Newly extended and refurbished mallow handball club opened

Minister of State, Sean Sherlock, with assistance from Eric Delany, Daniel O'Driscoll and Darragh Bowen, cuts the ribbon to officially open the extension to Mallow Handball Club, Also pictured, Canon Gerard Casey, Willie Mills who built the extension, John Harkin, John Ryan, and Club Chairman Ken O'Neill.

Minister of State, Sean Sherlock, with assistance from Eric Delany, Daniel O’Driscoll and Darragh Bowen, cuts the ribbon to officially open the extension to Mallow Handball Club, Also pictured, Canon Gerard Casey, Willie Mills who built the extension, John Harkin, John Ryan, and Club Chairman Ken O’Neill.

Last Friday evening, Minister of State at Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sean Sherlock TD officiated at the opening of the newly extended & refurbished Mallow Handball Club. Among the invited guests were, the Very Reverend Canon Gerard Casey P.P. and Mr. Willie Mills – Building Contractor as well as representatives of the local press.

Mallow Handball Club received funding through the Sports Capital Programme which allowed the club to embark on one of its most ambitious building projects since the construction of the handball alley nearly forty years ago.

Mr. Willie Mills – Building Contractor and Architect Mr. David Butler were employed to construct an extension to the club which involved the demolition of the original dressing rooms and the construction of male and female changing rooms, toilets, wheelchair accessible toilet and a kitchen and meeting room. Each of the player changing rooms has shower and toilet facilities. Further funding was received from the Cork County Council Municipal District Amenity Grant Scheme, which was used to renovate the handball court and viewing area.

The evening concluded, as is tradition within handball, with some of the world’s elite handballers marking the occasion by playing an exhibition match. Robbie Mc Carthy – Mullingar who is currently ranked No.1, paired off with Mallow’s Tadgh Carroll to play against Martin Mulkerrins from Moy-cullen and CJ Fitzpatrick from Broadford. All those in attendance were treated to an exciting three games which saw Robbie & Tadgh win it out.

Mallow Handball Club wishes to extend its sincere gratitude to Minister of State, Mr. Sean Sherlock TD, Mr. Willie Mills, Very Rev. Canon Gerard Casey P.P., Margret Desmond (Ret. RAPID Coordinator) and Mr David Butler for their advice, support, and generosity, throughout the duration of the building project. The members of Mallow Handball Club are looking forward to the future where its many young handballers and not so young handballers can train and plan for the future in our modern facilities. Go raibh mile maith agat.