The 2025 Handball Féile, played over three dates and showcasing all three handball codes, proved to be a resounding success for our St Brigid’s Girls team. The competitions began in June with the 40x20 and Wallball event. A major highlight came on 15th June, when the girls captured the Division 1 Wallball title, a tremendous achievement that set the tone for the weeks ahead.
Attention then shifted to the 60x30 ‘Big Alley’ code, with the Division 1 event taking place on Saturday, 5th July in Castlebridge, Wexford. In preparation, the team committed to practice sessions at both Na Fianna and Croke Park, adjusting their game to meet the unique demands of the larger alley.
At the finals, St Brigid’s faced Greencastle (Co. Tyrone) in a format consisting of four doubles matches, after some team withdrawals reshaped the structure. The girls delivered fantastic performances across all games, showcasing skill, teamwork, and resilience. With the matches evenly split—two wins apiece—the final result was determined on a score countback, with St Brigid’s narrowly missing out on the top spot. The team proudly received silver medals, presented by Conor McDonnell, President of GAA Handball.
While results are part of the story, the true success lies in the development journey these young athletes have taken since beginning training in February. To compete at Division 1 level across all three handball codes—40x20, Wallball, and 60x30—is a remarkable feat and speaks volumes about their dedication and love for the game.
Our Féile girls have been fantastic role models for our juvenile handball section and the wider St Brigid’s GAA Club. We are incredibly proud of: Aoife, Sophie, Grace, Ciara, Lauren, Juno, and Vidya. Up next for our juvenile handballers are the 60x30 Leinster Championships in July, followed by the Wallball Championships in September.
