IN December 2025, eight primary schools across Beara were supported through funding awarded by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to roll out Olympic Handball in their schools.

Boys and girls from the senior classes adapted incredibly quickly to the sport which combines elements of basketball’s movement and passing with soccer’s fast breaks and water polo-style shooting.

The programme was delivered and coordinated by Mohammed Ali and Maryna Voloshya from the Caha Centre in Adrigole.

Following the knockout rounds, four teams competed in the semi-finals and finals in Scoil an Chroí ró Naofa. After high scoring games with physical defending and dramatic saves, Cahermore National School emerged victorious with a score of 26 points over Trafrask National Schools 17 points. Eyeries National School pipped the hosts Scoil an Chroí ró Naofa with a score of 24 points over 19 points to take third place.

The Trafrask National School runners up. Back: Paula O’Sullivan, Nell Wozniak, Kayla Holland, Sarah Downing and Emma O’Sullivan. Front: Aoibhinn O’Sullivan, Paudie O’Grady, John Downing, Jack Crowley and Kelsey Lynch. (Photo: Anne Marie Cronin)

Players in the top three teams were presented with medals, beautifully designed by Tomasz Jakielski of Touchwood Beara, whilst the players in fourth place were awarded certificates of achievement.

For their trophy cabinet, Eyeries National School was awarded a trophy which they will retain and a cup which will returned after the year as it is hoped that this tournament will become an annual event.

The teams and staff all enjoyed treats and a cool-down after the event with unique cakes and biscuits designed and baked by Ira of Ira Ira.