Ireland 142
Tough lessons well learned by Ireland on Euros return
The opening quarter removed any doubt about the result but Ireland’s first appearance in a EuroBasket qualifier since 2009 was a valuable learning experience that offered real promise for the future after a rotten start. Emmet Ryan reports from Amsterdam. It’s a step up. Everyone knew it was going to be but you don’t know […]
Tough draws for both Irish national teams
Ireland hasn’t participated in EuroBasket qualification for men or women since 2009 and the draws for both the men and women’s sides will prove tough tests Started from the bottom, now we’re here. Started from the bottom, now the whole team here, or teams technically in this case. After gold for the men and silver […]
What a return to international qualification would look like for Ireland
With the men taking gold in Dublin and silver for the women in Cyprus at the 2021 FIBA European Championships for Small Countries, Emmet Ryan explains what a return to the main international qualification pool would look like for Ireland Two things to bear in mind before we get to the nitty gritty. No formal […]
The long wait is over
Ireland ended a near three decade wait to complete a perfect 4-0 week and lift the trophy at the 2021 FIBA European Championship for Small Countries. Emmet Ryan was at the arena in Dublin to drink it all in That night in 1994, I was 13 years old and didn’t even know the game was […]
Carroll efficient as Ireland crush Gibraltar
John Carroll waited long enough to get his chance to play competitive hoops for Ireland. Now that he’s got it, he’s determined to stay unbeaten in competitive action while wearing a green jersey for as long as possible. Emmet Ryan watched him as Ireland moved to 3-0 at the FIBA European Championships for Small Countries […]
And you will know them by the trail of dead
Nobody was expecting a close run thing between Ireland and San Marino but the sheer barbarity the hosts put on display in the opening quarter set the tone for an utter rout. Emmet Ryan witnessed the carnage up close The first few days of action had shown that San Marino appeared to be the weakest […]
Small countries but a big deal
Ireland opened their account on night one of the FIBA European Championships for Small Countries by winning a lively encounter over Andorra. Emmet Ryan would have settled for a damp squib of a game, he was just happy to be back courtside in person. The second half of Malta’s win over San Marino was well […]
The long wait for something real
Ireland’s senior sides return to competitive action for the first time in three years this summer. With the women’s European championships for small countries tipping off in Nicosia on 20 July and the men’s a few weeks later in Dublin, Emmet Ryan spoke with Dayna Finn and Ciaran Roe of the Irish senior teams about […]
The last game
A year on from sitting courtside, Emmet Ryan reflects on basketball, coincidence, and hope We knew it was coming, we just had little idea when it was going to happen. The past weekend saw memories pop up in my social feeds from this time a year ago, the last game I was at in person […]
CJ Fulton is happy to focus on the present
With his decision on where to go next very much up in the air, CJ Fulton is a prospect who is just working on his game for now. Emmet Ryan caught up with the Belfast Star point guard, for whom basketball runs in the family It’s the middle of the third quarter and Belfast Star […]
Even in defeat, Shrita Parker is impossible to ignore
Shrita Parker is not your regular baller. She’s all of them. Emmet Ryan was enraptured by the game of the Glanmire import as she brought the full buffet with her but it wasn’t enough as Killester forced their way into the Irish women’s cup final Shrita Parker is not your normal US import in Ireland. […]
Sometimes you win ugly
This was not a good basketball game by any stretch but at least history was guaranteed no matter what. Tralee Warriors and Éanna were both looking for a first ever trip to Irish men’s cup final and Éanna were good for their win in a game where the only thing they’ll want to remember is […]