Connacht GAA Handball held the Annual General Meeting on line last
Wednesday due to Covid 19 restrictioins.It was proposed that the
current executive would remain in place for 2021 and Sligos and
Collooneys David Hannon would remain as Vice-Chairman until next year
, when he will step up to the Chairmans role
Sligo and surrounding area Handball members and players were saddened
to hear the news of the sudden death of Padraig Maye, Aclare Co
Sligo last Sunday the 31-01-2021. We would like to express our sincere
sympathy and condolences to his wife of 53 years ,Terry and daughters
Coleen and Erin and extended family and friends.
Padraig was an outstanding and inspiring sportsman and began his
Handball playing career in the alley in his native Kilmactigue parish.
In his youth, won a Hogan Cup All Ireland Colleges GAA medal with St.
Nathy's College, Ballaghaderreen in 1957 , playing at corner-forward
while in 3rd year. He was an outstanding athlete, winning All Ireland
junior and senior long jump titles in 1960 while in college in UCD.
Padraig competed in numerous Irish and British Indoor and Outdoor
Masters competitions winning over 170 medals in different events.
Padraig maintained a life long interest in Handball , and won 3 All
Ireland titles. Always a gentleman , he displayed a sporting and
skilful determination in the alley.
In 2000 he won both a Softball Diamond Masters B singles and a Diamond
Masters B doubles , playing with his neighbour , Seamus O Donnell. In
2009 , Padraig teamed up with Paddy Walsh to win his 3rd All Ireland
Handball title , at Ruby Masters A grade.
Padraig continued to play and enjoy a game at every opportunity and
will be fondly remembered in the alleys of Ballymote ,Banada , Bofield
, Castleconnor , Charlestown , Cloonfinish , Collooney , Cully ,
Drumcliffe ,Killasser , his native Kilmactigue , St Marys ,Swinford
and any alley he attended or played in.
He loved to watch a good handball game and enjoyed recent trips to the
4 Wall Nationals in Aughagower to see the senior players , the Gaffney
Tournament in Ballaghaderreen and the Wall Ball Nationals in Breaffy ,
as well as supporting local tournaments. He always had an encouraging
word or comment ,only pointing out areas for improvement. He will
continue to bring a smile to all Handball players and sports people
when he is thought of or his name crops up in conversation.
To echo a reading by his wife Terry at his funeral mass , I have
fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the
faith.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam