All-Ireland winning Kerry captain, Darran O’Sullivan, has had a very successful year, and next week he is hoping to continue his winning ways in the GAA Handball Showdown at Croke Park.
Despite Kerry’s presentation of their All-Ireland winning medals on Friday 4 December, O’Sullivan has committed to pairing up with Kerry handballer, Dominick Lynch, as they take on the top GAA stars from around the country the day after the gala event.
‘I’m looking forward to the handball showdown; it’s something different at this time of year,' said the Glenbeigh-Glencar clubman.
‘I used to tip around when I was younger, but to be honest I could move around the court well enough, but was never great at actually hitting the ball.’
O’Sullivan has been a member of the Kerry team since 2005 and September victory granted the bank official a third All-Ireland, but the honour of collecting Sam on behalf of his county was some unique.
‘It’s nice to win an All-Ireland when the opportunity arises, but being captain, and in the historic year of the GAA’s 125th anniversary, made it even better,” said O’Sullivan.
‘The year was up and down for us; our performances dropped early in the championships, but thankfully things came good in the end and we were able to hit form when we needed to.’
The Sowdown involves pairing high-ranking handball players, such as Cork’s Tony Healy, Kilkenny’s Michael ‘Ducksy’ Walsh and Dublin’s Eoin Kennedy, teaming up with a top GAA Star from their county in a knock-out tournament to become the 'Ultimate GAA Handball Showdown' winners.
A big crowd is expected with the likes of Kilkenny's Hurler of the Year, Tommy Walsh, Mayo’s All-Star nominee, Andy Moran and Dublin’s dynamic forward, Conal Keaney all set to compete, with a host of star names.
Also in action will be top Ladies GAA players, such as Mayo’s All-Star forward, Cora Staunton, All-Star Goalkeeper, Cliodhna O’Connor, Cork’s All-Ireland Camogie medal winner, Cathriona Foley and Galway scoring maestro, Aislinn Connolly.
