Cuilleann Bourke and Claire Reynolds impress on the handball court

THE CONNAUGHT TELEGRAPH YOUNG SPORTS STARS OF THE YEAR NOs. 16 & 17:

 

BALLA Secondary School students Claire Reynolds and Cuilleann Bourke were crowned All-Ireland ladies handball senior doubles colleges A champions following their magnificent victory over their Cork opponents in the final, played in Hospital, Limerick, in October.

Both Cuillean and Claire are members of Belcarra Handball Club and their progression in this tough sport has risen significantly over the past number of years. In winning the 2017 colleges A All-Ireland title, Cuillean and Claire came through their Connaught campaign in great style before facing the Kilkenny and Leinster champions in the All-Ireland semi-final.

This was their toughest test as they were up against a very strong pair in Dearbhail O’Keeffe and Roisin O’Keeffe from Greenan College. However, after winning the opening game 15/10 they secured their place in the decider by winning the second game by two aces, 15/13.

In the final they faced up to Cork and Munster champions Anna Dunne and Aoife Hurley, who were representing Loretto Convent, Fermoy, Cork. The sheer power of the Balla pair proved way too strong for the Leesiders.