GAA stars ready for Handball Showdown

Dublin's Eoin Kennedy, who collected his sixth All-Ireland 60x30 Senior Singles title this year, is excited about watching his fellow GAA stars take to the handball courts for the GAA Handball Showdown.

'I think it's great that hurlers, footballers and all of the GAA family will get a chance to see and play handball at the Showdown,' said Kennedy.

'The Showdown is a great idea and hopefully it will show people the potential that handball really has.'

To mark the close of the GAA's 125 Celebrations, GAA players from all codes will take part in the Showdown at the National Handball Centre, Croke Park tomorrow.

Some of the finest athletes in Gaelic Games, from football, hurling, camogie, rounders, handball and ladies football, will take part in the showdown, with top handballers, such as Cork's Tony Healy, Kilkenny's Michael 'Ducksy' Walsh and Dublin's Eoin Kennedy teaming up with GAA stars from their own county.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation, who aim to make the wishes of children living with life-threatening illnesses come true, will be the beneficiaries of the GAA Handball Showdown.

A total of 20 counties will be represented at the Showdown, with proceedings hosted by Hector Ó hEochagáin.

With the likes of 2009 Hurler of the Year Tommy Walsh and All-Ireland winning Kerry captain Darran O'Sullivan in action, along with a host of other GAA stars, this unique charity event promises to be something special.

Cavan's Paul Brady, the current world handball champion, will be in attendance, but due to injury, will not be taking part in the event.

A huge crowd is expected to attend, for what promises to be a thrilling occasion for Gaelic Games.

Some of the stars in action include Tipperary hurling ace Shane McGrath, Mayo legend Cora Staunton, Cork Camóg Cathriona Foley, Meath scoring ace Joe Sheridan, and former Armagh footballer Diarmaid Marsden.