Ireland Women’s Masters Basketball team make history at European Championships

The Ireland Women’s Masters Basketball Over 55 team arrived home on Sunday night, July 4^th, following their participation in the X1 FIMBA Maxi Basketball European Championships, which took place in Malaga from June 24 until July 3.

The team took home a coveted Bronze medal, a first for Irish basketball.

This is the first time Basketball Ireland entered a women’s team into the European Masters Championships and the team were ecstatic with their success.

Maureen McDermott (captain) expressed the joy the team felt with their success and all were delighted at winning a bronze European medal.

The team had trained hard for a number of months and the training paid off, thanks to the work ethic and dedication from Debbie Flynn (coach) and Colette Boylan (assistant coach).

Paula Ryan-Kavanagh (vice-captain) said: “it was such an amazing experience for all involved and especially for women in sport. To represent your country fills you with such pride.”

Former Irish International Karen Hennessey said: “What an honour it has been to put on a green jersey.

“Honestly, I never expected to play for my country after retiring from international level at 30.

“And now a whole new world of competitive basketball has emerged.

“The level of professionalism and competitiveness of the FIMBA Masters has been unreal.

“The 180 teams stacked with former internationals, NBA and NCAA players, giving it all for their countries.

“It had been truly amazing to see how basketball can unite people in both an extremely competitive and social championship.

“Ireland’s participation in Masters basketball can only grow.

“We have produced so many excellent players at local and international level over the years and it would be fantastic to see participation at many age categories.”

The programme is self-funding and all involved express their thanks to family, friends and sponsors for helping them with the cost of participating in the European Championships.

The team motto was ‘keep playing and you are never too old to compete’ and the success of the team has proven that.

It is encouraging for so many young people to keep playing the sport they love for as long as they possibly can.

Team: Maureen McDermott (captain), Paula Ryan-Kavanagh (vice-captain), Fidelma Bonass, Orlaith Boylan, Carol Chubb, Jackie Clerkin, Orla Curran, Karen Hennessey, Regina Joye, Suzanne Lakes, Siobhain Monerawela, Liz Nolan, Patricia O’Connor, Therese Traynor, Debbie Flynn (coach), Colette Boylan (asst. coach), Ann-Marie Lenehan (manager), Brian Hayden (physical therapist).