However, it wasn’t until 1951 when Paddy Heaney of Sixmilecross bought the old school in Brackey, that handball got its first permanent home. A club was formed in 1958 and Breacach Handball became affiliated to the Tyrone County Board. From then until 1963, the club flourished at the old school until it was sold. The older players gradually gave up and the younger players moved on to play for Cloughfin who opened a modern roofed 60×30 alley in 1967.
In the 1970s the international 40×20 game began to grow in popularity and as a direct result of this the club was reformed in 1977 and began playing out of McAleer’s Bar in Cloughfin (Killyclogher) that they had converted into a 40×20 court. This was to be the formation of the modern day club which has had an unbroke association with the sport ever since.
In 1981 the final and decisive move was made when the Beragh Red Knights asked them to organise and promote handball in their new 40×20 alley at Páirc Naomh Mhuire, Beragh
A new ally was constructed as part on the major 2006 redevelopment. In 2019 a second alley has been completed to cater for the increasing popularity and the numbers of all ages who are playing. Breacach hosted the Irish Junior Nationals, a open ranking tournament and won GAA Handball ‘Venue of the Year All-Star Award’ in 2019.
Michelle Warren: 07927 198972
In Ireland, there are four codes of Handball; 4-Wall, 1-Wall, 60×30 (Softball & Hardball). The 4-Wall & 1-Wall codes are the two international codes, whilst the 60×30 codes are traditional Irish games. St.Mary’s Park boost x2 4-wall courts and x3 1-wall courts.
Find out more on GAA Handball.ie
x2 40×20 courts (side by side)
Viewing Gallery
x3 indoor One-Wall courts
A large multi-purpose indoor hall,
Breakout area with full kitchen facility,
Upstairs community room with attached kitchen and serving area.
4 changing rooms and associated toilet and showering facilities,
A committee room,
Referee’s changing room,
An office,
Fitness and wights room,
A lift,
Parking.
Entrance: Lower Ground
Signs for the visually impaired
Breacach promotes Handball for all ages.
A GAME FOR LIFE
Awards
Breacach players brought numerous gold medals back to Beragh in Club, County, Province, All Ireland, US titles and World Titles.
Our club continually compete in competitions in every code and return with medals.
Breacach players in action
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