Laois GAA handballers narrowly lose out in All-Ireland 40x20 Handball Finals

Croke Park recently played host to the 2026 40x20 All-Ireland Handball Finals, with Laois represented in two of the finals.

In the Girls U-17 Singles Final, Annie Grant (St. Brigid’s, Monavea) faced Tyrone’s Kayleigh McCoole, while in the Ladies Junior B Final, Orla Brophy (Cullohill) took on Galway’s Ava Sweeney in a highly anticipated clash between two talented up-and-coming handballers.

Annie Grant entered the final full of confidence after a superb All-Ireland semi-final performance. Facing Ciara Hallinan of Mayo, Annie delivered a masterclass, defeating her 21-8, 21-2 to secure a place in the decider.

The All-Ireland Final promised a close contest, with both Grant and McCoole producing scintillating handball en route. The opening game lived up to expectations, with every ace hotly contested. Annie played brilliantly, but it was the Tyrone player who claimed the crucial points to win the first game 21-17.

With momentum on her side, McCoole started the second game strongly. Despite Annie battling valiantly, she could not replicate her earlier form, and the Tyrone player closed out the game 21-4 to take the Girls U-17 40x20 All-Ireland title.

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Although defeated, Annie can take pride in her performances throughout the championships, having overcome strong opponents from Kilkenny and Wexford to claim the Leinster title.

Her success has brought immense pride to Vicarstown, and her progression suggests she will remain a contender in future championships.

In the Ladies Junior B Final, Orla Brophy aimed to follow in her sisters’ footsteps and capture her first adult All-Ireland title, having moved up from juvenile handball just twelve months ago. Her opponent, Ava Sweeney of Galway, proved a formidable challenge.

The final was absorbing, evenly fought, and packed with skill and drama. Brophy lost the opening game 21-14 but responded strongly, taking the second 21-10 to force a tie-breaker. The decider was a tense, nervy affair, ultimately going in Sweeney’s favour 11-8.

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Despite the loss, Orla’s performances throughout the championships were outstanding. Reaching an All-Ireland Final in her first year playing adult handball is a remarkable achievement and provides huge positivity for her development in 2026 and into the future.