Ireland’s Olympic Handball team played recently in Andorra coinciding with the Irish European qualifying soccer match.
The tip began in Barcelona with training at FCBarcelona Handbol Club’s world famous Palau Blaugrana; “Ireland’s New Home Ground”
After a tour of their state of the art facilities at the Ciudad Sport, Ireland took to the court and faced a Barcelona Development squad comprising players from under 18 upwards.
The bulk of these players train up to 10 times a week, so it was no surprise that they were able to defeat an Ireland team attempting to reintegrate their foreign based players.
Ireland fought hard and showed real determination and skill in defeat, losing by an 8 goal margin 32-24.
A strong performance by Ireland that will surely give the team confidence in Limerick in November 4-6 2011.
The team then moved on to Andorra. The day marked a unique sporting double as Ireland took on Andorra in soccer and handball. Not only that, but Andorra, the newest member of the EHF, were playing their first ever international.
Irish soccer fans joined the large Andorran crowd and got behind the team with chants of “Ole, ole, ole” heard after each goal for Ireland.
A special mention must go the fantastic fans who made the long journey to Andorra and the even longer journey up the hill to the Serra Dells Sports Centre.
Ireland won by scoring from a penalty in the final minute.
Ireland now look forward to the Challenge Trophy from the 4th to the 6th of November in Limerick held in conjunction with the European Handball Federation.
The first game will take place on Friday 4 November at 5.15pm, so why not come along and bring a friend to watch one of the most popular sports in Europe being played on home soil!
Ticket price: Free
Phone: + 353 85 1534764
Email: [email protected]
