Ballymore Eustace man wins top Handball award

A Ballymore Eustace man has won the Leinster Handball Club Person of the Year.

The awards ceremony were held in Birr, Co Offaly last weekend.

Ballymore man, Gavin Grace was announced the Leinster GAA Handball Club Person of the Year for 2017.

"It is well deserved for all the hard work he puts into the Club and both Club and County are very proud of him for receiving this accolade" said PJ McGrath on behalf of Ballymore Handball Club.

"I've attached a picture of him being presented with the award yesterday by Joe Masterson (President of GAA Handball) and Tony Breen (Leinster GAA Handball Chairman)."

Gavin, as club secretary, is exceptional allowing the Club to prosper both on and off the court since he took charge. He is fundamental to the club, attaining grants/advertising, writes reports for local media, organised the building of the new 1 wall court, runs the local tournament, helps with the Kildare championships, referees and even plays himself (winning 2 All Irelands recently).

He supports all players when he can and maintains the alley complex fixing heating, lighting, painting etc. The highlight is his achievement in reigniting juvenile training in Ballymore which is vital to the club’s survival."

Last year, Matt Purcell a stalwart of the Kildare village club, was honoured at the national awards for his lifetime support and promotion of the sport. Ballymore Eustace continues to be one of the stronger clubs in handball with two playing courts, including a glass alley.