BACKGROUND HISTORY
Hollyford Handball Club was formed around 1950 and opened in 1951 by the local people of Hollyford. The land for the Handball Alley was donated by the late Martin Ryan (TH) of Piperhill, Hollyford. The work was carried out by the local people who mixed the concrete by hand, who dug out the hill with picks and shovels, a real sign of hardship of the 1950’s.
Hollyford Alley is a place of fond memories from the sixties to the nineties. Many great games were played Michael O’ Brien, Pat Ryan (C) who has since won many All Irelands at all levels. Other great players of that era were Paddy Ryan (S), Raymie Shanahan RIP, Canice Ryan, Jim Quirke, Dinny Fahey RIP, Tony Hurley RIP and many others played their hearts out on many a Sunday afternoons in the sixties, seventies and eighties.
A committee of nine was formed in late eighties with a view to putting a roof, toilet, car park etc on the original alley. This idea was hugely supported locally and fundraising began with over £55,000 being raised. This project was completed in 1991 and it is a tribute to the people of Hollyford and surrounding areas for their huge financial support and help in so many ways, no money was owed on the alley on the official opening evening.
Michael O’Brien, Pat Ryan (C) and some friends from Dublin arrived to play exhibition games on the opening evening and were an absolute joy to watch. A revival of handball was evident in the early nineties with new players Donal Quinn, Seán Allis, John Ryan, Seamus Ryan (D).
Jimmy and Frank Ryan (TH), Joe O’ Connell, Donal O’ Connell, Pat Hickey, Paul Shanahan, Danielle O’ Connell and Denis Fahey with Dinny Fahey and Canice Ryan (R) making a come back. John Ryan (R), Paul Shanahan, Denis Stapleton and Pat Hickey winning county and Munster Titles and Danielle O’ Connell winning County, Munster’s and All Ireland Titles at under age for the club. Now new plans are at advance stages to upgrade the facility and bring into the 21st century.
Chairman: Joe O’ Connell
Dated 19/11/2013