JOEY MAHER SCULPTURE FUND APPEAL

The legendary Joey Maher was one of the key players in the popularisation and spread of handball in modern Ireland; he amassed 22 All-Ireland titles in hardball, softball and 40x20 over a period of five decades. He spent much of his life in Canada and was well known and respected on the international stage where he won eight international titles during three decades. One of those highlights was his victory in the 1967 World Open Singles final in New York representing Canada.

Joey was well known for his tremendous love for and dedication to the game and his knowledge, skill and tactical awareness were the hallmarks of his long and illustrious career. He played at the opening of numerous courts throughout the country and, such was his entertainment billing, he attracted vast numbers of supporters who admired and appreciated his wide range of talents as well as his sense of humour on and off the court.

A Joey Maher Sculpture Committee has been set up in Drogheda to commemorate Joey’s contribution to handball and to his native place where he is so well remembered and regarded.

The Irish Handball Council is asking all units to contribute to the funding of this project and it would be very fitting for Irish handball to lend its full support to such a worthy project to commemorate the life and achievements of a wonderful ambassador for the game at home in Ireland and throughout the handball world.

A leaflet is being sent to all clubs, counties and provinces in the next few days and all contributions will be acknowledged in writing.