All-Ireland handball final a sellout as ‘Vision 2012’ strategy unveiled

THE Irish Handball Council yesterday announced plans for their “Vision 2012” strategy which aims to develop a modern and cohesive marketing and communications programme for the sport.

Ireland will host the World Championships in 2012, and over the next five years, handball chiefs aim to encourage greater participation levels and increase the level of corporate sponsorship.

Yesterday’s announcement, which included the unveiling of a new promotional logo and leisurewear range, and new corporate “Friends of Irish Handball” took place at a press conference for the M Donnelly All-Ireland 60 x 30 Finals, which will take place at Croke Park on Saturday.

The decider between the legendary champion of the past, 16-time winner Kilkenny’s Micheal “Ducksy” Walsh and Dubliner Eoin Kennedy, who is seeking a fourth consecutive All-Ireland title was yesterday declared a sellout.

The development of Vision 2012 will be overseen by the Irish Handball Council and the newly-formed Sponsorship & Marketing Committee, under the chairmanship of former All-Ireland handball champion, Walter O’Connor.

GAA President Nickey Brennan said: “These are very important times for the development and future of Irish handball. The GAA’s recent decision to allocate substantial funding for the development of modern handball facilities at Croke Park will give a much-needed boost to the game throughout the country. Vision 2012 will be a culmination of the efforts of those involved in bringing the game forward and I must pay tribute to those working to ensure that it is a success.”

Tom Walsh, Irish Handball Council President, said: “This is a very exciting week for handball with a true battle of giants taking place this Saturday between Eoin and Ducksy and a fresh impetus behind the marketing and promotion of the game with commissioning of the Vision 2012 strategy. There is a loyal and dedicated base which handball can use to grow and develop in order to return the game to its rightful standing as one of the premier Irish sports.”

Irish Handball also announced that Gaelic Telecom, Ladbrokes and O’B Sport, have joined M Donnelly as their key sponsors for the coming year.