Eddie Brennan | Joe Canning | Ollie Canning | DJ Carey | Eugene Cloonan
Martin Comerford | Lar Corbett | Brendan Cummins | Ronan Curran
Ger Farragher | James 'cha' Fitzpatrick | Damien Fitzhenry | Paul Flynn
John Gardiner | Niall Gilligan | Damian Hayes | Conal Keaney | Michael Kavanagh
Eoin Kennedy | Eoin Kelly | Eoin Kelly | Eoin Larkin | Derek Lyng
Fergus McMahon | Seanie McMahon | Johnny McIntosh | Andrew Mitchell
Stephen Molumpy | Pat Mulcahy | John Mullane | Sean Óg Ó Hailpin
Andrew O'Shaughnessy | Ben O'Connor | Seamus Prendergast
Keith Raymond | Eoin Quigley | Joe Rabbite | Keith Rossiter | Dan Shanahan
Henry Shefflin | James Skehill | Tommy Walsh | Brian Whelehan | James Young
Eoin Kennedy is not just one of Ireland’s best known Handball stars, he is a world superstar at his sport. Hailing from Castleknock in Dublin, Eoin has been playing handball with the St Brigid’s club in Blanchardstown since he was 10. He won the World Doubles title with his partner Tony Healy in Canada in 2006 and he has won a total of 16 All-Ireland Senior titles between singles and doubles. In 2007, he won the All-Ireland 60x30 Singles and Doubles titles and the All-Ireland Hardball Singles and Doubles titles, an amazing feat to win all in the same year. He regularly travels abroad to compete against the best players from other countries. In fact, next January he will travel to Japan to play a top American player in an exhibition match. He is currently preparing for the next big event, the 2008 All-Ireland Championships, something he is really looking forward to.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
Beating Ducksy Walsh from Kilkenny to win my first All-Ireland Senior 60x30 title in 2002 is probably my most cherished memory in sport. Ducksy was a hero of mine growing up and to beat him in front of a huge crowd in Croke Park was very special. Even though I have won a World title since, that particular win gave me more satisfaction than anything else. All the years of training and dreaming of someday winning the All-Ireland title came to fruition that night.
Which do you like more and why, singles or doubles?
I love to play singles and doubles equally as much. Singles is great in that when you have success you know that you have achieved it all on your own. There is nowhere to hide in individual competition and so singles play is probably more mentally demanding than doubles. Playing doubles on the other hand is great fun, fantastic for spectators and it requires a good understanding between teammates. Myself and my partner, Egin Jensen, have gelled really well in doubles over the last few years and I really enjoy playing with him.
Who was the toughest opponent you ever faced?
I would have to say that Tony Healy, Paul Brady and Ducksy Walsh were probably the toughest to face. They are all superb athletes and, more importantly, great competitors.
What is it like playing in the World Championship?
The World Championships is a truly fantastic event and to play in it is a great experience for any player. There are divisions for everyone from U-11s to Over-70s so many people get the opportunity to compete. They only take place every 3 years so there is always a big build-up and great anticipation. The next one takes place in Portland, USA in 2009. I can’t wait!
Why is handball the coolest?
It helps to develop physical fitness and mental strength. It provides the opportunity to travel to many different places in Ireland and abroad and to make many friends along the way.
What are your hopes for the future?
My immediate aim is to try to retain my All-Ireland Singles and Doubles titles this coming year. In the long term, I hope to stay injury-free and to keep competing at a high level.
What advice would you give to young players?
Listen to your coach, practise the skills but most of all have fun!
Name: Eoin Kennedy
Age: 28
Club: St Brigids, Blanchardstown
Honours:
1 World Championship Doubles title,
5 All-Ireland Senior 60x30 Singles titles,
4 All-Ireland Senior Hardball Singles titles,
1 All-Ireland Senior 40x20 Singles title,
3 All-Ireland Senior 60x30 Doubles titles,
2 All-Ireland Senior Hardball Doubles titles,
1 All-Ireland Senior 40x20 Doubles title,
3 Irish Nationals Open Singles titles,
1 USA Open Singles title,
1 Canadian Open Singles title,
1 International Collegiate Singles title.
Fav Food: Chicken & Pasta
Fav TV: The Simpsons
Fav Book: Ross O’Carroll-Kelly books
CúlFACT:
This year, Eoin Kennedy became the 3rd player ever in handball history to complete the Big Alley Grand Slam when he won the 60x30 Senior Singles and Doubles title, as well as the Senior Singles and Doubles in Hardball.
© December 2007
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