CHAMPIONS: Sisters Maggie and Clodagh Quirke from Glenbeigh are winners of the All-Ireland Cumann na mBunscoil handball finals. Photo: Con Dennehy

By Con Dennehy

It was a case of aces high for two Glenbeigh sisters who began their handball sporting career with the best possible outcome in Cavan at the weekend.

Maggie and Clodagh Quirke, students at Glenbeigh National School, were unbeatable when they represented Munster at the All-Ireland Cumann na mBunscoil Handball finals in Kingscourt, bringing home the prestigious U11 doubles title. This was a spectacular success for the duo who began playing the sport during the summer.

“Before we travelled to Cavan we took part in the Munster championships in Broadford,” Maggie (10) said.

“We were delighted and a little surprised to beat off teams from Limerick, Clare and Tipperary in our first major tournament. Following the medal presentation, it was announced we were part of the Munster team for the All-Ireland finals. We were thrilled with this honour.”

The energy sapping sport that requires stamina, speed, agility and control of the ball that travels at speeds in excess of 35km per hour proved no obstacle for the Mid-Kerry girls.

“Playing in the All-Ireland final was a big step up for us. We were playing more experienced players and had to work extremely hard for a win. In the first game we defeated Galway 15-8 and 15-12. It was more difficult against the Ulster champions, Tyrone. We scraped through with a three-point victory,” said Clodagh (8).

The final was a tense and exciting affair with the Kerry duo winning their first game 15-11 and in a pulsating second game edged ahead 15-14 to win the title at the expense of Kilkenny.

Maggie and Clodagh were top of the class when they returned back to Glenbeigh this week.

“They were all delighted we won the title and brought honour to the school and Glenbeigh Handball Club. We are lucky to have great coaches to teach us the skills of the game. They include Jack O’Shea, Christy Marty and our dad John Joe. We will now train for the U12 Kerry and Munster club competitions and just enjoy this great sport,” Clodagh added.

Clodagh and Maggie are following in the footsteps of their famous father, John Joe Quirke, winner of the World Masters title in the USA last year. He is also the holder of 10 All-Ireland titles at various grades.

With the 2021 World Championships taking place in Croke Park, it will come as no surprise if the names of Clodagh and Maggie Quirke are engraved on the winner’s trophy in the U12 doubles category.