KEVIN Cooke from Crinkle Handball Club was inaugurated as the new President of GAA Handball on Sunday last.

Kevin has had a lifelong involvement with the game of handball both as a player and an administrator and now takes over the top role in the association.

In a post on Facebook Crinkle Handball Club expressed their joy on this great occasion for the club.

“Everyone in Crinkle Handball Club is immensely proud to see one of our own take on such a prestigious role.

Kevin has been at the heart of handball in Crinkle for many years. His contribution to our club has been nothing short of outstanding. From the courts to the committee rooms, his commitment to our club and our community has been constant. Over many years, he has given his time, energy, and expertise generously, always putting the club and the promotion of handball first. His dedication, leadership, and genuine passion for the game have helped shape Crinkle Handball Club into what it is today, and his influence will be felt for many years to come.

Many players, past and present, have benefited from Kevin’s guidance, support, and belief in what our small rural club could achieve. His passion for handball and his pride in Crinkle and Offaly has always shone through in everything he does.

This honour is thoroughly deserved, and we know GAA Handball is in very safe hands as he takes on this prestigious role. Kevin has been a tireless advocate for handball at local, county, and national level, and GAA Handball is extremely fortunate to have him as President. We know he will represent the organisation with the same integrity, commitment, and enthusiasm that he has always shown.

On behalf of everyone in Crinkle Handball Club, we would like to congratulate Kevin, thank him sincerely for everything he has done for our club, and wish him every success and best wishes in his new role.

Comhghairdeachas Kevin, agus gach rath don todhchaí.”

Offaly GAA also extended their warmest congratulations to Kevin Cooke.

“Kevin’s appointment is a tremendous honour not only for himself and his family, but also for Crinkill Handball Club, Offaly Handball, and the wider Offaly GAA community. A lifelong handball enthusiast, Kevin has dedicated more than 30 years to the administration, development and promotion of the sport at club, county, provincial and national level.

His contribution extends well beyond administration. Kevin has played handball throughout his life and continues to compete for both Crinkill Handball Club and Offaly. He has also devoted many years to coaching young players, helping to nurture and develop generations of talent across the county.

Kevin becomes the third Offaly native to serve as President of GAA Handball, following Rhode’s Joe Masterson, who held the role in 2017, and the late Niall Cahill of Birr, who served while representing Dublin.

As Kevin begins his presidency, we are confident he will be an outstanding ambassador for GAA Handball. His leadership, vision, integrity, and inclusivity, combined with his deep respect for the sport’s traditions and grassroots foundations, will serve the association well in the years ahead.

Kevin Cooke’s inauguration is a fitting recognition of decades of dedication and passion for the game.

From everyone at Offaly GAA, we wish him every success new role and look forward to the positive impact of his leadership.”