GAA community in shock as Armagh handball star left in hospital after hit-and-run

One of handball's brightest young prospects, Conall McCavitt, is in critical condition after a hit-and-run in Armagh.

The Cullyhanna native won a world championship at 17 + under level back in 2012 and has since represented Ireland in both the Netherlands and Colombia. The youngster, right now however, is in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast receiving treatment after he was struck by a car. McCavitt is said to have been hit in Crossmaglen after 6am on Tuesday morning, December 27. A blue Volkswagen Passat is believed to have been involved in the incident and was recovered by police who say the car did not stop after the collision. McCavitt is a member of the Eugene Quinn club in Armagh and the GAA community has rallied to wish him well in this fight he faces.

"The GAA Handball community were shocked to hear the news concerning one of our brightest young stars Conall McCavitt and our immediate thoughts at this time are with Conall and his family," National GAA Handball manager John Kelly said. "While he is a fierce competitor on the court, off the court Conall is a gentleman who is always available to help out and is a very popular figure in the Handball community. "Our thoughts and prayers for a full recovery and those of the wider association both in Ireland and abroad are with Conall and his family at this time."

And everyone is getting behind Conall. McCavitt, who has worked as a lifeguard, is in everyone's thoughts and prayers.