Handballer David Walsh not dwelling on All-Ireland final defeat 

It wasn’t to be for Mallow handballer David Walsh in the recent oneills.com All-Ireland Senior Singles decider.

The 26-year-old lost narrowly to the experienced Paul Brady, a six-time World Champion, played in Croke Park.

Despite the loss, it has been a progressive period for the young Cork star. This was only his second campaign playing at senior level. He made the semi-finals of the World Championships last November and won two ranking tournaments since.

Reflecting on the All-Ireland defeat, Walsh was looking on the bright side.

“It was disappointing, but I am looking at the positives and the bigger picture,” he says.

“It has been the best six months to date. I have to look at where I have come from and while I would have loved to have won the All-Ireland final, it was very fine margins on the day. That’s sport and it’s a case of using it as fuel for upcoming tournaments and the years to come.

“Finals can be nervy when a big crowd is there and looking back at it since, I have learnt so much from it. Paul got a big lead at the start, but I found my way and it was a narrow loss at the end. His experience on the day was a telling factor.

“The occasion will stand to me, for sure. Finals are totally different to any other game. I would like to think I will be better from the experience. Look, I was Intermediate in 2023 and now I am in the top four in the country.” 

Walsh isn’t dwelling on the heartbreak of missing out on his first All-Ireland senior trophy at adult level. He’s competing over in America this week before a bit of downtime over the summer before the new season gets underway at the end of the year.

“I am going to be in the US Nationals in Springfield in Missouri this week. That tournament would be one of the most historic competitions in handball circles. It’s a very big one. I have good memories of it, so I’ll do my best and see if I can get over the finishing line.

“It’s probably coming at a good time after losing the All-Ireland final. It’s probably a good thing, to take my mind off the defeat and try and move on. After that tournament, I’ll wind down and relax over the summer. It has been a busy period.” 

Handball is on the rise in Cork and for Walsh, there are a few key things that make a big difference if you want to be successful, which could be related to any sport. He has made huge strides in recent years showing anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

“It’s all about working hard. When I was younger, I kept travelling to tournaments. It was all about experience. It’s important you listen to your coaches too. Keep showing up and putting in the effort and eventually the results will come.”