Lorraine Havern has been a top name in Underage Handball for numerous years with Down and Ulster titles every year since Under-14 level. And at just seventeen, Lorraine had the opportunity to grace the international stage as she set out to represent Ireland in two massive handball events. On Thursday, Lorraine flew into Milan, Italy with her five Irish team-mates in the Senior International One Wall Championship. Thirteen countries take part in the annual competition and according to Brian Havern, the American's are the country to beat closely followed by the Spanish and the Irish. The Championship is a team effort with the team working together to achieve the highest overall performance, and as the youngest member of the team, Lorraine has plenty of experienced players around her. Meanwhile, over Christmas, Lorraine joins the Irish Junior team as she jets off again, this time to Washington, Vancouver for the United States Hanball Association Junior Competition. To qualify for the Irish team, Lorraine had to take part in two weekends of trials before selected in the 17 and under singles games and also in the 19 and under doubles match teamed with Antrim's Aisling Reilly. As well as training hard in the Saval handball alleys and at home, Lorraine has trained with the Irish team in Croke Park on several occasions. The participation of Lorraine in these competitions top off what has been a great year, winning the All Ireland Colleges title earlier in the year, the Golden Gloves in Belfast and the One Wall competition in Abbeylara. Lorraine's achievements are a credit to her hard work and dedication and credit must also be passed onto the Saval Handball team who have worked tirelessly and successfully run five home leagues as well as the teams in the Ulster leagues. At the Annual Awards on Saturday night, the club was graced by all-time handball legend and multiple All Ireland winner, Michael 'Ducksie' Walsh. He presented Lorraine with her Ireland tracksuit and also held a coaching session for the young handballers. He praised the handballers for their commitment and enthusiasm in the sports and heres hoping there will be plenty following in Lorraine's footsteps representing Saval, Down, Ulster and Ireland.... Tweet

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