Wexford Camóg, Mags D'Arcy, who plays in goals for the Model County, and Dublin's All-Star Football 'keeper, Cliodhna O'Connor, may never meet on the field of play, but this Saturday they will come face to face in the GAA Handball Showdown. To mark the close of the GAA's 125 Celebrations, GAA players from all codes will take part in the GAA Handball Showdown at the National Handball Centre, Croke Park tomorrow; Cliodhna and Mags are just two of a number of stars who will take to the alleys. Eight ladies teams will pair up in both the 40x20 and 60x30 courts and with top names in Camogie, Ladies Football and Handball in action, competition will be intense. An impressive line-up of some of the finest athletes in Gaelic Games has been assembled and the players, from Football, Hurling, Camogie, Rounders and Ladies Football, and of course, handball, are now ready for action. The Showdown involves pairing GAA players, such as Kilkenny's Tommy Walsh, Mayo's Cora Staunton and Kerry's Darran O'Sullivan, with senior handballers from their own county in a knock-out tournament to become the 'Ultimate GAA Handball Showdown' winners. "I'm feeling really sore after last night's training session," said O'Connor, who collected an All-Star this year following her outstanding performances as Dublin's number one. "I really enjoyed it, but it was tough and my arm is killing me - all in the name of the game I suppose." O'Connor, who will pair up with Kildare's Anna Wrynn, had a busy year with the Dubs, and having lost out to Cork in the All-Ireland Final, she is hoping that this GAA Showdown might bring more success. "We'll give it a good shot," said O'Connor. "The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a great cause and hopefully we can raise a lot of money for them." O'Connor and Wrynn face Ulster's Aisling Reilly and Katie McAuley in their opening game at Croke Park handball headquarters. Meanwhile, D'Arcy will partner Wicklow's Shauna Hilley in the GAA Showdown and the talented Camóg is delighted to be representing her county. "Handball has a strong tradition in Wexford and hopefully I can fly the flag well at the Showdown," said the Sales Manager with Crunch Fitness. "I'm a bit nervous about playing, but hopefully the natural instincts will see me through." GAA Handball Showdown action gets underway at 11am in Croke Park and a packed house expected at handball headquarters. Tweet

Most Read Stories