Hopes high for handball resurgence in Scotland

IN 1427, the Scottish King James I had a cellar window in his palace blocked up as it was interfering with his handball game. This ancient Gaelic sport which is played similar to squash though without the racquet, has faded from popularity in Scotland though has continued with fervour in Ireland and beyond.

At the recent One Wall World Championships at Limerick University there were approximately 1000 players with the women’s title won by Limerick’s Martina McMahon and the men’s title by Nazir Marston of the United States. The latter will be defending his title in hometown next year in the amazing location of Central Park. The city itself hosts more handball courts than it does basketball courts, a fact which illustrates that New York is handball mad.

The energy of places like Ireland and the US has inspired new efforts to grow the game in Scotland. The first step on this journey is the hosting of an Open Day on Saturday November 1 at Easterhouse Sports Centre, Glasgow. There will be a tournament featuring players from across Scotland, coaches teaching how to play the sport and skill challenges showcasing what is needed to succeed in the game.

Handball has unique advantages over the more well known GAA codes, requiring only a ball, a wall and an opposition player. Age is no barrier with 79-year-old Ned Flynn winning an All-Ireland medal in the over 70s category, showing the sport offers a way for all members of the community to be active participants in a GAA club. Another advantage is that it can be played both indoors and outdoors, perfect for the variable climate that Scotland can offer within a day.

The sport has a rich history in Britain with All-Irelands having been held in London in the 1990s, which has only happened once in all other codes. Currently London GAA run both a league and championship and with Scotland GAA stepping onto the court, it is hoped to launch a British Championship for the fifth code.

If you are interested in taking part then get in touch with Scotland GAA through social media or email cda.scotland@gaa.ie