5 World Championship Gold Medals for Kells Handballers

The World Handball Championships took place across Leinster venues from October 26th – November 3rd. Kells Handball Club took a team of 17 juveniles and 8 adults to the championships, entered in grades ranging from 11&Under to 65+ and everything in between. Kells players acquitted themselves excellently throughout the week, playing against opponents from the USA, Canada, Japan and beyond. While many players reached the later stages of the championships it was Tom Sheridan, Michael Sheridan, Joy Walsh and Sinead Forde who were victorious on the world stage. 

Tom Sheridan was first to bring gold home on Saturday November 3rd in the Men’s 55+ Singles division. Tom dominated throughout the tournament without losing a set. This title adds to Tom’s illustrious collection after winning many senior titles throughout his career. This win set the scene for the day as more success was on the way. Tom then teamed up with brother Michael to take home the 50+ World Doubles title after defeating an Antrim/Tipperary combination on a 15-13, 15-6 score line. The Sheridan brothers were deserving winners in O Loughlin’s, Kilkenny having impressed all the way through the tournament.

Later that evening, Joy Walsh and Sinead Forde won the Ladies C Doubles World Championship in Garyhill, Carlow. The girls stormed to victory on a 15-10,15-6 score line over a Tyrone/Monaghan team. This was a sweet success for the Kells partnership as both Joy and Sinead have recently returned to the sport after long lay-offs. Joy recently won a silver medal in the World One Wall Championships and she had to dig deep to go one step further in the 4 wall championships. Sinead also took home the Ladies C plate title, which is a drop down division for players who lost their first round singles match. 

These World titles add to Kells Handball Clubs amazing year and prestigious history. Kells players continue to dominate on the national and international stage. Many provincial, national and now world titles have been won by local players over recent months. This showcases the hard work and sacrifice from players, coaches, parents and committee members behind the scenes. 

It must be said that the success of our Handball players often goes unrecognised but rest assured the club and town of Kells are beyond proud of everyone’s achievements.

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