GAA HANDBALL SHOWDOWN TO BRING CURTAIN DOWN ON GAA 125 CELEBRATIONS Stars gather to try their handball at the perfect game 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 on Saturday next. An impressive line-up of some of the finest athletes in Gaelic Games has been assembled and the stars, from Football, Hurling, Camogie, Rounders and Ladies Football, are now ready for action. The Showdown involves pairing high-ranking handball players, such as Cork's Tony Healy, Kilkenny's Michael 'Ducksy' Walsh and Dublin's Eoin Kennedy, teaming up with a top GAA Star from their county in a knock-out tournament to become the 'Ultimate GAA Handball Showdown' winners. "It's going to be a very special occasion for GAA Handball, and hopefully highlight the potential of the game within the Gaelic Games family," said Niamh Egan, Media and Development Officer for GAA Handball. A total of 20 counties will be represented at the Showdown, with proceedings hosted by Hector Ó hEochagáin. With the likes of 2009 Hurler of the Year, Tommy Walsh, and All-Ireland winning Kerry captain, Darran O'Sullivan, in action, along with a host of other GAA stars, this unique charity event promises to be something special. The Make-A-Wish Foundation, who aim to make the wishes of children living with life-threatening illnesses come true, will be the beneficiaries of the GAA Handball Showdown. Since its inception in 1992, Make-A-Wish in Ireland has granted wishes for over 940 brave children, realising their greatest wish and allowing them experience the hope, strength and joy each wish provides. "On behalf of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, I would like to say how delighted we are to be associated with the GAA Handball Showdown on Saturday next in Croke Park. We are really looking forward to the day and wish all the competitors the very best of luck," said Susan O'Dwyer, Chief Executive. In 1884, handball was included in the GAA Charter as one of the sports to be promoted by the new Association and 125 years later, the game has evolved into the only truly international game under the Gaelic games umbrella. A huge crowd is expected to attend the GAA Showdown this weekend at what promises to be a thrilling occasion for Gaelic Games. Some of the stars in action include Dublin sharp-shooter, Conal Keaney; Tipperary hurling ace, Shane McGrath; Mayo's legend, Cora Staunton; Cork Camóg, Cathriona Foley, as well as Meath scoring ace, Joe Sheridan and former Armagh footballer, Diarmaid Marsden. -------- FOR TICKET INFORMATION, OR PRESS ACCREDITATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Niamh Egan on 01-8192383 or email [email protected] Event Details: GAA HANDBALL SHOWDOWN Venue: National Handball Centre, Croke Park Time: 11am - 5pm *For full itinerary of games, please see link below: http://www.gaahandball.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=390:all-star-awards-to-be-announced&catid=34:news-archive GAA 125 Handball Showdown Dublin Eoin Kennedy Conal Keaney (Football) Kilkenny Ducksy Walsh Tommy Walsh (Hurling) Mayo Dessie Keegan Jim Reilly (Rounders) Kerry Dominick Lynch Darren O'Sullivan (Football) Cavan Michael Finnegan Seanie Johnston (Football) Westmeath Robbie McCarthy Brendan Murtagh (Hurling) Wexford Gavin Buggy Anthony Masterson (Football) Meath Tom Sheridan Graham Geraghty (Football) Wicklow Michael Gregan Paddy Dalton (Football) Tipperary Ger Coonan Shane McGrath (Hurling) Armagh Charly Shanks Diarmaid Marsden (Football) Cork Tony Healy Donnacha O'Connor (Football) Antrim Ricky McCann Michael McCann (Football) Meath Brian Carroll Joe Sheridan (Football) Mayo Joe McCann Andy Moran (Football) Antrim Owen McKenna Mickey Kettle (Hurling) Tyrone Ruari Kelly Justin McMahon (Football) Clare Diarmaid Nash Phillip Brennan (Hurling) Ladies Ashley Prendiville Cathriona Foley (Cork/Camogie) Deirdre Donohue Cora Staunton (Mayo/ Football) Anna Wrynn Cliodhna O'Connor (Dublin/ Football) Shauna Hilley Aislinn Connolly (Galway/Camogie) Maria Daly Mairead Morrissey (Tipperary/ Football) Fiona Shannon Neamh Woods (Tyrone/ Football) Aisling Reilly Katie McAuley (Derry/Camogie) Leona Doolin Mags D'Arcy (Wexford/Camogie) Tweet

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