 Past Presidents of Racquetball Ireland Pictured. Back Row: Paula Jennings( on behalf of JJ Jennings), Michael Murphy, Sean Gargan, Michael Haverty, Pat Keane, Jimmy Gannon , Front Row - Philip Duignan, Peadar McGee, Liam McCarney, John Comerford, Mick Barnes. (Missing from photo: Tony McGarry, Gary Lynch) On Saturday 28th September 2019, the Racquetball Association of Ireland celebrated 40 years at the Newpark Hotel. A great night was had with friends new and old, with great memories shared and fun had. Our MC for the night was the wonderful Johnny O'Keeney, including an address from our current president Martin Lawless followed by a brief history of racquetball from John Comerford. Over the 40 years, thirteen men served as president of Racquetball Ireland and these were recognized for their fine service to the sport. They have served the committee in the highest regard. Awards sponsored by Mayo Crystal.  Special Recognition & Athlete Award Winners Pictured: Back Row- Mark Murphy, Mick Cunningham, Front Row - Joe Devenney, Eoin Tynan, Noel O'Callaghan, Ken Cottrell, Billy Walsh (Missing from photo: Aisling Hickey) A number of athlete and special recognition awards were presented. These included Special Recognition Awards: Joe Devenney (Ballinrobe) Outstanding result in the 2018 World Senior Championships, Eoin Tynan (Fethard) Outstanding Result in the 2018 US Open, Noel O'Callaghan (Fermoy) 24 National Titles. Our Player of the Year Winners included Ken Cottrell (Kilkenny) 40+ Player of the Year, Billy Walsh (Kilkenny) 50+ Player of the Year, Mark Murphy (Kilkenny) Mens Player of the Year, Aisling Hickey (Rossmore) Ladies Player of the Year. A 2019 Special Recognition Award was awarded to Mick Cunningham (Araglen) for his contribution and tremendous work with Junior racquetball.  2019 Club of the Year Winners: Members of Araglen Racquetball Club Araglen Racquetball Club were presented with 2019 Club of the Year. A new award presented by on behalf of Racquetball Ireland in recognizing the hard work at local level, their attendance at RAI tournaments and their work with junior racquetball. Well done to all at Araglen Racquetball Club Award sponsored by Brendan Carey.  2019 Hall of Fame Inductees: Paula Jennings (on behalf of JJ Jennings), Philip Duignan, Liam McCarney, Anthony Butler, Marie Duignan, Christy Slattery 2019 marked the first year of the 2019 Racquetball Association of Ireland to recognize and honor athletes and contributors of the sport who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in competition, or in the development, leadership, and advancement of the sport. Six inductees were introduced on the night:
 Michael Kelly (Ballinrobe) presenting Michael Haverty (Castlebar) with the 2019 Special Contribution Award. A final and surprise award was presented by Racquetball Ireland, 2019 Special Contribution Award for Overall Contribution to Irish Racquetball, to longstanding committee member Michael Haverty, who will in 2020 will have served on the Racquetball Ireland board during three decades. Haverty was presented with the award for his knowledge, dedication and contribution to Irish racquetball.
A special thank you to everyone that celebrated 40 years of racquetball and to those that supported our Junior National Racquetball Team. A big thank you to our sponsors: Martin Lawless & Mayo Crystal, Corragh Trophies, Jimmy Gannon of Arklow Racquetball Club, Brendan Carey of Araglen Racquetball Club & Castlebar Racquetball Club |
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