L-R Back Row John Gaffney, Joey Maher, Tim Hughes Front L-R Finbar Masterson and Vincent Brennan	Group Fhoto of Ballaghaderreen all-Stars taken at Durkings on Sautuday November 27th 2004

‘BALLAGHADERREEN HANDBALL CLUB
CELEBRATES SIXTEEN YEARS OF SUCCESS’

A most enjoyable night of celebration, hosted by the Ballaghaderreen Club took place at Durkin’s Hotel on Saturday night November 27th last.
The large attendance included Irish Handball President Tony Hayes, who made the long journey from Cappagh Co. Limerick, Connaught Council chairman, Denis Phelan from Galway and secretary, John McLoughlin from Sligo and the special guest was legendary handballer, Joey Maher from Co. Louth.
Two people received standing ovations, Fr. Martin Jennings PP Curry Co. Sligo and former President at St. Nathy’s College, and Club Chairman John Gaffney when they arrived.
Following an excellent meal, Ballaghaderreen Club secretary, Alex McDonnell who did a fine job as master of ceremony commenced the awards proceedings.
He spoke of the Club’s humble beginnings and in particular the efforts of John Gaffney and Fr. Jennings as they worked tirelessly to foster the abundant talent of in the club. Gaffney, who is also a highly respected official in Ballaghaderreen and in National handball circles humbly said his award was really for all the people for their help through the years and not just for himself.
Handball titles both National and International would not have been won without commitment and dedication. Gaffney had special words of thanks to Fr. Martin Jennings for his tremendous work for handball in Ballaghaderreen.
Brian Tansey also came in for special mention from John Gaffney whom he described as one of the all time greats in the town of Ballaghaderreen, being involved in all G.A.A. Sports. John Gaffney said that has great admiration for all the players who have shown great dedication to the sport and that he was especially pleased to have Joey Maher a former World Handball Champion in attendance.
In reply Joey Maher thanked John Gaffney for inviting him to the function and also he gave coaching sessions to young players in several clubs over the weekend.  Tony Hayes on behalf of the Irish Handball Council spoke and mentioned that he remembered Joey Maher playing back in 1969.  Mr. Hayes told the story when Maher after receiving a presentation for an exhibition match, many years ago in Cappagh, turned around afterwards and handed it back asking that it be used for juveniles. That is the man that Joey Maher is and the President was full of admiration for the Co. Louth man. He added that it was his second time in a week in Ballaghaderreen after having attended the Connacht Open the previous week and he added how impressed he was to see many young players from Ballaghaderreen watching the games from the back of the court. In a lighter moment Tony Hayes said he knew it was a fantastic year for the club when he observed that Ollie Cassidy, the ultra casual dresser, wearing a shirt and tie at the awards ceremony.
Hayes praised the club for its fantastic commitment and added that the secret behind the club’s success was its people.  Tony Hayes thanked Alex McDonnell, Vincent Brennan and John Gaffney for their invaluable work with young people in handball.  In a message to all in attendance Hayes asked all the young players not to forget what people like John Gaffney, Fr. Martin Jennings and others did for them.  In his closing words Hayes asked that Ballaghaderreen stay on the handball map and wished that the club would go from success to success.
Padraig Gaffney on behalf of all the players thanked especially John Gaffney and Fr. Martin Jennings and the parents.
A little history on the club it was formed in 1987 with the following Committee John Gaffney, Gerry Waldron, Brian Tansey, John Flynn, John Cunniffe, Eddie O’ Reilly, Alex McDonnell, Brian Colleran, Padraig Mulligan, Stephen French.  Gerald Cunniffe R.I.P. gave £100 cheque to open the account back to start the fundraising. In 1992 Campbell Brennan and Vincent Moran won the first All-Ireland title for the club in winning the U-16 doubles.   In 1994 James Quinn and Brian Tansey won the U-14 doubles. The Haugh twins are unique in handball as both have won All-Ireland titles.  In fact history was made when both met in a National One- Wall Men’s B singles final at Ballisodare in 1999. This year the young girls won the U-13 Community Games and Kevin Geraghty won both the 40x20 and 60 x 30 Silver Masters A All-Ireland titles.
Joe McCann and Dessie Keegan are two of the clubs best-known players. Joe has won 15 All-Ireland titles, 2 USA U-15 titles, one World Colleges title, 3 Irish Nationals, a European One Wall, and a Western People Handball Sports Star award. This year Joe won the USHA Colleges Doubles title with Noel McHugh from Williamston, and last September won the Intermediate Singles 60 x 30 title and doubles titles.
He also represented Ireland at the Invitational Basque Handball Tournament last October.  Dessie Keegan was amassed 31 All-Ireland titles, one European title in One- Wall, three US titles in U-17, 19 and Men’s Open, four World titles U-15, U-19 and two World Colleges titles and also received the Handball Player of the Year Award.  Paul Flynn also is a European One Wall Champion from 1997 together with six All-Ireland titles. The Club also won the Senior Open Interclub title last year the winning team members were Vincent Brennan, Campbell Brennan, Paul Flynn, Joe McCann, Vincent Moran and Dessie Keegan, Padraig Gaffney. With a growing number of young players taking part in club and National competitions it is likely a number of them will follow in the footsteps of their club heroes such as Joe McCann and Dessie Keegan. John Gaffney who has dedicated his life to his beloved Ballaghaderreen Handball Club will no doubt share in the club’s continuing success story in the years ahead.
The twenty-one award winners were as follows: -
Tony Groake, Kevin Geraghty, Ollie Cassidy, Steve Joe Durkin, Aoife Maloney, Catriona & Eamon Colleran, Emer & Brian Tansey, James Quinn, Declan & Barry Haugh, Andrew & Vincent Moran, Padraig Gaffney, Paul Flynn, Campbell Brennan, Joe McCann, Dessie Keegan, Fr. Martin Jennings and John Gaffney.