Power NI, Northern Ireland’s leading energy supplier, has given its backing to Loughmacrory GAA Handball Club by becoming the official Tournament Ball Sponsors for the 5th Annual Lough Wallball Showdown in Loughmacrory, Omagh.
The club was nominated by Kenny Curran as part of Power NI’s ‘Helping Hands’ scheme, which encourages staff to put forward local organisations which they are involved with to receive up to £250 worth of funding. Kenny’s nomination enabled the club to cover the cost of handballs for the event.
Delighted with the funding, Kenny Curran said, “Having been involved with Loughmacrory GAA my whole life, I’m so pleased to be able to give back to the club and support this fantastic annual event. The Lough Wallball Showdown is always a great day for the local community as they come together to watch handball played at a high standard with players of all ages coming from far and wide to compete and mix with each other in a wonderful atmosphere. It’s great to work for a company that values employees and recognises the importance of giving back to local communities.” The tournament, which attracts 250 of the best Handball players from over 20 counties throughout Ireland and also players from England, Holland, Spain and Puerto Rico, took place from Friday 29th June to Sunday 1st June in the purpose built Loughmacrory One Wall Arena. GAA Handball has been played in Loughmacrory for over 150 years, with its first committee forming in 1968, meaning the club is celebrating its official 50th birthday this year. The club has several All Ireland Gold medal winners to its name.
Club Chairman, Chris Curran, said, “We have made great strides in recent years in the handball club and this has seen the introduction of so many young, and indeed older, playing members into the sport. As a result we are constantly striving to provide facilities and equipment, in addition to our coaching and development programmes, to maintain this continued growth and the Helping Hands scheme has really boosted our efforts in this. The contribution is very much appreciated by our playing members and coaches alike and certainly enhances our development within the Community and our now highly recognised Lough Showdown Tournament".
