OVER 750 competitors will descend on the University of Limerick next August to take part in the World Wallball Championships.
Formerly known as the World Handball Championships, the Treaty City will see hundreds of players battle it out on 10 courts at the UL Sports Arena from August 18 to 23 next year.
Wallball is the fastest-growing version of the sport of handball, with a significant presence in mainland Europe, the UK, and the United States.
The triennial event is traditionally hosted in rotation by Ireland, the United States, and Canada, with Australia also hosting the 1988 event.
The competition was last hosted in Ireland in 2012 in Dublin.
Hosted at UL Sport and supported by UL Events, the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, Limerick City and County Council, Fáilte Ireland, and the Munster Handball Council, next year’s event also coincides with the centenary of GAA Handball.
Welcoming the announcement, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, councillor Gerald Mitchell said: “This announcement is another huge win for Limerick and the Shannon Region. This six-day event will make a valuable contribution to the local economy. It helps to further enhance Limerick’s reputation as a sport tourism sport destination as we prepare for the hosting of the 2027 Ryder Cup in Adare.”
GAA Handball President Conor McDonnell said: “We are delighted that next year’s World Wallball Championships and Irish Nationals will be staged in world class facilitates of the University of Limerick.”
“This promises to be the biggest and most spectacular handball event ever. GAA Handball want to thank all our partners who have helped make this happen. Please support the Championships by volunteering and participating”.
David Ward of UL Events added: “We are delighted to have been chosen as the host venue for the World Wallball Championships, which will see the provision of 10 newly constructed courts at the UL Sport Arena.”
“These World Championships will bring a sporting and economic boost to Limerick with an anticipated 6,000 bed nights. We look forward to working with all stakeholders in providing the athletes an amazing one-stop-shop Olympic Village experience and to showcase the sport of GAA Handball at its very best,” Mr Ward concluded.
