Top Handballer honoured by GAA and Vodafone
10 March 2003

Eoin Kennedy, a PhD student of Electronic Engineering, was named Vodafone GAA All Star Handball award winner for 2002. Eoin received his award, Monday 17 February 2003, at a special presentation ceremony in Croke Park attended by Uachtaran Cumann Luthcleas Gael Sean McCague and Vodafone's Head of Marketing and Sponsorship Marguerite Cremin.

From the St Brigid's club in Blanchardstown, 24 year old Eoin comes from a family steeped in Handball and they all watched with delight as he enjoyed his best ever year in the sport during which he set new records.

He became the first player in history to win the 'singles treble' of All-Ireland 40 x 20 senior, All-Ireland 60 x 30 senior and the Irish Nationals 40 x 20 Open. The winning streak did not end there as he also won the Munster 40 x 20 Open and the Leinster 60 x 30 Open. Eoin was also a finalist in the St Paul's Golden Gloves tournament.

Those successes did not surprise those who have followed his career with interest and expectation. Eoin has won All-Ireland titles at under-14, under 16, minor, under 21 and intermediate levels. He was also a World 15 and under champion in 1994 and in recent years has added major international senior titles to his list of honours. He won the USA Open Singles title in 1999 and in 2001 became the USA Collegiate Open Singles champion and the Canadian Open Singles champion.

CLG President Sean McCague paid tribute to Eoin. 'He is a marvelous ambassador for Handball at home and abroad. Eoin joins a list of great players to receive this award and his record in 2002 is proof that he is a very deserving winner. His achievement in winning the three major singles titles is fantastic and something that will not be equalled easily.'

On behalf of Vodafone, Marguerite Cremin said; 'As sponsors of the All Stars we are delighted to extend our commitment to Gaelic Games by the presentation of this award to the outstanding Handballer for the year 2002. Just a brief glance at Eoin's achievements in 2002 illustrates the excellence and consistency of his performances.'