2024 marks the introduction of the Racquetball Ireland Player of the Month. This is intended as a means of highlighting our athletes and their accomplishments throughout the calendar year.
Nominations for Player of the Month will be made by the ExCo.
Criteria for player of the month
- [ ] Competed in at least one tournament during the month (if no competition in month - player can be chosen from a league campaign that RAI is aware of and has been posted about on social media).
- [ ] Achieved a milestone win / general milestone during the month while competing in a competition.
- [ ] Over the age of 16, playing in an adult competition.
- [ ] Has shown good sportsperson like conduct during competing all through the month and is a general standout competitor in the month in question.
- Suggestions must be submitted to the executive committee by the 10th day of the month following the relevant month.
- Players nominated will be voted on by the executive committee in a fair and unbiased manner.
- ExCo members can not nominate a player from their own club for player of the month.
- Two players will be nominated for POTM in April following the All-Ireland Competition.
- One player from the players who are awarded player of the month will be chosen at the Irish Open (last calendar event of the season) and awarded player of the year.
- Nominations for additional players of the year will open to the public 1 month before the Irish open in May. Players nominated will be shortlisted by the ExCo and added to the players of the month for the draw for overall player of the year.
Nominations for Player of the Month will be made by the ExCo.
Criteria for player of the month
- [ ] Competed in at least one tournament during the month (if no competition in month - player can be chosen from a league campaign that RAI is aware of and has been posted about on social media).
- [ ] Achieved a milestone win / general milestone during the month while competing in a competition.
- [ ] Over the age of 16, playing in an adult competition.
- [ ] Has shown good sportsperson like conduct during competing all through the month and is a general standout competitor in the month in question.
- Suggestions must be submitted to the executive committee by the 10th day of the month following the relevant month.
- Players nominated will be voted on by the executive committee in a fair and unbiased manner.
- ExCo members can not nominate a player from their own club for player of the month.
- Two players will be nominated for POTM in April following the All-Ireland Competition.
- One player from the players who are awarded player of the month will be chosen at the Irish Open (last calendar event of the season) and awarded player of the year.
- Nominations for additional players of the year will open to the public 1 month before the Irish open in May. Players nominated will be shortlisted by the ExCo and added to the players of the month for the draw for overall player of the year.
Joe Dillon
May 2025
(Kingscourt)
We are delighted to announce Joe Dillon from Kingscourt as the winner of Player of The Month for May 2025
Joe might be best known for his handballing accolades but this guy is one to be beaten on the Racquetball circuit also.
Joe took home the Pro/Open Plate at the Irish & Arklow Open in May defeating Keelan O’Gorman, but only after doing the rounds on the court against some of the Pro players and putting up a valiant fight in the process.
Joe also bagged himself the All-Ireland Men’s Open title in April, defeating Noel O’Callaghan in the final 3-1.
Keep an eye out for Joe on court next season.
Congratulations Joe from all of us here in Racquetball Ireland.
Joe might be best known for his handballing accolades but this guy is one to be beaten on the Racquetball circuit also.
Joe took home the Pro/Open Plate at the Irish & Arklow Open in May defeating Keelan O’Gorman, but only after doing the rounds on the court against some of the Pro players and putting up a valiant fight in the process.
Joe also bagged himself the All-Ireland Men’s Open title in April, defeating Noel O’Callaghan in the final 3-1.
Keep an eye out for Joe on court next season.
Congratulations Joe from all of us here in Racquetball Ireland.
Cara Delaney
April 2025
(Galmoy)
Congratulations to Cara Delaney of Galmoy on being named Racquetball Ireland’s Female Player of the Month for April 2025!
This recognition highlights her exceptional performances and unwavering dedication to the sport throughout the season
In April, Cara showcased her prowess at the All-Ireland Singles and Doubles Championships, held in Kingscourt. Cara won the C title against Abbie O’Meara (Fermoy) ,Partnering with Caylee Hogan (Mitchelstown), she also clinched the Women’s Intermediate Doubles title in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Niamh Murphy and Fiona Kyne (Templeudigan/Castlebar).
Cara has competed with the top female players in Ireland this year and held her own on the court consistently, seeing her clinch a number of titles and cruise through the seedings, we’ll be looking forward to seeing more of Cara competing in the Women’s Open divisions next season
Cara’s recognition as Female Player of the Month is a testament to her hard work, sportsmanship, and the bright future that lies ahead
Well done, Cara! Your accomplishments continue to elevate the profile of Irish racquetball, and we look forward to your future successes on the court
This recognition highlights her exceptional performances and unwavering dedication to the sport throughout the season
In April, Cara showcased her prowess at the All-Ireland Singles and Doubles Championships, held in Kingscourt. Cara won the C title against Abbie O’Meara (Fermoy) ,Partnering with Caylee Hogan (Mitchelstown), she also clinched the Women’s Intermediate Doubles title in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Niamh Murphy and Fiona Kyne (Templeudigan/Castlebar).
Cara has competed with the top female players in Ireland this year and held her own on the court consistently, seeing her clinch a number of titles and cruise through the seedings, we’ll be looking forward to seeing more of Cara competing in the Women’s Open divisions next season
Cara’s recognition as Female Player of the Month is a testament to her hard work, sportsmanship, and the bright future that lies ahead
Well done, Cara! Your accomplishments continue to elevate the profile of Irish racquetball, and we look forward to your future successes on the court
Reece Young
April 2025
(Arklow)
We’re thrilled to announce Reece Young from Arklow as our Male Player of the Month for April!
This accolade celebrates his outstanding performance at the All-Ireland Championships in Kingscourt, where Reece clinched not one—but two titles:
Men’s B Singles – defeated Michael Barnes (Arklow) 3–0 , Men’s C Singles – overcame Don Lawlor (Clogh–Moneenroe) 3–0
Reece has shown exceptional skill, determination, and sportsmanship—truly embodying the spirit of racquetball excellence. A huge shout-out to him and to Arklow Racquetball Club for fostering such top-tier talent!
Reece also spent some time over the past few years living in Canada where he continued to hone his Racquetball skills by competing with Canada’s best while he trained to stay on top of his game, it’s true what they say, hard work pays off.
A huge congratulations Reece from all of us here in the RAI
This accolade celebrates his outstanding performance at the All-Ireland Championships in Kingscourt, where Reece clinched not one—but two titles:
Men’s B Singles – defeated Michael Barnes (Arklow) 3–0 , Men’s C Singles – overcame Don Lawlor (Clogh–Moneenroe) 3–0
Reece has shown exceptional skill, determination, and sportsmanship—truly embodying the spirit of racquetball excellence. A huge shout-out to him and to Arklow Racquetball Club for fostering such top-tier talent!
Reece also spent some time over the past few years living in Canada where he continued to hone his Racquetball skills by competing with Canada’s best while he trained to stay on top of his game, it’s true what they say, hard work pays off.
A huge congratulations Reece from all of us here in the RAI
Joseph Farrell
March 2025
(Arklow)
We are delighted to announce our player of the month for March 2025 ….Joseph Farrell from Arklow Racquetball Club!
Joseph started playing Racquetball in May 2023 following in his family’s footsteps. He played in local and provincial tournaments for the first year and as it became apparent that he had some skills, he began travelling to Provincial, National and Open tournaments, where he dominated in the Under 16 and 17 categories U16 Junior All Ireland Doubles in wexford with Conor O’Callaghan November 2024 U17 Junior All Ireland Unevens in Fermoy November 2024 U17 Junior Irish Open in Fermoy March 2025
He also tried his hand at the Men’s events and has already advanced through 2 grades to become a C player
Mens Novice at the Fermoy Open October 2024 Mens CD at the Kilkenny Open March 2025
With this criteria he was selected to travel to and compete in the German Open as part of an Elite squad of juniors and was successful in winning the Men’s B Division 🇩🇪 🇮🇪
His latest win and the cherry on top of Racquetball the cake was a Gold in the All Ireland Mens D singles in Kingscourt
Looking forward to seeing Joseph in action again at the Irish Open in May
Congrats Joseph from all of us here in the RAI
Joseph started playing Racquetball in May 2023 following in his family’s footsteps. He played in local and provincial tournaments for the first year and as it became apparent that he had some skills, he began travelling to Provincial, National and Open tournaments, where he dominated in the Under 16 and 17 categories U16 Junior All Ireland Doubles in wexford with Conor O’Callaghan November 2024 U17 Junior All Ireland Unevens in Fermoy November 2024 U17 Junior Irish Open in Fermoy March 2025
He also tried his hand at the Men’s events and has already advanced through 2 grades to become a C player
Mens Novice at the Fermoy Open October 2024 Mens CD at the Kilkenny Open March 2025
With this criteria he was selected to travel to and compete in the German Open as part of an Elite squad of juniors and was successful in winning the Men’s B Division 🇩🇪 🇮🇪
His latest win and the cherry on top of Racquetball the cake was a Gold in the All Ireland Mens D singles in Kingscourt
Looking forward to seeing Joseph in action again at the Irish Open in May
Congrats Joseph from all of us here in the RAI
Johnny O Keeney
February 2025
(Fermoy)
We are delighted to announce our Player of the Month for February 2025… drumroll please….
Our Player of the Month for February is Johnny O’Keeney from Fermoy Racquetball Club.
A man that will be a stranger to no one on the International Racquetball circuit, Johnny boasts an illustrious record from his years of competing in Ireland and indeed across the world.
Johnny has represented Ireland at both junior & senior levels at European & World Championships and is sure to be seen in the majority of Open finals throughout the year in our domestic competitions.
Johnny has also heavily contributed to the junior development of Racquetball in Ireland, giving both his expertise and time to train juniors and travel to competitions with them.
A very deserving winner of Player of the Month for February, Congrats Johnny from all of us in the RAI.
Our Player of the Month for February is Johnny O’Keeney from Fermoy Racquetball Club.
A man that will be a stranger to no one on the International Racquetball circuit, Johnny boasts an illustrious record from his years of competing in Ireland and indeed across the world.
Johnny has represented Ireland at both junior & senior levels at European & World Championships and is sure to be seen in the majority of Open finals throughout the year in our domestic competitions.
Johnny has also heavily contributed to the junior development of Racquetball in Ireland, giving both his expertise and time to train juniors and travel to competitions with them.
A very deserving winner of Player of the Month for February, Congrats Johnny from all of us in the RAI.
Toni Neary
January 2025
(Arklow)
Someone who will need no introduction to those of you frequenting the Racquetball circuit and the worthy winner of our first Player of the Month for 2025 .. a round of applause for Toni Neary
Toni hails from the Arklow Racquetball Club and some say was born into the Neary family with a racket in her hand
It has been a great month for Toni who has won the Women’s Open Singles title in Leinster and at the Women’s Open, The Over 30 All-Ireland Women’s Singles Title and Over 30 All-Ireland Women’s Doubles Title with partner Ber O’Callaghan
Toni was also a member of the Irish Racquetball squad who represented Ireland at the World Racquetball Championships in Texas in late 2024
Outside of competing, Toni is a valued member of the Arklow Racquetball Committee and the newly appointed treasurer on the Executive Committee with us here in the RAI - Safe to say well respected both on and off the courts and a wonderful role model for our younger Racquetball ladies to look up to.
Congratulations Toni
Toni hails from the Arklow Racquetball Club and some say was born into the Neary family with a racket in her hand
It has been a great month for Toni who has won the Women’s Open Singles title in Leinster and at the Women’s Open, The Over 30 All-Ireland Women’s Singles Title and Over 30 All-Ireland Women’s Doubles Title with partner Ber O’Callaghan
Toni was also a member of the Irish Racquetball squad who represented Ireland at the World Racquetball Championships in Texas in late 2024
Outside of competing, Toni is a valued member of the Arklow Racquetball Committee and the newly appointed treasurer on the Executive Committee with us here in the RAI - Safe to say well respected both on and off the courts and a wonderful role model for our younger Racquetball ladies to look up to.
Congratulations Toni
Ken Cottrell
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Colm O Keefe
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Keelan O Gorman
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Aisling Hickey
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Elliot Young
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Majella Haverty
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Don Lawlor
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Niamh Murphy
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