AUSTIN — A new handball pilot program launched this past Saturday through a cooperative effort between the USHA and United States Gaelic Athletic Association (USGAA), marking the first clinic, practice, and day of play. With more than 130 USGAA clubs across the United States, the partnership represents an exciting opportunity to reintroduce Handball — one of Ireland’s legacy Gaelic sports — to new players and communities. The USGAA is the governing body responsible for promoting the sports of hurling, camogie and Gaelic football in the United States.
Texas A&M’s Martin Mulkerrins and Eilish Owens led the event, organizing instruction and facilitating games for participants. Six players from the Celtic Cowboys GAA Club joined 13 local players for a spirited afternoon of learning and competition. Another 15 players are expected to attend the next session, scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 5, leading up to the Texas State Championships on Nov. 16. Participants will be encouraged to enter the Novice or C divisions to continue their development.
“The greater integration of Handball into the USGAA, and indeed GAA clubs around the World, has immense potential for the growth of the sport,” said Mulkerrins. “We are very excited to be part of this Texas Pilot Program with the Celtic Cowboys GAA Club and look forwarded to strengthening our collaboration with them and other clubs in Texas and around the country.”
This partnership between the USHA and USGAA aims to introduce new players to handball and strengthen the connection between the two organizations across the Gaelic Athletic community.