It was an evening of celebration for Cumann Cispheile Mhaigh Cuilinn on 9 May 2024 when its two most famous Gerrys, Gerry Nihill and Gerry Riordan were deservedly inducted into the Galway Area Basketball Board Hall of Fame.
Gerry Nihill needs no introduction and alongside John Cunningham, Sean Hynes, Kitty Canavan and Barbara Walshe, restructured the club in 1989, founded the juvenile section and laid the basis for the huge success that has followed. He also enjoyed a decorated coaching career winning numerous national titles with the club and at international level was the Irish Junior Men’s Head Coach and Irish Senior Men’s Assistant Coach for many years.
Gerry Riordan has been a true club stalwart and continues as a vital volunteer. Having previously enjoyed great success as a coach as a schools coach in Gort, Gerry has been best known in recent years as table official and referee around Galway and his warmth and enthusiasm for the game is always an inspiration.
Well done to both on a richly deserved induction!
Well done also to the other three inductees on the night, all of whom were thoroughly deserving (Joe Naughton, Mary Rockall and Serge Bruzzi).
On the night, the various Maigh Cuilinn club members involved in Irish squads were also recognised being:-
- Paul O’Brien – Irish U16 Women’s Head Coach
- Nollaig Cunningham – Masters Over 50s Team
- James Connaire – Irish Senior Men’s Squad
- Liam Moloney – Irish U20 Squad
- Lily Hynes – Irish U17 Squad
- Aoibhinn Conneely – Irish U17 Squad
- Eoin Cleary – Irish U17 Squad
- Cian Walsh – Irish U16 Squad
