Claremorris handballer wins gold

WINNERS James Prentace (Tipperary) and Patrick Murphy (Claremorris) with their gold medals in Minnesota.

Michael Commins

CLAREMORRIS handballer Patrick Murphy partnered James Prentace from Tipperary when they captured the gold medal at the World Handball championships in Minnesota, USA, last week.
Patrick, who is son of Laurence and Bridie Murphy from Ballinlough, Claremorris, and his colleague from Tipperary, turned in a top-class exhibition to secure the gold medals amid great excitement and scenes of jubilation. The news of their success was greeted with much enthusiasm back home at Claremorris Handball Club where Patrick became the first member to clinch a World medal.
Over the last few years, Patrick has built up an impressive list of honours, many of which were garnered representing St Colman’s College, Claremorris, in the schools events. Last November, he won the All-Ireland Secondary Schools 60x30 senior grade at Ballina, Tipperary.
Patrick sat his Leaving Certificate exams in St Colman’s back in June and the results came out while he was over in America. His older brother, Laurence, also represented the Claremorris club in another age category in Minnesota.
Pat Hopkins, the third member from the Claremorris club who competed in the Games, captured the Over-60 Plate competition.
All three will be given a warm reception by Claremorris Handball Club when they return from Minnesota this week.