Irish Handball is mourning the passing of one of its most dedicated servants, Ballaghaderreen's John Gaffney (80), who passed away after a short illness at his residence in Dunmore, Galway. A native of Deevagh, Sligo, John was a talented player with the Ballymote Club in the county before moving to Ballaghaderreen, where he served as a player, an official and, most notably, one of the finest coaches in the game of handball. He collected the Coach of the Year Award in 1999, and there are several All-Ireland champions who graduated from the John Gaffney School of Coaching now playing on the senior stage. "We are all indebted to John for the service he gave to Ballaghaderreen and Irish Handball," said Dessie Keegan, one of the club's finest players. "For me personally, John was there from the start, and he taught me great discipline and dedication to the game. It was John's passion for handball that was most remarkable and the extent of his fundraising efforts will never fully be known. "He travelled the entire country over to watch matches, and then over again, to sell lines fundraising for the club. He had extraordinary vision and left us with a life-time of memories." In 1967, John paired up with Marcus Henry to take the All-Ireland 60x30 Junior Doubles title and in 1973, he joined forces with Mickey Walsh to take the All-Ireland Softball Masters Doubles title, but it is his coaching achievements for which he will best be remembered. John travelled the length and breadth of Ireland with his players and was very proud of their achievements over the years. In 1996, Ballaghaderreen was named Club of the Year, and earlier this month the club won their fourth 40x20 All-Ireland Open Club title. John helped to create one of the most successful clubs in the country, which also boasts some of the most promising juveniles in the game of handball. Dominating the club competitions is a great testament to trojan work of John Gaffney. He was dedicated to improving and developing the game of handball, not just in his own club, but at county, provincial and national level. Earlier this year, he initiated a 60x30 Development Tournament for U-14s in Connacht. When the competition was named the John Gaffney Tournament, he was a very proud man and promoting the 60x30 amongst juveniles was one of his main goals. President of the Irish Handball Council, Tony Hannon said: "I don't know of anyone more dedicated and committed to handball than John Gaffney; we may never see his likes again. "He was handball true and true and the legacy that he has given to the Ballaghaderreen Club is astounding. He has left fine handball personnel in the likes of Dessie Keegan, Joe McCann, Stephen Cooney, Amy Corrigan and Padraig Gaffney. Not only did he create top players, they are also coaches and key administrators. John has ensured that handball has drivers, and he will long be remembered for his commitment and dedication to the game. Handball has lost one of its finest servants. "To him family, friends and the Ballaghaderreen Handball Club, we extend our deepest sympathies." Tweet

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