HANDBALL: Eoin Kennedy's position as the most accomplished Irish handballer of modern times was confirmed yesterday when he was named the Vodafone GAA All Star Handball award winner for 2005.

The announcement was made at a ceremony in Dublin.

"Throughout the history of the game of handball there have been many great exponents of the game," said GAA president Seán Kelly.

"Eoin Kennedy's name is now included on that roll of honour."

It is the third time Kennedy has won this award. The 27-year-old enjoyed spectacular success last year, winning four All-Ireland senior medals, and he will captain the Irish team in the Compromise Rules series against the Basque Country.