Natasha Patrizi is presented with a National Lottery Good Causes Awards, together with other members of the Mullingar Handball Club, recognised for its community initiatives.

World Four Wall Championships on the horizon

Published: Mon 21 Oct 2024, 4:39 PM

After bringing home three medals from the One Wall World Championships in August, attention now turns to the Four Wall World Championships, taking place in Leinster from Saturday October 26 to Sunday November 3, 2024.

Ireland’s men’s squad is led by All-Ireland Senior Singles champion Robbie McCarthy. His gripping match against Paul Brady in last April’s All-Ireland final drew a sell-out crowd to the National Handball Centre in Croke Park and generated huge excitement in the sport. Robbie kicks off his World Championship campaign with a match against the winner of Seamus Conneely and Stephen Cooney on Tuesday October 29 at 4:30pm in Croke Park. Robbie also pairs up with Joe McCann to represent Ireland in the Men’s Open Doubles.

McCann last represented Ireland at 14 and has since spearheaded a fundraising campaign, CJ’s Rainbow Cycle, in memory of his son CJ, who tragically passed away. Together with his wife, Niamh McCann (Goss.ie Hero of the Year 2024), they have raised over a quarter of a million euro for two charities, Hand in Hand and Oscar’s Kids. Niamh, a former Mullingar player, brought home Westmeath's first Ladies Junior Doubles title with Aoife McCarthy.

Team Ireland Captain Robbie McCarthy will feature on Liathróid Láimhe TG4 on 28.10.2024 at 6pm.

Robbie and Joe will play the winner of the Moycullen-Newport vs. USA California pairing at 7:30pm on Wednesday October 30 in Croke Park. Their potential victory would be an emotional one, but nothing in this tournament will come easy.

Robbie’s sister Aoife partners with Martina McMahon of Limerick in the Ladies Open Doubles. The duo, semi-finalists at this year’s World Wallball Doubles, are seeded second and face a USA pairing in their first match on Friday November 1 at 10:30am in Croke Park.

Our younger players also feature in the Four Wall Fun event at Croke Park on Sunday and Monday, with Fionnuala Heap, Ruairí Heap, and Luke Cleary McDonnell representing Team Mullingar. Alanna Staunton will travel to Southern Leinster for the U13 Girls event, starting with a singles match against St. Mellan's Ava McKenna in Davidstown on Saturday October 26, and teaming up with Caitlín Cashin for doubles action on Tuesday October 29.

Best of luck to all our players—we know they will do us proud. Stay updated on Mullingar Handball Club's Facebook page for fixtures and results, with top-class handball available to watch on TG4 Sport throughout the week.

National Lottery Good Causes Awards

Mullingar Handball Club was honoured to win the Sport category at the National Lottery Good Causes Awards. The club was recognised not only for developing elite players but for its dedication to community initiatives, including the Age Active, All Stars (for children with additional needs), Mothers & Others, and Dads & Lads programmes.

The club’s refurbishment allowed for a full year of the All Stars Programme, with 70% of participants transitioning to mainstream training. The National Lottery praised Mullingar Handball Club for creating a welcoming space for all ages and abilities, highlighting the positive impact on the local community.

Abbeylara Centenary John Carty Memorial

Last weekend, five youths and two adults from the club competed in the John Carty Memorial Tournament in Abbeylara, which celebrated its 100th anniversary. Congratulations to Gráinne Heap, who was runner-up in the U14 mixed competition, and Enrico Patrizi, who narrowly missed out on the U16 Boys Title. Well done to all who participated, and thanks to Abbeylara for organising such a great event.