting spectators. The game was a national obsession, with people travelling from far and wide to watch thrilling matches between the sporting heroes of the day, and fortunes being won and lost through side stakes and gambling.

Today only one ball court survives, in the village of Nelson in the Caerphilly Borough. 

In Handball - The Story of Wales' First National Sport, handball player and former miner Kevin Dicks’ meticulous research traces the long history of this folk sport played with any ball on any wall, from Welsh myth and folklore and the outlawed ‘devil’s game’ of the churchyard, through its glory years in the 18th and 19th centuries and strong links with the mining industry, to its decline in the 20th century as it failed to modernise, and its reboot in the present day. He questions the origins of the grammar school version of the game known as fives, and precisely dates the Nelson ball court – a date that has eluded historians for years.

The book also shatters a widespread modern myth regarding an Irish origin to the court and therefore to the sport in Wales.

‘This is untold story of Wales deserves a wider audience’ said Kevin Dicks, ‘Nothing has been written as in depth as this on any folk sport in the UK’.

‘After a while it dawned upon me that I’m the last miner to play handball in Wales, and it then became somewhat of duty continue the research and complete a work on the subject. It was as if the last man left in had to tell the tale’ added Kevin. 

The cover of the book feature the classic 1906 handball at Nelson. Two players and two officials stand on the ball court with a crowd of 1,200 in attendance. 

The author Kevin Dicks has been a Welsh handball player and official for nearly fifty years. He has written extensively on handball for various outlets including the BBC, the Daily Mail, the American Welsh paper Y Drych and the Caerphilly Campaign. He has also spoken on the subject abroad in Ireland, Canada and Italy and has contributed to the United States Handball magazine, and this book is the product of 22 years of trawling the archives. An ex-miner, he formerly worked as a Surveyor’s Assistant at Deep Navigation, Treharris. A part-time writer he now works for Admiral and currently lives in Ystrad Mynach, Hengoed.

A refreshing look at a sport devoid of modern commercialism, this is a lively story full of colourful characters, a revealing glimpse into social history, folk sport and the passions of the working man, and a fascinating insight into what can fairly be claimed as Wales’ first national sport.

Handball - The Story of Wales' First National Sport by Kevin Dicks (£14.99, Y Lolfa) is available now.

Title
Handball - The Story of Wales' First National Sport
Publishing date
March 2017
Price & ISBN
£14.99 9781784613761
Author
Kevin Dicks
Tel., email, website
01443 862 698, 07570 212378 , kevinjohndicks@gmail.com

Congratulations to my very good Welsh Handball friend Kevin Dicks who has finally published a comprehensive and exhaustive research on Welsh handball. It took something like 20 years in the making but Kevin's determination and unwavering willingness to stick with it never relented.It was a labor of love and his meticulous and painstaking work to the book is clear to be seen.  

I had the pleasure of meeting the very affable, efficient and former Welsh Secretary a number of times both in Ireland and over in his beloved Nelson. In 2000 Myself and Kells man John Boy Molloy travelled to Nelson where we eventually brought home the Welsh doubles title a first for an Irish doubles team defeating a very strong Philip Rees & Ashley Lloyd in an absorbing final winning it 21-14 and in 30 degrees of heat. I can clearly remember Kevin showing me numerous historic old black and white handball photos that adorned the walls in the Royal Oak Hotel directly opposite the famous handball court in Nelson.

In fact the the entitre Welsh squad stayed with us along with Irish international Officer Tom O' Connor in 2001 on route to the Irish One Wall Nationals in Sligo. I had the pleasure of showing the team a number of sights in Kells, Trim and around the Crossakiel handball 60 x 30 court. The team were impressed going to see the Loughcrew Neolithic burial chambers which date back older than the Pyramids of Egypt. The team also took in a visit to Abbeylara One Wall court. All this was mentioned in Kevin's Welsh report which appeared in the Irish Handball yearbook Annual in 2001.

It is an excellent book chronicling the history of Welsh handball over the last 300 years and up to the present day. It's a must read handball book for all handball players, officials, supporters and historians alike and I strongly recommend this historic book.

Michael McGee

Crossakiel club members complete Safety Awareness workshop in Windtown

The Magnificent Seven: Michael McGee, Steven Quinn, Mark Farrell, Jackie Farrell, John Farrell, Vinnie Farrell & Susan Farrell

Crossakiel handball club members pictured with Mary Walsh Course Tutor following the presentation of certificates 

Seven members from the Club completed the Code of Ethics Good Practice for Children's Sport Safety Awareness Training organised by the  Meath Local Sports Partnership in Windtown Unity Centre in Navan last evening. The workshop was conducted by Tutor Mary Walsh. Members found the 3.5 hours introductory workshop very meaningful and informative.

The club expresses its appreciation to Lynn O'Reilly Meath Local Sports Partnership and Course Tutor Mary Walsh for facilitating the Club in the Workshop.

A further workshop will  take place on Thursday May 4th next also in Windtown  on the Safeguard Child Club Officers Level II. Mark Farrell & John Farrell will be the clubs representatives in this workshop

_________________________________________________________________________________

Defibrillator training for Crossakiel handball club

Members of Crossakiel handball club held a Defibrillator course in the Club’s meeting rooms on Saturday February 18^th last. Sean Rooney from the Heartsafety Solutions Company in Dublin gave a very informative talk on the use of and workings of a Defibrillator. Following the talk members got hands on practical training in the use of the defibrillator.

Club Chairman Steven Quinn thanked the Reilly family for allowing the club to be the custodians of this invaluable community resource. The Chairman also complimented “all the local volunteers who gave their time to undertake the training.  It gives a sense of community and purpose back to the village. Working hard together is really important to a village like Crossakiel .”

 The lifesaving equipment was kindly sponsored by An Post and the Crossakiel handball club in memory of the late Hughie Reilly former chairman of the club.

Photo:

Back row left to right: Noelle O’Driscoll, John Farrell, Mark Farrell, Vinny Farrell, Angela McCabe & Valerie Quinn.

Front row: Michael McGee & Noel Kane