Curran quits CEO position

Chris Curran has vacated his position as the chief executive of GAA Handball Ireland.

Last month, the Tyrone native announced his decision to step down next month due to personal reasons. However, Curran left the office last Friday and former GAA Handball president Tony Hannon is now expected to take up the interim CEO position.

Curran, who was appointed in February 2009, said he had taken a lot from his experience: “Having spent just over four years in this role, I have truly enjoyed the fantastic experience of working within such a brilliant organisation and certainly feel that our sport and organisation are continuing to grow and develop in a very exciting era for GAA Handball.

“The hosting of the World Championships in particular in Dublin was one of the most memorable experiences during my time, ” he concluded

2012 was a difficult one financially for the organisation, which posted a deficit of €1,349,746, with the staging of the World Championships accruing a €865,538 loss. Alone, the cost of constructing the handball courts for the competition was €530,332 while over €236,000 was spent on promotion and over €200,000 on officials, volunteers and Team Ireland.

In his annual report, Curran wrote of its hosting: “The financial costs were certainly high but what the World Championships achieved for the sport in general cannot be measured in terms of what we can now do going forward.”

Speaking earlier this month, GAA president Liam O’Neill said the Association would guarantee the costs of the World Championships.