“Two in a row is more than possible" - says reigning World Handball Champion

 

And amidst the throng of participants packing ambitions for glory is 26 year-old Aisling Reilly who will captain the Irish team for a second consecutive time.

 

It’s a title that the she’s happy to adopt, but the 2012 World Champion from Belfast is primarily in Canada to defend her title. Speaking to Newstalk earlier this week, the former Gaelic footballer and Camogie player said that although she’s not nervous, she’ll be at ease when the games begin.

 

 “I’m not really nervous at all at the moment,” she says. “Obviously I’ll be much happier when I get into Canada. I’ll actually be much more relaxed when the games start.”

 

“Back in 2012 it was in front of a home crowd in Ireland and I had to come through a few tough battles that time but I expect nothing else this time around as well.”

 

The Handball World Games come around just every three years which presents a narrow window of opportunity that can leave players with lasting regrets if they fail to prepare. But for Aisling Reilly, it’s all about loading her training schedule with practise games against any available opponent.

 

“Whenever I go into tournaments my preparation is pretty much the same. You always try to get the best out of each training game and whether that’s against ladies or men, you take what you can get.”

 

“I might get loads of games in Belfast or I might have to travel further down the country to get whoever is available to give you games.”

 

Optimum fitness levels and a strong technique are the cornerstone elements of an athlete’s armour, but when opponents appear inseparable on the scoreboard, psychological warfare can be decisive. 

 

And within the narrow confines of a Handball court, the search for weaknesses is rampant.

 

“During timeouts you get a chance to take a look at the opponent and see if they’re tired and look for weaknesses that you can exploit so you’re thinking on your feet in split seconds.”

 

With a thriving GAA scene in her club St Paul’s, Aisling Reilly could have taken the easy option and dropped the relatively unacknowledged Handball for the more traditional Football and Camogie.

 

But with a World title within her grasp, her heart was always inclining towards Handball.

 

“The turning point came in 2009, when I was beaten in the World Championships in Oregon. I knew when I came home that something had to give and I wanted to dedicate myself to handball because that was the goal I had set for myself. An All-Ireland semi-final in football was the last time I played and I haven’t looked back since.”

 

These final days before competition will focus on rest for Aisling Reilly and her colleagues and while her ultimate goal will stay at the forefront, she’s not going to dwell on it.

 

“Two in a row is more than possible. It’s not something I think too much on but I’m definitely gunning for it. I’ve left no stone unturned and I couldn’t have prepared any better.”