14 January 2022
Lark Hill near Nancy's Corner, Co. Sligo
Gas House Terrace, Tralee, Co.Kerry
Philipstown, Co.Louth
12 January 2022
Ahascragh, Co. Galway
Ahascragh, Co. Galway
Historical photograph courtesy of The Historical Picture Archive. Remaining Photographs and information provided by M.Geogeghan, April 2010
Ahascragh alley adjoins the Parish Hall and was opened in 1931. It was used extensively at the time but handball has not been played in the area for many years. There was an excellent handballer in the area by the name of Thomas Gleavy who won many handball tournaments and competitions and this spawned the popularity of the game in the area. Thomas later emigrated to England and the game weaned in the area. A bother of Thomas who will be 99 on July 13th is still alive and well in Ahascragh. Read More......
10 January 2022
Bushfield, Charlestown, Co. Mayo
Bushfield, Charlestown, Co. Mayo
Top photograph provided by R.Lynch Aug 2021, via E. Timoney. Remainder of photographs and information provided by E. O'Brien, August 2012
The handball alley is located at Bushfield, Charlestown, County Mayo. The original alley was in use circa 1870. The present alley was built on the same site – but faced in the opposite direction, in the early 1930’s. The late Thomas O’Brien purchased the land on which the ball alley is built in 1930. He donated the additional land required for the new alley. The alley was played in extensively until very recently. It is now very much in need of repair to preserve it as part of our heritage. It is a landmark in the townland of Tomboholla (Bushfield); it must be preserved and not replaced." E. O'Brien Read More......
Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim
Manorhamilton, Co. Sligo
Photographed August 2008 by S.Ryan; June 2009 by K.Moen [Top 4 photographs of alley pre rennovation], and K. Timoney in March 2020 (bottom 3 photographs) Photographs of renovated alley provided by J. Smith in September 2021. Alley reopened on Sunday 25.09.2021 Read More......
Ballindangan, Co.Cork
Castleterry, Ballindangan, Co. Cork
First five photographs provided by É Finnen, October 2021. Remainder of photograpsh and information below from http://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&county=NC®no=20901919
Possible recent rennovations include new concrete floor and render/dash and west wall under the stand. 1920 - 1940
Freestanding reinforced concrete handball alley, erected c. 1930, with rendered five-tiered stand to west side approached by two rendered steps. Angled cast-iron H-bars support underside of stand, supporting on concrete piers. Square-headed door opening to west end of south side. Rendered floor to ball court.
This handball alley is an important reminder of the strong position the sport once held in Ireland, illustrating the high regard and esteem traditional sports were given in the early days of the Republic. The building contains early examples of concrete and is made distinct from other handball alleys by the incorporation of spectator seats.
Photographed by Á. Ryan in Nov '08
Read More......
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