Fresh update on the possibility of a Kilkenny handball monument

A plaque to pay tribute to the legends of Kilkenny handball is still on the cards according to local Fianna Fáil councillor Joe Malone.

The concept of a local handball statue was first raised at council level by Mr Malone in October 2020.

In August 2023, Kilkenny Live reported a monument was set to be erected at a prominent city location to honour the achievements of all local handball players with the project expected to be completed before the end of last year.

However, despite a clear completion date yet to be confirmed, plans are still in place with sites across the city currently being scouted as possible locations for the artwork according to Cllr Malone.

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"It is going to happen," the Fianna Fáil representative commented.

"I'm disappointed it didn't happen in my time (as Mayor) but it will happen," he added.

In August 2016, the passing of the legendary Michael 'Ducksie' Walsh brought much sadness to the handball community in Kilkenny and further afield. Following his death, Ducksie’s home area of the Butts called for a statue to pay tribute to the local legend. Eight years on, Ducksie and some of Kilkenny’s finest players may be set to receive that recognition.

No location has been determined but it has been touted it may be located on the western side of Kilkenny near the city centre and Butts community.

"They want to put it in the right place," Cllr Malone said.

"It might not be necessarily in the Butts but it won’t be too far from there, it could be Parliament Street or down that side," he added.

Giving his view on the possibility of a monument of some kind being erected back in 2023, Kilkenny Handball Chairperson, Martin Lalor praised the success of the hurling statue in Kilkenny City and stated he believes a similar structure would pay due respects to local players.

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