On saturday 21st november 2009 a newly formed GAA Juvenile Handball Club was formed in tinahely. both parents and children attended on the day with most admitting that handball was a novelty to them. the novelty was soon to wear off as they were treated to an exhibition game between the ledgendary kilkenny handballer michael "duxie" walsh and wicklows senior representative michael gregan from the coolboy handball club. it was indeed nostalgic to see the gallery packed with people once again as it used to be many years ago. the large audience present soon realised they were witnessing a game they had bearly heard of before, in all its glory. they were truely amazed by the level of skill and fitness required to play at the top level in senior ranks. a exhibition game of doubles followed with johnny willoughby and pat quaile providing the opposition. it wasnt long before the court was packed with eager boys and girls demonstrating the skills they had just witnessed. thirty one juveniles of all ages registered as members of the club and will be coached every saturday in both tinahely and coolboy by robert cleary, michael gregan and pat quaile.

Handball is indigenous to tinahely and has a long history stretching back over one hundred years. built in the late 1800's the handball club was initally founded by the late billy pollard in 1950 and thrived in the years ahead. it was a significant venue in the cultural and political life of the community and played host to many packed galleries and thrilling encounters. some of the finest handballers of all time graced our alley including joe maher, dick ling, pat kirby, john ryan and peadar mcgee. around this time tinahely's joe cleary enjoyed many battles with each of these prominent handball figures and by all accounts held his own. joe would go on to win 8 all-irelands for wicklow in minor, junior and senior and cement his name as one of the greats in the game. in latter years tinahelys pat quaile announced his arrival on the scene winning an under-21 all-ireland in 1989. pat has won several all-irelands since and has been playing handball in tinahely for over 30 years.

Over the past number of years our handball facility had fallen into serious disrepair and eventually this led to the termination of national fixtures and the overall usage of the facility. as a result tinahely handball club was no longer registered with the irish handball council. this has been a huge loss to our town. in october 2008 a newly formed handball committe was formed in tinahely. trustees were put in place and a number of meetings followed. through voluntary subscriptions, membership and fundraisers, over E6,000  has been raised. As a result the facility has been totally revamped through voluntary efforts. presently we have 80 new members including juveniles and the facility is being used on a daily basis. however there remains a substancial amount of work still to be undertaken. the roof is in urgent need of repair and the entire exterior of the alley needs to be plastered as soon as possible. the club would be very greatful for any support whatsoever and is open to suggestions regarding fundraisers. if any juveniles have not registered and wish to play handball please contact robert cleary on 040238294.