Longford athlete prepares for competition week in New York

Longford handballer Thomas Finn will break new ground this week when he represents Ireland at the World Wallball Championships in New York.

The Abbeylara youngster is the official Irish representative in the Boys’ 17&U grade, where he will compete against players from around the world, including Hong Kong and Italy.

Finn has been installed as the number two for the singles competition and will begin his campaign on Thursday against Hong Kong’s Ren Chun Chak.

For Finn, wearing the Irish colours carries an extra significance as he also flies the flag for Longford on the world stage.

“I don't think (Longford handballer representing Ireland) ever happened, not in this way, but I suppose it has to happen eventually. Someone has to be the first. Hopefully I won't be the last,” he said. “I suppose I want to go out and win so I can win it for Longford as well as Ireland. I suppose that shows in some of the gear we've got. I have a Longford flag on one side and an Irish flag on the other.”

“I'm not just representing the country, I'm representing the county also. So I want to make sure that it is a good representation that I make.”

Finn is part of a developing handball scene in Longford. Abbeylara has traditionally been the county’s main stronghold, while Clonguish has more recently established a club, something Finn believes can help broaden the sport’s reach.

“I think a county does need more than one club,” Finn said. “I think it's only ever been Abbeylara in Longford up until recently, which means that if you're not from the area, a lot of people didn't really want to represent another club, especially because there would have been big rivals in the football and all that.”

“But I think every club should have a handball club as well, for youth and for adults.”

Finn is a talented all-round sportsman and is also making the step into senior inter-county hurling with Longford.

“I'm gone from the minors now. I'm playing with the seniors. I was sort of training with them last year, but I'll be playing with them properly this year now I'm old enough to.”

He also had a close-up view of one of Longford hurling’s greatest days when the county captured the Lory Meagher Cup, having been involved with the panel as Maor Uisce.

“It was a great experience. I got to see Croke Park from the inside and see how it worked.”

“I've always liked hurling as well. I'm a dual player. It's good to be competitive in both and it's good to see that Longford are finally succeeding in the hurling. They finally won so I'm trying to keep Longford winning now. We'll be up a division next year.”

A sixth-year student at Wilson’s Hospital School, Finn now turns his attention fully to New York and the opportunity to make his mark on the world stage - carrying the colours of both Ireland and Longford with him.