Queen's University Handball Club is celebrating a highly successful season just past during which the players won the Division Two North Ulster League with a little help from a few friends from other places, some places not traditionally known for handball.
However, missing out on a chunk of the season's glory run, because of illness, was one of their most dedicated players and the other members just wouldn't let the occasion pass without recognising him in a special way.
To mark winning the league and to make up for his absence on court since before Christmas, the Queen's club members made a special presentation to Pearse McCormick (44) who has been an outstanding player and member since his school days.
He was a member of the Ulster Over 40s panel last season, as well.
Pearse, of course, didn’t confine his sporting activity to handball as he was, also, a long-standing member of O'Donovan Rossa hurling teams down the years, something of an all-round GAA sportsman.
“Unfortunately, Pearse wasn't able to play in the closing stages of the handball league and it was strongly felt that he should be specially recognised for his services to the club on this special occasion.
“It was decided that he should be presented with an award on behalf of the club,” explained Richard Murphy, another stalwart of Queen's Handball Club and handball in general; Still an active man on court and winner of national medals.
Helping Queen's to their recent title were a few players from outside the city.
Sharing in the success were Con Collins from Clare, Alan Armstrong from Wexford plus Sean McGurn and Myles McCann from Fermanagh, a county which Mícheál Ó Muireartaigh would say is not a noted handball stronghold.
