WR48 Next Gen Week ~ Love at First Swing:
Roscommon’s Fiona Tully played handball for the first time at the age of 10, following her sister to the courts and immediately. falling in love with the game. At 22 years of age, FT is ranked #4 on the WR48, having finished in the top four of each of her three WR48 starts. FT has won two Irish junior national titles (13-and-under and 17-and-under) and seven All Ireland titles (60×30 and 40×20 Championship minor to intermediate). Fiona is currently a college student studying to become a secondary school teacher with the hopes of doing a lot of traveling after graduation.
Fiona burst onto the WR48 at the 2019 San Francisco Olympic Club, defeating WR48 top 10 pros Danielle Daskalakis in the round of 16 and Ashley Moler in the quarterfinals to finish third in her first WR48 start. Tully possesses the game to reach the top of the sport, as the young Irish woman can play offense and defense with both hands.
FT not only is the game’s brightest early-20’s star, but she is also responsible for organizing trips to the U.S. for dozens of Irish collegiate players, as FT makes flight, hotel, Uber, and restaurant reservations to ensure her talented group of peers can compete on the game’s biggest stages.
In this Next Gen interview, Love at First Swing, Fiona discusses her start in the game, her greatest influences, her inspirations, her favorite pros to watch, her expectations in the game, her most satisfying moments, what handball has meant to her life, her greatest rival, plays Word Association and so much more!
How did you get started in handball?
My older sister was going in with her friends and one day I went in to collect her with my Mom, I just picked up a ball and went into the alley and I haven’t looked back since.
When did you really become serious/dedicate yourself to handball?
Honestly, it was probably the minute I started playing at the age of 10. I had a coach called Michael Naughton who dedicated hours and hours of training to me. I would finish school at 3:10, eat and then go and play Michael by myself. To be honest, I don’t think I would be where I am today in terms of handball if it wasn’t for him. There were 4 or 5 of us that Michael trained and would take for extra hours on a Saturday or Sunday, but I’m really the only one who kept it on and is still playing. I owe a lot to Michael and am very grateful for all the time he gave me. His wife, Anne, was also my trainer and she still trains the girls in our club today, the pair of them couldn’t have done anymore for me and for that I am forever thankful.
What sports do you play in addition to handball?
Gaelic Football: I do still play with my local club, Kilbride, and this year (2020), due to covid and the lack of handball competitions, I have dedicated the majority of my time to football.
Who were your inspirations to become a handball player and eventually a Women’s Race 4 Eight pro?
Well in my club at home we had Marianna and Hilary Rushe and Leona Doolin who I would have known because she was friends with my sister, and I always looked up to them playing. The Race 4 Eight also caught my eye as I like to travel so it was a good way to be able to play handball and travel.
Who were your favorite pros to watch as a junior player?
I wouldn’t have really known many ‘pros’ until the 2012 worlds, and the one person I watched was Luis Moreno. His style of play was amazing. Of course, David Chapman was another person I have watched. His patience and tactical game were elements of his game that made him such an exceptional player, not to mention his overhand serve.
Who are your favorite players to watch now?
Catriona Casey and Martina McMahon, their games are always tit for tat and they’ve really set the standard for us all to reach.
Was there a moment that inspired you in handball?
When I was in the 13&U Nationals Final in Kilkenny, I was playing the tiebreaker against Niamh Coleman from Armagh. Martin Mulkerrins (Galway Handballer) was watching a small bit and told my Dad to tell me to do a certain serve. I did and it made me win the match. Considering I was so young at the time, I felt so privileged that Martin had taken the time to not only analyse the game but also tell me what to change in order to win. I was really inspired by this and was honoured to be getting advice off such a talented player.
Your passion for handball is truly inspiring. You just turned 22 and have organized numerous trips for yourself and a number of your Irish collegiate friends, including most recently organizing 11 Irish collegiate players to attend the WPH Race 4 Eight Mardi Gras and USHA Collegiate Nationals in February. From where does that passion come?
I suppose I like to travel and the people that were coming with me wanted to travel too (they got jealous of all my travelling haha). Also , it’s a bonus when you get to do the two things you love, travelling and playing handball so none of us complained.
Who have been your most influential people in handball?
Michael Naughton: he coached Lydia Doolin, Leona Doolin, Hillary Rushe , Marianna Rushe, Lauren O’ Riordan and many more in my home club. All of us can safely say all the All-Irelands we won were due to his commitment, hardwork and dedication. He trained us nearly every single day of the week when we were younger, coming to all of our matches, and giving us the best advice during our games. He has taught me that when you put in the work that you will reap the rewards and that no matter how easy it is to play a game against someone, the best way to improve is to be in the alley by yourself, practicing shots, over and over and over!
You finished third in your first WR48 start at the 2019 WR48 San Francisco, defeating Danielle Daskalakis and Ashley Moler in your first start. What were your expectations coming into that first event?
I really didn’t know what to expect. The ball is different to what I’m used to playing with, the courts are faster and I had never really seen any of the girls play before. I was happy with where I placed but I know I still have a lot of work to do.
Have those expectations changed now?
I have gained some experience, so I now know what the other girls are like to play against. This will help me in my future games as I will know what to expect to a certain extent e.g. the difference in the ball and the speed in the court. Next time I enter a competition I would be hoping to progress to the final and see what happens if I get that far, so I just have to make sure I keep on top of them and push forward.
What has been your most satisfying moment in handball?
I have to say that the most satisfying moment for me in handball was when I won the 2015 17&U World Title. I was only after returning to handball 3 months previous as I had been out for 8 months (Sep-April) with a slipped disc in my back.
What has been your most difficult match in handball?
It would have to be the 23&U Worlds Singles Semi-Final 2018 against Ciana. It went to a tiebreaker and neither of us were giving up. In the end, Ciana came out on top…
What has handball meant to you in your life?
Handball means a lot to me. I have learned such amazing skills, made new friends and been given opportunities to travel.
Who has been your greatest rival?
Catriona Casey would be my biggest rival because I’m put back into my box when I play her!
What are your goals in handball and on the WR48 going forward?
To eventually win a Race 4 Eight title……
What have you been doing to stay fit and active during the pandemic? Are you able to play any handball?
My sisters and I were doing workout videos during the pandemic but now that footballs back were just doing that three times a week. Yes, I have gone in playing kids from my club but I haven’t gone in by myself just yet. To be honest, I think I needed this time out from handball. Handball is a yearly thing and you never seem to get a break from it.
What is your favorite rivalry to watch on the Race 4 Eight tour and why?
My favourite would be Lucho vs. Danos because it is always enjoyable to watch and you really never know who’s going to win on the day.
Along with being one of the top players in the game, you are also a student of the game. What do you learn from watching the pros?
How important consistency is when you play.
What areas of your game do you need to improve to advance to your first WR48 final?
Stop missing easy shots and to start taking the right shots.
Word Association
Aisling Reilly – Powerful
Brady – GOAT
Ciana – H I L A R I O U S
Catriona – Complete
Thank you to Fiona for an outstanding WR48 Next Gen Player Week!
David Fink
WPH Patreon Writer