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.
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
Colm O Keefe
November 2024
(Arklow)
As 2024 has drawn to and end, with no competitions on the RAI circuit in December we are delighted to announce our final Player of the Month for 2024, Colm O’Keefe, our November Player of the Month 2024.
November saw the Ballinrobe Open take place in Co. Mayo where O’Keefe took home the CD Singles title, defeating Billy Nolan (Clogh) 3-0 in the final.
Colm also partnered with Arklow club mate Jimmy Gannon to see out the win in the CDN Doubles against the prolific pairing of Don Lawlor & Billy Walsh.
Aside from his recent victories, Colm is a regular on the Racquetball circuit around Ireland not just for competing but also ensuring that we all have the best Racquetball supplies from Rackets to Gloves.
You’ll always find this man with a smile and chats for all at a Racquetball tournament, a deserving winner of our November Player of the Month for 2024, congrats Colm.
November saw the Ballinrobe Open take place in Co. Mayo where O’Keefe took home the CD Singles title, defeating Billy Nolan (Clogh) 3-0 in the final.
Colm also partnered with Arklow club mate Jimmy Gannon to see out the win in the CDN Doubles against the prolific pairing of Don Lawlor & Billy Walsh.
Aside from his recent victories, Colm is a regular on the Racquetball circuit around Ireland not just for competing but also ensuring that we all have the best Racquetball supplies from Rackets to Gloves.
You’ll always find this man with a smile and chats for all at a Racquetball tournament, a deserving winner of our November Player of the Month for 2024, congrats Colm.
Ken Cottrell
October 2024
(O Loughlins)
And just like that we are back with our Player of the Month for October 2024.
A face we were delighted to see back on the circuit this past month, our winner for October is Ken Cottrell from O’Loughlin’s Club in Kilkenny.
Out with injury for last season, Ken has returned to competition with a bang, winning the Men’s CD Doubles with Billy Walsh during the Fermoy Open.
Ken has previously represented Ireland on a number of occasions at both the World & European Championships and is a regular at competitions all around the country.
Welcome back Ken, we look forward to seeing what you bring for the 2024/25 season following up from this great start.
A face we were delighted to see back on the circuit this past month, our winner for October is Ken Cottrell from O’Loughlin’s Club in Kilkenny.
Out with injury for last season, Ken has returned to competition with a bang, winning the Men’s CD Doubles with Billy Walsh during the Fermoy Open.
Ken has previously represented Ireland on a number of occasions at both the World & European Championships and is a regular at competitions all around the country.
Welcome back Ken, we look forward to seeing what you bring for the 2024/25 season following up from this great start.
Aisling Hickey
Player of The Year
(Rossmore)
AND HERE WE HAVE IT…. Our Racquetball Ireland Player of the Year for 2024.....
Aisling Hickey, hailing from Rossmore in County Tipperary, boasts an impressive 23-year tenure in Racquetball, commencing her journey at the age of 8.
Her dedicated pursuit of excellence has resulted in her remarkable achievement as the sole woman in Ireland to clinch the All Ireland Open Singles title for an astounding 12 consecutive years.
A seasoned competitor, she has represented Ireland in the World Championships on the National team, participating six times—three as a junior and three as a senior.
In the Junior World Championships, Aisling secured a bronze medal in both the 18-and-under singles and doubles categories.
As a senior, she garnered attention by triumphing in the Red Division and securing a commendable 17th place overall in the world rankings.
Beyond global competitions, she showcased her prowess in the European championships twice and at the most recent championships in 2024 she set a new record by taking home 4 gold medals.
She also earned herself some bragging rights when she beat the formidable Noel O’Callaghan in the first round of the Fermoy Open, this year.
Up until this point Aisling had not lost a Ladies Open Final this season, going as far as to beat the LPRTs number 10 ranked lady in the semi-finals of the Irish Open and taking the number 19 to a very closely contested tie-breaker in the final.
Her extraordinary achievements reflect not only her skill but also her unwavering determination to surpass her own records.
A massive congratulations from all of us in the RAI and our wider Racquetball family to you Aisling, our player of the year for 2024.
Aisling Hickey, hailing from Rossmore in County Tipperary, boasts an impressive 23-year tenure in Racquetball, commencing her journey at the age of 8.
Her dedicated pursuit of excellence has resulted in her remarkable achievement as the sole woman in Ireland to clinch the All Ireland Open Singles title for an astounding 12 consecutive years.
A seasoned competitor, she has represented Ireland in the World Championships on the National team, participating six times—three as a junior and three as a senior.
In the Junior World Championships, Aisling secured a bronze medal in both the 18-and-under singles and doubles categories.
As a senior, she garnered attention by triumphing in the Red Division and securing a commendable 17th place overall in the world rankings.
Beyond global competitions, she showcased her prowess in the European championships twice and at the most recent championships in 2024 she set a new record by taking home 4 gold medals.
She also earned herself some bragging rights when she beat the formidable Noel O’Callaghan in the first round of the Fermoy Open, this year.
Up until this point Aisling had not lost a Ladies Open Final this season, going as far as to beat the LPRTs number 10 ranked lady in the semi-finals of the Irish Open and taking the number 19 to a very closely contested tie-breaker in the final.
Her extraordinary achievements reflect not only her skill but also her unwavering determination to surpass her own records.
A massive congratulations from all of us in the RAI and our wider Racquetball family to you Aisling, our player of the year for 2024.
Keelan O Gorman
April 2024
(Araglen)
We are delighted to announce to you all….April’s Male Player of the Month, Keelan O’Gorman.
Keelan embodies perseverance and exceptional achievement.
His journey at the All Irelands this year showcased his determination and talent. From earning a spot on the Elite Team to competing in Germany, Keelan exemplified the essence of hard work.
His dedication paid off with his first Open Singles title, making him an All Ireland Champion in a remarkable feat.
Keelan’s notable achievements include competing at Junior Worlds, particularly his success in Costa Rica in 2019 where he earned a Silver Medal in the Boys Under 14 Event alongside Daniel Hanrahan.
With his remarkable track record, Keelan is undoubtedly one to watch, and it’s clear his journey is far from over.
Congratulations, Keelan
Keelan embodies perseverance and exceptional achievement.
His journey at the All Irelands this year showcased his determination and talent. From earning a spot on the Elite Team to competing in Germany, Keelan exemplified the essence of hard work.
His dedication paid off with his first Open Singles title, making him an All Ireland Champion in a remarkable feat.
Keelan’s notable achievements include competing at Junior Worlds, particularly his success in Costa Rica in 2019 where he earned a Silver Medal in the Boys Under 14 Event alongside Daniel Hanrahan.
With his remarkable track record, Keelan is undoubtedly one to watch, and it’s clear his journey is far from over.
Congratulations, Keelan
Majella Haverty
April 2024
(Castlebar)
Introducing our Female player of the Month for April.
This is the remarkable Majella Haverty, a household name in the racquetball circuit. With a stellar record spanning years, Majella is not only a formidable competitor but also a dedicated coach to the juniors.
Hailing from Castlebar Racquetball Club, she has become synonymous with excellence in the sport.
Majella’s presence in Open finals is a given, and she has garnered significant experience representing Ireland at both Junior and Senior Worlds.
Adding to her accolades, she recently made history by clinching the singles title at the German Open, becoming only the second Irish woman to achieve this feat.
Beyond her own achievements, Majella is known for her generosity in coaching aspiring juniors in Castlebar also.
Congratulations to Majella for her well-deserved recognition as the Female Player of the Month for April.
This is the remarkable Majella Haverty, a household name in the racquetball circuit. With a stellar record spanning years, Majella is not only a formidable competitor but also a dedicated coach to the juniors.
Hailing from Castlebar Racquetball Club, she has become synonymous with excellence in the sport.
Majella’s presence in Open finals is a given, and she has garnered significant experience representing Ireland at both Junior and Senior Worlds.
Adding to her accolades, she recently made history by clinching the singles title at the German Open, becoming only the second Irish woman to achieve this feat.
Beyond her own achievements, Majella is known for her generosity in coaching aspiring juniors in Castlebar also.
Congratulations to Majella for her well-deserved recognition as the Female Player of the Month for April.
Elliot Young
March 2024
(Arklow)
Elliot, a prominent member of Arklow Racquetball Club in Arklow, Co. Wicklow, has carved out a reputation in the RAI C/D circuit.
A fierce competitor in both singles and doubles, Elliot recently clinched victory in the CD Singles at the Kilkenny Open and has been a regular contender in the CD Doubles Finals.
His talents have not gone unnoticed, as Elliot was chosen to represent his club at the German Open in Hamburg, Germany with the Elite Squad in April. There, he showcased remarkable progress in his training, securing the Men's B Title at the Open.
Congratulations to Elliot for being named Player of the Month for March. With his promising performance, we eagerly anticipate what this rising star will bring to the court next.
A fierce competitor in both singles and doubles, Elliot recently clinched victory in the CD Singles at the Kilkenny Open and has been a regular contender in the CD Doubles Finals.
His talents have not gone unnoticed, as Elliot was chosen to represent his club at the German Open in Hamburg, Germany with the Elite Squad in April. There, he showcased remarkable progress in his training, securing the Men's B Title at the Open.
Congratulations to Elliot for being named Player of the Month for March. With his promising performance, we eagerly anticipate what this rising star will bring to the court next.
Niamh Murphy
February 2024
(Templeudigan)
Introducing Niamh Murphy, a force to be reckoned with in the Racquetball world.
Hailing from the Templeudigan club in Wexford, Niamh is no stranger to the RAI circuit, dominating both the 40x20 and 60x30 arenas .
Fearless in competition, Niamh enters multiple divisions and competitions, currently juggling an impressive five separate leagues.
In Templeudigan 60x30, she’s conquered the Women’s League and is now taking on the Men’s Doubles. Meanwhile, at Ballyanne 60x30, she’s stormed through the Semi-Finals, securing her spot in the Men’s Singles Final .
Over at Gusserane 60x30, Niamh continues her winning streak in the Men’s singles, eyeing a spot in the Semi-Finals. And in Horeswood 40x20, she’s dominating the league, poised for success in the Men’s Singles.
But Niamh’s prowess extends beyond local leagues…She’s a force to be reckoned with in the Women’s CD on the National Circuit, clinching victory in both the CD Singles and CDN Doubles alongside partner Caylee Hogan at the Women’s Open in February.
Not content with just winning titles, Niamh is also a dedicated ambassador for racquetball in Leinster. She generously devotes her time to coaching players across multiple clubs, from Templeudigan to Ballyanne, Horeswood, Davistown, and Gusserane .
Join us in congratulating Niamh Murphy on her well-deserved title as the first Female Player of the Month!
Hailing from the Templeudigan club in Wexford, Niamh is no stranger to the RAI circuit, dominating both the 40x20 and 60x30 arenas .
Fearless in competition, Niamh enters multiple divisions and competitions, currently juggling an impressive five separate leagues.
In Templeudigan 60x30, she’s conquered the Women’s League and is now taking on the Men’s Doubles. Meanwhile, at Ballyanne 60x30, she’s stormed through the Semi-Finals, securing her spot in the Men’s Singles Final .
Over at Gusserane 60x30, Niamh continues her winning streak in the Men’s singles, eyeing a spot in the Semi-Finals. And in Horeswood 40x20, she’s dominating the league, poised for success in the Men’s Singles.
But Niamh’s prowess extends beyond local leagues…She’s a force to be reckoned with in the Women’s CD on the National Circuit, clinching victory in both the CD Singles and CDN Doubles alongside partner Caylee Hogan at the Women’s Open in February.
Not content with just winning titles, Niamh is also a dedicated ambassador for racquetball in Leinster. She generously devotes her time to coaching players across multiple clubs, from Templeudigan to Ballyanne, Horeswood, Davistown, and Gusserane .
Join us in congratulating Niamh Murphy on her well-deserved title as the first Female Player of the Month!
Don Lawlor
January 2024
(Clogh-Moneenroe)
Don hails from the Clogh Moneenroe club in Kilkenny and is very well known on the RAI circuit.
Don has also made tracks outside of Ireland as he brought home the 50+ European Singles Title in September last year.
A fierce competitor alongside his loyal doubles partner Billy Walsh, Don has seen many a C/D doubles final over the past few years.
At the start of January, Don & Billy narrowly lost out to the Arklow pairing of Gannon & Young in the C/D doubles final .
However, Don & Billy were back with a bang at the All-Ireland Overage Championships in Arklow in late January where they claimed the All-Ireland title for the Men’s 50+ doubles.
The highlight of the month for Don though was his win over the formidable Noel O’Callaghan in the All-Ireland 50+ Singles A fierce achievement against 26 time All-Ireland Open Singles champion, O’Callaghan.
A massive congratulations to Don Lawlor from all of us here in the RAI on becoming the first ever Racquetball Ireland Player of the Month
Don has also made tracks outside of Ireland as he brought home the 50+ European Singles Title in September last year.
A fierce competitor alongside his loyal doubles partner Billy Walsh, Don has seen many a C/D doubles final over the past few years.
At the start of January, Don & Billy narrowly lost out to the Arklow pairing of Gannon & Young in the C/D doubles final .
However, Don & Billy were back with a bang at the All-Ireland Overage Championships in Arklow in late January where they claimed the All-Ireland title for the Men’s 50+ doubles.
The highlight of the month for Don though was his win over the formidable Noel O’Callaghan in the All-Ireland 50+ Singles A fierce achievement against 26 time All-Ireland Open Singles champion, O’Callaghan.
A massive congratulations to Don Lawlor from all of us here in the RAI on becoming the first ever Racquetball Ireland Player of the Month
