EXPECTATION AND optimism abounded at Hannon’s Hotel in Roscommon town last Friday night as the county handball board held its World Championships launch. Over 60 players from Roscommon, including three members of the official Irish party, will participate in the World Championships in the Citywest Hotel, Dublin from Thursday, October 11th to Sunday, October 21st.

Marianna Rushe will compete in the Ladies Open championship, Lauren O’Riordan will take part in the 17 and under championship and Fiona Tully represents Ireland in the 13 and under championship. It is expected that over 2,000 players from 25 countries will take part in the World Championships.

The International Events Arena in the Citywest will comprise of 14 40 x 20 courts and ten One Wall courts. There will be tiered surround seating and two show courts.

Roscommon handballers have enjoyed huge success at the last two world championships – winning a combined total of ten titles – and hopes are high that the strong contingent travelling to Dublin will bring further glory to a county which is steeped in handball tradition.

County Handball Board Secretary John Kennedy noted that Roscommon would have “a great representation” of more than 60 competitors at the World Championships. He said it was good that the handball community had come together to celebrate the World Championships.

“It’s nice to get together and I wish everybody well. The players are a credit to themselves, we should be proud of our county,” Mr Kennedy said.

County Handball Board Chairman Liam Ó Ceallaigh described Ireland’s hosting of the world championship as “a very historic occasion”.