HISTORY OF

MOYCULLEN

BASKETBALL CLUB

1966 – 2016

Caoga Blian ag Fás

Cumann Cispheile Mhaigh Cuilinn

Basketball was first played in Moycullen in the old Parish Hall which stood where the present day Scoil Mhuire is built. The hall had an open space on the second floor with one backboard and ring on the end wall.

In 1968 an outdoor court was put down at the front of the hall and it was on this court that the first full games of basketball were played in Moycullen

Photo: Old Parish Hall

Photo: Old Parish Hall

CONTENTS

i ) Introduction

ii) Foreword

vi) Cumann Cispheile mhaigh Cuilinn

1) The early years 1966 – 1977

15) Revival and Rebound 1978 – 1988

20) Expansion and Ambition 1988 – 2008

159) The Super League Era 2009 – 2016

219) Memories and Individual reflections

249) The Blitz

256) It said in the papers

276) Honours and Achievements

Moycullen Basketball Club have made every effort to ensure that the information in this book is correct ath the press time. It would be impossible to cover every aspect of the activities of Moycullen Basketball Club over a period of 50 years and, no doubt, there are achievements and events which are not recorded here. The club would like to apologise for these omissions and herby disclaim any liability by such omissions or errors.

INTRODUCTION

By John Cunningham

Time can fly and, at the same time, can appear to stand still. Never is this contrast more apparent than in the story of the 50 years of Moycullen Basketball. 50 years ago the club was formed in a small parish at a crossroads on the Galway-Clifden road. They had no basketball gym at the time but this wasn’t a barrier to the people involved. 50 years on, the club from the crossroads is one of the most successful and respected in Ireland; the lack of a gym still not a barrier. This book ignores the stationary bits and focuses on the real story, chronicling the massive changes that have taken the club from its humble beginnings in front of the old parish hall in 1966 to the international-laden Superleague club providing basketball for 250+ basketballers (and entertainment for many more) in 2016, still predominantly from the same parish crossroads.

The early years are charted through press clippings from local newspapers which chart the progress from local club leagues through Galway league participation and on to the late eighties where only the Christmas Blitz and a few diehards kept the club alive. Subsequently, the articles recorded religiously by Gerry Nihill in Moycullen Matters ( a local newsletter launched, coincidentally, around the time the club began to find its feet again in the late eighties and early nineties) provide a wonderful record of the clubs climb through the Basketball hierarchy in Ireland.

The book then continues to provide a second slant on the story through a series of memories recorded by a mix of key club members involved over many years and parents, players and coaches who shared part of the journey. Following this, a special section is dedicated to Moycullen’s own little piece of quirky community-based, history; the outdoor tournament played (in hail, rain or shine … or even in snow) on St Stephen’s Day known to all (a little like “The Open”) as “The Blitz”. This event, more than anything captures the essence of Moycullen Basketball club. Next comes a section of colourful press clippings and articles describing the more recent activities and successes of the club.

The last section, for the record lovers and name-checkers, provides a chronology detailing the club’s successes from year to year, initially at local level and, later, on a national and international stage. As well as club and team achievements, it also records key individual achievements by Moycullen club members representing both their club and their country.

It’s only through an undertaking like this that one really begins to understand the phrase that “history is only what’s written down”. This book doesn’t claim to be 100% accurate. We have tried to validate as best possible anything that is recorded here by talking to people involved, checking reports in local and national publications, digging through the contents of many old shoeboxes and generally piecing things together by a process of elimination. However, even in a relatively short period of history, it’s amazing the number of conflicting reports and memories we came across. All we can hope is that the book triggers discussions, memories and contradictions in the same way the players and teams that have played basketball as part of the Moycullen club have done over the past 50 years.

John Cunningham

FOREWORD

By Enda Byrt

Comhghairdeas don Chumann iomlán ar ocáid caoga blain ag fás ! Ní aon rud beag é seo: bígí an móralach as.

I am writing these few words of congratulations from Ennistymon, where we can mirror your experiences very well. Essentially the celebration of sustaining a minority sport for fifty years, in an unlikely setting. We celebrated our own club’s 50th in 2005. Looking back is always instructive if you can see and act on the lessons before you. Moycullen has certainly done that, progressing from a village team to a club of national prominence and impact. When we looked back and honoured our founders and the generation behind us we were inspired by their vision, dedication and initiative. It provided the impetus out of which came the new incarnation of the club, Clare Cascaders. So be sure to pause and consider the work and achievements of your former leaders.

Ennistymon, as Admirals and later as Claremont Admirals, have a long association with Moycullen. We faced off many times in the Galway Leagues of the late seventies and early eighties. We went on to combine teams in later years for tournaments in Kerry. Moycullen have graced our own Frank Gallery Tournament (reaching its 25th in 2017), taking the honours in ‘95,’97, ‘99, ‘00 and ‘03 and two MVP awards scooped up by John Cunningham.

I was very honoured to be appointed Coach to the Moycullen Superleague team in 2009. We had a very young team, and while we did not take too many scalps in that first year, we played an attractive style of basketball which earned respect in the league at the time. The players did all and more of what was required. The club officers were totally supportive and committed and ‘’team spirit’’ was never an issue. Our supporters were ever present and carried us through difficult moments.

Moycullen has made a unique contribution to the Irish National teams. Gerry Nihill played a pivotal role in our Junior Men’s (U’19 at the time) programs 1986 to 1990 and subsequently in our National Senior Men’s and World University Games Teams. Moycullen continues to provide outstanding talent to the National Underage squads, a measure of the excellence of coaching in the club

Where to now? I hope you will be further enthused and encouraged to continue to provide such an outstanding opportunity to the people in your area (no longer a village me thinks !) in the sport of basketball.

The game needs more Moycullens

‘’Ní neart go cur le chéile’’

Enda Byrt.

Irish National Coach 1984-1996

CUMANN CISPHEILE MHAIGH CUILINN

1966—2016

Le Séamus O Gábháin

‘’Tús maith leath na h-oibre’’ adeirtear linn go minic ach, níl ann ach sin. Ar aon-chaoi tá Cumann Cispheile Mhaigh Cuilinn ar an bhfód le leath-chéad blain, agus is feidir a rá go cinnte, dearfa gur tús maith a bhí ann. Is iomaí athrú ar shaol na háite ó 1966 comh fada agus a bhainneann sé le cúrsaí spóirt, eacnamaíocht,agus sóisialta. In imeacht na mblianta, is iomaí duine agus clann a raibh baint acu leis an gcumann. Baineadh sult agus spraoí as na himeachtaí fré chéile. Go minic, ní raibh na háiseanna thar mholadh beirte ach inniu tá cumann agus fóirne Mhaigh Cuilinn I measc fóirne mhóra na tíre. Ní amháin sin ach tá gradaim agus aitheantas idirnáisiúnta saothraithe ag baill an chumainn. I gcomparáid le go leor Cumainn eile bhí pingneacha gann go minic ach níor chuir sé as don dul chun cinn atá bainte amach. Thug daoine cabhair go deonach, fáilteach agus comh-oibritheach. Níl aon amhras ach go bhfuil sé seo fior-thábhachtach. ‘’Ní neart go cur le chéile’’.

Ón dtráth ama I lár na seascadaí, nuair a himríodh scoth na gcluichí I Sean-Halla an Pharóiste agus ins an gcarr-chlós lasmuigh go dtí 2016, leis na fóirne in oll-sraith na hÉireann, tá obair chéadtach curtha I gcríoch. Tá na fir agus na mná, buachaillí agus cailíní ag treabhadh leo I gcónaí. Tá go leor imeachtaí agus éachtaí curtha tharainn.

Bhí fís agus uaillmhian ag an mbuíon beag a chuir tús le cursaí. Bheidís lán-tsásta leis an mbarr atá bainte. É sin ráite, bheadh cúrsaí níos fearr fós ach áiseanna níos fear a bheith ar fail go háitiúil. Le cúnamh Dé, tiocfaidh said fós.

Bhain mé féin taithneamh as go leor cluichí cispheile I dtús aimsire. Is deacair a mheabhrú go bhfuil leath-chead blain caite again. Traoslaím le gach duine go bhfuil nó go raibh lámh acu in imeachtaí an chumainn. Bainígí ar fad sult as na h-ócaidí cheiliúrtha agus as blaiseadh den stair. Bí cinnte, go bhfuil laethanta breátha eile I ndán don Cumann seo, mar tá bun-chloch curtha in ord go paiteanta: Comhgháirdeachas agus moladh le gach duine a d’oibrigh go dian, dícheallach o thús aimsire. Mar adeireann sean-ráiteas eile- ‘’ I dtús na bliana ,sea thosaigh an treabhadh agus I ndeireadh ,n Fhómhair ,sea fachthas an togha’’.

Beidh go leor Fómhair eile le baint ag Cumann Cispheile Mhaigh Cuilinn 1966-2016. Go néirí leo agus fad saoil acu.

Guímíd gach rath ar an gcumann seo sa todhchaí.

Le Séamus O Gábháin

The St. Marys Connection

St. Marys College in Galway was one of the first schools in Connacht in the 1960’s to embrace the sport of basketball. Fr. James McLoughlin was Dean to the day boys and he had a special interest in basketball. At that time many Moycullen boys attended the school and were introduced to basketball by Fr McLoughlin, who was later to become Bishop of Galway. In the 1960’s basketball cubs were beginning to be formed around city and county and the Moycullen boys who had enjoyed the game in St Marys, went on to form the first Moycullen club in 1966

1966

In July 1966 a meeting of people interested in setting up a Basketball Club in Moycullen took place in the old Parish Hall which in 1977 made way for Moycullen National school.

The officers elected at the meeting for the new club were:

Chairperson: Tadgh Walshe, Kylebroughlaun,

Secretary: Padraig Dunne, Clydagh,

Treasurer: Martin Walshe, Kylebroughlaun.

The new club used the small space on the second floor of the old Parish Hall which had a single basket at one end. At the other end of that space there was a door and stairway which meant there was nowhere to place a ring. Fr. Mcloughlin came out to Moycullen on Wednesdays and Saturdays to coach the Moycullen boys in that hall. In 1968 the parish priest, Fr. Quinn, organised the laying down of an out-door court in front of the hall which doubled as a car park for mass on Sundays. Fr. McLoughlin assisted with marking out the court and Sean G. Clancy installed a floodlight in a window of the third floor of the old hall, a very novel idea in those days. Soon the court became a gathering place for locals and a venue for the parish leagues which were hotly contested and had big followings.

Photo: A local league game on the new outdoor court in 1968. On the left is Sean G. Clancy and in front of him Micky Lee

Connacht Sentinel April 1968

Photo: The old Parish Hall, Demolished in 1977

Basketball thrived and in the years after the formation of the club in 1966. It was played by both women and men. The outdoor court in front of the old Parish hall was a gathering place for all ages. Anyone who turned up was guaranteed a run on the court . Big mixed games of up to 12 a side were a regular feature and were keenly contested. Men played in wellingtons, jumpers and all kinds of attire was common.

There were numerous club leagues and championships on a yearly basis. These attracted great interest and the games, played on the new outdoor court at the school, were hotly contested and drew big crowds of supporters. Teams representing the various areas of the parish were selected, Drimaveg, Gortyloughlin, Clydagh, Loughwell, Leagaun etc. The ladies had their own league, equally fiercely contested. In those early years the ladies also played with the men in the Christmas blitz for a brief period.

The league games were recorded in the Connacht Tribune as can be seen from the cutting from the Tribune in 1968 in which Tommy Clancy’s team took on Joe Joe Faherty’s team in the final while in the final of the ladies competition Angela O’Connor took on Brenda Donnellan. The preview made Tommy Clancy’s team favourite and they justified the prediction as can be seen from the match report a week later.

Connacht Tribune 6-9-1968

Photo: Joe Joe Faherty’s team were runners up in the 1968 Moycullen League, losing to Tommy Clancy's team 19-12 Back Row L-R Enda Clancy, Joe Joe Faherty, Brendan Hynes, Front L-R Micky Lee, Brendan Darcy, Johnny Lee. Note the Kilannin football jerseys borrowed for the day.

The result of the final was reported in the Connacht Tribune

Connacht Tribune 13 –9- 1968

Connacht Tribune 13 –9- 1968

Moycullen Ladies League Winners 1968

Back: Patricia McDonagh, Angela O’Connor, Ann O’Connor .Front: Sandra Scully, Mary Lydon

Article: September 1968 Connacht Tribune report on the ladies final .

‘’It was really a pity that either side should lose this thrilling ladies final. Angela O'Connor's team, who trailed by three points at half time won this game because her team stayed the pace to the last. Angela had all her team’s scores but she received great assistance from her sister Ann and Patricia McDonagh. Brenda Donnellan who had most of her sides scores was well supported by Carmel Lydon and Geraldine Burke’’

Two parish competitions were held in 1968 A League was played in September. and a second tournament took place during the Christmas. This was the first Christmas Blitz. Photo below is Micky Lee’s medal from that first blitz.

Photo: Micky Lee

Colie Gavin

Colie Gavin came home from the USA in 1968 having spent some time living there where he developed an interest in the game. While at home he played on a winning parish league basketball team in 1969. The medal he won was never lost as, in a most romantic move, he attached it, along with a number of other medals he had won, to a bracelet which he presented to his girlfriend and his future wife Kathleen. How she was expected to wear such a jangling contraption of GAAvand Basketball medals only Colie knows, but it must have had some influence as they were married some time afterwards.

In photo: Colie Gavin

In photos above: Colie Gavin's medals

Brendan Hynes recalls breaking both wrists on the outdoor court in 1968

The year was 1966, I was 16 years old; we won the County Minor Football Title, a first for Moycullen, our Basketball club was up and running and as the song goes ‘Those were the Days’. A lot of water has flown under the bridge since then. The basketball was played in the old parish hall and on the court out in front where the Moycullen National School now stands.

My memories are of games played late into the evenings lots of fun, tough competition with no holds barred, rules sometimes loosely interpreted. There were some very good players both male and female. But my career ended before I reached Superstar status. It was a frosty winters night in 1968 we were playing on the outside court I jumped for a ball and came crashing down I can almost feel the pain thinking about it I knew straight away that I had done serious damage; in fact I had broken both my wrists. I remember Joe McLoughlin brought me to hospital. Later that night hospital staff were looking for someone to sign a consent form before taking me to theatre, not many homes had phones 50 years ago so I gave them Joe's number and he gave them the OK. I suppose you could say he imper-sonated my father. (Thanks Joe)

Basketball was a bad word in our house for a while after my accident.

I'm not sure how long I spent in hospital with both arms in plaster. I was very restricted to say the least, having someone feed me etc. was a bit much but it certainly wasn't all bad being waited on by some very attractive nurses. The novelty of getting attention soon wore off and I was glad to get rid of the plasters. There wasn't much mention of physio's in those days but the doctor did recommend I take up a racquet sport to strengthen my wrists. As luck would have there was a newly formed Badminton club in Moycullen at the time. I joined, and that became my new obsession.

Moycullen Parish League winners 1970

Front L-R Joe Joe Faherty, Padraig Dunne, Michael O’Connor.

Back L-R Johnny Lee, Brendan Faherty, Seamus Clancy

After the formation of the club in 1966 Moycullen began entering teams in the Galway Leagues. Moycullen had two men's teams and a ladies team in competition in the 1968-69 season. Moycullen were very competitive and reached a number of finals in 1969.

In the cuttings below are previews of the three finals Moycullen reached in that ‘68-’69 season, First there is a preview of the ladies final between Moycullen and UCG C for the Galway league division 2 title. Predictions were for the shooting power of O’Connor sisters, Angela and Ann to swing the day for Moycullen. In the Men's Division 2 final, football stars Joe McLoughlin and Tomas Clancy were expected to dominate the rebounding and halt the fast running game of their opponents Gort B. On the same day Moycullen were also in the final of the Division 3 Galway final where they faced neighbours Oughterard. Martiín Walsh led the Moycullen team into this encounter.

Previews of the Galway League Finals 1969

28th March 1969

Moycullen had high hopes of landing a county title in 1969 after reaching three finals but were to end the season without a first county championship. The Moycullen A team came within a point of Gort in the Division 2 final with Joe McLoughlin and Tom Clancy having impressive games. The loss of Joe Joe Faherty and Michael O’Connor with foul trouble probably cost Moycullen the match. The Moycullen ladies were beaten by 8 points in the Division 2 final. There was special praise for the efforts of Nora McLoughlin, Dervla Hynes and the O’Connor and Donnellan sisters. Moycullen lost the west Galway bragging rights when they were well beaten by neighbours Oughterard in the Division 3 final . Martín Walsh was Moycullen’s top scorer with 5 points and Padraig Faherty had 2 points

Despite losing the three finals the teams were gaining experience , something that would pay off the following year.

Reports on the Galway League Finals 1969

4th April 1969

First Galway Title 1969-1970 Season

After the disappointment of losing all three county finals they contested in 1969, Moycullen bounced back the following year and again reached the Division 3 Galway men’s final and the Division 2 ladies final The men’s team were successful this time, bringing the first county basketball title to Moycullen with a fifteen point win over Clifden. Mairtín Walsh and Murty Davoren top scored with 12 points each with Brendan Darcy adding 10 and Micky Lee with 6.

No such good fortune however for the Moycullen ladies who went down 28 –18 to neighbours Oughterard.

Connacht Tribune 13 –2 - 1970

Photo: The Moycullen team that won the Galway Division 3 Title in the 1969-1970 season. Back L-R Pete Lydon, Murty Davoren, Brendan Darcy. Front L-R Micky Lee, Mairtín Walsh.

In 1968 the club ran a tournament during the Christmas holidays, thus starting a tradition that was to become one of the institutions of the Moycullen Club. It is still going strong today, 50 years later, still held outdoors no matter what weather conditions prevail and playing in it is regarded as a ‘’right of passage’’ by the juvenile players.

The first Blitz that a full record of the teams and players is available for is from the Blitz held on St. Stephens Day 1969 and reported on in the Connacht tribune in the issue of 30th January 1970. The Christmas tournaments usually began on St. Stephens day but were sometimes not being finished until the following weekend.

CHRISTMAS BLITZ 1969

St. Stephens Day Teams

Mairtin Walsh | Michael Connor | Patrick Lydon | Murty Davoren | Padraig Clancy |
Enda Clancy | Tom McLoughlin | Tadhg Walsh | J. Audley | Brendan Darcy |
Mairtin Clancy | Joe Clancy | Seasmus Lydon | Sean Clancy | Brendan Hynes |
Michael conneely | Jim Regan | B. Mulkerrins | Bernie Faherty | Kieran Audley |
Patricia McDonagh | M. McLouglin | Bernie Lydon | Carmel Lydon | Ann O'Connor |
Evelyn Walsh | Gabriel Burke | Mary Lydon | Ann Ruane | Sandra Scully |
| Bernadette Lydon |  |  |  |
Paddy Connor | Tomas Clancy | Joe Joe Faherty | Micky Lee |  |
Michal John Dunne | Sean Clancy | Johnny Lee | Joe McLouglin |  |
Tommy Clancy | Tommy McDonagh | Padraig Dunne | Michael McDonagh |  |
James Connor | Tom Scully | Bobby McDonagh | Michael Audley |  |
Angela O'Connor | Eithne Davoren | Brenda Donnellan | Dervla Hynes |  |
Carmel Scully | Geraldine Burke | Cecily Burke | Mary Davoren

The tournament result is recorded in the Connacht Tribune report , noting that Michael O’Connor’s team defeated Patrick Lydon’s in the final.

Connacht Tribune report on the 1969 blitz:

This was a mixed blitz, the rules stated that:

‘ Each team will have three men and two ladies on court’.

‘A team that fields four men will be disqualified’.

Entry fee was 12 shillings per team before the first game

No further male players were to be added to the teams

Into the 1970’s

Canon George Quinn

Moycullen 1966-1971

Canon Quinn initiated many projects in and around the parish during his time in Moycullen. He was a great supporter of the basketball club and was its first president.

As the club headed into the 1970’s it continued to grow and prosper. The report of the AGM in the Connacht Tribune lists the officers of the club as President. Fr. Quinn, Chairman Joe Faherty, Secretary Michael Lee and Treasurer Padraic Dunne.

At that time many Moycullen boys had been introduced to the game in the Galway secondary schools. Players that were to have a big influence on the game in the 1970’s and 1980’s included Gerard Walsh, Paul Casburn, and Mairtín Clancy and his brother Joe who were playing basketball in the Bish. Micky Lee and his brother Johnny were in St. Marys and regularly competed against the boys in the Bish in school competitions. Mike Connor was the outstanding player in Moycullen at the time, having returned to live in Moycullen after spending a number of years living in the USA where he learned the game of basketball. The other lads remember the great gear he had and his flash moves and skills never before seen in the parish.

Connacht Tribune

6-11-1970

The parish leagues and Christmas Blitz continued every year.

Below is the Connacht tribune report on the upcoming 1970 Blitz:

Connacht Tribune

18-12- 1970

Some of the early Christmas Blitzes were played as an inter area competition with teams representing Loughwell, Moycullen Village, Clydagh, Leagaun, Gortyloughlin and Drimaveg. This generated great local rivalry with bragging rights in the parish at stake. Games were robust to say the least and not for the faint hearted.

The Connacht Tribune reports below record the Christmas Blitz held in 1971. The early rounds were held on St. Stephens Day and the competition finished in the new year. The report notes that Gortyloughlin’s chances were diminished with the injury to their star player Joe McLoughlin but the return of Tommy Clancy after illness would be a big boost. Loughwell were also playing great and Drimaveg with Padraic Clancy, Seamus Lydon and Padraic Lydon a force to be reckoned with. However the Lee brothers, Johnny and Micky with Tom Scully and Jim Regan were to have the final say as they won the tournament for their team, Moycullen

31 December 1971

14 January 1972

Funds and fundraising in the 1970’s

Fundraising in 1973 consisted of a Christmas raffle. Tickets were priced at 3p each and 5 for 10p. First prize was a hamper, second £3, third £2. The raffle turned a profit of £37.72 from receipts of £65.45

The club purchased two whistles which cost £0.80 and there was also a telephone call to Mayo which coast £0.14. The plaques for the blitz cost £4.80 from the Connemara Marble Factory and £3.00 for medals from Pierce Jewellers. Membership fees for the year came to £9.60. The club also ran a Juvenile Blitz with medals costing £3.90 for winners and £3.00 for runners up.

Three players took a public bus to Galway, the fare 11p each. However two taxis for U’19 players coming home from Galway cost £2.30!!

Total expenditure for the season was £79.70 including the raffle prizes of £38.31 so the raffle profit of £37.72 really did go a long way in the ‘73-74 season.. The accounts show a solvent club with a balance of £10.20 in the bank at the end of the year.

Moycullen teams competed in the Galway leagues through the mid 1970’s

Moycullen continued to enter men’s teams in the Galway Basketball league during the mid 1970’s. The parish leagues became less frequent but the Christmas blitz continued every year and this now involved more of the younger members of the club.

Some of these young players like Denis Phelan, Micky Lee, Joe Clancy were building quiet a reputation for themselves in the Galway leagues. At the time there was an inter-country All Ireland Basketball Championship at senior and minor level, similar to the GAA model. Micky Lee played on the Galway Minor team that won the Connacht Championship in 1971, defeating Mayo in the final.

Photo: Micky’s Connacht medal

Joe Clancy played on the Galway Junior Team that won the All Ireland Inter County Championship in 1973. Joe was called for trials for the Irish schoolboy team and, although he did not make the final selection, he made it to the last fifteen.

The 1973 AGM elected Mairtín Clancy as Chairperson. Membership was set at £0.50. Moycullen entered two senior men’s teams in the Galway League. The senior A team was to be captained by Joe Joe Faherty with Michael Connor as vice captain. The senior B team captain was Paddy Connor with Johnny Lee as vice captain. Selectors were elected for each team. These teams competed in the league in the ‘73-’74 season against teams such as Gort, UCG, Democrats, Kilcornan ,and the Claddagh. The two Moycullen teams also played each other in the league.

Photo: Joe Clancy training on the outdoor court in 1972

No silverware for Moycullen teams in this period but they were very competitive and won many games. The club also had a Junior (U19) team in 1973 which was captained by Joe Clancy with Tom Scully and Mairtín Clancy as selectors. They played teams such as Tuam, Gort, Democrats and UCG.

The report below on the game between Moycullen A and Gort mentions that Joe Clancy was playing particularly well and that Moycullen had the unbeaten Gort on the run. However the tide turned when Moycullen made the mistake of subbing out Joe and by the time they realised their mistake it was too late !

18 January 1974

18 January 1974

15 November 1974

Christmas Blitz 1973

The Christmas blitz was organised for St. Stephens Day 1973 and the teams listed in the minutes record the adults playing at that time as follows:

Tom Scully | Joe Clancy | Tomas Lydon
Gerard Walsh | Johnny Lee | Murty Davoren
Pakie Hurney | Seamus Lydon | Mairtin Walsh
Jim Regan | Bobby McDonagh | Padraig Clancy
Michael Lydon | Seamus Gavin | Morgan Darcy
Sean Darcy | Kieran Audley | Tim Gavin
Micky Lee | Michael Connor | Brendan Darcy
Mairtin Clancy | Paddy Connor | Joe Joe Faherty
Tomas Clancy | Declan Connolly | Joe McLoughlin
Tom McLoughlin | Martin Joe Cooke | Padraic Faherty
Hugh Molloy | Michael McDonagh | Brendan Faherty
Denis Phelan | Sean Clancy | M. Feeney

Galway League Reports from 1975

14February 1975

In the 1974-75 and 1975-76 seasons Moycullen continued to compete in the various Galway Leagues and Tournaments. The Galway County Board also ran an annual tournament in which Moycullen competed. Teams at the time included Democrats who were to become the dominant team in Galway with a very successful National League team in the late 1970’s and 1980’s. Tuam were also very strong ,built on their All Ireland Senior Schools A winning team of 1973. Tuam also had a very successful National League team in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. UCG always had good teams, often boosted by the arrival of one or more American students so competition in the Galway area was hot and trophies were hard won. Gerry Nihill, who was to become one of the big influences in the growth of Moycullen club in the 1990’s played for both UCG and Tuam and against Moycullen in the mid 1970’s

During the mid 1970’s many of the players whose first sport was football or hurling began to drift away as the GAA facilities at the pitch in Baile Dóite were developed. Those who continued to play basketball were primarily only playing basketball with some exception like Joe Clancy who excelled at both basketball and football. More young players were coming along like Denis Phelan, Michael Burke and Francis Kelly who helped keep the game going. No blitz was held at Christmas in 1976 or 1977 when the outdoor court was uprooted as part of the demolition work on the Old Parish hall to make way for the new Scoil Mhuire. Moycullen did not have a team in any of the Galway leagues in ’76 or 77 but nevertheless there were a good number of players in the parish who had an interest in playing the game at a competitive level and it would not be long before they were up and active again with the completion of the new school with its small indoor hall and new tarmac area at the back . This was to mark the beginning of the next era in the history of Moycullen Basketball Club.

The new school , completed in 1978, had a small indoor hall. The basketball club members had made strong efforts to have a full size facility built at the time of construction but the extra cost of up to £20,000 could not be met by the local community and they had to settle for the smaller hall. Nevertheless after the building of the new school in 1978 the basketball club became active again. A new committee was elected with Mairtín Clancy in the chair, Gerard Walsh was elected secretary and Kevin Walsh treasurer. Membership was set at £2 for workers and £1for boys. The old outdoor court had been dug up during the building of the school but there was a new tarmac play area at the rear of the new building. The new basketball committee decided to ask the parish priest for permission to erect a basket in this area and they were to approach the company that built the school, Moy Construction, for sponsorship for the backboard. As there was a small indoor hall in the new school, a request was mad to allow the basketball club to use it. A basketball rule book was purchased and a club representative sent to the Galway referees seminar in Kilcolgan.

The club held regular meetings during the following months and although the membership was small they were very active in moving the club ahead. Active embers from that time included Michael Burke, Francis Kelly, Joe Clancy, Walter McDonagh,, Sean Davoren, Michael Connor and Denis Phelan. They took on to enter a men's team in the Galway league division 2. A fundraising raffle was organised , tickets to cost 10p each or a book of six for 50p. Boards were to be erected on the end walls of the indoor court in Scoil Mhuire and hilti bolts for this purpose were to be purchased. A new set of singlets was needed and the Bish School was to approached for a second hand set ! A Christmas blitz was planned providing a second basket support and backboard could be installed in time. A second men's team was proposed for Galway league Division 3

Connacht Tribune 24 Nov 1978

Following the revival of the club in 1978 a Christmas blitz was organised for St Stephens Day that year with Joe Clancy's team overcoming Joe Joe Fajherty’s team in the final.

Connacht Tribune 22 December 1978

Connacht Tribune 12 January 1979

Photo: Joe Clancy

Moycullen had two men’s team in competition in the Galway Senior leagues in 1980. The Moycullen A team played in Division 2 and the Moycullen B team played in Division 3. At this time basketball was becoming strong in Galway with Democrats competing in the National League and Maree very competitive at national Intermediate level.

Below is a report from the Connacht tribune on the Division 3 game between Admirals of Ennistymon and Moycullen in January 1980.

The report mentions the good play of Francis Kelly and Sean Davoren and has special praise for Tim Bohan who ’tried hard and could be good with some coaching’’

The Tables below are the team standings in the Galway league in February 1980:

Moycullen Notes Connacht tribune 3 October 1980

Moycullen win the Galway Co. Board Tournament Plate Final 1981

The revived Moycullen recorded their first competition success in Galway when they won the Shield at the County Board Blitz

Connacht Tribune 10 October 1980

Club events in 1981-1982

In the 1981-82 season they had just one men Season’s team in the Galway league after the club forfeited the club bond to the county board due to the Moycullen B team not completing all their matches in the Division 3 league the previous season .

In 1981 and 1982 the club continued to organise and run events and were making a impression in the village. The committee was chaired by Mairtín Clancy, Michael Burke was secretary and Francis Kelly was treasurer. Walter McDonagh was the delegate to the county board and Gerard Walsh was the oress officer.

During the 1981-82 season they organised and ran a sponsored fundraising basketball marathon and also held a club social in the Banba Hotel in Salthill. The St. Stephens day blitz was held as was a blitz for girls with eight teams of five.. The same girls also ran two successful fundraising discoes. Much of this activity was made possible by having the hall in Scoil Mhuire.

In the early 1980’s the team trained in the local hall and in St. Marys Galway. The cost of hiring the halls was putting financial pressure on the club. In 1980 the club paid £180 in rent and still owed £91 in arrears. It was planned to start an U17 team and Martin Burke was asked to look into getting a panel together. Membership was £10 for working men and £5for students. The committee proposed that a fee of £0.30 was to be collected from each member on training nights to go towards the rent. The costs of participation were significant at the time with a £15 affiliation to the Galway County Board and £1 registration fee per player . The bond to the board was £30 and a further £10 to the national association in Dublin. All this money had to come from a relatively small membership and whatever fundraising was possible like the sponsored marathon and a Christmas raffle. Nevertheless the club found the necessary funds and continued to play in the Galway men's league through the1980’s during which time they were considered to be one of Galway’s strong and progressive clubs.

Moycullen win the Galway League Division 2 in 1983

The training and work put in by the club members paid off when the won the Galway League Division 2 in 1983,for the first time.

The winning team was Micky Lee, Joe Clancy, Gerard Walsh, Mairtín Clancy, Kevin Walsh, Denis Phelan, Michael Connor, and Michael Burke. The only other Galway title won was the Division 3 league in 1980.

The club continued to play in the Galway men's league until 1986. The following year hey did not enter a team although the club continued to be active with the St. Stephens Day tournament the main event organised.

1985 Blitz winning team

Joe Clancy’s team won the blitz in 1985.Back: David Casburn, Mark Hanley. Front: Martin Barrett, Joe Clancy, Adrian Clancy

The club continued to compete in the Galway men’s league until 1986. The following year they did not enter a team although the club did remain active and ran the Christmas blitz each year The second revival of the club was just around the corner, a revival that would take Moycullen to the top level of Irish basketball and success that could not have been imagined possible.

Compiled from Moycullen Matters April 1990 Issue 1

BIG REVIVAL OF BASKETBALL IN MOYCULLEN

Basketball has made a spectacular revival during the past six months. A new youth section has been formed and over one hundred children participate in the weekly training and activities. Barbara Walshe was the person who initiated this revival in youth basketball. Barbara identified that girls in particular have limited opportunities to participate in sport in the area. She enlisted the help of current International Coach Gerry Nihill who has been living in Moycullen since 1987 and Kitty Canavan who although not a basketball player is an able administrator and very familiar with the game since her days living in the USA. Emphasis with the young players is on participation, fundamental skill development and enjoyment.

Meanwhile a group of senior players had formed a senior team and entered the Galway League . They have surprised all opponents with a 13 and 1 winning record in their first season on their way to winning the division.

With a view to providing a structure to support the youth teams a coaching and refereeing course is planned in the near future. Thanks to our youth coaches; Mairtín Clancy, Gerry Nihill, Sinead Hynes, Caitriona Faherty and John Cunningham and their helpers Caroline Clancy, Alan Cooke, Tomas Gilligan, Mark Downes and Adrian Lyons, who all give up their free time to coach the children.

Compiled from Moycullen Matters June 1990 Issue 2

The senior men’s team was resurrected in 1989 after a lapse of a number of years. They entered Division 2 of the Galway League and got off to a great start , winning six of their first seven games up to Christmas, guided by Gerry Nihill who at the time was coaching with the Irish International programme. Their only loss being away to Gort early in the season. . Their good form continued after Christmas and clinched the title with a win over Gort in their last home game played in Westside, cheered on by a strong Moycullen contingent. Their 13 and 1 winning season earned them promotion to Galway Division 1, the first time a Moycullen team will play at this level. The team played great fast break basketball which was made possible by the dominance of John Cunningham and Vinny Sullivan on the boards. Harry O'Neill was the ‘American’ on the team and was a knockdown perimeter shooter. The team had great ’chemistry’ blending the ’veterans’ from the 1980’s Michael Burke, Francis Kelly, Denis Phelan and Walter McDonagh with the new young guns Martin Burke and Eoghan Maguire.

Galway League Division 2 winners 1989-1990

From Left. Paul Winterleich (Sponsor , Ferryman Inn ), Martin Burke, Denis Phelan, Walter McDonagh, Francis Kelly, Eoghan Maguire, Harry O’Neill, Michael Burke, Gerry Nihill, Vinny Sullivan, John Cunningham

Compiled from Moycullen Matters July 1990 Issue 3

COACHING — REFREEING COURSE IN MOYCULLEN

Moycullen Basketball Club ran a coaching and refereeing course at Scoil Mhuire in June. Coach tutor was John Moran from Tuam Basketball Club. Tuam play in the Irish National League and John has been one of their top players. He was on the Tuam team that won National U’19 Cups and played on the Irish U15, U’17 and U’19 teams. He is an accomplished referee and is now refereeing in the National League.

Some of the trainee coaches at Moycullen . From Left: Barbara Jenny Walshe (at front), Sinead Hynes (at back), Ann Marie Clancy, John Moran, John Newell, Olivia Downey, Willie John Walsh, Alan Cooke

Photo: John Moran demonstrating a refereeing signal at the Moycullen course.

Compiled from from Moycullen Matters November 1990 Issue 5

Juvenile

There is plenty of Basketball activity in Moycullen with eight sessions being run for girls boys between the ages eight to sixteen. Almost one hundred and forty children will be coached voluntarily by people from the Moycullen area with parental support If you would like to coach or help or if your child would like to play in any of the sessions Details can be obtained from Kitty Canavan Phone 85315 or Barbara Walshe 85348

Ladies Basketball

Ladies and teens basketball resumes on Thursday 4th October at 9.30pm £1 per session, no enrolment fee.

Beginners welcome. So if you can run and catch a ball and want to get fit then come along to Moycullen Hall.

Tel 85443 for further details

Dungarvan Summer Training Camp Report 1990 …. Sinead Hynes

As another season of basketball starts in Moycullen and all over the country, the summer has not passed without it's high points, for me anyway. The reason was Dungarvan National Basketball camp. To put it mildly, it was brilliant. I spent a week in Dungarvan sponsored by Moycullen Basketball Club. Some may say it was a holiday but it was in actual fact very hard work. We got up every morning at 7.30am to have breakfast at 8.15a.m. The course started at 9.30a.m. and really continued up until 11.00p.m. only stopping to eat. There were coaches of all nationalities, French, Hungarian, Polish and Irish. Some of them would make you think Glasnost and Perestroika never existed. National squad coach Enda Byrt gave us the benefit of his advice. He proved that you didn't have to be 6'4" to be a good basketball player. But it wasn't all work. There was a dinner and a disco on Thursday night. The course was so enjoyable that some of my friends and I have agreed to meet there again next year. I would recommend this course to anyone who is really interested in Basketball. I know I'm going back next year. I would like to thank Moycullen Basketball Club for the opportunity of attending this excellent course.

Basketball Scholarships

The Basketball Club continue to offer scholarship's to the National Camp in Dungarvan for our assistant coaches in recognition for their efforts during the year in coaching . The knowledge picked up at this camp will be a big help in coaching the fundamental skill of the game to the other young people in Moycullen.

Compiled from Moycullen Matters March 1991 Issue 8

NEWS FROM AROUND THE CLUB

The basketball season in Moycullen is reaching its climax with activities and competition for the many regular participants in the sport, ranging from U’l0 girls to senior men. The U'l0 and U'14 girls sections recently played in Oughterard and attended a Senior Ladies National League game involving the Oughterard team (Corrib). The U'l0 boys had a trip to a Senior Men’s National League game between Galway Democrats and Marian, Dublin.

While the emphasis with the younger players is on participation without the negative influences of too much competition, the older players like to test their skills against outside, teams. With this in mind the U'14 and U16 girls teams have entered in the Galway area board leagues while the U '16 boys are playing a series of challenge games.

Meanwhile the Moycullen Senior Men’s team has just two remaining games to play in the Galway League, Division I, in this their first season in the top league.

While they have won only one game, they have closed the early season gaps between them and their more experienced opponents so that they will be in a much stronger position to challenge for honours next season.

The senior men ran a very successful 5 team tournament in February which was won by Ennistymon, beating the local team in the final by 4 points. Generous sponsorship from Dominic Downey and Noel Madden of the "Country Chip" helped make the tournament possible

Photo: Senior player Francis Kelly

Compiled from Moycullen Matters May 1991 Issue 9

BASKETBALL DAY

Eight hours of non stop competition, excitement, fun and action involving the young and the not so young produced a unique sporting event in the local Hall on the 23th March. For the 138 participants in Moycullen's first "Basketball Day, brainchild of coach Gerry Nihill, it was a time to make new friends while enjoying the special competition and events. The U’l0 boys and girls produced the first dramatic competition result when amidst tremendous excitement, the girls scored a sensational victory over the boys in the shooting competition. All fifty children in this mini ball event received special certificates of participation .

A very demanding skills circuit involving shooting, passing and dribbling produced a very high level of performance from the U12 and U14 boys and girls. Sarah Barrettt had the outstanding performance in the skills competition. Sean Browne won the boys u12,Grainne Clancy won the girls u14 and Glenn Hynes won the boys u 14 events. This was followed by a very enjoyable and competitive mixed teenage tournament which was won by Sean Hynes's team.

Highlight of the day was the "All Ages Shoot Out" this involved ten teams, each with twelve players. This included mini ball, teenage and senior players in a shooting competition against the clock. Michael Burke 's team produced the highest score, winning the specially inscribed trophies. His team were, Dara Canavan, Mary Regan, Roisin Nihill, Sarah Barrett Caroline Faherty, lrene Barrett, Aileen Faherty and Captain Michael Burke.

Parents also tried their skills in a "free shot" competition which was won by Mary Barrett with Bridie Walsh in second place with Kitty Canavan in third place. The men proved no match for the women in that event!! A very hectic, but enjoyable day concluded with the prizegiving.

All the participants showed a great sense of sportsmanship and fun in this unique event, which brought together the many basketball groups for the first time, from the U’lO to the senior men's team. Special mention must go to the parents who did so much of the background work, the teenage players who ran the competitions and the players who refereed and helped out with the various events.

Our thanks to Gerry Nihill who co-ordinated the entire day and was minus his voice for the following week.

Photo: Rebekah O'Neill in the skills event

Moycullen Matters July 1991 Issue 11

A LOOK BACK AT THE PAST SEASON

Moycullen Basketball Club has just folded its tent for a well-deserved summer break. This year the Club ran eight sessions for girls and boys aged between eight and sixteen. The coaching was done totally voluntarily by adults and teenagers who gave up their time to coach the youngsters.

The Club is growing every year and now caters for approximately one hundred children. We had a very successful ''Basketball Day" in March where people from the Senior Men’s Team and children from the youngest groups played basketball together for the entire day. Different groups went to watch Corrib Women’s Team playing in Oughterard. Other groups went to watch Galway Democrats in Renmore. The under fourteen girls team travelled to Carraroe for a series of games there while the under sixteen girls and boys had quite an active season also. .

Our under sixteen boys and girls entered the Community Games for the first time and performed with great spirit against the opposition in Renmore. Under thirteen girls won their game in Ballinasloe against Ballinasloe which brought them through to the next round at Westside where they were narrowly defeated by Headford girls.

Six of our assistant coaches spent a week at St Augustine's College in Dungarvan at a coaching course partially sponsored by the Basketball Club. This is part of our policy of training our own coaches so that they will have a commitment to our own children in Moycullen.

Special mention and thanks to our young volunteer coaches Catriona Faherty, Anne Marie Clancy, Deirdre Sullivan, Sarah O’Donoghue, Alan Cooke, Sean Hynes and Michael Gannon for their commitment and dedication to the Club during the year.

Our thanks to Tomas Gilligan, Martín Clancy, John Cunningham, Nollag Cunningham and Gerry Nihill for their help. Group leaders who supervised during the year were Bridie Walsh, Kitty Canavan, Breege Lyons, Bridie Hynes, Maeliosa Ottaway and Cathy Gavin. Well Done everybody!!

Basketball will start again on l4th September, if you would like to coach or supervise or p1ay, Kitty Canavan would love to hear from you. You can contact her at 85315.

NATIONAL BASKETBALL CAMP

Pictured above is the trainee coach class with their tutors at the National Basketball Camp in Dungarvan including the five young coaches from Moycullen Basketball Club. Anne Marie Clancy (back left) Deirdre Sullivan (beside Ann Marie), Alan Cooke (middle row second from right), Sarah 0’Donohue (back right), Michael Gannon (beside Sarah) and Sean Hynes (front left)

Sean Hynes reports from the camp...

On the sixth of July six young aspiring coaches, Alan Cooke, Michael Gannon, Ann-Marie Clancy, Sarah 0 'Donoghue, Deirdre Sullivan and Sean Hynes set off from Moycullen to the national basketball camp in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. The next day we had our first lessons in coaching from our coach Fergus Woods who used many little anecdotes as examples. At Dungarvan there are three courses running one for coaches which we were on, one for player improvement and one for referees. These courses were all brought together in the evening leagues where we coached the people on the player improvement course. It was a tough task as the players were around our own ages and in many cases knew more than their coaches but we all did well with our teams in the various leagues.

After the leagues there was usually a coaching course game and one evening we decided that we would play the older people on the course and found that experience counts for a lot as we were hammered for the second time during the week. In another lecture, one of our group, Deirdre Sullivan, was used as a target by Dr. Lazlo Nemeth to demonstrate passing. We had basketball coming out our ears by the end of the week but we had learned a great deal during the week and hopefully this will be shown by better coaching next season.

We would like to thank Gerry Nihill, Barbara Walshe and Kitty Canavan for their help in getting us places at this very worthwhile course.

Compiled from Moycullen Matters November 1991 Issue 13.

Basketball is up and running again with seven sessions catering for boys and girls aged 8 to 18. Plans this year are for our own club leagues and trips away to see games. Some of our volunteer coaches are doing their Leaving Cert this year so the club could do with some help in this area. Contact Kitty Canavan at 85315 or Barbara Walshe at 85348. It is also hoped to run a coaching course later this year. Our senior men’s team will once again play in the Galway League.

COMMUNITY GAMES 1991

Moycullen entered a girls team in the Galway Community Games U’13 competition last summer. The coach was Gerry Nihill. The team played well and defeated Ballinasloe in the first round but lost their next game against Headford.

Team photo. Back Maria Joyce, Sarah McDonagh, Sarah Barrett, Barbara Jenny Walshe, Aoife McDonnell. Front: Jenny Galvin, Nessa Bohan, Noelle Regan, Petrina Kyne, Georgina Carter. (Coach Gerry Nihill)

Compiled from Moycullen Matters December 1991 Issue 14

SENIOR MEN

The Senior men’s team won the Galway league Division 2 two years ago. They played in the Galway League Division One last season but found the going tough against their more experienced opponents including Maree, Democrats, and Tuam. This season they have returned to play in Galway Division 2. So far they are dominating the other teams in this division and are favourites to once again win this competition.

Back: Michael Burke, Martin Burke, John Cunningham, Vinny Sullivan, Gerry Nihill, Harry O’Neill. Front: Mark Regan, Niall Faherty, Mark Downes

U’9 GIRLS GROUP

From left: Michelle Hynes, Caitriona Walsh (at back), Riona McGonagle, Annette Hynes (at front), Róisín Nihill (at back), Riona O’Connor, Sarah Jane Casburn (at back), Mary Regan, Aoife O’Donnell (at back), Cliodhna Bohan, Faye Bohan, Laura Buckley (at back), Jennine Lydon (at front), Tara Russell, Rebecca O’Neill, Aoife Queeney. (Coaches Gerry Nihill and Barbara Jenny Walshe)

Compiled from Moycullen Matters Jan. Feb. Mar. 1992 Issues 15, 16, 17

Moycullen Basketball Club and Oughterard Basketball Club brought their U’10 Girls Groups together to play a number of friendly games in the Oughterard Community Centrer in November 1991.

Front from left. Jennine Lydon, Roisin Mc Gonagle, Annette Hynes, Marina Ni Riain, Aoife Queeney, Michelle Hynes, Roisin Nihill, Middle from right, Roisin O’Sullivan, (holding basketball), Aoife Walsh (holding basketball), Faye Bohan, Mary Regan, Riona O’Connor, Cliodhna Bohan (holding basketball) Back row. Members of Corrib ladies team ,Mary Kyne and Ann Marie Kyne on the left with Moycullen coach Gerry Nihill on the right beside Ursula Kyne and Sinead Kyne.

FEBRUARY 1992 SENIOR MEN

Moycullen senior men pulled off the shock result of the season when they beat Division 1 league Leaders Democrats in the new format Galway League which has division 2 tearns like Moycullen playing both the second and first division teams . Moycullen are undefeated so far in the second division and are firm favourites to win the division title for the second time in three years.

The power play of John Cunningham and the experience of national coach Gerry Nihill are the dominant forces on the team which has a fantastic team spirit' exemplified by the whole hearted play of Michael and Martin Burke, Francis Kelly and Mark Regan. Vinny Sullivan has improved with every game while "Hot Shot" Harry Neill gives the team points from the perimeter. New comers Mark Downes, Niall Faherty and Kevin Meehan have blended well with the veterans like Denis Phelan to complete a squad that made remarkable progress since they first played together 3 years ago.

Photo John Cunningham

APRIL 1992 U’14 BOYS BASKETBALL

On Saturday, 14th March the Moycullen U-14 boy’s basketball team took part in a blitz held by St. Paul's Oughterard. The team did very well for their first outing. They lost their opening game to St. Mary's but performed with great determination with Glenn Hynes and John Canavan getting good possession off the boards. Next they beat a very spirited Carraroe side who kept it level until half-time. But thanks to good shooting by James McDermott and Shane O'Donoghue, Moycullen managed to pull away in the end. In the semi-final they faced St. Paul's who had looked impressive in their group games. The team played their best basketball in this game with Jim Gannon hitting a threepointer and Colm Gavin showing good skills bringing up the ball. But despite the improvement St. Paul's proved too strong. Many thanks to Mary Nihill for organising the competition.

The girls U-l5 side are preparing for their first competition this season. It is being held in Carraroe on Sunday, 12th April. This squad have been training since September and hopefully will do well. But with opponents like Carraroe, Spiddal, Keltics and Gort to face it certainly won't be easy.

….. Sean Hynes

Compiled from Moycullen Matters June 1992 Issue 18

Three Moycullen girls, Maura Rushe, Anne Marie Clancy and Deirdre Sullivan, have been presented with An Gaisce, the President's Award, bronze section. The girls travelled to the Downhill Hotel in Ballina on Sunday, 17th May where they were presented with their award by Jack Charlton, the Irish Soccer Team Manager. To achieve their award the girls had to complete a number of tasks under the headings, Community Involvement, Physical Recreation and Venture over a period of six months. For their Community Involvement they assisted with the under fourteen Moycullen basketball teams by coaching and accompanying the teams to away matches. For Physical Recreation they played a minimimum of twelve hours’ basketball. The three girls are all pupils of Colaiste Mhuire in An Spidéal

Photo: Deirdre Sullivan, Anne Marie Clancy and Maura Rushewith Irish Soccer manager Jack Charlton at the Gaisce Medal presentations

Moycullen Matters July 1992 Issue 19

COMMUNITY GAMES U'16

Moycullen U’16 boys challenge to this year’s community games got off to a shaky start. Although Moycullen lost the lead they were under constant pressure from the Ballinfoyle team. Moycullen got off to a great start racing to an eight-point lead with James Casburn getting a three pointer that settled us down. After that the lead stayed constant thanks to the good work of Thomas Bartlett and Glenn Hynes as they took control of the offensive boards. As the game drew to a close our scoring touch came back thanks to assists by Jim Gannon and Colm Gavin put away nicely by James Casburn and Thomas Bartlett we had an eleven-point lead with two and a half minutes to go. But Ballinfoyle seemed to get a new lease of life and with two of our tallest players Glenn Hynes and James Casburn fouled out things looked ominous. However, an unbelievable three pointer from Darach Ottway and great defence from James McDermott kept us alive with a three point lead and thirty seconds to go. Ballinfoyle tried to make one last effort but Frank 0 Brien's well timed check in the last five seconds ended the challenge, leaving the score Moycullen 33 Balhnfoyle 30. Moycullen now face Clifden in the county semi finals

The Moycullen girls U’16 team, lacking in depth on the bench due to injuries and various other reasons faced Carraroe in the first round of the Community Games. The North Connemara team got off to a flying start clocking up ten points without reply. Irene Barrett opened the scoring for Moycullen but at half-time the deficit had grown to seventeen points. Although Moycullen had a lot of possession this wasn't translated into scores. Martina Kelly did very well on the offensive boards and was unlucky not to score more. Carraroe were held scoreless at the start of the second half and with good work from Barbara-Jenny Walshe and Grainne Clancy it looked like there might be a come-back on the cards but once Carraroe got back their scoring touch they were unstoppable despite good defensive work from Sarah Barrett and Loretta Gavin. Carraroe ran out easy winners in the end but despite this it was a very competitive game with Moycullen showing very good skills but, unfortunately, lacking the scoring touch.

Moycullen Matters September 1992 Issue 20

For the third year running young people from Moycullen Basketball Club attended the National Basketball Camp in Dungarvan, Co Waterford. Five people made up the group, four of these on the player improvement course, Niall Faherty, Anne Marie Clancy, Eithne Lydon and Michael Gannon with Sean Hynes doing the coaching course. Sean was selected to coach the all-star team The camp was intensive and very tough physically but very rewarding. We would like to thank Barbara Walshe, Gerry Nihill and Kitty Canavan for helping to make the trip possible and hopefully the results will be seen in the club in the coming basketball season.

Compiled from Moycullen Matters December 1992 Issue 22

Men’s Basketball Dribble from Clifden to Moycullen

… Harry O’Neill

Take eleven eejits with runners, four younger eejits with buckets, a clutch of clapped out cars and what do you have? …A recipe for disaster? A low budget Steven King-type horror flick about man vs. machine? Fifteen characters in search of a play? Yes! All of this and more! It was in fact the Men's Basketball Sponsored Dribble (no, not down the chin) from Clifden to Moycullen. This momentous event took place Saturday, October 31st 1992 (Halloween, when else!). A novel scheme for raising money, eh? Yes, indeed and it was. Several times in the course of this long day (especially in the perpetual grey drizzle of the afternoon) we wondered exactly WHO had come up with this lame-brained idea in the first place. We came up with some pretty good ideas ourselves about what we might do to repay him for his ingenuity. No one took credit for it at the time. It wasn't like that at the start though.

The morning sun burned through a hazy mist. The Connemara landscape blushed in autumnal technicolour. Man, it was almost mystical! I could hear Van Morrison reciting "On Hanford Street" in the background. Magic! Mind you that was in a car on the way out. On the way back on foot the background music changed from Morrison to Megadeth. The rapid pace at the start became markedly more retrospective as the miles rolled dolorously by. The basketball bounced along after a while like the backbeat to a WaIter Mitty daydream. Ta- pucka-ta-pucka-ta-pucka-I-must- be-out-of-my-ta-pucking-mind- to-out-here-today ... But there was a bit of craic along the way. The orange warning lights that refused to go on to one of the cars. The notorious Burke brothers trying to yoke the lights onto the shoulders of Gerry Nihil and John Cunningham so they could run the entire distance behind us. Only for the fact that Michael and Martin could find nowhere to stick the battery lead those guys would have done it too! Hard men, Gerry and John.

Vinny O'Sullivan's "gentle persuasion" in slowing down oncoming traffic to encourage them to toss us some coins by 'gently' almost driving them off the road - you should have seen them slow down! Well done Vinny! -Martin Tierney gambolling along when he was suddenly joined on the other side of a fence by a group of very excited sheep. They ran adoringly alongside of him for as long as they could. They almost seemed to know him ... strange. (Only kidding. Martin was our champion fundraiser). Well done Martin! Frank Kelly dropping off Eamonn Fahy. "Meet you up the road in about fifteen minutes, cheers!" Off goes Eamonn. Bouncing the ball. Smiling. Frank drives off. Beep beep. Fifty miles. To a wedding. Is not seen again for two days. Come to think of it, has anyone seen Eamonn around? ... Well done Eamonn "Damn Right I Got the Blues" Fahy!

In Maam Cross we took a brief respite (steroids and Guinness) from the rain while Denis Phelan charmed the manager of Peacock's out of a good few quid. He repeated this performance in several hostelries in Oughterard as well. We seem to have built up some pretty strong ties in this particular segment of the business world. Well done Denis! Miles and miles onward and we drew our breath in Kinneveys long enough to see the Irish rugby team slaughter Australia (this article has long since parted company with fact). After a VERY long day we arrived back into Moycullen with Sean Hynes and Michael Gannon leading our bedraggled team and some of us more "mature" players yelling, "Slow down! Slow down!" Darkness fell like a curtain on the long road that we had left behind us. We regrouped into the bright lights of the Ferryman and ate twenty eight baskets of sandwiches with a couple of buckets of porter to wash them down. We felt good. We had DONE it! Forty long miles in one day.

Our brilliant bucketeers started to count the money. They had done incredibly well. (Thank you Deirdre O'Sullivan, Niall Faherty, Tom and Ogie Fahertyl) Almost £300 collected on a stretch of road not exactly teeming with civilisation. The club members began to tally up the money promised by our sponsors. It started to look like we might actually approach our goal of £1 ,000 towards club insurance, registration, court and ref fees, and the "Christmas Blitz" insurance. Incredible! Suddenly a few people remembered that it was in fact THEIR idea to have the sponsored dribble. All of the members of the team would like to thank all of you (especially the VERY generous local business/professional folk) for your fantastic support in making this production of "A Long Day's Journey Into Moycullen" such a success.

Photo: John Cunningham leading the way

Edited from Moycullen Matters March 1993 Issue 24

SENIOR MEN WIN THEIR HOME TOURNAMENT FOR THE FIRST TIME

..Harry O’Neill

The tournament is an annual event organised by the men's team. This year there were six teams involved in the battle for the Dominick Downey Cup. The teams involved in the fracas were Ennistymon, Democrats ICE/Claddagh, Oughterard and two teams from Moycullen. The cup had been living in lonely exile in Ennistymon since its conception in 1991. This year we were hoping that the cup would come back home. To Moycullen ideally. Moycullen entered two teams who were made up of "regulars" from the Men's team plus "volunteers" from the village.

The A team was comprised of Gerry Nihill, John Cunningharn, Michael Burke, Vinny Sullivan, Derrick Mulveen, Sean Hynes. Michael Gannon, Tom Bartlett and Harry Neill. The B team was Martin Burke, Frank Kelly, Dennis Phelan, Mike Gallagher, Pat Griffin, Joe Clancy, Nollaigh Cunningham and James Casburn.

There was a bit of confusion at the start of the match as some of the "regular" members of the B team seemed to be waiting outside for RTE to interview them. RTE does not show up. They eventually sauntered in a few minutes after the match has started. Despite this initial set-back the B team showed real spirit and some flashes of what was to come later. At the end of the match the A team took the victory. Moycullen B had a great contest against Democrats, the city side just shading it at the end by four. The B team bowed out of the tournament with everybody applauding on their feet.

The first semi-final was Democrats vs. Ennistymon. This was a cracker of a match. Demos piped them by 2 pts.! The second semi-final found Moycullen A vs. ICE/Claddagh. These teams were old rivals and the tension was always there. This time the Moycullen regulars pulled it out of the bag with just 3 points between them!

Photo: Martin Burke

The final matched Moycullen A vs. Democrats. We had never in our lives beaten these guys. We were hungry. We had been knocking on their door a few times in the past season. They had never let us in. The first half went very well for Moycullen. We pulled steadily ahead to an 8 pt. lead with about two minutes left in the half. After a timeout the Demos come back with all guns blazing. They chopped down the lead and actually finish the half with a 2 pt. advantage. The second half began like a nightmare for Moycullen. Demos continued their rampage and pulled up a 10 pt. advantage. The Moycullen lads did not fold under this pressure. They settled down and began to play some inspired defence as well as working the ball better on offense. With about six minutes left the score was tied! The lead bounces back and forth for awhile and the game was up for grabs. Every member of the Moycullen team was playing in top form.

The last 4 minutes saw two key plays (back to back) by Sean Hynes who took the ball the whole distance and drove through heavy traffic to make 2 baskets. Especially inspired was Vinny "Look out baby, there's a planet coming'" O'Sullivan who was banging the backboards for rebounds like there was no tomorrow. John Cunningham as always was there with his all-around expertise and heavy scoring hands. Gerry Nihil made a crucial 3 pt. basket with just about one minute left in the match. This effectively sealed the match for Moycullen. The buzzer went with Moycullen taking the match and the Dominick Downey Cup with a 2 pt. margin! Whew!

As well as being great players the Demos were also great sportsmen and we enjoyed a few scoops with them in the Huntsman before bringing the cup back home to Moycullen. Needless to say we wet the cup later that night in the village!

Photo: The Moycullen A team celebrate their win. L/R Derek Mulveen, Sean Hynes, Michael Burke, Harry O’Neill, Vinny Sullivan, Gerry Nihill. (Missing from photo John Cunningham and Michael Gannon)

Photo: Team captain Michael Burke

Edited from Moycullen Matters April 1993 Issue 25 & 26

U’12 GIRLS MAKE THE TRIP TO THE NATIONAL BASKETBALL ARENA

On the 9th May 1993 the Girls U’12 basketball team played two matches at the National Arena Tallaght. This was a big treat for the girls, getting to play on such a great court. They beat St Pauls but were narrowly defeated by Scoil Theresa.

Team Photo: Back: Fay Bohan, Sarah Jane Casburn, Riona O 'Connor , Aoife Queeney, Laura Buckley, Barbara-Jenny Walshe, Rebekah O’ Neill, Annette Hynes. Middle Row: Niamh Bohan, Karen Barrett, Mary Regan, Clíodhna Bohan, Riona Mc Gonagle, Michelle Hynes, Catriona Walshe. Front Row: Tara Russell, Linda Faherty, Marina Ni Riain, Roisín Nihill and Jennine Lydon. (Coach Gerry Nihill)

SCOIL MHUIRE WIN THE CORRIB SCHOOL BASKETBALL LEAGUE

The Corrib League was played from November 1992 until April 7th 1993. This year four National School Teams: Oughterard, Moycullen, Bushypark and Killanin took part. Each team played every other team twice, home and away. Scoil Muire played well throughout.

Scoil Mhuire knew that when they met Oughterard in the final in the Claddagh Hall that a tough match lay ahead of them. They got off to an early lead and were 10-3 up by the end of the first quarter. the Oughterard Girls produced a superb quarter to lead 14-12 by half time. But the Moycullen Girls played excellent defence and contained Oughterard's superb shooters to trail by only 3 points by the end of the third quarter with the score at 14-17 to Oughterard.

In the last quarter, Moycullen launched attack after attack on the basket and narrowly missed many scores. Their perseverance and great teamwork finally paid off with two great basket in the last two minutes of the game to give them a 18-17 victory. The team work and spirit of the U'15 girl squad was a credit to the girls. The Oughterard team played some great basketball also and really there was very little between theese two fine sides. Well done to Kilannin teacher Ita Greene for getting this tournament off the ground this year. Mark Regan coached the Scoil Mhuire team.

Compiled from Moycullen Matters July 1993 Issue 27

U’10 BASKETBALL

The number of kids under 10 who wanted to play basketball this year has grown significantly. Such was the interest that we had to divide them into a boys section and a girls section. The kids are learning the basic skills of the game (with practice, drills and competitions) as well as having a bit of craic playing the game itself. We had a lot of fun at our Saturday morning sessions and look forward to getting even better at the game next year.

..Coach Harry O'Neill

Front Row: Sinead Hynes, Evelyn White, Maggie O'Toole, Blathnaid Bohan, Aoife Gilligan. Back Row: Blathnaid Folan, Sinead MaDonnacha, Emily O'Neill, Aoife O’Brien, Asst. Coach Noelle Reagan. Missing from photo: Mary Walsh, Jacqueline Mulkerrins, Stacey Neary, Gillian Kenny, Sheena Lydon, Niamh Queeney, Alison Barber, Aoifa Ottaway, Michelle Ni Riain, Lana Wooley.

Front row. Danny Kelly, Cillian Mac Donnacha, John Russell, Gavin O’Donoghue, Aaron Bergin. Back row: Rebecca O' Neill (Assistant), Andrew Bergin, Bartley Molloy. Simon Murra, Richard Lee. Missing from photo: David Bohan, Aongus Gomley, Philip Parker. Eoin O'Connor, Séan Bradshaw, Jonathan Laffey,

LOOKING BACK ON THE PAST SEASON IN THE YOUTH SECTION

..Séan Hynes

As the Chicago Bulls challenge for yet another NBA title, the basketball scene in Moycullen is beginning to wind down after a very active year. Moycullen Junior Basketball Club has around 130 members divided into eight groups with two coaches per group and ages ranging from 8 to 16 years.

The season started off with an U’11 League for Boys which consisted of four teams. The younger groups worked very hard on their skills programme. More recently the U’13 Girls became the first Moycullen team to compete in the new National Stadium in Dublin. They gave a very good account of themselves showing a lot of promise for the future. The U-13 Boys held a 3 v 3 competition in Moycullen as preparation for the Community Games and they also beat Killannin by 7 points in a warm-up game. There are three teams competing in the Community Games. U’13 Boys, U’16 Girls Boys. As well as this post-season action, the Club is still running it's Coaching Development Programme by sending six coaches to the National Basketball Camp in Dungarvan in July.

In the Community Games the U’13 Boys had a convincing win over Carrabane by 39 to 6. Captain, Dara Canavan lead the way, with 13 points, Moycullen also had control on the boards dominated by Cathal Clancy. Mark Ryan earned the sixth man award for tough hardnose defence and also collecting five points. They now face Clifden, Oughterard or Newcastle in the semi-finals.

An even more impressive performance was the U’16 Girls win over a strong Oranmore side by 42 to 36. The number of steals in the game was exceptionally high, many of them thanks to the quick hands of Barbara Jenny Walshe. Loretta Gavin had an impressive time on the boards especially offensive boards. Joanna Gorczak was driving, shooting and playing defence and doing all this at a phenomenal rate. The rebounding by Helen Glynn and rebounding by Martina Kelly contributed to this famous victory.

The Club is the most structured in Galway. Its numbers show its popularity and its importance as an athletic outlet for young people. This structure and the almost professionalism shown in the approach to running the Club is mainly thanks to three people: Barbara Walshe, Kitty Canavan and Gerry. On behalf of the Club I would like to say thank you to them.

Basketball Club News edited from Moycullen Matters August 1993 Issue 28

MOYCULLEN GO INTERNATIONAL FOR THE FIRST TIME

..Harry O’Neill

Moycullen sports went international the weekend of Sep 9-11 1993 when the Senior Men's' Basketball Team travelled to the East Midlands of England. The event was the Rolls Royce Invitational Tournament in Derby. Our team was John Cunningham, Gerry Nihill, Michael Burke, Marlin Burke, Marlin Tierney, Sean Hynes, Michael Gannon, Niall Faherty, Derek Mulveen and Harry O'Neill.

We were met at the airport, accommodated and treated like family by our gracious hosts. The tournament was played in a beautiful sports and leisure complex that boasted indoor basketball, badminton, weight-room and outdoor tennis, bowls and cricket grounds. We look forward to the day when Moycullen can begin to enjoy such facilities.

The tournament itself was a pleasure to participate in. It was very professionally run and all teams who participated played hard but sportingly. Moycullen got off to a slow start against the Harrowgate-York and the Royce's A team, losing both of these matches by a narrow margin. We picked up the pace for our last 2 matches against the Wildcats from Nottingham and the Royce's B Team. Both of these last two matches were convincing wins for the lads so we finished on a high.

Although Moycullen did not make it to the finals we were there to cheer on the other Irish team participating. The Corinthians from Dublin played inspired ball to win the trophy beating the defending champs, the Midland Dream Team. We hope to have the chance to return the hospitality shown to us by our East Midlands friends next spring.

The trip went splendidly well and was a tribute to the club officers. It would not have been possible without the generous support of the Moycullen community in sponsoring our fund raisers and attending our Table quizzes. Again, we would like to thank you all for your support in the past and (hopefully) your continued support in the future.

Harry O’Neill

Photo: Moycullen Team In England Back: Gerry Nihill, Martin Burke, Sean Hynes, Martin Tierney, John Cunningham, Michael Burke, Derek Mulveen. Front: Niall Faherty, Harry O’Neill, Michael Gannon

MOYCULLEN U’16 BOYS REACH THE COMMUNITY GAMES NATIONAL FINALS

On Saturday, 4th September 1993 Moycullen's Ul6 Boys Basketball Team stepped onto the court in Mosney to compete in.the National Finals of the Community Games. . Jim Gannon was excellent at the point guard position while Glenn Hynes and Paul Callanan did well on boards but a physically much bigger Monaghan side ran out winners.

In the playoff for third place we faced Castleknock from Dublin. By half-time we were level thanks to Colm Gavin and Darach Ottway hitting a number of shots from outside. Despite the fact that we lost both our games the team played very well and showed great spirit by keeping going to the final hooter. We, as their coaching staff, John Cunningham, Michael Gannon and Sean Hynes. were very proud of the way the boys played.

Special thanks to Gerry Nihill, Kitty Canavan and Ann Newell without whom we would never have made it to Mosney Finally we'd like to thank the players who put in the effort and training and congratulate them on being Connacht Champions

. .. Sean Hynes

Back: James McDermott, Shane O’Donoghue, Glen Hynes, Frank O’Brien, Jim Gannon, Colm Gavin. Front: Aidan Ellis, Darach Ottway, John Cunningham, Sean Hynes, Mark Breslin, Ronan Donoghue.

Edited from Moycullen Matters December 1993 Issue 30

THE SECOND CLIFDEN TO MOYCULLEN DRIBBLE

By Harry O’Neill

DEJA VU: The illusion of having already experienced something.... The American Heritage Dictionary - sorry, they didn't even have it in the Oxford]. Yea, that's it. One gets a distinct feeling of deja vu. In fact TEN get a distinct feeling of deja vu. One even gets the feeling he can hear Crosby, Stills and Nash singing just beyond that rise "we have all been here before we have all been here before ..... " Hey! We HAVE all been here before. And here. And here. The road goes ever on and we've been there too. Maybe we'll meet ourselves on the way back?

Things stop making sense after a while. It's more than 40 miles from Clifden to Moycullen and when you get tired your mind starts wandering. You get these crazy thoughts floating around in your head. They're a distraction from the pain of trying to keep bouncing and breathing (at the same time - wowee).

The Men's Basketball Club was voluntarily undertaking this gargantuan task for the second year running (no pun intended). Ten of us had lived through this last year and here we were again. In the wilds of Connemara. The gods were smiling on us. (Later on I swore I heard them laughing at us). The most beautiful autumn in memory continued unabated and the sun flowed freely all day long on Saturday, Oct. 30th. Colours were ablaze around us as we set off from Clifden at 10am. Spirits were high as John Cunningham, Michael Burke, Niall Faherty, Sean Hynes and Derek Mulveen kicked off the first stage of the long road home. "Piece of cake!" "Not a bother, man!"," Guys, you're slowing me down!" Such was the pleasant banter in those early stages. Francis Kelly unpacked the camcorder and began filming for posterity. Smiles for miles to the sound of the bouncing basketball. Y'all sing along now, heah!! Next up were Francis Kelly, Martin Burke, Martin Tierney, Vinny O'Sullivan, Jarlath Heneghan and Harry O'Neill. "No sweat!" "Yee Haw!" "Put me in coach!" "Put me in A coach!" More smiles. More miles. More sunshine. Even the very occasional cloud served to improve the scenery, casting a shadow that added another dimension, some extra texture, to the colours emanating from the hills and lakes around us. More magic!

We rolled along nicely and at a good pace. Granted, we did get more quiet as we bounced along (nobody chased any sheep this year). We perked up again as we approached Recess. We blew through like a Connemara sirocco, horns blaring and buckets jangling. "Bring out yer dead, bring out yer dead!" We settled down again after Recess and got on with the task of trying to reach our next destination, Maarn Cross. Something STRANGE and infamous has happened since last year and I don't know how the Council managed to do it without bad press or anybody even noticing. They have MOVED Maam Cross at least two miles further away from Recess than it used to be! Strange! Yea, I bet you didn't even notice, right? Downright GUBU that is! We finally did reach Maam Cross and stopped for a brief respite. As we were replenishing those precious bodily liquid re - serves (hic!) we saw the ghost of Eamon De Valera walking in the car park. When challenged, this ghost turned out to be quite real and actually threw some money into a proffered bucket. Thank you Mr. O'Cuiv!

After a 30 minute rest we hit the road again with a bit more bounce in our basketballs. Psychologically, it's a great hurdle to get past Maam Cross. After the break, it doesn't seem like such a tough task to reach Oughterard; and from there, it's only a hop, skip and jump home. Niall Faherty and John Cunningham were especially inspired in the Maam Cross- Oughterard session. Both were treating us to a feast of ‘through the leg’ and turn around dribbling while simultaneously reciting the entire opening act of Richard III (John) and singing Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" (Niall). Such was the power and the beauty of their performances that the travellers who stopped to contribute were observed by our bucketeers to weep unashamedly. Peter O'Toole, home for Halloween, listened to John's recitation with tears streaming down his cheeks. He was noted to have commented, "Right!! That's it! There's no point anymore." Upon he tore up his actor's Equity card and peeled rubber for nearest pub. Neither John nor Niall had even broken a sweat by the time we reached Oughterard!! Derek Mulveen, Sean Hynes and Jarlath Heneghan were the stars of the last leg of the journey from Oughterard to Moycullen. All three of these guys clocked up some serious mileage in the course of the day. All of us braved the last few miles into the village.

Compiled from Moycullen Matters March 1994 Issue 31

MOYCULLEN YOUTH PLAYERS TRIP TO SEE THE NATIONAL CUP FINALS

Fifty five of the Club underage members and their coaches had a very enjoyable trip to see the National Basketball Club Finals in the Basketball arena in Tallaght. One of the players that impressed the Moycullen visitors was St Vincent's star Jerome Westbrooks who has agreed to give a weekend coaching session in Moycullen . This should be a real treat for the local fans as Jerome is not only a great player but is also excellent with kids and a very experienced coach. Although he is American born, after spending the past twelve years playing in Ireland he has taken out Irish Citizenship and he is now also a valuable part of the Irish Senior National team. We are all looking forward to his visit and we will have details soon.

Girls from Moycullen Basketball Club are photographed with Ann Marie & Ursula Kyne from Oughterard, after they had starred for Dublin team Naomh Mhuire in their win in the Senior Ladies National Cup Final.

Front Emily O’Neill, Faye Bohan, Sandra Breslin, Jeannine Lydon, Niamh Bohan. Back: Caitriona Walsh, Michelle Hynes, Sarah Jane Casburn, Tara Russell, Rebekah O’Neill, Aoife Walsh, Ríona McGonagle, Riona O’Connor.

SENIOR MEN’S UPDATE FROM THE GALWAY LEAGUE

The Moycullen Senior Men's Basketball Team has this season established itself as a genuine challenger for the County Division 1 Championship with twelve wins from fifteen games. At the start of the season the players were hopeful of a solid performance during the league and set the goal of consolidating their status as a division 1 team. However, the team made a dramatic start by beating Democrats and UCG in the opening two games, victories which were built on the experience the Moycullen players gained from playing in a pre-season tournament in England. The only team that have a clear upper hand on Moycullen are the current County Champions, Maree.

The Moycullen team has a nice blend of youth and experience and play an exciting style of fast breaking, counter attacking offence and man-to-man defence. John Cunningham has had an outstanding season, averaging 25ppg and 12rpg while Sean Hynes, Michael Gannon and Niall Faherty have matured into genuine senior players and provide the team with great pace up and down the court. The Burke brothers, Michael and Martin give the team command of the boards while veteran Harry O'Neill provides the team with a nice shooting touch. Younger players such as Glen Hynes and Paul Callanan will soon be able to move into the squad and in a few years Moycullen should have an increasingly powerful team

Compiled from Moycullen Matters May 1994 Issue 33

JEROME WESTBROOKS BASKETBALL CAMP AT MOYCULLEN

By Sean Hynes

Moycullen Basketball has had a busy but exciting year. Many of our members in the junior club both staff and players have had important roles to play in local, national and international basketball affairs.

But the highlight of the year has got to be the visit of Jerome Westbrooks to hold a coaching clinic. Jerome is a member of the Jameson St Vincent's team who did the league and cup double this year. Many of the clinic's sessions were held outside in glorious sunshine and the sight of at times over 50 children all with basketballs practicing their dribbling proved an inspiration to many of the coaches present .

Jerome has a great personality and showed it by being able to coach from U-8s to Senior Men's all in the one day and always having a smile on this face. Even a nine o’clock session on Sunday morning didn't phase him and he managed to dunk the ball something everyone wanted to see. Jerome also brought his children Michael, Isaac and Aaron who took part in the Clinic along with over 100 club members and also a couple of junior members. In the shooting competitions Aaron Westbrooks (Jerome’s son), Cian Nihill’s and Cormac Canavan’s shootouts were a highlight in themselves. was a wonderful weekend for basketball in the area and many thanks to Gerry Nihill for organising it.

Photo: Sean Hynes making a presentation to visiting coach Jerome Westbrooks

SENIOR MEN SEASON WRAP UP

By Sean Hynes

Moycullen have had their most successful season ever in Galway league by finsihing second in Division 1 with twelve wins from 17 games. A pre-season tournament in Derby last September cleared out any early bugs and set us up for a great run at the league. There was one team we failed to beat, as did everyone else in the league and that was Maree. We played a total of 29 games this season and were able to call on a few of the U-19 junior men's team to fill a few gaps namely Glenn Hynes, Paul Callanan and Kim Gannon who all did very well for their first taste of senior basketball especially in the Ennistymon tournament where we still managed to make the final without our franchise player John Cunningham. Overall the team had a 76% winning record and achieved this on the back of good ahrd working defence and fast breaking offence with an amount of skill. We hope to build on this next year by completing an off-season and pre-season program of events to ready ourselves for next year's league. This year's team was: John Cunningham, Geryy Nihill, Harry O'Neill, Mike Burke, Michael Gannon, Niall Faherty, Nick Carolan, Frank Kelly and Sean Hynes.

GERRY NIHILL ON INTERNATIONAL DUTY

On behalf of all the club I would also like to wish Gerry Nihill, Jerome Westbrooks and the rest of the Irish Senior men's team staff the best of luck in the European Championships coming up in June.

Gerry has many years experience coaching with the Irish teas, at various levels and he has brought his knowledge of the game to the Moycullen Club.

..Sean Hynes

LADIES BASKETBALL

Ladies’ Basketball has resumed for the summer every Tuesday night from 9pm to 10pm in the School Hall So come on ladies, let’s get fit and have some fun in the process.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

For some the season is ending but the club has a busy post -season programme ahead. There will, of course, be the community games and with the success of last year still fresh in our minds we look forward to them optimistically. We also have a continuation of our coaching program with 21 members attending the national basketball camp in Dungarvan in July, a good indication of the growing interest in basketball in the area.

Sean Hynes

Compiled from Moycullen Matters August 1994 Issue 35

MOYCULLEN PLAYERS ATTEND THE NATIONAL CAMP IN DUNGARVAN

Twenty young Moycullen players attended the National Coaching Camp in Dungarvan in July. the camp was a one week residential camp, staffed by some of the top coaches in the country, with many on the best young players from all over Ireland in attendance.

Back L/R : Sean Hynes, Sean Browne, Paul Callanan, glenn Hynes, Jim Gannon, Michael Gannon, BJ. Walshe, Frank O'Brien, Phillip Casburn, Mark Ryan Front L/R: Helen Glynn, Laura Buckley, Annette Hynes, Darach Ottaway, Dara Canavan, Marina Ni Rhiain, James Glynn, Sean Flynn, Willie John Walshe, Noelle Regan

GALWAY COMMUNITY GAMES 1994

Moycullen U-13 Girls' Basketball Team. Galway Community Games Champions. They represented Galway at the Connaught Finals where they were beaten by Ballina.

Back: Faye Bohan, Sarah Jane Casburn, Caitriona Walsh, Rebekah O’Neill, Annette Hynes, Tara Russell. Front; Jennine Lydon, Michelle Hynes, Róisín Nihill. (Also Karen Barrett and Coach Gerry Nihill)

Moycullen U-16 Boys Team

Photo: Winners of the Galway County Title.

They went on to represent Galway in the Connacht Championship but lost the final by the narrowest of margins, 1 point to Sligo.

Back L-R: John Cunningham, Frank O' Brien, Jim Gannon, Philip Casburn, Sean Browne, Simon Dring, Sean Hynes. Front L-R: Dara Canavan, Colm Gavin, Ronan Donoghue.

(Absent from photo Shane O'Donoghue)

Connacht Tribune Article 15/7/1994

Compiled from Moycullen Matters December 1994 Issue 37

MOYCULLEN U’19 MENS TEAM ENTER THE NATIONAL CUP FOR THE FIRST TIME

Moycullen basketball club took it's first step in national competition by taking part in this year's Sprite U’19 ‘B’ National Cup qualifying tournament held in Killarney on the 19th and 20th of November. The team had prepared well by taking part in the County board blitz and playing a number of challenge games including one against Sligo All-Stars, a National League side, which they lost narrowly to by five points. Despite all this it was a step into the unknown when we entered the Presentation gym in Killarney for our first game against Blue Demons from Cork. The culture shock lasted a few minutes and Demons ran up a sizeable lead. Once Moycullen had settled down they dragged back that lead to just ten points which they held steadily until shortly into the second half. Demons got an eight point run which took the wind out of our sails and finished the game as a contest. Despite this, the team continued to play good basketball an indication of what was to come.

The second game was against St. Mary's Castleisland who were defending champions. The team played brilliant basketball and were within 18 points of the current community games All- Ireland Champions.

The following morning Moycullen took on Tolka Rovers from Dublin. The game was fast and furious with both teams enjoying a running game at various stages of the game. Moycullen pushed them close with only a single basket separating the teams in the end.

The tournament was particularly exciting from Moycullen's point of view as eleven players involved with this year's team are under age for the next two years. As a learning experience it was invaluable and very encouraging. Many thanks to the Ferryman Inn for sponsoring our gear and to the parents who all supported us especially those that provided transport. Also thanks to the people who supported our sponsored dribble

Back Row:. Sean Hynes, (Coach), Sean Browne, James McDermott, Frank O' Brien, Shane O'Donoghue, James Casburn, Glenn Hynes, Cunningham. (Coach). Front Row: Jim Gannon. Colm Gavin, Darach Ottaway, Simon Dring.

3RD ANNUAL CLIFDEN TO MOYCULLEN DRIBBLE

Harry O’Neill

The Moycullen Senior and U’19 basketball teams joined forces for the third annual sponsored dribble from Clifden to Moycullen on Nov 12th 1994. Saturday dawned bright and beautiful. and it stayed that way too for our entire odyssey! The fourteen hearty souls met early in the village. The vets (Gerry Nihill, Frank Kelly, John Cunningham, Sean Hynes, Mike Gannon and Harry O'Neill) were joined by Glen Hynes, Simon Dring, Darach Ottaway, Frank O'Brien, Shane O'Donoghue, Colm Gavin, James McDermot and Ronan Donohoe. These young guys were a welcome addition to this gargantuan expedition. If not for their exuberance and enthusiasm the rest of us would have been left like crushed foxes somewhere back along that lonely road.

We set off from Clifden at 10.30am.We were full of energy and fervour and headed into those hills like disciples looking for Jesus. We didn't find Him. Hell, we didn't even find Elvis. But we did bounce around for a long time out in that wilderness. We bounced through Recess at about 11.30 We bounced into Maam Cross around 1.00 in the afternoon. We stopped bouncing long enough to eat some lunch and then hit the road again. We bounced into Oughterard at about 3.15pm. We finally bounced into Moycullen at 4.15pm. At this point the young guys bounced back home and some of us older guys bounced across the street and into the Ferryman, landing eventually in some pint glasses. Thank Guinness! It was good to be home.

The Men's' Basketball Club would like to thank all of our neighbours and business sponsors for their generous support. We would also like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Photo: Jim Gannon on the road from Clifden

Compiled from from Moycullen Matters February 1995 Issue 38

NEWS FROM AROUND THE CLUB

The basketball season is in full swing and regular training sessions are taking place for 150 young people in the local hall. The emphasis within the younger club members is on fundamental skills, participation ,commitment and cooperation. The older players take part in competition whenever possible and this has included U16 and U13 Community Games, National U19 Cup, school and club tournaments and challenge games. The skills learned in the club have allowed many of the teenagers to play successfully on their secondary school teams and gain selection to the regional representative teams.

Congratulations to Shane O'Donoghue who won the first ever International basketball cap for Moycullen when he played for Ireland against Russia while B.J. Walshe played for the Irish U17 Girls All-Star team in a Tournament in Dublin.

Photo: Barbara Jenny Walshe

Photo: Shane O’Donoghue

YOUTH SECTION TRAINING TIMES 1995

U8 Girls | Friday | 7-8pm | Coaches | Noelle Regan & Roisin Nihill
U11 Girls | Saturday | 3-4pm | Coaches | Annette Hynes & Marina Ni Riain
U12 Girls | Saturday | 10-11pm | Coaches | Harry O'Neill and Rebecca O'Neill
U13 Girls | Saturday | 4-5pm | Coaches | B.J. Walshe and Arlene Cooke
U14 Girls | Saturday | 5-6pm | Coaches | Gerry Nihill and Helen Glynn
U17 Girls | Sunday | 1-2pm | Coaches | Michael Gannon and Jim Gannon
U8 Boys | Saturday | 11-12noon | Coaches | Gerry Nihill and Colm Gavin
U10 Boys | Friday | 5.30-6.30 | Coaches | Darach Ottaway and Dara canavan
U12 Boys | Friday | 8-9pm | Coaches | John Cunningham and Glenn Hynes
U14 Boys | Saturday | 6.15-7.30 | Coaches | Frank O'Brien and Shane O' Donohue
U16 Boys | Saturday | 7.30-9pm | Coaches | Sean Hynes and Frank O'Brien

DUNGARVAN

This year we will have the biggest contingent attending the national training camp at Dungarvan from the 7th to the 14th of July, with up to forty players and coaches taking part. The Dungarvan camp is run by the national Association and its tutors and coaches are the best in Ireland. They also bring in American and European coaches including coaches and players from the NBA.

Applications and deposits will be due shortly. Almost the entire U14 girls team will be going and they are currently running a savings scheme and will be taking part in a fundraising 12 hour marathon which they are calling Midnight Madness! The marathon will be held on Saturday the 11th of March, so if you're around drop in.

TRIP TO SLIGO

Our competitive season for the junior club is just starting with a trip to Sligo for the U14 Boys and Girls teams travelling to play challenge games with Sligo on the 25th of February. An U12 miniball selection will also play a game with Sligo on the same day. Sligo have been very strong in basketball at all ages for many years and it will be a great chance for the Moycullen players to gain experience.

The three teams will also be lucky enough to see the high flying Sligo All-Star National League team play Dungannon that night. Following this, the U16 boys will play in a tournament in March hosted by Sligo All-Stars. Their coach Sean Hynes has said that while they haven't been playing together as a unit for very long, that he is pleased with their progress and looks forward with confidence to the tournament and that they can make a good impact if they can play tough defence.

MOYCULLEN TO DEFEND THEIR GALWAY COMMUNITY GAMES TITLES

During the coming months the club will be defending their triple crown of U16 boys, U16 girls and U13 girls Galway County Community Games titles and attempting to win the U13 boys title for the first time. The U16 boys will be attempting to secure a three in a row having won the '93 and '94 titles.

Compiled from from Moycullen Matters March1995 Issue 39

SENIOR MEN’S TEAM 1994-1995

Moycullen Senior Men’s Basketball Team plays in Division 1 of the Galway League. They reached the semi-final of the Ballinrobe Tournament after a first ever victory for Moycullen over Tuam in a thrilling overtime game. Moycullen also beat the hosts Ballinrobe in a tournament before losing marginally to Castlebar in the semi-final. This team continues to improve with every game and can now match up with all the Galway Division 1 teams.

Back row L-R: Sean Hynes, Gerry Nihill, MacDara Joyce. John Cunningham, Martin Burke, Michael Burke.

Front Row L-R: Harry O'Neill, Bob Burke, Darach Ottway, Michael Gannon, Francis Kelly. (Coach Gerry Nihill)

Moycullen U'15 Girls : Back: Róisín Nihill, Faye Bohan, Kate Kennedy, Caitriona Walsh, Annette Hynes, Karen Barrett. Middle :Mary Regan, Cliodhna Bohan, Sarah Jane Casburn, Marina Ní Riain, Tara Russell. Front: Michelle Hynes, Kate Gannon, Aoife Walsh

Moycullen U'14 Boys Back Row: James Glynn, Kevin McDonald, Garry Lyons. Owen Keane, Dara Byrne, Gearoid Hynes, Front Row: Christopher Lillis, Derek Canavan, Dara Canavan, Stephen O'Brien, Patrick Laffey, Willie John Walshe.

The cost of running the club in 1995 can be seen from the end of year account below :

Compiled from Moycullen Matters July 1995 Issue 41

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 1994-1995 SEASON

Thirteen Moycullen Club Teams

Over 160 young people and adults played organised basketball in Moycullen each week divided into thirteen different groups. At weekends, from 5-30 on Friday evenings to 8-00 pm on Sunday nights some team could always be found either coming or going from the school hall. While successful teams in competition often get the headlines it is the dedicated work by the coaches and players week in week out that has made the Basketball Club enjoyable and rewarding for so many young people in Moycullen

One player from each club team Back L·R: John Cunningham (Sen. Men), Ann Burke (Sen. Ladies), Rebecca O'Neill (U14 Girls), Noelle Regan (U16 Girls), Roisin Nihill (U13 Girls), Col m Gavin(U19 Men), Michael Lillis( U16 Boys). Front L·R: Derek Canavan (U14 Boys), Sinead NicDonncha (U12 Girls), Siglinda Mullers (U11 Girls), Richard Lee(U12 Boys), Owen O'Connor(U10 Boys), Cormac Canavan(U8 Boys), Emma Regan(U8 Girls)

Selected for Ireland

Barbara Jenny Walsh and Shane O'Donoghue both had the distinction of being selected to play on Irish team. Shane was a member of a national development squad for promising young players and as part of this program played against the Russian team. B.J. was selected on the Irish U'17 All Star Selection following her strong performance while playing on the Western Region School Team

Five Girls on West Regional Team

Annette Hynes, Roisin Nihill, Rebecca O'Neill, Kate Kennedy and Clíodhna Bohan were recently selected by the Western Region coaching staff to take part in a development program leading to the selection of the Regional U'15 Representative team next year.

Visit to Roy Curtis Tournament Dublin

Young people like nothing better than an away trip and when you are a basketball fan what better place to go than to the National Basketball Arena in Dublin to see some top International club teams in action. Over 50 young and not so young Moycullen club members had the experience of watching some great European and American players in action at the Roy Curt is International Tournament in Dublin last November.

U’19 National Cup

The Moycullen U'I9 men’s team played for the first time this year against some of the top clubs in Ireland including Blue Demons from Cork and St. Paul's Killarney. Although they were beaten in their three games they performed very strongly and with almost all the players underage again in 95-96

National Training Camp Dungarvan

One of the highlights of the year for many players was their weeklong stay at National Training Camp in St. Augustine’s College in Dungarvan. Twentythree Moycullen players attended this camp last year where they got top class coaching from some of the best Irish and American coaches. This summer thirty nine Moycullen Club members will be at the camp.

Midnight Madness Marathon

The U'l4 girls held a 12 hour basketball marathon to help raise funds to pay for their trip to the National Training Camp. Eleven of the players on this team are going to the National Training Camp and they raised a considerable amount of money towards this trip. Loud music, great competitive games and a spectacular dunking display from the Gannon brothers added to what was a very enjoyable event.

Four Teams play in Sligo Tournaments

The Moycullen U'I3 Boys, U'I3 Girls, U'16 Boys and U'16 Girls all played in a series of tournaments in Sligo in the Spring. Most successful were the U' 13 girls team who put in a great performance as they beat some very strong opposition on the way to a place in the final where they were narrowly defeated. The good showing by the teams will help them in their preparations for community games competitions this summer

Photo: U’13 Girls Community Games team

Front L-R Sandra Breslin, Emily O'Neill. Michelle Ni Riain, Maeve Gallagher, Sinead Nic Donnacha, Back L-R Arlene Cooke, Michelle Hynes, Niamh Bohan, Claire Barrett, Catriona Walsh, Roisin Nihill, Siobhan Browne, Barbara Jenny Walsh

July 1995 Page 2

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 1994-1995 SEASON

Senior Men Win Ennistymon Tournament

After a season of mixed fortunes for the Senior Men's Team the younger players on the team finally came of age in senior competition when they put in superb back to back performances in the semi- final and final of the Frank Gallery Tournament in Ennistymon at Easter, beating more highly rated opposition from Limerick and Cork to take the Tournament trophy for the first time.

Summer League

While the regular club training sessions close down for the summer, dedicated basketball fans are never far from a pickup game. This summer the teenagers will have the opportunity of playing in a mixed summer league on the outdoor courts behind the school and with (hopefully) some fine weather this should make for some great fun for the teenagers.

Photo: U’13 Boys Team

Front L-R: Darren Costello, Cillian MacDonncha, John Russell, Mark Loughnane, Gavin Donohoe, Gwilliam Williams Back L-R: Andrew McDonald, Simon Murray, Richard Lee, Richard Lyons, Jonathan Laffey, Fergal Monaghan, Dennis Laffey, Christopher Goold, John Coleman, Cian Lally, Aengus Gormally, Michael Doran. Coaches John Cunningham and Glenn Hynes

West Region Boys Team

Colm Gavin, Shane O'Donoghue, Ronan Donohue and Paul Sweeney all played for the Western Region Representative team at the Inter regional Championship while Sean Hynes was assistant coach to this team. Their selection on the western team gave the players a great opportunity to play at the top level as only the best players in each region in Ireland are picked for the respective regional team.

Community Games

Moycullen teams dominated last year’s Galwa y Community Games Competitions, winning three of the four titles and losing the fourth narrowly in the final. They will once again challenge strongly for honours this year with the U'13 Girls and the U'I6 Boys looking particularly strong. These games have provided great competition and lots of enjoyment for our players in recent years with the competition offering the possibility of qualifying for Connacht and All-Ireland Championships.

.

U’8 Boys League

If you glanced at the schedule of games inside the hall door on Saturday mornings you could be forgiven for thinking that the N.B.A. was taking place right here in Moycullen! Seattle v Orlando, and Charlotte v Suns! The U'8 boys league has been a great success and with N.B.A. style 'best of three games' semi finals and finals, excitement has been at fever pitch. Some players to watch out for in the future are in this group

Photo: U8 Boys team

Front L-R: Christopher Hurney, Cormac Canavan, Cathal Conneely, David McEvilly, Kieran O'Connor. Brendan Sweeney, Michael Dowd. Back L-R: Cian Costelloe, Daniel Coleman, Robert Mulkerrins, Cian Nihill, Paul Lydon, Pearse Heneghan, Michael Nolan, Tiarnan McDonagh. Not in photo: Cian Phelan. Coaches: Gerry Nihill, and Colm Gavin

U’17 Boys excel in Billy Kelly

Pride of place in competition this year has to go to the U'I7 Moycullen boys team who made a great impact in the National Tournament for the Billy Kelly Cup in Cork last Easter. Victories against great clubs like St. Vincent's of Dublin and Tralee of Kerry and the narrowest of losses to eventual champions Blue Demons from Cork signalled the arrival of this group of Moycullen players as a force to be reckoned with.

Edited from Moycullen Matters August 1995 Issue 42 & 43

A SUMMER OF GAMES…... 1995

There was a time when Basketball was considered a winter game, an indoor sport to fill the long winter nights. But for the many teenage players in Moycullen, the basketball season really began at the start of this exceptional summer. The summer league was a great success, running every evening at the end of June, after the exams, and finishing just in time for over 40 of the players to take off for the week long National Basketball Training Camp in Dungarvan in mid-July. And as if this was not enough basketball for one summer it seems as if they have spent every evening playing on the outdoor courts behind the school throughout the month of August. No wonder these young players are beginning to dominate underage basketball in Galway. The U'13 and U'14 girls teams won the County Community Games titles again this year while the U’13 and U’16 boys tearns were very competitive despite being considerably younger than the opposing teams in the competition.

Galway Community Games U’16 Winners

Front: Mary Regan, Petrina Kyne, Kate Gannon, Cliodhna Bohan. Back: Noelle Regan, Annette Hynes, Rebecca O' Neill, Jim Gannon (Coach) Emma Croke, Nessa Bohan, Niamh Clancy. (Not in photo Mike Gannon, Coach)

Galway U’13 Community Games Winners

Front Michelle Ní Riain, Sinead Nic Donnacha, Emily O'Neill, Niamh Bohan, Sandra Breslin Back: BJ. Walsh (Coach), Siobhan Browne, Róisin Nihill, Catriona Walsh, Michelle Hynes, Clare Barrett, Joanna Gorczak (Coach)

U’13 Boys Community Games Team

Front: L-R Cian Lally, Denis Laffey, Richard Lee. Back: Gavin Donoghue, Christopher Goold,Declan Barrett, Jonathan Laffey, Michael Doran

Photo: Roisin Nihill driving in for a score supported by Emily O’Neill on the way to retaining the Galway U’13 Community Games Title

MOYCULLEN YOUTH TEAMS ENTER THE CONNACHT LEAGUE

Moycullen have been accepted in to the Connacht league for U'I5 Girls and U'I5, U'I7 and U'19 boys leagues for this season. In these competitions they will have regular home and away games against the top Connacht clubs like Ballina, Castlebar and Sligo. This will give invaluable high level playing experience to the Moycullen players which is not available in the Galway area on a regular basis

August 1995 42 & 43 Page 2

TEN MOYCULLEN PLAYERS ON THE WEST TEAMS

Cliodhna Bohan, Rebecca O'Neill and Róisín Nihill have been selected on the West Region U'I5 team (Galway and Clare) for the National Inter-Regional Championships which will be held in Tipperary in November. Meanwhile B.J. Walshe played on the West U'I7 team at the National Championships which were held in Waterford in October, where she led the West team to victory in the Plate competition. Dara Canavan and James Glynn have been selected on the West boys U'I5 team while Shane O'Donoghue, Darrach Ottaway, Paul Sweeney and Glenn Hynes have been chosen on the U'17 team.

YOUTH SECTION INFORMATION AND TRAINING TIMES

A big emphasis with the younger players in the youth section is on fundamental skills and regular participation rather than on competition, allowing the children to develop individual skills and commitment to regular training. It is planned to have more mixed basketball sessions and events, involving both boys and girls, during the season.

For the teenagers, there is more emphasis on teamwork, training and competition and we have applied for entry to the Connacht League's U’15 and U'17. Many of the players who "grew up" with the club over the past eight years have now moved on to what are very powerful U'19 and senior men's team. These players have shown great dedication and commitment by helping out in the running and coaching of what is now a very big club, with over 180 members spread over fourteen groups and teams, all having weekly practice sessions.

Information and details are available from Kitty Canavan, (85315) and Gerry Nihill (85494).

Photo: Gemma Hynes guarded by Daniel Coleman during our mixed youth league

2,3,4 class Girls | Fri 6-7pm | Roisin Nihill | Marina Ni Riain
5,6 Class girls | Fri 7-8pm | Noelle Regan | Roisin Nihill
4,5,6 class boys | Fri 8-9pm | John Cunningham | Glen Hynes
1,2 class mixed | Sat 5-7pm | Gerry Nihill | Helen Glynn
2,3 class boys | Sat 11-12 noon | Gerry Nihill | Helen Glynn
U'14 Girls | Sat 4-5pm | BJ Walsh | Neasa Bohan
U'15 Girtls | Sat 5-7pm | Gerry Nihill | Helen Glynn
U'15 Boys | Sun 9-10.15 | Sean Hynes | Shane O'Donohue

Photo: Cormac Canavan playing in our youth league

SENIOR LADIES ENTER THE LEAGUE

For the first time in many years Moycullen will have a ladies team in the Galway League. They will play their home games in Oughterard on Sunday nights at 8pm.

U’19 MEN IN THE NATIONAL CUP

A strong Moycullen U’19 Men’s Team will begin their challenge for the National Cup in November when they play in the qualification tournament in Sligo.

SENIOR MEN ENTER TWO TEAMS

The senior Men will have two teams in the Galway League, the Div. 1 team playing in Westside on Sunday morning and the Div. 2 team playing in Westside on Monday nights at 9pm

Photos: Glenn Hynes and John French will be playing in the U’19 National Cup for Moycullen

Extract from the minutes of the Basketball Club meeting in August 1995 regarding the possibility of entering a second men’s team in the Galway League

Photo: A second men’s team was formed and they played in the Galway League in 1995-‘96 .L-R: Mark Regan, Michael Burke, Francis Kelly, Martin Burke, Joe Clancy, Denis Phelan, Harry O’Neill

Compiled from Moycullen Matters December 1995 Issue 44

U’15 WEST REGIONAL TEAM

Three Moycullen girls played on the West (Galway and Clare) U’15 Girls team at the All Ireland Inter-Regional Championships which were held recently in Tipperary. Cliodhna Bohan, Rebecca O'NeiIl and Roisin Nihill all played important roles on a great West team that won three of its five games, including a first ever win over Dublin, as they took the Plate Championship for the first time. Roisin, who is underage again next year was selected on the Irish U' 14 development squad following her good display at the Championships.

Photo: Cliodhna Bohan, Rebecca O'Neill, Roisin Nihill

U’19 MEN JUST MISS OUT ON NATIONAL CUP QUALIFICATION

The Moycullen U'19 Men came within a basket of reaching the National Finals when they were beaten by three points by the Belfast team 'Star of the Sea' in the final of the Qualification Tournament in Sligo. The Moycullen boys led the final right up to the closing minutes when they were overtaken by the vastly more experienced Belfast

Moycullen had opened the tournament in great style with a 20-point win over Longford but showed their inexperience when losing a 12-point lead and the game to Dungannon. They produced a great performance in the semi-final to beat Sligo and surprised the more fancied Belfast team with their high level of play in the final only to lose narrowly by three points. Great credit is due to all the team and especially to their coaches John Cunningham and Sean Hynes.

Photo: Glen Hynes scoring for Moycullen in the U’19 National Cup game against Sligo

SENIOR MENS TEAM UPDATE

Moycullen have two teams in the Galway League. The Division 1 Team has two wins from four games. They beat UCG in overtime in the opening match of the season. John Cunningham picked up an injury in that game and the team struggled without him in the next two games which Moycullen lost to Tuam and Maree. The team then had a sparkling performance on Johns return when winning by 12 points against UCG.

Div. 1 Team. Sean Hynes, John Cunningham, Gerry Nihill, Michael Gannon, Darrach Ottway, Nollaig Cunningham, Glen Hynes, Nick Volas, Nick Carolan, Michael Breathnach

Meanwhile the Div. 2 team had their first win last week, defeating Gort. Team: Michael Burke, Francis Kelly, Denis Phelan, Bob McDonald, Martin Burke, Joe Clancy, Harry O’Neill, Mark Regan

Photo: Francis Kelly scoring against Gort for the Moycullen Div. 2 Team

SENIOR LADIES TEAM UPDATE

Moycullen Senior Ladies are off to a great start in the Galway league, Division two with wins over Carraroe and A.P.C. The team is a combination of senior and U’19 players and play their home games in Oughterard on Sunday nights.

Their only defeat so far has been at the hands of the UCG ladies team who play in Division 1. Team. Sadie Wynne, Helen Glynn, Barbara Kelly, BJ Walsh, Laura Beatty, Noelle Regan, Rebecca Nolan, Georgina Carter, Ann Blehein, Carol Morrison, Joanna Gorzack, Emma Croke, Sarah Donoghue, Petrina Kyne, Marie Conneely, Ann Burke

Photo: Ann Blehein in action in the game with UCG

Compiled from Moycullen Matters February 1996 Issue 45

MICHAEL BURKE WINS HIS FIRST BLITZ AFTER 2I TOURNAMENTS

When Michael Burke raised the 'Jim Lee Trophy' in victory on the outdoor court a t 4.15 pm on St. Stephen's Day it mar ked the end of a twenty one year wait for his first ever winner’s trophy in this unique basketball tournament. First played in 1969, the tournament has been running ever since and Michael had taken part in twenty one of these without ever being on a winning side and his commitment and spirit is typical of the many people who have participated in this great local sports event down through the years. The Blitz this year was very enjoyable; eight well balanced teams, fifteen games, many of which were won by the narrowest of margins and great playing conditions (once the ice on the courts had been dissolved with bags of salt!). John Cunningham's team took the winner’s trophy for the second year in a row bea ting Michael Gannon's team in the final while the 'Most Valuable Player Awards' were presented to Donie Mulkerrin s and John Cunningham.

Photo: 1995 Blitz Winners. Back:John Cunningham, Michael Burke, Kenneth Clancy. Front:Darrach Ottaway, James Regan, Sean Lydon

Photo: BLITZ MVP Donie Mulkerrins

Photo: Padraig Kelly shows his Wilt Chamberlain free throw style

U’15 GIRLS WIN MAREE INVITATION TOURNAMENT

This group of girls have now been playing basketball together for over six years and the team spirit and playing skill they have built up over that time was displayed in magnificent style when they won all their games at the special Invitation Tournament held in Maree involving teams from Cork and Galway.

In the final game they came from behind in the closing seconds to beat a very good Oranmore team. Annette Hynes scored a great three pointers to tie the game and then added the winning basket seconds later.

This was a well-deserved success for a fine team performance from a group of girls who also give great service to younger club members by helping out with coaching in the juvenile section.

Back: Michelle Hynes, Cliodhna Bohan, Kate Kennedy, Annette Hynes, Roisin Nihill, Faye Bohan. Front:Marina Ní Riain, Kate Gannon, Aoife Walsh, Karen Barrett, Tara Russell, SJ. Casburn. (Coach Gerry Nihill)

February 1996 Page 2

U’17 BOYS TOP IN LONGFORD

Moycullen U'17 boys’ basketball team produced a tremendous performance to emerge victorious at the Longford tournament. After the first half of the first game against the hosts however, tournament victory was far from their minds. They were twenty-two points down! An inspired second half performance saw them get within two points at the finish. This was an indication of things to come. They beat Castlebar, Marathon from Limerick and Granard in their remainin g group games before defeating a much improved Marathon team by four points in a tens ion packed final. This victory gives great encouragement to the team as they prepare for the Billy Kelly Tournament in Cork in April, the top U'17 Tournament in the country.

Team Photo

Back (L to R): Paul Sweeney, Michael Lillis, Shane 0' Donoghue, Rory Monaghan, Philip Casburn. Front (L to R): Ronan Donohoe, Mark Ryan, Dara Canavan, Gary Lyons. Missing from Photo: Sean Brown, Colm Gavin, Barry McDermott.

SCHOOLS BASKETBALL – BISH INTO THE CUP FINAL

Photo: Enjoying the Schools Cup Semi Final were Sean Hynes, Sharon Sheehan, Sarah O’Donoghue and Gerry O’Donoghue.

Photo Shane O’Donoghue scoring for The Bish in their successful Bank of Ireland Schools Cup Semi Final which was played in Renmore Sports Centre.

MOYCULLEN BASKETBALL TABLE QUIZ FOR U’15 TEAM

A very successful fund-raising table quiz was held in The Cloonabinnia Hotel on January 27th. The organising committee wish to thank most sincerely all the sponsors, the large crowd who supported us, and Tommy and Nora Anne Kavanagh for the use of the hotel

Compiled from Moycullen Matters March 1996 Issue 46

SENIOR MEN IN THE FINAL OF THE BALLINROBE TOURNAMENT

The Moycullen Senior Men's team travelled to Ballinrobe with high hopes of tournament victory. They began with two less than convincing victories over the hosts, Ballinrobe and Garda from Galway. In the other pool Castlebar, who have played in the National Intermediate League with some success, emerged as group winners. Tuam were runners up and were drawn to play Moycullen in the semi-final. There have been some very tight "battles" between the teams in recent times and this was no different. Moycullen stepped up considerably on their earlier performances and fought for every ball in a tough tense game. Glen Hynes played a starring role, keeping cool under severe pressure and John Cunningham moved away from his usual "inside" role on offence to score some crucial baskets.

Thus, Moycullen went on to win by six points. In the final they met Castlebar who jumped into an early ten-point lead with some excellent shooting. Gerry Nihill came off the bench and immediately hit three ‘three-pointers’ helping Moycullen to end the half on level terms. The second half was extremely tight and the game was finally decided in the final two minutes when Moycullen made some poor passes and missed some open shots. This led to some easy Castlebar scores and they went on to win by seven points.

Report... John Cunningham

Back L-R: Michael Burke, Gerry Nihill, John Cunningham, Nollaig Cunningham, Nick Carolan Front L-R: Michael Gannon, Sean Hynes, Darrach Ottway, Glen Hynes.

MENS TEAM IN CORK INTERMEDIATE TOURNAMENT

Moycullen Senior Men's team took their first real step into top level National Intermediate competition recently at the Cork Intermediate Tournament. In their first match against the famed "North Mon" from Cork, Moycullen threw caution to the wind in a tremendous display of fast breaking basketball. They emerged victorious by eleven points, with Mike Gannon and Sean Hynes the stars of the show. The second game against Blue Demons, also from Cork, was a different story. An excellen t Demons team cruised to a comfortable win with only good shooting from Dara Joyce keeping Moycullen in the game. In their last game, against St. Colm’s from Limeric k, the team played much better. Glen Hynes played superbly at both ends of the floor and the "old man" of the team, John Cunningham, finally found his scoring touch resulting in a convincing ten point victory. Sadly, the team missed out on a semi-final place on points difference. However, the experience will stand to what was a young team which showed that they could comfortably compete at Intermediate level.

Photo: Michael Gannon is having his best ever season for the Senior Men

GALWAY LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

The Moycullen Senior Men’s Team has performed very well in the League, winning seven games on their way to taking the runner-up spot behind Maree and the team is looking forward to a good run in the Cup following a favourable draw in the competition and are hoping to reach their first final and have a go at dethroning the County Champions Maree

March 1996 Issue 46 Page 2

U’15 GIRLS WIN IN BALLINA

The U' 15 Girls team saved their best performance in the Connacht League for their biggest game when they played and beat Ballina Pacers in a curtain raiser for the Star of the Sea v Ballina Men’s National League game in Ballina. Michelle Hynes had a fine game for Moycullen at the point guard spot, scoring some great three pointers while Rebecca O'Neill, playing her first game for many months, made a big impact scoring 11 points. Roisin Nihill, Kate Kennedy, Annette Hynes and Michelle Hynes all played good defence in holding the Pacers attack to under twenty points as the Moycullen girls won their third game in the league.

Photo: Michelle Hynes had a great game for the Moycullen girls in their Connacht U’15 League win over Ballina

U’17 BILLY KELLY TOURNAMENT

In early April 1996 the Moycullen U'17 boys team will participate in the Billy Kelly Memorial tournament in Cork. Rated the top U'17 tournament in the country. it provides an ideal opportunity to prepare for the following season's National Cup.

Last year Moycullen performed heroics in the group phase of the competition. They beat St. Vincent's from Dublin and ran Blue Demons from Cork, the eventual winners, to two points, before bowing out in disappointing fashion at the quarter final stage. This proved to be a solid foundation for an excellent U' 19 cup performance.

This year the team has prepared well with good performances in the Connacht League, when severely understrength, and an excellent victory at the Longford tournament. The team is back- boned by members of the U' 19 cup team. Including Colm Gavin, Paul Sweeney and Shane O'Donoghue, Some of the younger players, such as Dara Canavan and Philip Casburn, have also stepped up with excellent contribution at various stages. Thus, a good performance is hoped for in Cork.

Photo: Dara Canavan. Great shooter with the boys U’17 team

U’16 Boys Castlebar Tournament

The U'16 boys’ basketball team had a relatively successful trip to Castlebar on the 2nd and 3rd of March. They played well to first win comfortably against Athlone. They were nine points down at half time in their second game against Castleblaney, Monaghan but came back to lead, however they lost the game in overtime by a point. Longford were the opponents in the semi-final and despite playing well the team went down to a powerful team with a deep bench.

There were good performances from Rory Monaghan and Cian McDonnell especially.

Team: Dara Canavan (C). Gary Lyons, Michael Lillis, Rory Monaghan, Cian McDonnell, James. Glynn, Patrick Laffey, Stephen O'Brien, Christopher Lillis, Eoin Kane, Derek Canavan and James Lydon.

Report…Sean Hynes

Photo: Kevin McDonald is having an outstanding season for the boys U’15 team

Compiled from Moycullen Matters April & May 1996 Issues 47 & 48

SENIOR MEN REACH THEIR FIRST GALWAY CUP FINAL

Moycullen reached the final of the Galway Senior Men’s Division 1 Cup for the first time . They matched their opponents Maree for most of the first half with John Cunningham and Nollaig Cunningham dominating the boards and setting up fast break opportunities. However the young and relatively inexperienced Moycullen could not stop the experienced Maree scorers led magnificently by former Irish Senior International Mike Murray, and eventually Maree ran out 85-52 winners.

However this was the first County Cup Final reached by Moycullen and they are a young side with a lot of quickness and power and they should be able to break the Maree dominance of Galway basketball before too long if they can improve in the areas of passing and individual defence.

Photo. John Cunningham

SENIOR LADIES TAKE ON THE ISLE OF MAN

The Moycullen Senior Women took on a visiting team from the Isle of Man in the Community Centre, Oughterard on Good Friday night. Such is their new found confidence that they even allowed a number of top senior schoolgirl players from Oughterard to play with the visitors!

The Moycullen ladies played a very steady game but like the Senior Men's team in the County Cup Final .they found it difficult to score against their more experienced opponents and were well beaten

The Moycullen ladies team enjoyed their first season in competitive basketball and made significant improvement under the expert eye of Coach John Cunningham. Playing in the new gear sponsored by Regan's Bar they recorded a number of victories and all are looking forward to next season.

Back: Laura Beatty, Petrina Kyne, Ann Blehein, Ann Burke, Margaret Candon. Front: Noelle Regan, Georgina Carter, Sadie Wynne, Marie Conneely. (Coach John Cunningham)

DUNGARVAN SUMMER CAMP 1996

Over forty teenagers from Moycullen will be attending this year’s week long National Training Camp in Dungarvan. This is the highlight of the basketball year for many young players when they get to play with and against talented players from all over the country and be coached by some of the top Irish and American coaches, as happened last year when they worked under Brian Hill of the Orlando Magic from the N.B.A. The cost of the camp is £130 each so a player has to be very dedicated.to make this commitment but the club does pay 50% of the fee for the teenagers who help out regularly in coaching and running the Moycullen Club.

BLUE DEMONS VISIT MOYCULLEN

One of the most famous nurseries of underage basketball in Ireland, Blue Demons of Cork spent a weekend in Moycullen recently, playing the local boys in six games at U'10, U'12 and U'16 levels.

Photo: Action from the U’10 Game with Demons. Cian Phelan, Cian Costello and Cian Nihill surround Demon player ‘Scoops’

Its official, Moycullen is the third biggest club in the country, according to the annual report of the Irish Basketball Association. With over 180 members who participate at least once a week, Moycullen is only surpassed by Killester from Dublin and Castleisland of Kerry in terms of numbers actively involved on a regular basis.

Compiled from Moycullen Matters September 1996 Issue 49

GALWAY COMMUNITY GAMES

The U'13 boys team won a first ever County title for Moycullen at this age when inspired by the dynamic play of John Russell they overcame the reigning champions Oranmore in the County Final. However, dreams of adding the Connacht Championship and a trip to Mosney were dashed when they came up against much taller and more experienced opponents at the provincial finals. Nevertheless the team played to their potential, were quick and athletic, and were well prepared by their coach John Cunningham and they can be proud of their county medals.

Winners Galway Co. U'13 Community Games 1996

Back: Simon Murray, Seosamh Ó Fathartha, Richard Lee, Redmond Lee, Christopher Goold, John Cunningham Front: Jonathan Laffey, John Russell, Cillin MacDonncha, David Lee.

The U'16 boys made it a great double for Moycullen when they regained the county title they last held two years ago when like the U'13 boys they also beat the reigning champions Oranmore in the final.

Winners Galway U’16 Community Games 1996

Back: Sean Hynes, Gary Lyons James Glynn, Rory Monaghan, Kevin McDonald, Cian McDonnell . Front: Patrick Laffey, Dara Canavan, Derek Canavan, Gearóid Hynes, Stephen O'Brien

There was heartbreak for the U’16 Girls as they were beaten by one point in overtime by Oranmore Maree.

Moycullen were chasing a third win in a row in this competition and seemed to be heading for victory but missed their last five shots which opened the door for Oranmore to win by the narrowest of margins

Runners-Up Galway U'16 Community Games

Back: Faye Bohan, Sara Jane Casburn, Rebecca O'Neill, Annette Hynes, Mary Regan, Cliodhna Bohan. Front: Karen Barrett, Kate Gannon, Marina Ni Riain, Tara Russell. (Coach Gerry Nihill)

SUMMER LEAGUE

The league was played on the outdoor court behind Scoil Mhuire in July and was a great success with over fifty boys and girls of national school age playing in mixed games every evening. The league was organised and refereed by the U'16 Boys team.

Photo: Cormac Canavan looks for a way to the basket as Claire Glynn closes in to block his shot

Compiled from Moycullen Matters November 1996 Issue 50

MOYCULLEN ORGANISE AND HOST A NATIONAL INVITATION TOURNAMENT

As part of their preparations for the National U’19 Cup Competition John Cunningham realised his team needed top level competition in advance of the championship and with this in mind he organised a National Invitation U'19 Tournament in Galway on 12th and 13th October.

The tournament was a fantastic success, superbly organised with 23 games of the highest quality spread over the two days in the new and ultra-modern sports facility in UCG. Ten teams took part, drawn from such basketball strongholds as Dublin, Cork, Ballina and Limerick. While Moycullen were beaten in the semi-final by Marathon of Limerick, on the way to the semi-final they had three great victories over Neptune, Castleblaney and Crescent. While the organisation of the event took an enormous amount of time and effort, the team will be well pleased with the invaluable competitive practice they got and the entire club will benefit from the positive spin from what was the basketball event of the year in Galway

Moycullen U'19 Men's Team

Back. L/R Sean Browne, Frank O'Brien, Paul Sweeney, John French, Glenn Hynes, Jack Considine. Front: Philip Casburn, Mark Walsh, Dara Canavan, Darren Higgins, Jim Gannon . (Coach John Cunningham)

Photo: John French

Photo: Sean Browne

There was much rejoicing by the Moycullen Senior Men’s Division One team recently when they had a six point win over County Champions Maree in the Galway League. Up to this, Maree had remained undefeated in the Galway League for the past six years. Watch out for the rematch later this season.

The younger players can now look forward to regular matches with Gort, Oughterard, Beagh, Kinvara, Maree and Athenry. In all ,four leagues will be played, catering for U'10 boys (in which Moycullen have entered two teams), U'10 girls, U'12 boys and U'12 girls. Teams will play each other only once, and the coaches involved in each individual game will make the arrangements for the match dates and time and agree which team will play at home.

Photo: Congratulations to Roisin Nihill, Michelle Hynes and Karen Barrett who have been selected on the West team (Galway-Clare) U’15 Schools Team for the All Ireland Interprovincial Championships

SENIOR LADIES IN CORK TO PLAY IN THE CULTURAL FESTIVAL TOURNAMENT

Moycullen senior ladies basketball took part in the Community Games Cultural Festival for adults which were held in the Trabolgan Holiday Village, Cork. The team of Laura Beatty, Barbara Kelly, Ann Burke, Madeline O'Connor, Margaret Beatty, Sadie Wynne, Louise Walsh, Sadie Davoren and Marie Conneely not only played in the Basketball tournament but also entered the soccer and the ballad group competition! Now that's what you call a talented team.

Back at the home front the ladies team are busy preparing for the Galway League under new coach Jim Gannon. The players would like to welcome Jim to the team and also to thank last season’s ladies coach John Cunningham for all the work he put in helping the team through their first seasons in the league

Compiled from Moycullen Matters December 1996 Issue 51

The new Galway League is proving to be a great success with four Moycullen teams participating . The Moycullen U'l0 and U'12 girls teams have one win and one loss each with both teams having lots of talented young players. They should do well in these competitions. The U'l0 Boys have two teams in the league and both are undefeated so far. The U'12 boys were surprisingly defeated by Beagh in their first game but they should improve in the next series of games as they have some very good players

U’10 Moycullen Boys Team

Back: Cian Phelan, Michael Nolan, Cian Nihill, Cian Costelloe, Diarmuid Lee, Daniel Coleman. Front: Christopher Hurney, Kieran O'Connor, Cormac Canavan (Captain), Michael Dowd, Brendan Sweeney, Cathal Conneely, Tomas Cunningham, Francis Fahy. Coach Gerry Nihill).

U’10 Moycullen Girls Team

Back: Michelle Hynes and Mary Regan (coaches) Middle (15)Gillian Kyne, Siobhan Doran, Jennifer Lee, (l0)Rachel Conneely, (14)Ciara Power, Christina Brown, (11 )Orla Gilligan, Sally Acton, (8) Gemma Hynes, Front: Catherine Kyne (9), Elaine Stephens, Emma Regan

RÓISÍN SELECTED ON IRISH U’15 TEAM

Róisín Nihill has been selected on the Irish Cadette Team following her strong performances at the Irish Schools with the West team at the U’15 Inter regional competition.

Roisin has a packed training program ahead of her over the next year. Team training will take place once a month in Dublin and this has to be supplemented with full individual program in the areas of flexibility, foot speed, aerobic endurance and skill work. The Irish team will play in the United States next summer and then in the home countries championship in the autumn.

Roisin who is fourteen years old has been playing basketball with Moycullen club since she was seven, and was a member of the Galway (west) U-15 team for the past two years. She has been to the National Training camp in Dungarvan on two occasions and was selected on the National Development squad for promising young players last year.

OTHER NEWS FROM AROUND THE CLUB DECEMBER 1996

The Moycullen Senior Men’s Team broke new ground when they played Glanmire of Cork in the National Intermediate League. This is the highest level of competition ever entered in by a Moycullen Senior team and the team are hoping for great support when they play their first Home Game in this league.

Congratulations to Kevin McDonald who played on the 'West Boys' U'15 team which won silver medals in the plate competition at the All Ireland Inter-Regional championships in Dublin

The U' 14 Girls Team had two great wins in the St. Colm's Invitation Tournament in Limerick when they beat the host team and a Cork team before being beaten by the "Mercy" school team from Waterford in the Quarter Final.

There was heartbreak again this year for the U’19 men’s team when they lost the semi-final by one point to St Pauls, Killarney. The Moycullen team played brilliantly when beating Tralee and Crescent, Limerick in the early rounds but they never found any rhythm in the semi-final with Glenn Hynes and John French in foul trouble. Despite the loss, the team have set a standard for all teams in the club to follow in the professional way they set about all aspects of their preparation for this year’s cup competition.

The U’17 Girls won all their games during their recent weekend visit to Carrigaline in Cork. Best result was a four point win over their rivals from Oranmore in the final

Compiled from Moycullen Matters January 1997 Issue 52

JAMES REGAN WINS HIS FOURTH BLITZ IN A ROW. PADRAIG KELLY WINS HIS FIRST

You have to hand it to James Regan. He certainly has what it takes to be successful at the Christmas Blitz following his team’s win in this year’s event. James has now won four in a row and already there are requests from other players to have James on their team next year.

And congratulations to Padraig Kelly who collected his first winner’s medal in the Blitz having competed in the competition over the past fifteen years. Caoimh Davoren also had reason to celebrate his winners medal having previously been on the losing side in four finals. Caoimh made two great steals to score all his team’s four points in the closing minute of a very exciting final which was sent into overtime when veteran Gerry Nihill hit a three-pointer followed by a foul shot to tie the game in normal time. Philip Casburn and Gearóid Hynes were the younger members of the team and both made a great contribution to their team’s win in a tournament which has, since it was first played in 1968, become one of the great sporting traditions of the parish.

Blitz Winning Team 1996

Back. Padraig Kelly, Caoimh Davoren, Gerry Nihill. Front. Philip Casburn, James Regan, Gearóid Hynes

GALWAY JUVENILE LEAGUES UPDATE

The dates for the Galway League playoffs have been set with the U'10 Boys and Girls in Oughterard on Sunday 23rd March 1997 and the U'12 Boys and Girls in Gort on Sunday 13th April 1997.

There are six teams competing in each of the leagues and all six teams will be invited to participate in the playoffs with the teams ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the league playing off against each other for the county cup and the teams ranked 4th, 5th and 6th playing off against each other in the shield competition.

To date in the leagues, the Moycullen U'l0 Boys are undefeated and have already qualified for the 'Top Three' playoffs while the Moycullen U'l0 Girls and U'12 Boys and Girls teams have all some wins and losses in the leagues and are still in contention for the 'Top Three" places

Girls U'1 2 Team

Back Row: Cliodhna Bohan, Fidelma Griffin, Elaine Audley, Sinead Hynes, Eithna McDonnell, Lana Wooley, Aoife Ottway, Annette Hynes, Nessa Bohan, Front Row: Denise Dunne, Maggie O'Toole, Aoife Gilligan, Caoimhe McDonagh, Blathnaid Bohan

B.J. TO PLAY FOR UCD

Photo: Former Moycullen player and youth section coach Barbara Jenny Walshe has been selected on the University College Dublin women’s team in this, her first year in the College. U.C.D. play in the Dublin League and in the Higher Education League`.

FATHER & SON COMBINATION PLAY FOR MOYCULLEN

Photo: Bobby & Kevin McDonald both play on the Moycullen Galway League Division 2 team.

Compiled from Moycullen Matters March 1997 Issue 53

U’17 GIRLS WIN THE CASTLEBAR TOURNAMENT

The U’17 girls rounded off a great week for the team when they won the annual Castlebar Invitation Tournament, beating Castleblaney of Monaghan in the final. Róisín Nihill was named Tournament MVP. The previous Sunday the girls had a first ever win over Longford Falcons in the Connacht league. Longford had been the dominant team at this age group in Connacht at both club and schools level so the win marked a significant progress by the Moycullen girls. The previous day the girls had the experience of playing against the Irish U’15 Schoolgirls Team who were training in Galway. The Irish team, which included Roisin Nihill, were on weekend training camp in Galway and played the Moycullen team in a challenge game. Three boys, Dara Canavan, Kevin McDonald and James Glynn played with the Moycullen girls’ team for part of the game, but it was Karen Barrett who won the game for Moycullen when she made the all important final shot to give the local girls a great win by one point.

U’17 Girls Team

Back: Róisín Nihill, Michelle Hynes, Ailbhe McMullin, Kate Kennedy, Rebecca O'Neill, Annette Hynes, Front: Karen Barrett, Mary Regan, Niamh Ni Fhartharta, Cliodhna Bohan .(Coach Gerry Nihill)

Photo: Róisín Nihill accepting the MVP award at the Castlebar Tournament

U’17 BOYS WINNING GAMES IN THE CONNACHT LEAGUE

Coach Sean Hynes has brought his U'17 team to a new level of performance in the Connacht League where they have produced sparkling wins over strong teams Including Castlebar and Castleblaney.

With Rory Monaghan and Michael Lillis really stepping up their performances and with great shooters like Kevin McDonald, Dara Canavan and James Glynn, this is a team going places. Their big challenge will come at Easter when they play in the Billy Kelly tournament in Cork.

U'17 Boys Back: Sean Hynes, (Coach), Cian McDonnell, Mark Howard, Rory Monaghan, Michael Lillis, Gary Lyons, James Lydon Front: Gearóid Hynes, James Glynn, Kevin McDonald, Dara Canavan, Patrick Laffey.

MOYCULLEN GIRLS LEAD ST. ENDAS INTO THE ALL IRELAND SCHOOLS CUP FINAL

Kate Kennedy, Annette Hynes, Michelle Hynes and Rebecca O'Neill played outstanding Basketball as they led St. Enda’s Girls team through the Connacht Championship and national qualification tournament to reach the All Ireland Cadette B Final for the first time.

The Final will be played in the National Basketball Arena in mid March.

Edited from Moycullen Matters May 1997 Issue 54

MOYCULLEN NAMED AS IRISH CLUB OF THE YEAR

Moycullen basketball club were honoured by the IBA when they were named as the 'Non National League Club of the Year'.

The award was in recognition of the contribution the club is making to basketball in Galway through its involvement in all aspects of the game and its club structure which provides weekly training and regular games for over two hundred members in fifteen different groups ranging from under eight boys and girls through to senior men’s and ladies.

Kitty Canavan accepted the award on behalf of the club at the IBA annual prize giving ceremony in the National Basketball Arena.

Photo: Kitty Canavan accepting the Irish Club of the Year Award from the president of the Irish Basketball Association Finn Ahern.

FRANK GALLERY TOURNAMENT WIN

Moycullen Senior Men continued their recent run of success when they won the annual Frank Gallery Memorial Tournament hosted by Admirals Basketball Club.

The tournament was held in the Ennistymon Community Centre and eight team’s participated.

Photo: John Cunningham was named as the 'Most valuable player’ of the tournament.

SENIOR MEN WIN THE GALWAY CUP

Glenn Hynes (10), John French (14), John Cunningham (15), Nollaig Cunningham (13) Rory Canavan (9), Jim Gannon (12), Darren Higgins (7), Sean Hynes (8), Dara Canavan (11).

GALWAY JUVENILE FINALS 1997

The Galway Juvenile Leagues drew to a close in March with a six team 'playoff tournament' for each of the four age groups. The Moycullen U'10 and U’12 boys played great basketball, dominating their competitions and winning all their games on the way to capturing the County cups. The girls also played very well, reaching the semi-final of the U'10 and being narrowly defeated in the final of the U'12. Congrats to all four teams and their coaches and thanks to the many parents and supporters who came to the playoff tournaments.

Front L/R/ Christopher Hurney, Diarmuid Lee, Kieran O'Connor, Michael Dowd, Cormac Canavan, CathaI Conneelly, Brendan Sweeney, Matthew Cunningham. M.L/R. Michael Nolan, Cian Nihill, David Feeley, Cian Phelan, Sean Rossa McDermott, Pearse Heneghan, Robert Mulkerrins. B. L/R Thomas Cunningham, David Carr, Killian McDonald, Cian Costello, Stephen Tierney, Jonathan Barrett, (Not in Photo, Daniel Coleman, Padraig Quealey, Francis Fahy. Coach Gerry Nihill

May 1997 Issue 54 Page 2

U’15 GIRLS IN LONGFORD FINAL

The girl’s U'15 team were invited to the annual Longford tournament and had wins over Castleblaney, Castlerea and Castlebar to reach the final where they lost to the home team. Róisín Nihill picked up an ankle injury in the second game which prevented her playing any further but Michelle Hynes played brilliantly in leading the team to the final with Sandra Breslin also making a great impact as point guard.

Photo: Michelle Hynes (7), Ailbhe McMullin(15) Roisin Nihill(10), Niamh Ni Fhatharta (13), Sandra Breslin (5), Niamh Bohan (6), Claire Barrett (14) Coach Gerry Nihill

U’17 BOYS IN BILLY KELLY TOURNAMENT

The Billy Kelly tournament held annually in Cork is the biggest tournament in the country for U' 17 boys.

Moycullen travelled to this year’s tournament with a team of undoubted potential. With fine shooters in the guise of Dara Canavan and Kevin McDonald along with the inside play of Rory Monaghan, Michael Lillis, Barry McDennott and James Lydon, hopes were high that the team would make an impact. Add to that the strength and speed respectively of Mark Howard and James Glynn and you have a well balanced team.

They lost the first game by six points to their old rivals Sligo who included in their team Michael Bree, a European Junior All Star. Moycullen went on to beat Castleblaney but lost to the Cork teams Mallow and Ballincollig and so went out of the tournament.

While disappointed with the overall performance, coach Sean Hynes feels the team has made a lot of progress this year and their third place finish in the Connacht League shows they have potential. The players need more playing experience to help them develop the competitive instincts needed at National level but with a very good U'19 programme ahead of them this team can make significant progress in this direction in the next year or two.

BOYS WIN THE GALWAY U’12 CUP

Front,L/R Mark Loughnane, Joey Ingersol, John Russell, Keith Bohan, Ben McDonald. Back,L/R Guilem Williams, Andrew McDonald, Rory Browne, Richard Lee, Darren Costello,

U’12 GIRLS WIN THE SHIELD

Photo: Richard Finn presenting the Galway County Shield to the Moycullen U'12 captain, Caoimhe McDonogh after her team reached the final of the Galway playoff tournament which was held in the Maree Community Centre.

ROISIN NIHILL PLAYED FOR IRISH SCHOOLGIRLS V SCOTLAND

Róisín Nihill scored 8 points as the Irish U’15 Schoolgirls team had a convincing win over Scotland in a game played in Moyne, Co. Longford recently. Roisin will be playing further games with the Irish squad this summer as the team will be on a ten game tour of the in July.

Compiled from Moycullen Matters June 1997 Issue 55

THREE GALWAY COMMUNITY GAMES TITLES FOR MOYCULLEN

U’13 Boys Basketball

Gold Medal winners at the Galway Community Games

Back L-R: Mark Loughnane, Eric Fox, Andrew McDonald, Richard Lee, Cillian Mac Donncha, John Cunningham (Coach). Front L-R: Keith Bohan, Guilem Williams, John Russell, David Bohan, Darren Costello.

U’13 Girls Basketball

Silver Medal winners at the Galway Community Games

Back L-R: Annette Hynes (Coach), Fidelma Griffin, Blathnaid Bohan, Sinead Hynes, Eithne McDonnell, Elaine Audley, Aoife Ottaway. Front L-R: Caoimhe McDonagh, Aoife Gilligan, Maggie O'Toole, Denise Dunne.

U’16 Girls Gold Medal Winners Galway Community Games

Back L-R: Cliodhna Bohan, Rebecca O'Neill, Niamh Ni Fhatharta, Michelle Hynes Front L-R: Karen Barrett, Claire Barrett, Róisín Nihill, Annette Hynes

U’16 Boys Gold Medal Winners Galway Community Games

Back L-R: Sean Hynes (Coach), Gearóid Hynes, Stephen O'Brien, Patrick Laffey, Kevin McDonald, Derek Canavan. Front L-R: Denis Laffey, Jonathan Laffey, Simon Murray, Fergal Monaghan, Richard Lyons.

Edited from Moycullen Matters September 1997 Issue 56

ALL IRELAND BASKETBALL GOLD FOR MOYCULLEN

The Moycullen U'16 Girls basketball team crowned a great season with a magnificent win in the All-Ireland Final in Mosney recently. They won the coveted gold medals in dramatic fashion after two periods of overtime, coming from behind in the last moments of both normal and extra time to tie the final game with the Munster Champions, CastIeisland. and then scoring an unbelievable 12 points without reply in the second period of overtime to win the gold medals. Earlier in the Summer Moycullen won the Galway County Title and had then beaten the Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo champions on their way to capturing their first Connacht title. In the All-Ireland semifinal they defeated the Leinster Champions, Portlaoise by five points before beating the Munster champions. CastIeisland in one of the most dramatic finals seen in Mosney in recent years. Castleisland were favourites to win the title having won the All-Ireland U'16 A Schools championship earlier this year, but the teamwork and determination of the Moycullen girls gave them the edge at the end of the game when it mattered most. Castleisland held a ten point lead at one stage but Moycullen fought back to level the score with two minutes remaining. Castleisland then went ahead again by four points with only forty seconds remaining but the girls never gave in and they found a way to the basket for the scores to draw level. Rebecca O'Neill hitting the all-important free shot in the final seconds of normal time to send the game into overtime.

Photo: Back. Gerry Nihill, Claire Barrett, Michelle Hynes, Niamh Ni Fhartharta, Faye Bohan. Front: Rebecca O’Neill, Annette Hynes, Roisin Nihill, Cliodhna Bohan, Karen Barrett

Castleisland held the lead throughout the first overtime but Annette Hynes scored a magnificent basket with ten seconds left to send the game into a second period of overtime. The Munster team then failed to score again against a Moycullen defence where Roisin Nihill, Karen Barrett and Cliodhna Bohan were playing the game of their lives and Annette and Roisin added twelve points between them in the second period of overtime to seal a remarkable win for the Moycullen team.

There were great scenes of joy and jubilation at the final whistle as players, parent’s friends and supporters celebrated a memorable game and a fantastic achievement. Bonfires blazed throughout the area to welcome home the victorious team the following day with fireworks adding to the occasion at the school hall where a special reception was hosted by the Community Development Association. Mr Seamus Gavin who acted as M.C. paid tribute to the team and their achievement. Barbara Walshe congratulated the team on behalf of the Community and said that the players were outstanding role models for all girls involved in sport.

Edited from Moycullen Matters December 1997 Issue 58

1997 YEARBOOK PUBLISHED

The club yearbook has just recently been published and is available in the local shops and from members of the club. The 32 page book contains a full account of the teams, competitions and special occasions of the 1996- 97 season. Included in the publication are over sixty photographs which cover every team and event which the club was involved in last season. The club would like to acknowledge the generous support of the business community in the Moycullen area in making the publication possible

TWO LADIES TEAMS

For the first time, two Moycullen ladies teams are competing in the county leagues and they met in the very first round of the competition in a game played in the Oughterard Community Centre. Ten points separated the teams at the end with the 'B' team victorious.

The 'B' team is made up mainly with U' 17 players while the ' A' team has the more 'senior' club members. ' A' team coach Jim Gannon expresses satisfaction with his team performance against the younger hot shots but added that some fitness training would not go astray!

Photo: Moycullen ‘A’ on the Right and Moycullen ‘B’ on the left (light uniforms)

THREE MENS TEAMS

For the first time there are three Moycullen men's teams competing in the Galway Leagues. The 'A' team, which is also playing in the National Intermediate League, are top of Galway Division 1 while the 'B' team, (which is an U'19 team), are very competitive against Div. 2 teams. The C team (social team) would prefer if their record was not mentioned at this stage.

SEVEN MOYCULLEN GIRLS ON THE WEST

Seven Moycullen Girls were selected for the West U'18 Schoolgirls team which won the Cork U'18 Challenge in Donoughmore in October and then in November went on to reach the All-Ireland Inter regional Cup Final, beating the allpowerful Midlands, Kerry and Dublin regions before losing in the final to a great Cork team which had seven Schoolgirl Internationals in their line-up

Photo: West U’18 Schools Team (Moycullen players in bold) Back, l/r, Sharon Nolan, Michelle Hynes, Felicity Butler, Kate Kennedy, Rebekah O'Neill, Martina McCarthy, Michelle Fahy. Front, l/r, Elaine Kelly, Annette Hynes, Roisín Nihill, Karen Barrett, Cliodhna Bohan, Aisling Fahy

GALWAY JUVENILE LEAGUES

The U’11 boys got off to a flying start in the Galway league, scoring 54 points against Beagh in their first home game of the season in Moycullen Hall. The U' 11 and U' 13 Girls teams travelled to Beagh and came away with two fine wins. The U' 13 Boys did not fare so well, losing at home to a very athletic Beagh team

CHRISTMAS BLITZ REMINDER

John Cunningham is taking names for the annual St. Stephen's Day Tournament, so if you want to work off some of the Xmas excess get those basketball boots out of storage, and get your name on a team. Padraig Kelly will be defending the cup which he won for the first time in last year's blitz

Edited from Moycullen Matters February 1998 Issue 59

U’11 BOYS WIN THE CASTLEISLAND CHRISTMAS TOURNAMENT

The U' 11 Boys team, played brilliant basketball on the way to capturing the Castleisland Invitation Christmas Tournament, winning their three preliminary games to reach the final where they played Cordal from Castleisland.

The final was played in front of a packed house with two teams taking part in a parade from the changing rooms on to the court and the players then individually introduced to the crowd. The game was tight and exciting right through the second half but the Moycullen boys played with the greater discipline and maturity and won the game with some fine free shooting in the closing minutes. The win rounded off a great three day trip to Kerry during the Christmas holidays for the U' 11 team.

Front Michael Dowd, Kieran O'Connor, Cian Costello, Cian Nihill (Capt.), Cormac Canavan, Diarmuid Lee. Back :Cathal Conneely, Cian Phelan, Michael Nolan, Daniel Coleman, Christopher Hurney. (Coach Gerry Nihill. Manager Kitty Canavan)

SENIOR LADIES TEAM UPDATE

The Moycullen Ladies senior basketball team are competing in a very enjoyable Galway City League U nder coach Mike Gannon. The competitive season ends in the spring but Basketball will continue throughout the summer months on Tuesday nights in the hall at Scoil Mhuire. New player's always welcome

Back: Margaret Costelloe, Lorraine Walsh, Anne Burke, Barbara Kelly, Ann-Marie Leonard. Front: Mary Gilson, Ann-Marie Clancy, Irnelda Walsh, Ann Blehein. Missing: Noelle Regan

St. STEPHENS DAY BLITZ

The sun shone through just in time to light up a most enjoyable St Stephens Day Tournament. A marvellous turnout of both basketball and non-basketball players made this year’s event very entertaining with Niall Faherty showing that he is still a great basketball player and Denis Phelan producing lots of the old magic. Dandy Kelly dominated the boards (as usual) and for once John Cunningham was well held.

In photo: Dara Canavan became the youngest ever captain of a winning Blitz team as he grabbed the winning basket with seconds left in the final from a great pass by Niall Faherty . This score gave Dara's team a one point lead and although Denis Phelan scored immediately with a fine full court drive, his basket was ruled out as the final whistle had sounded before he shot the ball.

Over sixty players took part in this year’s tournament with the games being as tough as ever but nevertheless very sporting.

Back: James Lydon, Donie Mulkerrins, Niall Faherty. Front: Sean Brown, Dara Canavan, Robbie Walsh

Edited from Moycullen Matters March 1998 Issue 60

SENIOR MEN WIN GALWAY LEAGUE DIVISION 1 FOR THE FIRST TIME

It has taken eight years to build a team capable of winning the top division in Galway Senior Basketball.

John Cunningham has played every one of the eight seasons as the team gradually climbed through the second division during the late eighties and early nineties before it became firmly established in Division One. The runner-up spot was claimed last year for the first time followed by a first ever win in the County Cup Competition.

The clinching of the Division One League title this year, following a narrow win over old rivals Maree, is a superb achievement by John and his team and all players who contributed to the teams progress over the past eight years can feel proud to have been part of this achievement.

Back: Maurice Horan, Nollaig Cunningham, John French, John Cunningham, Glen Hynes. Front: Sean Hynes, Michael Gannon, Jim Gannon (Capt.), Darren Higgins, Dara Canavan. Not in photo: MacDara Joyce, Michael Cormican, Shane O'Donoghue, Aidan Giblin, Ronan Waters, Paul Sweeney, Colm Gavin

U’11 BOYS TOP IN THE GALWAY LEAGUE

Moycullen U’11 Boys produced a super performance in the Galway county Final which was played on Maree's home court last week, winning by 16 points. Michael Dowd played superbly at point guard while team captain Cian Nihill top scored with 22 points. Cian Phelan grabbed many vital rebounds, especially in the second half while the game was still close. Kieran O'Connor, Christopher Hurney and Diarmuid Lee all played great defence in a marvellous team performance. This is the second year in a row for Moycullen to win this championship

Back: Cian Phelan, Michael Nolan, Diarmuid Lee, Michael Dowd, Eoin Gilson. Front: Christopher Hurney, Cathal Conneely, Kieran O'Connor, Cian Nihill, James Loughnane, Eanna MacDonncha. (Coach Gerry Nihill)

DEMONS COME OUT BEST IN MOYCULLEN U’12 TOURNAMENT

Blue Demons from Cork showed why they are unbeaten in U'12 boys’ basketball in Ireland for the past five years when they dominated the Moycullen Invitation Tournament which was held in the Oughterard Community Centre in February.

Moycullen entered three teams, the 'Heat', the "Magic' and the 'Rockets' and they played very good basketball against the visiting teams from Limerick, Cork and Monaghan. The 'Rockets' under Coach Haulie Dowd played particularly well, reaching the semi-final where they were defeated by Demons. The visitors were hosted by the Moycullen boys in their homes on Saturday night and the local lads are now looking forward to making a return visit to Cork and Monaghan next season.

Moycullen Magic | Moycullen Rockets | Moycullen Heat
Michael Dowd(C) | Stephen Tierney (C) | Michael Nolan (C)
Kieran O'Connor | Robert Mulkerrins | Matthew Cunning ham
Cian Nihill | DavidCarr | Cathal Conneely
Eoin Gilson | Conor Bohan | Thomas Cunningham
Cormac Canavan | Sean Rossa McDermott | Jonathan Barrett
Diarmuid Lee | Garth Bradshaw | Daniel Coleman
Cian Costello | Killian McDonald | Brian McElligot
Christopher Hurney | Colin Turke | Eanna MacDonncha
David Feeley | Pearse Heneghan | David O'Brien
Colm Cuffe | Ronan Griffin | J ames Loughnane
Cian Phelan | Tiarnan McDonogh | Hugh Moran
|  | Ronan Cunningham

Tournament Results |
1. Blue Demons (Cork) | 2 Castleblaney (Monaghan)
3 Moycullen Rockets, | 4 St. Colms. (Limerick)
5. Moycullen Magic | 6 Moycullen Heat ,
7 Oughterard

Edited from Moycullen Matters May 1998 Issue 61

DOUBLE FOR MOYCULLEN IN THE GALWAY U’16 COMMUNITY GAMES

The U' 16 Girls Team retained their Galway Community Games title with wins over Oranmore, in the quarter-final, Oughterard in the semi-final and Glenamaddy in the final. With four of last years All Ireland winning team on board another trip to Mosney is on the cards. They play in the Connacht finals in July. The team is: Roisin Nihill, Blathnaid Bohan, Maggie O'Toole, Sinead Hynes, Michelle Ni Riain, Niamh Ni Fhatharta, Claire Barrett, Michelle Hynes, Emily O'Neill, Sinead Nic Donncha. Coach Gerry Nihill.

The U'13 Boys team upset all the odds in winning the Galway title, beating the County League Champions, Beagh, by two points in the semi-final and going on to overcome Oranmore in the final. Most of the team are still U'12 with four players U'11 . Connacht Finals to be held in July

Front: Cian Nihill, Cormac Canavan, Michael Dowd, Keith Bohan. Back: Cian Costello, Killian McDonald, David Carr, Sean Rossa McDermott, Cian Phelan, (not in photo Ben McDonald and coach Gerry Nihill).

U’11 GIRLS WIN THE GALWAY LEAGUE

The U' 11 Girls team won the Galway County League for the first time when they came out top in the playoff tournament held in Gort Community Centre. They lost to Beagh in the first game after overtime but bounced back strongly with wins over Maree and Claregalway. In the final the Moycullen girls produced an inspired performance against Beagh and won the final by ten points. This was a marvellous performance by a very talented young team and great credit must go to their coach Michelle Hynes and assistant coach Sian Williams. Special thanks to the parents who helped out on the weekend of the tournament.

Front: , Sabhbh Ni Fhatharta, Emma Regan, Orla Gilligan (Captain), Aine Phelan, Liane Mullers. Back: Siobhan Doran, Sarah Lee, Gemma Hynes, Avril Carr, Laura Lyons, Christina Browne, Michelle Hynes (Coach)

Photo: Orla Gilligan with the Cup

MEN WIN CUP AND LEAGUE DOUBLE

Congratulations to the Senior Men's team who added the Galway County Cup to the Galway League title they won earlier this season.

John Cunningham and his team have their sights set on even greater things as they are applying for membership of the National Basketball League for next season. If their application is successful it will bring regular top level games to Galway for the first time in many years. Everyone in the club is looking forward to the challenge and the opportunities.

U’12 TEAMS IN LIMERICK

In a recent tournament, hosted by the St Colm's in Limerick the Boys and Girls Under 12 teams played really well before being beaten by Blue Demons and Kilrush in their respective finals.

The boys beat St Colm's and Kinvara in their qualifiers while the girls beat St. Colm's and Riverside.

Edited from Moycullen Matters June 1998 Issue 62

SENIOR MEN MOVE UP TO THE NATIONAL LEAGUE

Having dominated Galway Senior Basketball and competed successfully in the National Intermediate League for the past two years, Moycullen senior men have made the big step into Division One of the National Basketball League.

In a bold move for the club, teams such as former National Cup winners Ballina and National Super League winners Tralee will now provide the opposition for Moycullen in a highly competitive fourteen team National League. The winners of the league will be promoted to the National Super League.

Watch out for details of the games in the season ahead and come along and see Moycullen's best battling it out with big name Irish International players such as Liam McHale, Paul McStay and John Teehan.

It promises to be a great season of top level basketball for Moycullen who are optimistic of holding their own in the top flight.

Back: Maurice Horan, Nollaig Cunningham, John French, John Cunningham, Glenn Hynes. Front :Sean Hynes, Michael Gannon, Jim Gannon, Darren Higgins, Dara Canavan. Also: Shane O'Donoghue, Colm Gavin, Ronan Waters, Paul Sweeney, Aidan Giblin, McDara Joyce.

KEVEN SELECTED ON IRISH SQUAD

Congratulations to Kevin McDonald who has been selected on the Irish U' 16 squad. Kevin was named as part of a thirty player panel following tryouts in Dublin in May and will now take part in a special summer training programme including a week long training camp in Gormanstown in July. The selection of this squad is the first step in building the Irish Junior men’s U' 18 Team for the European Championships next year.

Kevin is a great team player and a top class shooter and he has refined his individual skills by working out on his own every day over the past few years. His selection on the National Squad is a great honour and a fitting reward for his dedication. We wish Kevin every success with the squad over the coming months

WEST GIRLS TEAM SELECTION

Moycullen players continue to make a big impact on the West Region Representative Teams.

Eight girls from Moycullen have been selected to the West panels which will train over the summer for the All Ireland Inter regional Championships in November.

Selected at U18 level are Annette Hynes, Michelle Hynes, Cliodhna Bohan, Roisin Nihill, Kate Kennedy, Rebekah O’Neill, Kate Kennedy and Karen Barrett

U’15 BOYS FINSH SEASON ON TOP

The U’15 Boys produced a sparkling performance against Gort in the final game of the season to win the Galway U’15 league.

Cillian MacDonncha played superbly at point guard while Richard Lee and Richard Lyons scored freely at the forward position. Simon Murray and Andrew McDonald dominated the boards. This young Moycullen team, under coach John Cunningham, will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years.

Match programme from the 1998-1999 season when Moycullen Senior Men joined the National League for the first time:

Edited from Moycullen Matters August 1998 Issue 63

U’16 GIRLS TAKE BRONZE IN MOSNEY

The Moycullen U'16 Girls Basketball team won the bronze medals at the National Finals in Mosney last weekend. They lost a very exciting semi-final to Castleisland by six points and the Kerry team then went on to take the gold medals easily with a twenty point win in the final. In the semi-final Castleisland jumped out to an early ten point lead when they scored four 'three pointers' with their first five shots but the Moycullen team showed great spirit in hauling back the deficit to just two points with three minutes to go in the game. Michelle Hynes was out-standing throughout the game but Róisín Nihill was very restricted with an ankle injury she picked up three weeks ago and her lack of mobility took a lot away from the effectiveness of the Moycullen team.

The Moycullen girls were bitterly disappointed to lose so narrowly to Castleisland but they bounced back the following day to win the third place game by ten points over the Ulster Champions, Castleblaney. Winning bronze medals at the National finals to add to their Connacht and Galway titles is a fine achievement and they are to be congratulated on their success.

Back: Michelle Hynes, Róisín Nihill, Maggie O’Toole, Michelle Ni Riain, Emily O'Neill. Front: Gerry Nihill (Coach), Niamh Ni Fhatharta, Claire Barrett, Sinead Hynes, Blaithnéad Bohan, Sineád Nic Donncha

The U’16 Girls team would like to thank all the people who supported their fundraising efforts for Mosney.. Special thanks to Collette Nic Donncha who travelled with the team and acted as team manager in Mosney. The fundraising raffle results were. 1st Prize: A Royal Tara lamp, presented by Larry Bohan was won by Niall Kearns, Killagoola. 2nd Prize: Sunday lunch for two in the Cloonabinnia, presented by the new owners Peter and Bernie Moran and was won by Paddy O'Malley, Home Farm. 3rd Prize: Bottle of whiskey, Kate Curtis, Mountain Road

NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES FOR YOUR DIARY

Six great National League games to enjoy when the Moycullen Men’s team take the plunge into the big league for the first time. . A number of the teams will have a professional player so the standard will be a big step up from the Galway league. It’s a big challenge for the Moycullen players but it’s a great opportunity for all basketball fans in Galway to see top level basketball. Home games are in Renmore on Sunday at 2.15pm.

Game 1 | Oct 4th | v | Queens Belfast
Game 2 | Oct 18th | v | Portlaoise
Game 3 | Nov 29th | v | Belfast
Game 4 | Dec 20th | v | Ballina
Game 5 | Jan 17th | v | Queens Belfast
Game 6 | Feb 7th | v | Portlaoise

SUMMER LEAGUE

The end of school year is marked each June with the mixed summer league for national school children. This year the children had four evenings of non stop action with lots of close and exciting games. Fiona Duggan's team went undefeated in their eight games to emerge as champions. Well done to Dara Canavan and Róisín Nihill who did a great job organising this league

Photo: Michael Dowd drives to the basket in the Summer League

U’13 BOYS REACH CONNACHT FINAL

The U' 13 Community Games Boys team surprised a lot of people with their fine performance in the Connacht Finals in July, beating the Sligo Champions in the quarter final before losing to Castlebar. With all but one of the Moycullen boys underage again next year and with a lot of other talented players also available, Moycullen have a great chance of winning this championship next year.

Team: Keith Bohan (Captain). Sean Rossa McDermott Cian Costello, Cillian McDonald, Cian Phelan ,Cormac Canavan, Cian Nihill, Michael Dowd, David Carr, Ben McDonald. Coach Gerry Nihill

August 1998 Page 2

JUNIOR SECTION TRAINING RESTARTS

Basketball training resumes in September for the various teams and groups organised by the Junior Club. Contact Kitty Canavan at 555315 or Gerry Nihill at 555494 if you need information regarding registration, age groups, teams etc. The Junior Club co-ordinates the activities from U'9 to U'15 levels. A number of the regular coaches have finished their Leaving Certificate this summer and will be moving away to college therefore the club needs new managers/coaches who are willing to give an hour a week to train and organise games for particular groups. Contact Kitty or Gerry if you can help.

Monday 3-5 pm | Drills for skills' for 4th, 5th and 6th class boys
Monday 5-6 pm | 6th Class girls group
Monday 6-7 pm | U'15 Girls team
Monday 7-8 pm | U'l0 Boys team
Monday 8-9 pm | U'15 Boys team
Tuesday 5-6 pm | Drills for skills' for 3rd, 4th and 5th class girls
Tuesday 6-7 pm | 5th Class Boys group
Tuesday 7-8 pm | 6th Class Boys group
Wednesday 5-6 pm | Girls 3rd and 4th class
Wednesday 6-7 pm | Beginners, 4th, 5th and 6th class
Wednesday 7-8 pm | Girls 5th class group (With some 4th class)

Photo: Junior section U’10 player Eoin Gilson shows his pace and skill

MOYCULLEN AND ORANMORE GIRLS JOIN FORCES FOR U19 A CUP

The Moycullen and Oranmore U'19 girls teams have joined forces to challenge for the National 'A' Cup which will be played next November. The team will be jointly coached by Gerry Nihill and Joe Shields.

This group of Moycullen and Oranmore players have been playing together for a number of years on various West Schoolgirls representative teams and know each other really well. The strength of the team can be gauged from the fact that they beat a Scotland U'18 selection in the European Challenge Tournament in Limerick this summer and led the Irish U' 17 team by fourteen points at one stage before eventually losing. They have been invited to a big international tournament in Moyne in October where they will play against teams from Poland, England, Scotland and Ireland in their build up to the National Cup in November

BLITZ FOR 1st 2nd & 3rd CLASS

On the 19th August, 37 lively and excited children participated in a one day tournament. Richard Lee, Aoife Gilligan and Simon Murray organised and ran the entire event and made a brilliant success of it.

The early morning rain did not deter the young hoops fans and as the competition got underway the sun began to shine and the games moved from the hall to the outdoor courts. Following tough competition the 'Knicks' were victorious over the 'Rockets' Catherine Kyne and David Lee won the MVP awards and Nicky Reardon an award for sportsmanship. Well done to all who took part and helped out. Roll on Blitz '99

Photo: Dara Canavan busy putting up the new baskets at Scoil Mhuire

Edited from Moycullen Matters September 1998 Issue 64

GREAT START TO THE NATIONAL LEAGUE

The Senior Men’s team have made an explosive start to the National League with two convincing wins in their opening games. The team is well balanced, having excellent outside shooters, some very quick forwards and with the 'Twin Towers' combination of Nollaig and John Cunningham on the boards. Dara Canavan is silk smooth in his ball handling skills and top scored on twenty seven points on his way to an MVP performance in the first game. Glenn Hynes and Jim Gannon are unstoppable when they drive to the basket while younger players like Kevin McDonald, Gearóid Hynes and Rory Monaghan are well able to compete with the older players. With experienced guards like Sean Hynes and Colm Gavin also available, this is a team which is ready to make a big impact.

They played the Clare Jets in a thrilling exhibition game in Renmore on the 18th October and, while the Jets ran out winners, they were pushed to the limit by a great Moycullen performance. The Jets had four professional players on court, two Americans, one Canadian and one Yugoslavian but the local boys made them fight for every basket of their fourteen point win. The level of performance by the Moycullen team will give them great confidence for the rest of the season

Photo(left): Kevin McDonald in action against the Clare Jets in Renmore

Photo(middle): John Cunningham battling for position in the game with the Clare Jets

Photo(right): Nollaig Cunningham tries to get a block on a lay up by one of the Americans on the Clare Jets

MOYCULLEN-ORANMORE COMBINATION TAKE ON ENGLISH CADETTE TEAM

A Moycullen-Oranmore U’18 Girls selection came within a whisker of taking a big scalp when going under by one point to the English Cadette Team in the Moyne International Tournament.

They outplayed the English for long periods and at one stage led by seventeen points. The loss of Róisín Nihill with a reoccurrence of an ankle injury just before half time disturbed the balance of the team. This allowed the English to gradually haul back the deficit and they snatched victory in the final seconds.

Annette and Michelle Hynes had big games and played particularly well in the win over the Scotland U’16 Team and in the win over the host Club, Moyne.

Photo: Róisín Nihill (8) playing for Moycullen-Oranmore against the England Cadette Team.

Edited from Moycullen Matters December 1998 Issue 65

BIG UPCOMING NATIONAL LEAGUE GAME WITH BALLINA

This is one game not to be missed. Ballina, led by Liam McHale and powered by American Deora Marsh will battle with Moycullen in Renmore Sports Centre on Sunday 20th December. At stake is the outright leadership of the northern section of the National league Division One.

After five games Moycullen have won three and lost two. They lost by five to Ballina earlier in the season but are confident they can turn the tables this time. Tip off in Renmore is at 2.15pm on Sunday 20th December and as a big crowd is expected it is advisable to get to the gym early.

Moycullen will be looking to a big performance on the boards from Nollaig if Moycullen are to contain the rebounding power of Marsh and the McHale brothers.

Photo Nollaig Cunningham.

MOYCULLEN-MAREE COMBINATION SO CLOSE IN NATIONAL CUP

Moycullen and Maree combined forces for this year's U'19 A Cup competition. Coaches Gerry Nihill and Joe Shields have worked closely with the group over the past five seasons and felt a combined team gave the girls the best chance of competing with the traditional powerhouses at this age in Dublin, Cork, Waterford

Moycullen-Maree U' 19 Girls Team (Moycullen in Bold)(7)Marina McCarty, (6) Michelle Hynes, (9) Annette Hynes, (13) Sharon Nolan,(15) Michelle Fahy, (4) Cliodhna Bohan, (8) Roisin Nihill, (14) Angela Madden, (5) Karen Barrett, (11) Aisling Fahy, (10) Gail Hannify, Coaches Gerry Nihill & Joe Shields

U’19 MEN IN ‘A’ CUP

The Moycullen U'19 men faced stiff competition as they took a big step and moved up this year from the 'B' competition to the top level. They were drawn against Super League clubs Neptune, Killarney and Star of the Sea, and although they played well, they could not match the playing power of the big clubs. Nevertheless our young players had the confidence to take on the top teams and will have gained a lot of top level playing experience.

U'19 Cup team. Dara Canavan, Kevin McDonald, Gearoid Hynes, James Lydon, Mark Howard, Derek Canavan, Eoin Darcy, Eric Conneely, Johnny Langan. Coach Sean Hynes

In the Galway Senior Men's Div.1 League, the U'19 men (Playing as Moycullen 'B') had a fine win away to a strong Maree team.

U’17 GIRLS WIN TOURNAMENT

Well done to the Moycullen girls U’17 team who had a great win in the St. Colm’s Invitation Tournament in Limerick, coming out top of the eight team competition, beating Brunell from Cork in the final.

Team: Róisín Nihill, Michele Hynes, Annette Hynes, Karen Barrett, Niamh Ni Fhatharta, Claire Barrett, Sinead Hynes and Coach Noelle Regan.

Photo: Annette Hynes

Edited from Moycullen Matters January 1999 Issue 66

WIN IN LAST HOME GAME PUTS MOYCULLEN IN LINE FOR PLAYOFFS

Glenn Hynes took the MVP award with sixteen points, five blocks and eleven rebounds as Moycullen Senior Men rounded off their home programme with a well-deserved but hard earned twelve point win over Queen's University in Renmore.

This victory should be enough to secure the runner up spot in the Northern section of the league and give them a playoff semi-final game against the winners of the southern section at the end of February. The final home game against Queens was sponsored by Contract Crushing Services Ltd. and the representative of the company, Richie Lee, presented the MVP award to Glen Hynes after the game

Photo: At the Ballina-Moycullen National League game in Renmore before Christmas was Sean Hynes of Moycullen Basketball Club with representatives of the sponsors of the first three National League games, Anne Downey of Q Set, Bob McDonald of CK Business Electronics, Mick Turley and Johnny Collins of the former Democrats Basketball Club.

Photo: John Cunningham has been in outstanding form for Moycullen in the National League

NEW LOOK LADIES TEAM

With the introduction of a few new players and an Australian coach the Moycullen Senior Ladies Basketball team are well underway for the '98'/99 season. As the coach orders painful exercises for each mistake, the girls are beginning to understand the concept of discipline which hopefully will show in their matches for the remainder of the season. Their match against Oughterard was a close battle all the way to the final whistle, but luck was not on their side and Oughterard managed a narrow victory. Similarly, Moycullen fought a brave battle against the Galway kingpins, Maree. Although they lost the ladies were proud of their great performance against this top Division one team.

The Moycullen panel are: Ann Blehein, Rebecca Nolan, Noelle Regan, Anne Burke, Helen Glynn, Rebekah O'Neill, Emma Croke, Marina Ni Riain, Mary Regan and coach Mark Devery. .

U’13 BOYS TEAM

Back L/R Stephen Tierney, Colm Cuffe, Killian McDonald, David Carr, Colin Turke, Front L/R Michael Dowd, Robert Mulkerrins, Conor Bohan, Pearse Heneghan, Sean Rossa McDermott

As the 1998 – 1999 season drew to a close, Moycullen senior men were already looking ahead to the summer and had scheduled an attractive game against a visiting High School team from the USA. The page below is from the Moycullen National League match programme, February 1999.

Edited from Moycullen Matters March 1999 Issue 67

SUCCESSFUL FIRST SEASON IN THE NATIONAL LEAGUE ENDS IN THE SEMI FINAL

In the National League Division One semi-final which was played on the Clare Jets home court in Ennistymon, the Moycullen Senior Men's team were beaten by the Southern Section winners and former Super League champions, Tralee Tigers. The players can feel proud of their achievements in reaching the final four in their first season in the National League. They were very competitive in most of their games although former Super League teams like Ballina and Tralee had still a significant advantage in experience. Their achievements in reaching this level is all the more remarkable considering that they were the only team without a 'home court' for training or games .

Photo: Nollaig Cunningham scoring over Ballina’s Liam McHale and Deora Marsh in the National League game against Ballina in Renmore

Photo: Dara Canavan blocks Liam McHale’s shot in the National League game in Renmore against Ballina

Photo: Richie Lee, Contract Crushing Ltd, presenting the game MVP to Glenn Hynes after the final home National League game of the season.

Photo: Brendan Hynes and Richie Lee try their hand at scoring a basket after the National league game in Renmore

GALWAY LEAGUE UPDATE

In the Galway league the Moycullen men’s A Team are in top position as the league enters the closing stages. Maree are in second place and are pushing Moycullen all the way so it could go down to the final games of the season to decide the county A title.

The team would like to thank everyone who supported the fundraising table quiz

March 1999 Page 2

JUNIOR SECTION NEWS

The Moycullen U'13 Girls team had a special treat in early March when they travelled to Sligo to watch the Irish Schoolgirls U'16 team in action against England in the four countries championship. The girls also played a challenge game against Bunninadden while in Sligo.

The Galway U'11, U'13 and U'15 Galway League competitions have reached the playoff stages with all the Moycullen teams still in contention for county honours. Each of the leagues finish with a playoff tournament in which the teams are seeded based on their league positions. Moycullen won three of the six titles last season, taking the U'11 girls, U'11 boys and U'15 boys titles.

The U’13 boys played in an excellent tournament hosted by Maree Basketball Club, losing to Dublin's Notre Dame by nine points in the semi-final. Two weeks later it was off to Dublin for return games with Notre Dame. The U'12's had seven points to spare in their match but the U'11 lost by one. They then played Killester U'12 in a curtain raiser to the Killester men's Super League game in Clontarf and delighted the crowd with their skill and scoring touch as they beat the home team by fifteen points.

U’11 & U’12 BOYS VISIT BLUE DEMONS

In January the U'11 and U'12 boy’s teams were hosted in Cork city for a weekend by Blue Demons.

They won four of the eight games played over the two days, including a sparkling performance by the U'11 team defeating the Demons U'11 team by fifty-one points!

Blue Demons will be making a return trip to Moycullen in the coming weeks .

U’11 GIRLS WIN THEIR HOME TOURNAMENT

Well done to the U'11 Girls who beat teams from Limerick, Castlebar and Ballinrobe on their way to winning the Moycullen club invitation tournament which was held in Moneenageisha, Galway.

This talented young team was Front: Emma Regan, Aoife O’Connell, Deirdre Wyer, Sarah Lee, Orla Gilligan Back: Roisin Nihill (Coach). Jennifer Lee, Ciara Power, Christina Browne, Sally Acton, Gemma Hynes. Michelle Hynes (Coach).

Photo: U'11 Girls team Captain Sarah Lee led her team to four wins from four games as Moycullen girls captured the annual club invitation tournament in Galway.

Photo: Christina Browne

END OF SEASON

The Junior section will be winding up training for the season at Easter. Now is the time to think about attending a summer basketball camp. Contact Gerry Nihill 555494

Edited from Moycullen Matters April 1999 Issue 68

SENIOR MEN WIN GALWAY LEAGUE AND CUP DOUBLE

While the Senior Men’s focus this season was on the National league they still found time to collect another Galway league Division One Title. Such was the depth of talent in the Moycullen squad that they were able to split their team into two squads for the Galway Cup and still have enough in hand to win the championship.

MENS TEAM CAPTURE THE FRANK GALLERY TOURNAMENT

The Senior Men won the Frank Gallery Memorial Tournament Cup when they beat the National League side from Castleisland in overtime in the Tournament final in Ennistymon.. Dara Canavan scored on the buzzer to tie the final and send it into overtime and then Gearoid Hynes showed great maturity under pressure to score some vital baskets.

But it was seventeen year old Kevin McDonald who stole the show, top scoring on twenty three points as Moycullen grabbed a splendid tournament win. Photo on the left shows Kevin McDonald accepting the Frank Gallery memorial Cup in Ennistymon

U’13 BOYS COMPLETE A THREE IN A ROW IN GALWAY COMMUNITY GAMES

Moycullen U’13 boys produced a number of superb performances to win the Galway Community Games title for the third year in a row. They now go on to represent Galway at the Connacht Finals. They dominated all their games, defeating Athenry in the first round, Kilconly in the quarter final, Oranmore-Maree in the semi-final and Oughterard in the final. They averaged over fifty points per game and with five of the team underage again next year they will be very likely to make it four in a row. For now the focus is on the upcoming Connacht Finals. And then who knows perhaps a trip to Mosney to the National Finals.

Team. David Carr (Captain), Sean Rossa McDermott, Conor Bohan, Cillian McDonald, Cormac Canavan, Cian Nihill, Diarmuid Lee, Michael Dowd, Cian Phelan, Kieran O’Connor. Coach Gerry Nihill.

Photo: U’13 Community Games Coach Gerry Nihill with some time out tips for his team

U’17 BOYS WIN SLIGO TOURNAMENT

Congrats to the U' 17 boys team and their coach Sean Hynes on winning the Sligo Invitational Tournament, beating their old rivals Longford in the final. A week later the team made the journey to Cork for the annual Billy Kelly National Invitation Tournament where they faced four top Irish sides. They beat Castleblaney but lost to Marian from Dublin and to the Cork sides Iona and Demons .

Team: Kevin McDonald, Derek Canavan, Alex Lydon-Horn, Gearoid Hynes, Fergal Monaghan, Denis Laffey, Tom Grealish, Conor Cavanagh, Richard Lyons. Coach Sean Hynes

U13 GIRLS SHOW PROMISE

The U' 13 girls played with a lot of skill to reach the Galway championship semi-final. With most of the team underage again next year they will be a force to be reckoned with. Highlight of the playoff tournament for the Moycullen girls was a dramatic double over-time win over holders Beagh in the first round.

Team: Orla Gilligan, Gemma Hynes, Siobhan Doran, Emma Regan, Sarah Lee, Christina Brown, Claire Walsh, Rachael Conneely, Deirdre Wyer, Sally Acton, Sandra Dunne, Jennifer Lee, Aoife 0 Connell. Coaches: Roisin Nihill, Michelle Hynes. Manager: Tomas Gilligan

April 1999 Page 2

GALWAY JUVENILE PLAYOFFS 1999

The U'11 boys won the Galway Championship for the third time in succession when they produced an inspired performance in the final against a more fancied Maree team. Don Healy was the star, coming off the bench to grab vital rebounds and score ten points as Moycullen came from behind for an eight point victory. Well done to father and son coaching combination Kevin and Richard Lee.

Photo:Richard Lee( Coach), Eanna Noone, Simon Cunningham, Don Healy, Eoin Gilson, Eanna Mac- Donncha, Kevin Lee (Coach) Dillon McDermott, Eoghan Maxwell, Thomas O'Dwyer, Martin Hofler, James Loughnane, David Lee, Peter Kelly.

The U' 13 boys team gave a powerful display of all round basketball as they cruised to the Galway championship. This was a second county U' 13 championship in three years for Moycullen at this age

Photo: U' 13 captain, Stephen Tierney being presented with the County Cup from the Galway Area Board representative Richard Finn

Photo: U’13 Boys Team Robert Mulkerrins, Cian Costello, David Carr, Colin Turke, Sean Rossa McDermott, Haulie Dowd (Coach). Pearse Heneghan, Conor Bohan, Cormac Canavan, Stephen Tierney, Michael Dowd, David Feeley.

U’11 Girls Coach Anne Burke was thrilled with the fine performances by her team in reaching the Galway final. The playoffs were hosted by Claregalway who beat Moycullen by two in the first game. However Moycullen bounced back in the next match with a good win over Beagh and they then went on to beat the tournament favourites, Maree in the semi-final. The final was very close, Claregalway won just by two points.

Team: Aine Phelan, Meg Williams, Avril Carr, Lisa Heneghan, Heather Doyle, Sabhbh Ni Fhatharta, Maria O'Sullivan, Katie Lydon, Anika Houbler, Catherine Kyne, Michelle Kyne, Eimear Doyle, Ciara Kyne, Alison Hand

The U’15 boys came into the playoffs ranked fourth but surprised a number of the more fancied teams in reaching the championship final. Playing without their two starting guards, the Moycullen boys produced a great win over Claregalway in the quarter and then Gort in the semi-final before losing by seven to an older and more experienced Maree side in the final. Coach John Cunningham has made great progress with this young squad.

Edited from Moycullen Matters April 1999 Issue 69

MOYCULLEN IN FRANCE FOR FIRST TIME

The Moycullen U' 13 boys team had the opportunity of a lifetime when they travelled to Ardres in France for the Henri Seux International Tournament. Invited at short notice, the Moycullen boys had a great experience playing against five top continental sides and enjoying some wonderful hospitality from their French hosts. It was a magnificent tournament with sixteen teams drawn from Italy, Latvia, France, Slovenia, Belgium, England, Luxembourg, Denmark, Holland as well as our own team Moycullen. Ardres is a small town in northern France, not much bigger than Moycullen yet it has marvellous indoor sports facilities, its main sports hall seating over 1,000 people. The hospitality offered by the people of Ardres was fantastic with the Moycullen players hosted by local families and all meals and transport provided by these families over the four days.

Photo: Kieran O’Connor carrying the Irish flag for Moycullen in France

The tournament was for boys born in 1986 but with most of the Moycullen lads born in 1987 and 1988 they were a little young and therefore found the size and strength of their opponents difficult to deal with. Nevertheless, they played magnificently in their five games and won the hearts of the locals in Ardres with their skill and spirit.

They were most unlucky to lose narrowly to the English and Italian teams. They also played really well in the opening game against Opava from the Czech Republic-despite the enormous size of the opponents and they also put up a very good performance against the two Belgium teams, both of which had much older players. Hopefully over the coming years their International contacts can be built on so that more players will have a similar opportunity.

Back: Kitty Canavan, Haulie Dowd, Middle: Cian Nihill, Cillian McDonald, Sean Rossa McDermott, David Carr. Front: Gerry Nihill, Conor Bohan, Diarmuid Lee, Michael Dowd, Kieran O'Connor, Cormac Canavan, Cian Phelan, John Cunningham.

Photo: Cian Nihill in action against English side Brighton

Photo: Sean Rossa McDermott

Travel and tournament schedule for the first trip to Continental Europe for a Moycullen youth team. This was a twenty four hour trip by land and sea from Moycullen to Ardres in France.

Edited from Moycullen Matters September 1999 Issue 70

U’13 TAKE SILVER AT THE NATIONAL

The tension was almost unbearable, with the score tied and thirty se conds remaining, as a last time out was called in a fanta stic

All Ireland U' 13 Community Games final. Nine months of preparation came to a focus for the young Moycullen boys as they ran one last play for David Carr to score what seemed the winning Basket. But Castleisland found the inspiration for an equalising score to send the game into overtime. With the momentum of that last basket now with the Munster champions they snatched the gold medal in that overtime from a gallant Moycullen team.

The initial disappointment at having lost the final was soon replaced by a real sense of achievement at having reached such a high level of play and winning silver medals at the greatest sporting event in Ireland for young people. There was a special moment of joy during a lovely presentation ceremony when the band struck up the 'Fields of Athenry' as the Moycullen boys were presented with their All-Ireland silver medals. Earlier this summer the Moycullen boys became the first ever Galway U' 13 team to qualify for Mosney when they overcame Mayo and Sligo in a thrilling Connacht championship. They had earlier won the Galway championship, making it three in a row for Moycullen in the county.

Bonfires along the roadside on the way into Moycullen on Monday night and the reception at the school hall will long be remembered by the players. A wonderful end to a fantastic season

Galway & Connacht U’13 Champions Silver Medal Winners at the National Finals in Mosney Back. Cian Phelan, Sean Rossa McDermott, David Carr, Cillian McDonald, Conor Bohan, Gerry Nihill. Front Diarmuid Lee, Michael Dowd, Cian Nihill, Cormac Canavan, Kieran O’Connor.

SUMMER LEAGUE A BIG HIT

June just would not be the same without the ever popular Summer League. The hottest music was played and the hottest moves made (by Conor Bohan!) and everyone had a great time. Well done to Roisin Nihill and Karen Barrett who made it all possible. For the record, the league was won by Colin Turke, Sinead Gorrnley, Cian Nihill, Eoin Gilson, Maria O' Sullivan, Conor Bohan, Hannah Conneely, Dillon McDermott and Gregory Farnan. Top Scorer Award Sean Rossa McDermott, Best Rebounder, David Carr, Sportsmanship award Christina Browne, Best young player, James Loughnane, MVP awards Cian Nihill, and Siobhan Doran, Hottest moves Conor Bohan!!! Later in the summer a very enjoyable one day tournament for younger players was organised by Richard Lee and Aoife Gilligan. Well done to these two young people for making such a positive contribution to sport in the village.

Photo: Mr. & Miss Summer League Rachel Conneely & David Feeley

Photo: David Carr about to score a basket during the Summer league

September 1999 Page 2

NATIONAL LEAGUE TIPS OFF

What a super programme of top games lie ahead for the men’s team in the newly expanded first divis ion of the National Basketball League Moycullen open their season at home to Castleisland on Saturday night. 9th October in Renmore at 8.15pm. It promises to be a great game as in their mos t recent clash Moycullen won by two points in overtime. Former Sligo and Killarney coach Joe Coughlan takes over the coaching duties and with all the regular players available again plus former Democrats star Marcus O'Grady also on board, it promises to be a great season for Moycullen. The full programme of home games for your diary is:

Sat 9th October | 8.15 in Renmore | v | Castleisland |
Sat 13th October | 8.15 in Renmore | v | Ballina Cols |
Sat 27th November | 8.15 in Renmore | v | Kilkenny |
Sat 18th December | 8.15 in Renmore | v | Tralee |
Sat 8th January | 8.15 in Renmore | v | Neptune, Cork |
Sat 5th Febryary | 8.15 in Renmore | v | Queens, Belfast |
Sat 19th February | 8.15 in Renmore | v | Ballina |
Sat $th March | 8.15 in Renmore | v | Blue Demons

Photo: Nollaig Cunningham in the Ballina game last season

SENIOR LADIES TEAM

..Anne Burke

Last season was fun filled as usual. With the never ending search for a coach this season having searched far and wide the ladies found a very obliging Australian, Mark Devery. Thank you Mark for an interesting season. Unfortunately the poor man could not withstand another Irish winter, so with great regret he said goodbye. So yet again the situation is vacant. Apply now to beat the rush!

Photo: Summer League Girls MVP Siobhan Doran

Back: Mark Devery, Anne Burke, Lorraine Walsh, Rebekha O'Neill, Margaret Costelloe, Emma Croke. Front: Ann Blehein, Rebecca Nolan, Mary Regan, Helen Glynn, Noelle Regan

JUNIOR SECTION NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

A number of the coaches who put in such great work over the past few years have now moved away to college and there is a shortage of people to look after some groups. Can you give one hour a week to train a group in the local hall and organise some games for them between October and March. If you can help telephone Kitty at 555315 or Gerry at 555494

.

Photo: Basketball Star of the Future Lairgnen McDermott

Edited from Moycullen Matters November 1999 Issue 71

NATIONAL LEAGUE TIPS OFF WITH A THRILLER

Three times Moycullen went to the free throw line in the closing minute needing a point to finish off Castleisland and three times the ball did not drop Castleisland were off the hook and the game went into overtime. Without John Cunningham who fouled out late in the game, Moycullen lacked the experience to close out the game and Castleisland snatched a dramatic victory. Great disappointment for the home side but great entertainment for the large crowd who came to support Moycullen in the opening game of the season. If even some of the remaining matches are half as exciting as this one then the fans are in for a wonderful season. The Moycullen National league squad is Rory Monaghan, Paul Sweeney. Nollaig Cunningham, Alex Lyden Horn, John Cunningham, Ronan Waters. Glen Hynes. Martin Burke, Gearóid Hynes, Kevin McDonald, Mohammed Kone, Dara Canavan, Jim Gannon, Marcus O'Grady, Sean Hynes, Danny Cullinane. Maurice Horan, Douglas Collins, Joe Coughlan (Coach),

Photo: Martin Burke made his National League debut against Castleisland

Photo: Glen Hynes scoring in last season’s game against Ballina in Renmore. Moycullen will be looking to Glen Hynes to repeat the 16 p.p.g. he averaged last season.

WEST U’18 GIRLS

Congratulations to Karen Barrett and Roisin Nihill who were selected on the West Schoolgirls team which competed at the All Ireland Inter-Regional Championships

LIMERICK TRIP

The U' 11 Boys and Girls, the U' 13 Boys and Girls the U' 14 Boys and U'15 Boys made a day trip to Limerick to play St Colms in a series of games, winning four of the six matches. Thanks to all coaches who made the trip possible.

Photo: Talented U’11 player Eanna MacDonnacha played in the Limerick games

JUNIOR TRAINING SESSIONS IN FULL SWING

You really know that winter is close at hand when basketball training for the Junior club resumes. This year there are ten different groups and each group has an adult coach. The club would like to welcome new coaches Francis Kelly, Robbie Walsh, Denis Phelan, Nollaig Cunningham and Tomas Gilligan who will be joining Anne Burke, Gerry Nihill, Kevin Lee, and Michelle Hynes, John Cunningham and Noelle Regan in providing weekly training sessions for the children. A number of teenagers are also helping out including Richard Lee, Mark Loughnane, Keith Bohan, Helen Browne, Tara Russell. The Galway U'll, Ul3 and U'I6 league will be tipping off shortly. Despite the extra coaching volunteers, there is still a need for some extra adults to take a weekly session with new players or to run a recreational league

U’19 TEAMS TO PLAY IN THE NATIONAL CUP

Best of luck to the Moycullen U’19 boys and girl’s teams who will be taking part in the All-Ireland Regional Cup at the end of the month

Edited from Moycullen Matters December 1999 Issue 72

MARVELLOUS DOUBLE VICTORY TAKES THE U’19 BOYS AND THE U’19 GIRLS INTO THE NATIONAL CUP FINALS

It was double celebration for Moycullen as the U'19 boys and U’19 girls won the Regional "Sprite Cup" Qualification Tournaments. Reaching the National final is a fantastic achievement for the Moycullen teams. It is a rare occurrence in Irish Basketball for one club to provide the All Ireland Finalists in both the boys and girls U'19 competitions. It is all the more remarkable considering that the club does not have a home indoor venue, probably the only club in Ireland in such a position.

The boys beat Marathon of Limerick in the final of the Qualification Tournament and now look forward to a trip to the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght for the All Ireland Regional Cup Final on 18th December.

Team: Kevin McDonald, Gearoid Hynes, Denis Laffey, Pat Laffey, Richard Lyons, Fergal Monaghan, Derek Canavan, Ross Conboy, Charlie Clarke, Johnny Langan, Owen McMonagle, Henry Shepard, Alex Lyden Horn. Coach Sean Hynes.

Photo: Gearoid Hynes

Photo: Kevin McDonald .

The U'19 girls team produced a string of marvellous performances on their way to reaching the National Final, winning all four games at the qualification tournament, including a twenty four point win over old rivals Castleisland in the tournament final.

The girls will play in the All Ireland Regional Cup Final at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght on the same weekend as the U'19 boys. The girls team which won the Regional Qualification Tournament was Annette Hynes (Captain), Michelle Hynes, Karen Barrett, Roisin Nihill, Cliodhna Bohan, Michelle Fahy, Elaine Kelly. Coach Gerry Nihill. Assistant coach Joe Shields.

Photo: Róisín Nihill (8)

U’13 BOYS PLAY IN THE ARENA

The u’13 boys team played at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght where they played Dublin U'13 champions Notra Dame as a curtain raiser to the Men’s Super League game between Denny Notra Dame and Sligo

Back: Kieran O'Connor, Cian Phelan, Cian Nihill, Cian Costello, Michael Nolan, Diarmuid Lee. Front: Michael Dowd, Christopher Hurney, Cormac Canavan, Cathal Conneely, Matthew Cunningham

Photo: Gemma Hynes won the best shooter award at the game in Dublin between Moycullen U’13 girls and Killester U’13

Edited from Moycullen Matters February 2000 Issue 73

NO STOPPING THE GIRLS AS THEY WIN THE ALL IRELAND REGIONAL CUP

The Moycullen U'19 Girls team produced an awesome display of skill and power to win the All-Ireland Sprite Regional Cup Competition in the National Arena at Christmas. In the three team round robin final, they destroyed the Cork champions and favourites, Skibbereen before going on to beat Dublin champions Swords and take the prestigious National Title. A week earlier the girls had qualified for the final by winning the West Regional Championship in Castleisland. Following the All Ireland win the entire team were named as 'Sports Stars of the Week' by Galway Bay FM.

This is the second All Ireland title for some of the players as five of them were on the Moycullen U' 16 team that won Community Games three years ago while Michelle Fahy led her school in Oranmore to the Senior A Schoolgirls Cup title last Spring. Special mention must go to Michelle Hynes who was truly outstanding in all six games on the way to the U'19 cup win, averaging twenty-four points per game and producing an incredible thirty-six points in the final.

Back: L/R Gerry Nihill (Coach) Cliodhna Bohan, Riona Burke, Michelle Fahy, Elaine Kelly, Michelle Hynes, Joe Shields (Ass. Coach) Front: L/R Gail Hannify, Karen Barrett, Roisin Nihill, Annette Hynes, Aisling Fahy

Photo: Moycullen U'19 captain Annette Hynes accepting the National Championship trophy from former IBA president Tony Keane.

HURLING OR HOOPS ?

Photo: Clare hurling star Ollie Baker warming up for the charity basketball game between the Clare Jets National League Team and the Clare Hurling Team.

Photo: Hurling and Hoops fans Cian Nihill and Michael Nolan with Clare hurling stars Ollie Baker and Brian Lohan at the charity exhibition basketball game in Ennistymon.

U’19 MEN SO CLOSE

It was heartbreak for a brave Moycullen U'19 Men's team when they came within one game of taking the National U'19 Regional Cup. It looked as if the Moycullen name was 'on the Cup' when they came from behind to snatch a brilliant extra time semi-final victory over Castleisland but Ballina had an experience and quickness edge over the Moycullen team in the final. Two weeks earlier Moycullen won the regional Cup Qualification Tournament in Limerick, which was in itself a marvellous achievement. Great credit to Coach Sean Hynes and the players for making it to the National Arena and coming so close to the All-Ireland. These are players with a bright future.

February 2000 Issue 73 Page 2

CHRISTMAS BLITZ STILL GOING STRONG

Photo: Winners of the last Christmas Blitz of the Millennium Back:. James Lydon, Glen Hynes, Padraig Kelly. Front: Andrew McDonald, Seamus Friel.

Photo: Martin Clancy might be retired from the Christmas Blitz but his son Cathal kept up the family tradition.

Photo: Robbie Walsh lines up a 'Castleisland special' during the Christmas Blitz

U’13 TEAMS PLAY IN KERRY

The U'13 boy’s and girl’s teams travelled to Kerry in January with the men’s National League Team who were playing away to Castleisland. They played two games on Saturday and then stayed overnight in Tralee. They had a special treat on the Sunday morning when they had the Aquadome almost to themselves for two hours

Photo: U’13 group supporting the Moycullen national league team who played Castleisland

NATIONAL LEAGUE UPDATE

Ballina look to be home and dry for the League title but the race for the runner up spot and the pride that goes with it continues at full pace. There are still some great contests to look forward to in Renmore, particularly the visits of Ballina and Demons. Moycullen have had an exceptional year and look to be the team to beat next season as age starts to catch up on the McHale led Ballina squad. Roll on September 2000. The remaining home fixtures are 19th February v Ballina and 4th March v Demons.

WIN £10 BY NAMING THE PLAYER

Name the well - known hurling play e r making the lay-up in the photograph . Answers on a postcard to Gerry Nihill , Home Farm, Moycullen.

The winner drawn from correct entries at the next home National League

Edited from Moycullen Matters April 2000 Issue 74

SENIOR MEN TAKE SECOND PLACE IN THE NATIONAL LEAGUE

13 AND 3 WINNING SEASON

When the players look back on a wonderful season they will realise that given a bit of luck Moycullen could have gone all the way and won the League.

The team made great progress over the campaign, growing in confidence with every game, culminating with two brilliant wins right at the end of the season, first at home against the McHale led Ballina and then away to Neptune. The blend of youth and experience and the emergence of seventeen year old Alex Lydon-Horn as a centre of real power and skill, gave Moycullen an edge in most games, especially in the second half of the season. The best is yet to come.

FINAL NATIONAL LEAGUE TABLE

| Games | Won | Lost | Points
Longnecks, Ballina | 16 | 15 | 1 | 30
Moycullen | 16 | 13 | 3 | 26
Neptune, Cork | 16 | 11 | 5 | 22
St. Mary's ,Castle island | 16 | 10 | 6 | 20
ADS Kilkenny | 16 | 8 | 8 | 16
Blue Demons | 16 | 7 | 9 | 14
Lundy Food, Ballina | 16 | 5 | 11 | 10
Queens, Belfast | 16 | 3 | 13 | 6
Tralee Tigers | 16 | 0 | 16 | 0

The team would also like to thank the local business people who supported the team financially during the season. They would like to thank all the supporters, many of whom were regulars at the home games and the club members who helped out on match nights.

CORK COUNTY BOARD U’12 CHAMPIONS

The U'12 boys produced an outstanding performance in winning the Cork Co. Board Open Tournament, surprising all opposition with their skill and team- work as they overpowered the big three Cork teams, Demons, Neptune and Iona on the way to the title.

Cian Nihill was in brilliant scoring form while Diarmuid Lee was the best point guard in the tournament. With Christopher Hurney, Eanna MacDonncha and Michael Nolan excellent in defence the team was just unbeatable.

Front L/R: Alan Ryan, Christopher Hurney, Cian Nihill (Captain) Cathal Conneely, Nicky Riordan. Back L/R: Eoin Gilson, Michael Nolan, Diarmuid Lee, Eanna MacDonncha, Brian Grant. Coach Gerry Nihill

U’13 TEAMS HEAD TO AUSTRIA

It should be a trip of a lifetime for eighteen young basketball players from Moycullen as they fly out to Vienna at Easter for a big International Tournament. Nine boys and nine girls will be competing in the Vienna 2000 tournament over six days in April.

The players have trained very hard over recent months in order to prepare for a standard of competition which will be far higher than they have ever experience before. With team’s from sixteen nations taking part it promises to be a wonderful sporting opportunity for thes e young players.

Photo: Christopher Hurney was one of the stars for Moycullen when they won the Cork U’12 tournament, shutting down the top Demons player in the final.

April 2000 Issue 74 Page 2

LADIES TEAM HAVE A GOOD SEASON WITH SIX WINS

Moycullen Senior Ladies team had their best season ever in the Galway League with six wins, including double victories over Claregalway and Barna and impressive wins over Gort and Crescent. Carraroe dominated this year’s competition but with the Moycullen Ladies making steady progress under coach John Hunt it may not be long before they will be able to challenge for the Galway League.

Team: Sinead Keys, Helen Glynn, Margaret Costelloe, Anne Blehein, Rebekah O'Neill, Rebecca Nolan, Imelda Walsh, Jackie Scahill, Emma Croke, Noelle Regan, Liz Jennings, Joanne Shaughnessy and Loretta Gavin. Coach John Hunt

Photo: Prominent members of the Moycullen Ladies Senior Galway League team at the recent game in Ennistymon. Helen Glynn, Sinead Keyes and Margaret Costelloe.

U’13 GIRLS HAVE THE TALENT TO BE SUCCESSFUL

The Moycullen U’13 girls team have developed into an excellent team over the past season guided by the hard work and dedication of their coaches Michelle Hynes and Tomas Gilligan.

They are unbeaten in the Galway league and also played in Dublin, Kerry and Limerick, building up experience against the best teams in Ireland at their age. Although most of the team are still in National school, they have proven to be more than a match for most first year secondary school teams around Galway.

To finish the season the girls are travelling to Austria for the Vienna 2000 Tournament in April.

Congrats to the St. Paul’s Oughterard Cadette Girls team and their coach Padraig Kelly on their brilliant win in the All Ireland Schools final

U’11 BOYS TAKE RUNNER UP SPOT IN THE

Back L/R: Eanna Noone, Dillon McDermott, Christopher McNairney Front L/R: Gareth Mangan, David Lee, Eoghan Maxwell, Peter Kelly, James Loughnane, Michael Hurney. Coaches Kevin and Richard Lee.

Win £10

Name the 6’-8’’ seventeen year old player who lines out for the Moycullen Senior Men’s Team in the National League

The winner of £10 in last month’s competition was Amy Duggan who correctly identified the Clare All Ireland hurling winning goalkeeper Davy Fitzgerald as the player making the layup in the exhibition game in Ennistymon.

Edited from Moycullen Matters June 2000 Issue 75

MOYCULLEN BASKETBALL CLUB OF THE YEAR

Moycullen Basketball took the coveted ESB Club of the Year Award at the Annual Irish Basketball Awards Ceremony in Tallaght. This is the second time the club has taken this award. Speaking at the presentation Irish Basketball Chief Executive Scott McCarthy was full of praise for the club, stating that Moycullen have been responsible for developing basketball in the Galway region and raising the playing standard in the Connacht area. The season has been the most successful ever, highlights of which were with the senior men winning the inaugural All Ireland Club Championship and the U’19 girls winning the All Ireland Regional Cup. In the local area board the senior men winning a ’back to back’ Galway league and cup double.

END OF SEASON CELEBRATION SOCIAL IN THE WESTWOOD

The club held a very enjoyable celebration function in the Westwood Hotel to mark what was a wonderful season. Presentations were made to the sponsors of the National League team and everyone had a chance to view the silverware collected over the season. On display also were over 200 photographs, some taken as far back as the 1960’s.

Photo: Joe Cunningham enjoying a chat with Ann Dowd at the end of season gathering in the Westwood.

Photo: Bridie Loughnane, Liz McDonald and Frances Maxwell at the social

Club officers and coaches at the end of season celebration function in the Westwood Bob McDonald, Kitty Canavan, John Cunningham. Ann Burke, Joe Coughlan, Noelle Regan, Nollaig Cunningham, Tomas Gilligan Gerry Nihill, Denis Phelan

SENIOR MEN WIN THE INAUGRAL ALL IRELAND CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

Moycullen won the inaugural All Ireland Club Championship, coming out top of the sixty team competition at the national finals in Dublin. Moycullen qualified as Connacht champions and went on to face the three other provincial winners in the playoffs. Moycullen beat the Leinster winners Corinthians in the semi final and then produced an inspired performance in the final against the Ulster winners Star of the Sea. Moycullen came from behind to tie the game with free throws from Alex Lyden Horn and they went on to win by one point in overtime. This was a magnificent win by Moycullen and it confirms the strength and status of this group of players.

The Moycullen Senior Men’s squad 1999 –2000 which won the Club All Ireland Championship Front :Gearóid Hynes, Kevin McDonald, Mohamed Kone, Dara Canavan, Jim Gannon, Marcus O’Grady, Sean Hynes.Back: Joe Coughlan (Coach), Rory Monaghan, Paul Sweeney, Nollaig Cunningham, Alex Lyden Horn, John Cunningham, Ronan Waters, Glenn Hynes, Martin Burke, Danny Cullinane. .

VIENNA 2000 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH TOURNAMENT

Moycullen participated in an International Youth Basketball Tournament in Austria in April and played against teams from Germany, Hungary, Russia, Austria, Italy and the Czech Republic in what is one of the biggest youth basketball festivals in central Europe. The 12 miniball team had three wins and reached the quarter-final of their competition where they were beaten by the eventual tournament winners Moscow.

The 13 girls had a great win over the German team Dreikonigs while the U l3 boys beat the German team Oldenberg. Overall it was a wonderful experience for these young Moycullen players. The superb playing facilities were a real eye opener for everyone, one school in which the Moycullen teams played having ten full size indoor courts.

Photo: Michael Nolan (10) and Cian Nihill (4) in the U’12 quarter final game against Moscow

Moycullen Group in Vienna

Back L/R: Mary Regan, Christina Browne, Ciara Power, Diarmuid Lee, Laura Lyons, Cathal Conneely, Clan Nihill, Cormac Canavan, Michael Dowd, Kitty Canavan.

Middle: Tomas Gilligan, Linda Lee, Siobhan Doran, Orla Gilligan, Gemma Hynes, Emma Regan, Cian Costello, John Cunningham.

Front: Haulie Dowd, Tracy Lydon, Michael Nolan, Kieran O'Connor, Chris Hurney, Sarah Lee, Gerry Nihill.

Edited from Moycullen Matters September 2000 Issue 76

U’13 BOYS WIN ALL IRELAND COMMUNITY GAMES TITLE

It was a day never to be forgotten at the All Ireland Finals as this young Moycullen team became the first Connacht team to lift the coveted National Community Games U' 13 championship. Throughout the competition, which began with the Galway championship last spring, they have played brilliantly, displaying the wonderful level of skill built up over the past six years and showing every bit of the experience gained from participation in several European tournaments. The final whistle in Mosney was a moment of great joy for the boys, five of whom suffered the disappointment of an overtime loss in last years All Ireland Final. Their win in this year's final over the Munster champions Castleisland, was narrow and hard earned but it was enough to give them the All Ireland title and the Gold medals which they will always treasure. Bonfires blazed on Monday night when the team returned to a reception in the local hall at which Fr. Sean Foy welcomed and congratulated the team on behalf of the parish.

The players had come successfully through a nine game championship run, winning the Galway County title last Easter before over-coming the Leitrim, Sligo and Mayo champions to take the Connacht title in July. In the All Ireland semi-final they produced a sparkling 30 point winning performance against the Leinster champions Kildare before edging out the reigning champions Castleisland by seven in the All Ireland final. A wonderful achievement.

Front. Eoin Gilson, Cathal Conneelly, Cian Nihill (Captain) Eanna Mac Donncha, Christopher Hurney Back. Gerry Nihill (Coach), Michael Dowd, Michael Nolan, Cian Phelan, Diarmuid Lee, Kieran O'Connor, Carmel Grealish (Community Games)

The new basketball season will get into full swing in October and continue into March. The club is organised into a number of sections. The Junior section look after the players , boys and girls, of national school age. The juvenile section organise things for secondary school age players. The men’s section run teams for U’17, U’19 , Galway League senior men and the national league team. We also have a ladies section who look after the Galway League senior team. Each section has its own committee but all the committees are under the direction of the Cub Executive.

New volunteers are welcome either to coach, manage or help with administration. Contact the club secretary Gerry Nihill at 555494 , the Executive Treasurer Kitty Canavan or the Chairperson John Cunningham.

Page 2 September 2000 Issue 76

U’16 BOYS WIN THE CONNACHT COMMUNITY GAMES

The U' 16 Boys basketball team won the Connacht Community Games Championship in July, the second time that Moycullen have won this title, the previous occasion was in 1993. This year’s win was a magnificent achievement as Castlebar were the hot favourites, having two schoolboy internationals in their side. But the Moycullen boys produced an inspired performance in the final to grab a well-deserved twelve point win.

At the All Ireland finals in Mosney they never managed to reproduce that level of performance but never the less were most unlucky not to win the bronze medals. They ran into foul trouble in the third place play off and lost the game on the foul line. Despite this disappointment, they can look back on their fine achievement in winning the county and provincial titles and representing Moycullen and Galway so well at the National Finals. They were welcomed home to Moycullen on Monday night following the national finals by Fr. Sean Foy who congratulated them on their achievements and on being such fine sporting ambassadors for their parish and county.

Photo: U’16 point guard John Russell at the free throw line during the bronzemedal game in Mosney

NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Another season of top class senior men’s basketball is just around the corner with Moycullen hoping to go one better this year and win the Division one title. Most of last year’s successful line up return, one notable exception being 6' 8" Alex Lyden Home who has taken up an American scholarship and will be playing his basketball this year in Mass. USA. Joe Coughlan, who led Moycullen to a marvellous 13 and 3 winning season last year has taken a break from coaching and is replaced by Doug Collins, one of the point guard’s for Moycullen last year. The fixtures for the season are.

A delighted Phelan family at Mosney with their son Cian who is holding the All Ireland U' 13 Community Games Basketball Trophy after Moycullen had beaten the Munster champions, Castle island in the final by seven points. Cian also won a bronze medal in the swimming relays at the National Finals.

Photo: Áine, Dennis, Cian, Nora and Donncha

Edited from Moycullen Matters November 2000 Issue 77

NEW NATIONAL LEAGUE SEASON UNDERWAY

The Men’s National League Basketball is underway again with Moycullen challenging for honours in Division One and hoping to go one better than the marvellous runner up spot they took last year. Game time on Saturday night is 7.30 pm in Renmore but there are also two Sunday afternoon games in the same venue. The full list of season fixtures is given below.

These games are always exciting and provide a great opportunity for younger players to see top class action at senior level. The Moycullen players are to be congratulated at taking their game to such a high level and we wish them the best of luck in the League.

Photo: Marcus O’Grady

Photo: Dara Canavan

Photo: Kevin McDonald

Men’s Division One National League Fixtures

11 November (Saturday) 7.30 pm | Moycullen v Castlebar (Team Westaro)
25 November (Saturday) 7.30 pm | Moycullen v Kilkenny
02 December (Saturday) 7.30 pm | Moycullen v Longnecks Ballina
10 December (Sunday) 2.30 pm | Moycullen v St Mary's, Castleisland (2.30 pm)
06 January (Saturday) 7.30 pm | Moycullen v Neptune, Cork
07 January (Sunday) 2.30 pm | Moycullen v Queen's Belfast (2.30 pm)
13 January (Saturday) 7.30 pm | Moycullen v Lundy's Ballina
20 January (Saturday) 7.30 pm | Moycullen v Athy, Kildare
10 February (Saturday) 7.30 pm | Moycullen v Crescent, Limerick

West U’15 Schoolboys

The West U' 15 Schoolboys team will be powered by five Moycullen players when they challenge for the Inter-regional championship in Cork in November. Sean Rossa McDermott, David Feeley, David Carr, Michael Dowd and Cian Nihill, have been selected for the West Regional U' 15 team . Dublin and Cork are traditionally the dominant regions at this level but the West teams have become much more competitive in recent years with the emergence of strong clubs, as in Moycullen, who have developed a lot of young talent which is feeding into the secondary school basketball system.

Edited from Moycullen Matters Dec 2000 & Feb 2001 Issues 79 & 78

NATIONAL LEAGUE REACHES CLOSING STAGES

Moycullen senior men have been sponsored this season by broadband technology company ADC and play in the National league as Team ADC Moycullen. After a slow start which saw the team lose their first two games to Castleisland and Ballina, they bounced back with three wins in a row to put themselves right back in contention.

Following a five game winning run late in the season they have put them-selves in a good position to secure a top four finish and get a shot at winning the title at the playoffs. They will have to win one of their last two away games at either Queens or Neptune to qualify.

Back: L.to R.: Niall Faherty, John Cunningham, Damien Griffin, John Stephens, Ronan Waters, Marcus O'Grady Front: L.to R: Doug Collins, Nollaig Cunningham, Kevin McDonald, Glen Hynes, Darragh Canavan, Gearoid Hynes.

RTE 1

John Cunningham was interviewed on RTE 1 television for the ‘Nationwide’ programme. The success of the National League team has attracted a lot of media interest this season. As part of the nationwide programme they showed clips of the Moycullen v NUIG Galway League game

MICHELLE HYNES PLAYED IN THE U’19 CUP FOR U.L.

Former Moycullen underage star Michelle Hynes who is now studying in Limerick represented her college U.L. in the U’19 National Cup. They reached the final but unfortunately lost by three points. The team was coached by former Oughterard player Ursula Kyne.

CHRISTMAS BLITZ PLAYED IN SNOW

This years blitz final was played in a blizzard. Nollaig Cunningham's team adapted best to the testing conditions and came away with the Jim Lee Cup. His team included Mark Loughnane, Colm Gavin, Gerry Nihill and Denis Laffey

U’15 WEST SCHOOLBOY INTER-REGIONAL

Five Moycullen players played on the West U’15 Team at the All Ireland Inter Regional Championships in Cork.

The West (Counties Galway & Clare) narrowly missed out on a place in the semi-final on score difference following one win and two losses. Sean Rossa McDermott captained the West Team.

Photo: Moycullen players on the West team. Cian Nihill, David Carr, Michael Dowd, Sean Rossa McDermott, David Feeley.

Edited from Moycullen Matters April 2001 Issue 80

Men’s team end season with a six game winning run

National League Table

| Played | Wins | Losses | Points
Longnecks Ballina | 15 | 14 | 1 | 28
Neptune Cork | 15 | 12 | 3 | 24
ADC Moycullen | 15 | 10 | 5 | 20
Castleisland | 14 | 10 | 4 | 20
Queens Belfast | 14 | 8 | 6 | 16
Westaro Castlebar | 13 | 3 | 10 | 6
Athy | 13 | 3 | 10 | 6
Crescent limerick | 15 | 0 | 15 | 0

Photo: Richie Lee of Moycullen Contract Crushing presenting a sponsorship cheque for the men’s team to Nollaig Cunningham

GALWAY U’13 CLUB CHAMPIONS

Moycullen regained the U’13 Galway Championship when they defeated the holders Maree by 20 points in the final. Diarmuid Lee was a magnificent captain, laying great defence and controlling the games from the point guard spot. Brian Grant, Philip Craig and Michael Nolan dominated the boards and provided lots of ammunition for the teams sharpshooter Cian Nihill who scored 24 points in the final. The quickness of James Loughnane and Christopher Hurney and the controlled passing of Eanna MacDonncha and Cathal Conneelly made Moycullen dominant in every position.

This talented team now head to France for the Henri Seux International Tournament

Back: L to R. Cathal Conneely, Brian Grant, Cian Nihill, Michael Nolan, Philip Craig . Front: L to R. Eoin Gilson, Eanna MacDonncha, Diarmuid Lee (Capt.), Christopher Hurney, James Loughnane Coach Gerry Nihill

Foot & Mouth Restrictions

The restrictions placed on sports events due to the Foot and Mouth outbreak in Northern Ireland played havoc with training and fixtures just as the season was coming to a climax.

It may not be possible to reschedule many of the playoffs and tournaments but it is hoped that the Galway Community Games for u’13 and U’16 will go ahead.

West Team

Photo: Gemma Hynes and Orla Gilligan have been selected for the West U' 14 Team.

In the USA

One of the stars for the senior men last year, Alex Lyden–Horn has just completed a one year scholarship in Berkshire prep School in the USA.

Alex has attracted a lot of attention from College scouts and has been offered a college scholarship to Yale.

Edited from Moycullen Matters June 2001 Issue 81

U’14 AND U’17 BOYS TRAVEL TO BELGIUM

The Moycullen U'14 and U'17 boys teams travelled to Ghent in Belgium at Easter where they played a total of sixteen games over three days. The U'17 team showed what fantastic potential they have in winning four of their nine games against formidable opposition.

Schoolboy internationals Evan Keane and Padraig Cregg scored freely and guards John Russel and Cillian McDonncha showed great composure under pressure. Coach John Cunningham was delighted at the level of performance by the team.

The U'14 team also performed well, winning three of their six games and only losing two others by the narrowest of margins.

Special thanks to the adults who organised the trip and travelled with the teams - John Cunningham, Gerry Nihill, Kitty Canavan, Haulie Dowd and Margaret Costelloe.

U’14 Boys Team Back Cian Costolloe, Sean Rossa McDermott, David Carr, Cillian McDonald, Michael Nolan. Front: Cormac Canavan, Michael Dowd, Cian Nihill, Kieran O’Connor.

U’17 Boys Team Back :John Cunningham, Cillian McDonncha, Evan Keane, Padraig Cregg, Andrew McDonald, Darren Costelloe, Mark Loughnane, Margaret Costelloe. Front: Richard Lee, Johnny Burke, Keith Bohan, John Russell, James Riordan, Ben McDonald

U’13 BOYS IN FRANCE

For five of this group it was their first trip to France for the Henri Seux Tournament in Ardres but for Diarmuid Lee and Cian Nihill it was their third time to play in the competition. The team played five games, winning one but losing out in two others in overtime.

This years Tournament had teams from Yugoslavia, Germany, Africa, Latvia, France, Luxembourg, Holland, Slovenia, Czech Republic, England and Switzerland.. The boys were hosted in the homes of the host club BC Ardres.

Travelling with the team were Gerry Nihill, John Cunningham and Michelle Hurney.

Photo:at Shannon Airport. Back Michael Nolan, Cian Nihill, Philip Craig, Eoin Gilson, Brian Grant. Front: Eanna MacDonncha, James Loughnane, Diarmuid Lee (Captain), Cathal Conneely, Christopher Hurney.

SIX IN A ROW GALWAY U’13 BOYS COMMUNITY GAMES TITLES FOR MOYCULLEN

Moycullen maintained their fantastic record in the Galway Community Games at U'13 level where they have not been beaten since 1995 when Brian Grant captained the team to a sixth Galway title in a row. Brian averaged 22 points per game and dominated the rebounding in all games. Moycullen had an edge over all opposition in speed and quickness with James Loughnane, Eoin Gilson and Eoghan Maxwell. The teams next prepare for the Connacht Finals in Roscommon in July where they will be attempting to make it three provincials titles in a row. If they get through Connacht they will have a great shot at retaining the All-Ireland U'13 title Moycullen won last year.

Back: Christopher McNairney, Eoin Gilson, Brian Grant (Captain), Thomas O’Dwyer, Martin Hoffler.

Front: Michael Hurney, David Lee, Eanna MacDonncha, James Loughnane, Eoghan Maxwell. (Coaches Kevin Lee and Gerry Nihill )

U’16 BOYS RETAIN GALWAY COMMUNITY GAMES

The U’16 Boys made it two in a row when they won the Galway Community games final in May. In the competition they were pushed all the way by Claregalway and Beagh but had the experience and strength in depth to secure narrow victories. They will defend their Connacht title in Roscommon in July. Moycullen won the Connacht U’16 competition last year for the second time having won it previously in 1993. This year’s team are young and all are eligible again next year.

Team: Kieran O’Connor, Sean Rossa McDermott (Capt), Conor Bohan, David Carr, Keith Bohan, Colin Turke, Cian Nihill, Michael Dowd, Cillian McDonald, Cian Costelloe, Coach Gerry Nihill

Photo: Kieran O'Connor

SEAN ROSSA ON IRISH SQUAD

Sean Rossa McDermott came through two days of tough try outs in Dublin to gain selection to the Irish U’15 basketball squad. Sean Rossa is an all round athlete with exceptional quickness. He has been playing with Moycullen basketball Club since he was eight years old and plays his school basketball with the Bish.. Sean Rossa is no stranger to facing opposition from other countries as he has travelled with the Moycullen youth teams to Austria, France and Belgium and with the Bish to the USA. The Irish squad have an intensive summer programme in preparation for a tournament in England in August

Photo: Sean Rossa McDermott

Edited from Moycullen Matters November 2001 Issue 83

MOYCULLEN HOST U’15 GIRLS TOURNAMENT

Moycullen U’15 Girls Team held their opening event of the season in early October when they organised a four team weekend tournament in UCG with top Dublin sides Killester and Meteors and Carrigaline from Cork. The visiting teams were hosted by the Moycullen girls in their homes and the parents did a fantastic job in making the weekend a great success. Killester, with four current cadette internationals won all their games to take the perpetual trophy with Meteors taking the runners up and Moycullen third..

The Moycullen girls played really well and improved with every game. They had two wins over Carrigaline and ran a much bigger and stronger Meteors team to five points with a blistering display of pace and fast breaking basketball. This Moycullen team is shaping up to being a very good side being well balanced and with outstanding pace at the guard positions. With more experience they will be a match for any team of their age. They have a number of other tournaments and trips lined up and hope to travel to a European tournament at Easter.

Girls U’15 Team

Back. L/R Ciara Power, Katie Lydon, Gemma Hynes, Fiona Duggan, Treacy Lydon, Siobhan Doran, Orla Gilligan Front L/R Emma Regan, Laura Lyons, Maria O’Sullivan, Sarah Lee, Avril Carr

SEVEN MOYCULLEN PLAYERS ON WEST BOYS U’14 TEAM

Seven Moycullen boys made it on to the West (Galway-Clare) U’14 basketball team and played at the Interregional Championships in Waterford where they reached the plate final under coach John Finn of Oranmore.

The Moycullen players on the team were Sean Rossa McDermott, Kieran O’Connor, Cian Phelan, Michael Dowd, Cian Costello, Cian Nihill, Diarmuid Lee

MOYCULLEN BOYS TO THE FORE IN THE U’17 INTERREGIONALS

The West U’17 Team, powered by six Moycullen players and coached by Gerry Nihill had a very successful tournament at the recent U’17 Interregional Championship, reaching the cup semi final.

The Moycullen players were Cillian Mac Donncha, Richard Lee, Keith Bohan, Johnny Burke, Chris Joyce, and Padraig Cregg.

MOYCULLEN U’17 TOURNAMENT

John Cunningham organised a marvellous six team invitation Tournament in UCG with his own U’17 team performing really well with three wins on their way to the semi finals The eventual winners were St. Vincent's Dublin who beat Castlebar by one in a pulsating final. One of the highlights of the tournament was the participation of the Irish U’15 squad. They played a great game with the Moycullen U’17 team in the quarter final, the Moycullen boys edging clear in the final seconds for an excellent win

SENIOR MEN’S NATIONAL LEAGUE TEAM 2001-2002

Front: Dara Canavan, Kevin McDonald, Ryan O’Hare, John Stephens, Gearóid Hynes . Back: Nollaig Cunningham, Marcus O’Grady, Rory Monaghan, Evan Keane, John Cunningham, Nick Carolan

YOUTH STREET LEAGUE

Tuesday night is ‘Street League’ time at the school hall as the best and brightest young talent fight it out for the right to be called ‘Moycullen Champions’ Ballydotia, under coach Margaret Costelloe, are the early favourites as they are bristling with talent but Clooniffe have a lot of strength and experience and could upset the odds. Haulie Dowd has some good young talent at his disposal and might yet lead the Mountain Road to success. Debut coach Joe Loughnane has pace and scoring power at his disposal but coach Tomas Gilligan could have the dark horse team and is expected to challenge for the title.

Why not call in to the hall some Tuesday night and enjoy the action which takes place from 7-30 to 9-00pm

Uggool | Mountain Road | Pairc na gCaor | Leagaun-Home Farm |
Christopher Hurney (c) | Michael Dowd | Fiona Duggan (c) | Cathal Conneelly |
Sean Rossa McDermott | Colin Turke | Robert Mulkerrins | Michael Nolan |
Orla Gilligan | Eanna MacDonncha | Martin Hoffler | Siobhan Doran |
Eoin Gilson, | Katie Lydon | Eoghan Maxwell | Sarah Lee |
Maria O’Sullivan | Brian Grant | Stephen Tierney | David lee |
Matthew Cunningham | Coach Haulie Dowd |  | Paul O’Brien |
Dillon McDermott |  |  |  |
Coach Tomas Gilligan |  |  |  |
Ballydotia | Clooniffe | Killrainey | The Village |
Kieran O’Connor (c) | Cormac Canavan | Diarmuid Lee | Emma Regan (c) |
Cian Phelan | Conor Bohan | Ciara Power | Cillain MacDonald |
Gemma Hynes | David Carr | Cian Nihill | Laura Lyons |
Cian Costello | Avril Carr | James Loughnane | Christopher McNairney |
Coach Margaret Costello | Pearse Heneghan | Thomas O’Dwyer | Treacy Lydon |
| Coach Kitty Canavan | Coach Joe Loughnane | Nicky Riordan |

Edited from Moycullen Matters December 2001 Issue 84

U’15 BOYS WIN CORK COUNTY BOARD TOURNAMENT

The U’15 boys produced some sparkling performances on their way to winning the Cork U’15 Invitation Tournament last month. Captain Kieran O’Connor led his team to six wins as Moycullen dominated the ten team tournament with a brilliant team display of pressure defence and fast break basketball. Kieran produced a wonderful 22 point performance in the final against Tralee while Sean Rossa McDermott and Michael Dowd were unstoppable. Team Kieran O’Connor © , Sean Rossa McDermott, Michael Dowd, Cian Phelan, Cormac Canavan, Cian Nihill, Cathal Conneelly, Brian Grant. Coach Gerry Nihill.

U’15 BOYS WINNING RUN CONTINUES

Fresh from their win in Cork, the U’15 boys continued their good run of form when they won their own home tournament in the UCG Sports Centre. Six teams took part and the Moycullen boys were never really stretched as they beat Castlebar, Shannon and Maree to win the tournament Their next challenge will be in January when they take part in an All Ireland U’15 tournament in Cork.

Photo: Kieran O’Connor being presented with the Cork Co. Board U’15 Tournament trophy by Board chairman John Coughlan

UGGOOL ARE STREET LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

A wonderful six nights of basketball at the local hall finished with a buzzer beating score from Eoin Gilson to give Uggool the title of Moycullen Street League Champions. The mixed league for boys and girls, aged 15 and younger, was an outstanding success with parents and fans filling the hall each night to support their local team.

In the end, the league MVP Sean Rossa McDermott had the skill and athleticism to tilt the balance in Uggool’s favour over a gallant Ballydotia side for whom Kieran O’Connor and Gemma Hynes were outstanding.

The award for best overall contribution went to Cathal Conneelly while Laura Lyons received a special effort award. Michael Dowd got the award for the best individual performance while Katie Lydon won the most promising young player award

Uggool Street league team: Back Orla Gilligan, Sean Rossa McDermott, Eoin Gilson, Front: Maria O’Sullivan, Christopher Hurney, Dylan McDermott

Killrainey Street League Team Back Cian Nihill, Philip Craig, Ciara Power, Joe Loughnane (Coach) Front Patrick O’Dwyer, James L:oughnane, Diarmuid Lee.

NATIONAL LEAGUE UPDATE

The men’s national league team recorded two very significant wins, first one at home over Neptune and a week later in Belfast over Queens.. Moycullen are now joint top on 10 points with Ballina, Neptune, and Queens

U’19 MEN OUT OF CUP

The U’19 men were eliminated at the qualification tournament in Castlebar. With one win from their four games.

CHRISTMAS BLITZ REMINDER

Contact John Cunningham at 555186 to get on a team

GALWAY BAY FM SPORTS AWARDS

Moycullen Coach Gerry Nihill was nominated for the Indoor Sports Award at the annual Galway Bay FM Sports Awards. Gerry’s nomination was in recognition of his contribution to the development of Moycullen Basketball which has seen the club achieve national recognition at both underage and senior level.

Photo: Moycullen Club members at the Sports Awards. Back: Gerry Nihill, Mary Nihill, Kitty Canavan, John Canavan. Front: Tomas Gilligan, Ann Dowd, Haulie Dowd.

Edited from Moycullen Matters February 2002 Issue 85

CHRISTMAS BLITZ

Weather conditions were ideal, just a light breeze and some early morning frost but not enough to deter the combatants who turned out in numbers on St. Stephen’s Day for the 33rd edition of this wonderful parish tradition. Sean Hynes was up and about early lining the ‘pitch’ and the first baskets were scored by 9.30am. It took two days of non stop action to separate the eight teams and when the dust settled Nollaig Cunningham had his hands on the Jim Lee Cup for the fourth time in five years.

Caoimh Davoren was awarded the special ‘Dandy Kelly’ memorial trophy as the player who most represented the ‘Spirit of the Tournament’ during the tournament.

Photo: Sean Hynes lining the court before the first game

Photo: Early morning action as Sean Brown and Dara Canavan box out James Lydon

Photo: James Regan relaxing between games

Photo: Shane O’Donoghue and Caoimh Davoren

Photo: Fergal Monaghan and Bernard De Souza

Photo: Vinny and Hannah O’Sullivan

Photo: Julie Ann Russell and Ciara Gallagher enjoying the blitz games

Photo: James Lydon and Joe Coughlan see the funny side

Photo: Dylan and Leah Cunningham on score and time keeping duty

Page 2 February 2002 Issue 85

Photo: Colie Gavin, Richard Lyons and Gearoid Hynes wait in anticipation for the rebound during the blitz.

CHRISTMAS BLITZ WINNING TEAM

Back L/R Andrew McDonald, Donie Mulkerrins, Nollaig Cunningham, Richard Lyons, Fergal Monaghan, Henry Lydon. Front L/R Sean Hynes, Barry Waters.

Edited from Moycullen Matters April 2002 Issue 86

MEN’S NATIONAL LEAGUE

Moycullen finished a creditable fourth in the Men's Division 1 National League. Longnecks Ballina again dominated the league with their four American players and a still very effective Liam McHale. Moycullen lost to Ballina home and away but did beat every other team in the competition at least once including a double over third placed team Queens Belfast. Some erratic early season form probably cost them second spot. They steadied the ship as the season progressed and the team produced a lot of fine wins, with Dara Canavan really stepping up his level of performance and John Cunningham having another outstanding season For next season the team hope to be able to sign an American or European player which would give them a real chance of challenging Ballina for the title.

Photo: Dara Canavan

Photo: John Cunningham

FINAL NATIONAL LEAGUE TABLE

| Played | Wins | Losses | Points
Longnecks Ballina | 16 | 14 | 2 | 28
Neptune Cork | 16 | 12 | 4 | 24
Queens | 16 | 11 | 5 | 22
ADC Moycullen | 16 | 10 | 6 | 20
Tegral Athy | 16 | 7 | 9 | 14
Team Westaro | 16 | 7 | 9 | 14
St. Mary's Castleisland | 16 | 7 | 9 | 14
Lundry Foods Ballinas | 16 | 4 | 12 | 8
Crescent BC | 16 | 0 | 16 | 0

U’10 Girls Basketball Team

Back l/r Evylen Whyte (Coach), Katie McKeon, Liane Donavan, Lisa Condon, Teresa Feeney, Joyce Lee, Roisin Higgins, Leah Cunningham, Ciara Power (Coach). Front l/r Aisling Faherty, Fiona Power, Katie Curran, Siobhan Morgan

U’15 TEAMS HEADING TO LUXEMBOURG

Moycullen U'15 boys and girls basketball teams are traveling to Luxembourg next weekend to take part in an International Youth Tournament

Team gear for the trip was sponsored by the Forster Court Hotel .

The photograph below shows some of the team members at the reception desk of the hotel with the General Manager Jonathan Murphy who made the gear presentation to the players.

Emma Regan, Cathal Conneelly, Tracey Lydon, Jonathan Murphy (General manager Foster Court Hotel) Lisa O'Brien,(Reception Forster Court) , Laura Lyons, Orla Gilligan, Cian Costelloe, Ciara Power.

JUVENILE BOYS ON A WINNING RUN

U’15 boys. Winners Ballina Invitation Tournament

Back: l/r Philip Craig, Sean Rossa McDermott, Cian Phelan, Cian Costello. Front l/r Michael Dowd, Cormac Canavan, Kieran O’Connor (Captain) Cian Nihill, Michael Nolan

U’14 Boys. Winners Oranmore Tournament

Front l/r Christopher Hurney, Cathal Conneelly, James Loughnane, Eanna Mac Donncha. Back l/r Philip Craig, Diarmuid Lee, Cian Nihill, Brian Grant

The Juvenile boys teams added to their growing reputation when winning the Oranmore U’14 Invitation Tournament. This was the fourth juvenile tournament won by the boys this season. An MVP display from Philip Craig and a blistering scoring performance from Cian Nihill gave the Moycullen boys five wins from five games, including victories over Blue Demons from Cork and Marathon from Limerick. In March the U’15 boys won the Ballina invitation tournament where they overcame teams from Castleblaney (Monaghan) Sligo, Castlebar and Ballina.

And not to be outdone by the boys, the U’15 girls produced some fine performances in the Longford Invitation Tournament when they won three of their four games but missed out on a place in the final on score difference. Going into their last game, the Moycullen girls needed to beat Castleblaney by three points . They produced a magnificent effort to win the game by two points which gave the Monaghan girls the final spot. The team played with great spirit with Orla Gilligan, Fiona Duggan and Siobhán Doran outstanding in all the games.

Edited from Moycullen Matters June 2002 Issue 87

U’14 BOYS WIN FIVE GAMES IN FRANCE

Moycullen and Oranmore teams joined forces for the Henri Seux International Tournament in France last month This was the fourth time for Moycullen to take part in this tournament and with teams from sixteen countries taking part competition was hot.

The Galway boys met the National team from the Ivory Coast in the first game and despite a brave performance were eventually overcome by the phenomenal quickness of the African team. They bounced back with fine wins over Fresh Air (Belgium), Eastbourne (England), Ettelbruck (Luxembourg) and Geneva (Switzerland). Brian Grant was the hero against Ettelbruck, hitting two free throws in the final seconds for a one point win. However they saved their best performance for their last game when they beat French regional selection ‘.Indre et Loire’ by two points.

Team Diarmuid Lee, Eoin Gilson, Brian Grant, Eanna Mac Donncha, Philip Craig, (All Moycullen) Peter Finn, Conell Lambert McMichael, Ronan Heffernan, Daren Callanan (Oranmore). Coaches Gerry Nihill, John Cunningham, John Finn.

Photo: U’14 captain, Diarmuid on a great team effort. Lee, led his team to five wins in France

THANKS TO OUR FUNDRAISERS

Many thanks to the parents, friends and supporters who did a magnificent job during the recent fundraising drive by the juvenile boys and girls sections of the club.

The table quiz in Parnell's was a most enjoyable night out and was very well supported.

The players and parents put in many hours bag packing at the checkouts over two weekends while the cake sale at Arus Uilinn not only raised a significant amount of money but also gave us a great opportunity to replace calories lost during the season.

Again, many thanks to all involved on a great team effort

U’15 TEAMS TRAVEL TO LUXEMBOURG TOURNAMENT

Nineteen players and seven parents travelled to Luxembourg at Easter to take part in the Tagablat Youth Basketball Tournament. The two Moycullen teams measured up well to their European opponents with the boys missing out on a place in the final when losing the semi final in overtime to Luxembourg. The girls improved and grew in confidence with each of their five games and gained invaluable experience competing against the European sides.

Back L/R Treacy Lydon, Orla Gilligan, Fiona Duggan, Liam Rockall, Cian Phelan, Cian Costello, Kieran O’Connor, Sarah Lee, Siobhan Doran, Treacy Lydon. Front L/R Michael Dowd, Michael Nolan, Ciara Power, Chris Hurney, Laura Lyons, Emma Regan, Cormac Canavan, Cathal Conneelly, Cian Nihill.

June 2002 Page

TWO MOYCULLEN PLAYERS SELECTED ON IRISH SQUADS

Cian Nihill came through a series of tryouts in Galway and Dublin to make the Irish Cadet squad which is preparing for the four countries tournament next spring.

Cian plays his school basketball in the Bish and was on the the West Region Schoolboys U’14 and u’15 teams this year. He plays at the guard spot and is an excellent outside shooter

Gemma Hynes plays her school basketball at St. Enda's and has also represented the West Region schools at U’14 and U’15 levels.

She was selected on the Irish squad following her strong showing at the recent interregional tournament. Gemma is a top class athlete and has also represented Ireland at Athletics.

Photo: Cian Nihill, selected on the Irish U15 Cadet basketball squad

Photo: Gemma Hynes, selected on the Irish U’15 Cadette squad

GOLF AM AM

Moycullen Men's National league team are holding a Golf AM-Am in Oughterard Golf Club on Friday 12th July. Entry is €150 per team

The national league team are planning to recruit a professional player from Europe or the USA next season in a bid to win the Division One championship. The Moycullen team have been close to the title over the past few seasons and will be making an all out effort both on and off the court next season to secure the championship. The golf AM -AM is an important step in putting the necessary financial support in place and sponsorship of the event and team participation will be very much appreciated

Enquiries should be made to Bob McDonald at 091-555547 or John Cunningham at 086-3405771

AGM

The basketball Club held their AGM in Arus Uilinn on 22nd May. Haulie Dowd deputised for chairperson John Cunningham who was absent due to work commitments. The large attendance heard a report on the various activities and competitions which the club engaged in over the past year from secretary Gerry Nihill. Club treasurer Kitty Canavan, gave a breakdown on the financial position . The redrafted constitution was adopted by the meeting and the officers elected for the forthcoming season.

IRISH PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Photo: John Cunningham receiving the National League Division 1 Player of the Year 2002 Award from John Treacy at the Irish Basketball Association annual awards in the Shelburne Hotel in Dublin.

Edited from Moycullen Matters September 2002 Issue 88

MEN’S NATIONAL LEAGUE TEAM

The Men’s National League team tip off the new season in Renmore Sports Centre on Saturday 28th September at 4-15pm. The unavailability of UCG for a significant portion of the season is the main reason for the switch of home venue. Renmore has a long tradition as a National League venue going back to Galway Democrats in the 1980’s and with the Moycullen team scheduled to play seven home games there a great season’s sport lies ahead in the new venue.

National League Division One Home Fixtures

08-Sep | Saturday | 4.15pm | Moycullen | v | Newport | in Renmore
05-Oct | Saturday | 4.15pm | Moycullen | v | Longnecks | in Renmore
26-Oct | Saturday | 4.15pm | Moycullen | v | Queens | in Renmore
30-Nov | Saturday | 4.15pm | Moycullen | v | Tyrone | in Renmore
25-Jan | Saturday | 4.15pm | Moycullen | v | Ballina Colts | in Renmore
15-Feb | Saturday | 4.15pm | Moycullen | v | Westaro | in Renmore
08-Mar | Saturday | 4.15pm | Moycullen | v | Longford | in Renmore

U’16 BOYS MISS OUT IN CONNACHT FINAL BY THE NARROWEST OF MARGINS

It was a case of ‘so close and yet so far’ for the U’16 Boys Community games team who lost to Castlebar by a basket in the Connacht Community Games final.

Having won the Galway championship earlier in the summer and then beaten Sligo and Leitrim, the Moycullen boys were expected to clinch the Connacht title when they faced the Mayo champions in the final. However home advantage seemed to give Castlebar the edge as none of the Moycullen players could find their scoring touch and Castlebar grabbed the crucial baskets down the stretch.

Back L/R Cian Costello, Cian Phelan, Cillian McDonald, Sean Rossa McDermott, Conor Bohan. Front L/R Cormac Canavan, Cian Nihill, Michael Dowd, Kieran O’Connor (Captain)

MOYCULLEN BASKETBALL JOIN THE WORLD WIDE WEB

Keep up to date with all the activities of the basketball club by logging on to the new website www.moycullenbasketball.net The site has pages covering all the club teams and activities as well as a noticeboard and a section on club history and will allow people at home and abroad keep up to date with all club events. More photographs and detail will be added during the season as the various pages on the site are developed.

NEW SEASON UNDER WAY

With the new season just under way why not consider becoming a member of the basketball club. Even if your playing days are behind you or if you are just a non playing supporter of sport in Moycullen you will be more than welcome in the basketball club. Membership is €10 for the year. If you would like to join as either a playing or a non playing member you can contact any of the club members listed below :

Junior(National School age) | Ann Blehein | 555655 | annblehein@hotmail.com
Juvenille Boys(Secondary School age) | Gery Nihill | 555494 | nihill@indigo.ie
Juvenille Girls(Secondary School age) | Tomas Gilligan | 555644 | tomasgilligan@eircom.net
Ladies Section | Ann Blehein | 55655 | annblehein@hotmail.com
Senior Men | John Cunningham | 555186 | John_cunningham@qset.com
Treasurer | Kitty Canavan 555315 | 555315 | canavan1@eircom.net

Programme for the Moycullen v Newport National League Game in Renmore on Saturday 28th September 2002

Edited from Moycullen Matters December 2002 Issue 89

MEN’S TEAM SIGN PROFESSIONAL PLAYER

The Men’s National League team has been given a huge boost with the signing of 6-8’’ Fergus Intemann to spearhead their challenge for the Division 1 championship.

Fergus is a graduate of the University of California at Davis and played for the Irish University Team under coach Enda Byrt at the World Student Games in Japan in 1994 and with the Irish Senior Men’s team at the European Championships.

Recruiting the services of a professional player is a huge step for the club and it marks just how far the men's team have come in recent years

Photo: 6-8’’ American Fergus Intemann is making a big impact with the men's team

Photo: Kevin McDonald finds his route to the basket well covered by Ballina’s Liam McHale in the recent clash in Renmore. Moycullen suffered a heartbreaking 3 point loss to the Mayo side .

NATIONAL LEAGUE HOME FIXTURES IN RENMORE

7th Dec | Saturday | 6.00pm | Moycullen | v | Tyrone
25th Jan | Saturday | 4.15pm | Moycullen | v | Ballina Colts
15th Feb | Saturday | 4.15pm | Moycullen | v | Westaro Castlebar
08th Mar | Saturday | 4.15pm | Moycullen | v | Longford

U’15 BOYS RETAIN THE CORK COUNTY BOARD INTERMEDIATE TOURNAMENT

Moycullen U'15 Boys retained the Cork Co. Board Intermediate Tournament at the Parochial Hall, Gurranabraher when they went undefeated in six games including a 12 point win over St. Brendan’s Tralee in the final.

Tralee were the only team that looked capable of matching the blistering fast break basketball played by Moycullen. Diarmuid Lee controlled everything from the point guard position and Philip Craig and David Keane scored well inside. Stephen Kenny and Paul O'Brien shot the ball well, particularly against the zone Tralee used in the final.

The tournament win was all the more noteworthy considering that Moycullen were without Cian Nihill who was training with the Irish team. The team beat Carrigaline, Cobh, Ballincollig Mallow and Tralee

Back l/R Paul O'Brien, Michael Nolan, Philip Craig, Cathal Conneelly, Stephen Kenny, David Keane. Front L/R Eanna Mac Donncha, Eoghan Maxwell, Diarmuid Lee, James Loughnane, Chris Hurney, Michael Mullin. ( Coach Gerry Nihill)

INTERNATIONAL SELECTION

Cian Nihill had the honour of representing his country at Cadet level when he lined out for the Irish U’15 team in a series of three games against Scotland at the Kelvin Hall in Glasgow.

Cian played well in all three matches, controlling the tempo of the play from the guard spot and top scoring for the Irish in game two with nine points.

For Cian and the other Irish players it was an occasion never to be forgotten as they gained their first International Representative honours.

Cian plays his school basketball in the Bish and has been a member of the Moycullen Junior club since he was seven years old.

Photo: Cian Nihill

SIX MOYCULLEN PLAYERS ON THE WEST U’17 TEAM

Kieran O’Connor, Sean Rossa McDermott, Cian Nihill, Michael Dowd, Cian Phelan and Conor Bohan were selected for the West Region U’17 Schools representative Team and played at the All Ireland Interregional Championships in Sligo against Dublin North and Kerry.

CHRISTMAS BLITZ

Christmas would not be the same without the annual St. Stephens Day Blitz. It’s a great fun day when the rules of basketball are interpreted in a rather lax fashion. Contact John Cunningham at 555186 to get your name on a team

MIDNIGHT MADNESS MARATHON

Many thanks to everyone who sponsored the U’16 boys and girls basketball teams in the all night basketball marathon in the local hall.

Special thanks to the parents who supervised and brought much needed food and refreshments during the night.

The twelve hours basketball from 10-00pm to 10-00am was great fun but as the photo below shows it was all too much for some of the boys as Maria O’Sullivan and Sabhbh Ni Fhatharta look on in amusement .

Photo: Sleeping beauties at 5.00am

Photo: 4am Shootout winners at the Midnight Madness marathon were Paul O’Brien and Katie Lydon. Coach Tomás Gilligan presenting the trophy.

Photo: Midnight Madness players

Edited from Moycullen Matters February 2003 Issue 90

U’15 BOYS CAPTURE JOHN COUGHLAN CORK TOURNAMENT

Back l/R Gerry Nihill, Brian Grant, Michael Nolan, David Keane, Danny Finn, Paul O’Brien, Philip Craig Front l/r Peter Finn , Cathal Conneelly, Diarmuid Lee (Captain), Christopher Hurney, Eoin Gilson, Cian Nihill.

Moycullen U'15 Boys captured the Cork Co. Board ' John Coughlan' Tournament 2003 at the Parochial Hall, Gurranabraher when they went undefeated in five games, including wins over Demons and Neptune. Brian Grant Philip Craig and David Keane dominated the boards and provided U'15 International players Cian Nihill and Danny Finn with plenty of ammunition for a blistering fast break game. Diarmuid Lee controlled the tempo of the games brilliantly from the point guard while Christopher Hurney led the tournament in steals. Paul O’Brien continues to improve and shot the ball really well. With the exception of Danny Finn who was out injured for the final, all twelve players were on court in all five games. A really great team performance

CHRISTMAS BLITZ

A very enjoyable Blitz was played on St. Stephens Day in perfect weather conditions with over seventy players taking part.

A temporary court was set up at the front of the school in addition to the existing court at the back.. Padraig Davoren made a comeback after a ten year absence while four Lydon brothers, James, Henry, Pat and Philip lined out. One of the younger players, Kieran O'Connor made a big impact, scoring over 20 points per game. Denis Phelan, playing in his 23rd tournament was awarded the 'Dandy Kelly Memorial Trophy' for his great effort on the day in leading his team to the tournament title. Caoimh Davoren won his second blitz in a row and John Cunningham picked up his first winners since 1997

The winning team, was Caoimh Davoren, John Cunningham, Denis Phelan, John French, Denis Laffey, Stephen Tierney, Keith Bohan

Photo: Leah Cunningham presenting winning Blitz captain Denis Phelan with the Jim Lee Memorial Cup

U’16 Girls Team Going Well

The U’16 girls are having a good season, winning a four team tournament in Tralee before Christmas. All of the girls are also playing regular basketball in the schools leagues.

Siobhan Doran is without doubt one of the best players of her age in Galway while Katie Lydon continues to make remarkable progress. With Gemma Hynes back from injury and Orla Gilligan playing great stuff at point guard, Moycullen have a very capable outfit at this age.

Photo: Ciara Power, Fiona Duggan and Sarah Lee

SCHOOLS BASKETBALL NEWS

A number of Moycullen players are having a big impact in the schoolgirl and schoolboy leagues.

Laura Lyons is a starter on the Taylors Hill U’16 team which has reached the All Ireland Cadette C Final. Gemma Hynes, Katie Lydon and Christina Browne are on the St Enda's U’16 team which won the West Schools Cadette D Championship. They will be playing the All Ireland Semi final tournament soon. Cian Nihill, Michael Dowd, Sean Rossa McDermott, David Keane are on the Bish U’16 team that took the bronze medal in the All Ireland U’16 A championship. Cian Phelan, Richard Lee, Andrew McDonald and Padraic Cregg are starters on the Jes senior boys team which won the West Schoolboys Senior A championship. What a pity we do not have a secondary school in Moycullen to bring all this talent together for schools competition.

NATIONAL LEAGUE UPDATE

The men's National League Team have had a great run since Christmas and now have a 9 and 3 winning season as they head to the top four championship where they will clash with Queens Belfast, and Team Westaro Castlebar and the holders Longnecks Ballina.

Professional player Fergus Intemann has settled well into the Moycullen setup and his all round game is a great addition to the team. Dara Canavan has been in top form all season averaging 22 ppg but the loss of Kevin McDonald who has gone to the USA robs the team of a very influential player. Nollaig Cunningham has taken over the coaching reins for the remainder of the season from Joe Coughlan.

RACE NIGHT

A very enjoyable race night was held in the Glenlo Abbey Hotel as a fundraiser for the National League Team.

A big crowd of punters turned up for the very full 21 race card and a great night was had by all. Mary and Raymond Croke won the waltz competition, Michelle Hynes seemed to be winning all night on the Tote and Bob McDonald's horse won the first race (Fix ?). The event was an outstanding success and very well supported.

Photo: Mark and Margaret Costelloe enjoying the Race Night

Photo: John Canavan and Gerry Hynes check the form at the races

U’9 boys and Girls went to Oranmore and played Maree and won both games. Well done all.

Back. Jennifer Faherty, Mairead Power , Jessica Hurney, Sinead McDonagh, Yvonne Farnan, Fiona Power, Aoife Gallagher. Front. Emma Haddock, Laura Caulfield, Aoife Curley, Cliodhna Marshall, Jessica Nolan

U’9 BOYS

Mike Madden (Coach), Jordan Madden, Sean Walsh, John Daly, Dylan Costelloe, Liam Barber, Leo Rush, Margaret Costello (Coach). Front Andrew Hurney, Eoghan Waldron, Eoin Gannon, PadraIg Kilduff, Rory Gilson, Shane Mullarkey.

Edited from Moycullen Matters April 2003 Issue 91

NATIONAL LEAGUE

The men's National League team produced another fine winning season, finishing up with an 11 and 3 record to take the runner up spot behind Ballina.

This season saw the team take a big step forward with the recruitment of a professional player, 6-8’’ Irish American Fergus Intemann. They also reached the All Ireland club final where they lost to Corinthians of Dublin. In the top four competition they were beaten by one point by Queens Belfast. The players are looking forward to a well earned rest over the summer and expect to be back for preseason training in mid August.

|  | Played | Wins | Losses | Points
1 | Longnecks Ballina | 14 | 13 | 1 | 26
2 | Moycullen | 14 | 11 | 3 | 22
3 | Queen's Belfast | 14 | 11 | 3 | 22
4 | Westaro Castlebar | 14 | 8 | 6 | 16
5 | Tyrone Towers | 14 | 4 | 10 | 8
6 | Longford | 14 | 3 | 11 | 6
7 | Newport | 14 | 3 | 11 | 6

Photo: Remi Soudee, from France who is study in Galway has made a big impact with the Moycullen National League team this season

IRELAND WIN THE 4 COUNTRIES U’15

Ireland won the 4 countries cadet championship with a thrilling one point win over England in the tournament final which was held in Matlock, England . Ireland had reached the final with wins over Scotland and Wales.

Moycullen’s Cian Nihill captained the Irish Team and had a great game in the final at the point guard spot, controlling the tempo of the game hitting 14 points.

THANKS

Thanks from the National League team to all the sponsors, supporters and club members who helped during the season. Running a National League team is a huge undertaking and could not happen without the help and support of many people both inside and outside the club. UCG may be available next season and perhaps someday soon we might have indoor facilities in Moycullen for home games

USA TRIP

Seven Moycullen players were on a basketball trip by the ’Bish’ to the USA at Easter. Sean Rossa McDermott, Michael Dowd, Eoin Gilson, Cian Nihill, Paul O’Brien, Cathal O’Curráin, and David Keane played in a tournament in Boston and also got to see two NBA games .

As well as playing in Boston they also visited Washington and New Hampshire on what was a great basketball and educational experience.

SCHOOLS ALL IRELAND FINALS

No luck for Taylors Hill or St Enda’s in the All Ireland schools final as they both had to settle for the runner up spots. Gemma Hynes top scored with 15 for St Enda's but the Galway team were well beaten by St Josephs Athboy. Katie Lydon was also on the St Enda's team.

Laura Lyons played on the Taylors Hill team which did really well to reach the final but came up against a strong Castletroy team which dominated the final and won convincingly. Disappointment for the players but the consolation of well earned All Ireland silver medals.

Photo: Cian Nihill in action for the Irish U’15 team against Wales at the 4 Countries Tournament in England.

Edited from Moycullen Matters June 2003 Issue 92

U’13 BOYS HEAD TO FRANCE

The U’13 Boys team which will be competing in the Henri Seux International Tournament in France in June

Back L/R Nollaig Cunningham, Neil Cantwell, Dillon Mc Dermott, David Lee, Martin Hoffler, James Loughnane , John Cunningham. Front L/R Christopher McNairney Tomás Gilson, Gerard Lyons, Dylan Cunningham, Eoin Maxwell

GOLF AM AM 18th JULY

Moycullen Men's National league team are holding their annual Golf AM-Am in Oughterard Golf Club on Friday 18th July

Enquiries should be made to Michael Cunningham at 086 8154954

ELEVATION CAMP

One of the country’s leading basketball coaches Mark Ingle will head up a two week basketball coaching camp in UCG from 30th June to 11th July. Camp director Bob McDonald can be contacted at 087 1271538

WEST U’15 TEAM

Four Moycullen players starred on the West u’15 team which reached the semi final of the All Ireland Interregional Tournament in Limerick in May. James Loughnane, Eoghan Maxwell, Dillon McDermott, and Christopher McNairney.

All four played their part as the west beat Cork to secure a semi final spot on score difference. All four players play their school basketball in the Bish

Photo: James Loughnane. West U15

BASKETBALL CLUB AGM

Moycullen basketball club held their AGM at Arus Uilinn on 22nd May.. The outgoing officers presented the annual reports to the meeting, outlining the activities and achievements of the club over the past season. One of the notable events mentioned was the signing by the men's team of a professional

men's team went on to have a fine season, finishing with an 11 and 3 winning record in the National League and reaching the All Ireland Club Final. The U’15 boys also had an impressive season, highlight of which was their win in the John Coughlan U’15 All Ireland Tournament and the selection of Cian Nihill as Irish Cadet team captain.

Officers elected for the coming season are Chairperson John Cunningham, Secretary Gerry Nihill, Chairperson Kitty Canavan. Five other officers will be named to the club executive, one from each of the five sections of the club. These will be selected at the various section meetings in August.

Keep up to date with all the news, results and events on the club website at

www.moycullenbasketball.net

E mail: info@moycullenbasketball.net

Edited from Moycullen Matters September 2003 Issue 93

MEN’S TEAM SIGN PROFESSIONAL CANADIAN PLAYER

6’-6’’ Canadian Adrian Walsh will spearhead the Moycullen challenge for National League honours this season. Signed during the off season to replace Fergus Intemann who returned to the USA, Adrian has all the talents needed to give Moycullen the extra edge needed to take divisional honours. He has experience in the Irish league, having played for Longnecks Ballina two seasons ago. He is a strong inside player with good scoring touch around the lane and a very effective rebounder. The team also have a new Coach. Kieran Murphy has taken over the reins and brings a wealth of national League coaching experience to the team, having been involved as player and coach for many years with Galway Democrats during the 1980’s.

The team has lost a number of players from last season. Glenn Hynes is now working in Dublin while Remi Soudee has finished his studies and returned to France.

Gearoid Hynes suffered a cruciate ligament playing for UCG and is out for the year. These losses are balanced somewhat with the return from the USA of Kevin McDonald and the availability of John Stephens after an absence of one year.

All in all an exciting season ahead with home games in the Sports Centre UCG.

Photo: Kevin McDonald’s return from the USA has given the men's team a big boost

GOLF AM AM AN OUTSTANDING SUCCESS

Moycullen Men's National League Team held their annual Golf AM-Am in Oughterard on 18th July. The weather was great, the competition hot and everyone involved had a very enjoyable outing. The ladies stole the day with the team of Vera Dunleavey, Aileen Dunleavey, Imelda Murphy and Collette Mulhearn Taking the top prize with 95 points. The Moycullen outfit of Mike Welby, David Faherty, Adrian Clancy and John Keady took the runners up spot. Michael Darcy Senior and Michael Darcy Junior with Pat and Gerard Cunningham were third while the fourth spot went to the team of Michael Begley, Kevin Fallon, Tony Cunningham and Padraig Barry

The club would like to thank all the golfers who took part and made the event an outstanding success. Thanks to Oughterard Golf Club for the use of their excellent facilities. Special thanks to the sponsors of tee, greens and prizes and to those who made donations. The men's team would like to acknowledge the many hours of hard work put in by Michael Cunningham in organising the event.

U’13 BOYS GET THREE WINS IN

The U’13 boys team produced some outstanding displays in coming up with three wins at the Henri Seux International Tournament in France. Their best result had to be their tremendous win over former tournament champions Riga from Latvia

CLUB CONTACTS

Senior Men | John Cunningham
| Avila
| Moyculen
| 091-555186
| John_cunningham@qset.com
Club Secretary | Gerry Nihill
| Home Farm
| Moycullen
| 091-555494
| info@moycullenbasketball.net

Photo: Dillon McDermott gave some great rebounding displays in France

Photo: David Lee made a big contribution to Moycullen’s three win’s in France

Keep up to date with all the news, results and events on the club website at

www.moycullenbasketball.net

E mail: info@moycullenbasketball.net

Basketball Club News edited from Moycullen Matters December 2003 Issue 94

NEWLY QUALIFIED MOYCULLEN COACHES

Moycullen Club ran a very well received Introductory Level Coaching Course in the local school hall under the direction of National Coaching and Training Centre tutor Danny Thompson.

The course attracted 37 trainees from seven schools and clubs around Galway including twenty from Moycullen Danny concentrated on teaching the fundamentals of the game during the two day course and all who attended are now registered coaches with the NCTC

Some of the Moycullen Coaches. Back l/r Nollaig Cunningham, Ann Blehein, Katie Lydon, Laura Lyons, Cian Nihill. Front L/R Margaret Costello, Mary Gilson, Emma Croke, Danny Thompson (Tutor), Ciara Power, Cormac Canavan

U’17 INTERREGIONAL SUCCESS

Congrats to the West U'17 Schoolboys team who won the Interregional Championship defeating Dublin North in the final by two points.

Five Moycullen players Cian Nihill, Michael Dowd, Paul O'Brien David Keane and Kevin Folan played on the team. Another Moycullen player Cian Phelan, one of the outstanding young players in Galway was ruled ineligible due to a registration problem. In recent years Dublin have been the dominant force in Interregional competitions due to their huge player base. The last time this level of competition was won by the West was back in 1985 when the competition was played as an Interprovincial series. Cian Nihill and Michael Dowd did a great job at the guard spot for the West, controlling the games, and breaking every pressing defence thrown at them. Cian stepped up down the stretch in both the semi final and final to hit crucial three pointers while Michael Dowd’s defensive quickness and ball handling ability to set up many scoring opportunities for his team-mates.

U’15 BOYS RETAIN CORK TOURNAMENT

Victory in Cork last month made it three wins in a row for Moycullen in the annual Cork Co. Board Intermediate U’15 tournament. Moycullen beat Glanmire, Tralee, Maree and Cobh in their run to the final. where they produced a scintillating display of fast break basketball to overrun a much taller Portlaoise 67-34. It was a real victory for team basketball as Moycullen's lack of size was more than compensated for by a great work ethic and an ability of all eight players to step up when needed. They return to Cork in early January for the John Coughlan tournament where they will face much tougher opposition including top sides Blue Demons and Killester .

U’15 team. James Loughnane (Capt.), Eoin Maxwell, David Lee, Martin Hofler, Dylan Cunningham, Gerald Lyons, Neil Cantwell, Tomas Gilson. Coach: John Cunningham

Photo: Moycullen’s Martin Hoffler (5) gets a great block

NATIONAL LEAGUE HOME FIXTURES

11-Jan | Saturday | 3.00pm | NUIG | v | Blue Demons
17-Jan | Saturday | 3.45pm | NUIG | v | Castleisland
24-Jan | Saturday | 3.45pm | NUIG | v | Portlaoise
07-Feb | Saturday | 3.45pm | Renmore | v | Neptune
14-Feb | Saturday | 3.45pm | NUIG | v | Newport

Photo: Marcus O’ Grady on the foul line in the home game with Neptune in NUIG.

Edited from Moycullen Matters February 2004 Issue 95

MEN’S NATIONAL LEAGUE

Four home wins in a row after the Christmas break put the men's team just one win away from securing one of the two playoff spots in the southern conference. They go to table topper Castleisland in the last game for the season needing to win to get that spot.

SOUTHERN CONFERENCE TABLE

|  | Played | Wins | Losses | Points
1 | Castleisland | 12 | 9 | 3 | 18
2 | Moycullen | 13 | 8 | 5 | 16
3 | Neptune | 13 | 8 | 5 | 16
4 | Blue Demons | 11 | 6 | 5 | 12
5 | Newport | 12 | 4 | 8 | 8

JAMES CAPPED FOR IRELAND

Photo: James Loughnane played against England in a friendly international U'15 game in Cork in January

CHRISTMAS BLITZ

The Christmas Blitz was held on the outdoor courts at Scoil Mhuire on St Stephens Day.

Eight teams battled from the first tip off at 9-30am for the Jim Lee Memorial Trophy.

With dusk falling and the rain starting to come down John Cunningham's team wonthe cup with a three pointer on the buzzer from the youngest player in the tournament, fourteen year old James Loughnane.

The Cup was presented to his team-mate Gerry Nihill, the most senior player in the tournament while John Cunningham was awarded the 'Dandy Kelly memorial trophy' as the tournament MVP

Christmas Blitz winners

Back Cian Costello, John Cunningham, Ronan Waters, Patrick Laffey.Front James Loughnane, Gerry Nihill. (Not in photo Robbie Walsh)

MOYCULLEN BOYS LEAD THE BISH INTO ALL IRELAND FINAL

Four Moycullen players starred for the Bish U'16 team as they won all their five games at the All Ireland Semi Final Tournament in NUIG . Cian Nihill, James Loughnane, Paul O'Brien and David Keane led the Bish to its first National Final where they will meet St. Fintans Sutton

The game will be played in the National Arena

Photo: Paul O’Brien

Photo: Cian Nihill

U’17 BOYS WIN THE LONGFORD TOURNAMENT

The U’17 boys made up for the disappointment of losing the final of this tournament on the buzzer last year by dominating this years event from start to finish. Moycullen Team Cian Phelan (Captain) Michael Dowd, Cian Nihill, Paul O’Brien, Cian Costello, Cathal O’Currain, Cormac Canavan, Philip Craig, Kevin Folan.

The Moycullen U’17 girls missed out on a place in the final of the Longford girls tournament on score difference Team Orla Gilligan, Ciara Power, Siobhan Doran, Sarah Lee, Gemma Hynes, Laura Lyons, Fiona Duggan.

Edited from Moycullen Matters April 2004 Issue 96

MEN'S NATIONAL LEAGUE

Moycullen men missed out on a place in the National League playoffs on score difference after finishing the season in second place, tied with Blue Demons on 18 points. However Demons had the superior score difference and went on to the playoffs.

|  | Played | Wins | Losses | Points
1 | Castleisland | 15 | 11 | 4 | 22
2 | Blue Demons | 14 | 9 | 5 | 18
3 | Moycullen | 14 | 9 | 5 | 18
4 | Neptune | 14 | 9 | 5 | 18
5 | Newport | 13 | 3 | 10 | 6
6 | Portlaoise | 13 | 2 | 11 | 4

Moycullen Men Claim Galway Basketball… seven in a row!

Moycullen Senior men’s team were crowned Galway Senior Champions after winning the newly inaugurated Dominic King Memorial Cup at the County finals in NUIG

In the semi final Moycullen defeated NUIG by eight before overcoming Maree in the final by 14. A week later they completed the double when they secured the Galway league title with a win in the last game of the season over Medtronic.

This was the seventh Galway league title in a row for Moycullen

U’17 BOYS WIN THE LONGFORD TOURNAMENT

Front. Cormac Canavan, Michael Dowd. Cian Nihill Back. Cian Costelloe, Cian Phelan, Cathal O’Currain, Paul O’Brien, Philip Craig. (Coach Gerry Nihill)

U’15 GIRLS IN LUXEMBOURG

Moycullen U’15 girls travelled to Luxembourg for the clubs 2nd appearance in the Tageblatt International Easter Tournament in Dudelange. The girls faced stiff competition in their five games against T71 Dudelange, USC Freiburg from Germany, Belgrade from Serbia and Montenegro and Bergstrasser from Germany. It was a fantastic opportunity for the team and they were delighted with two wins from their five games giving them a seventh place finish in the tournament.

Special thanks to the parents who travelled with the team and to coaches Ann Blehein and John Cunningham.

Back. Meg Williams, Emma Carr , Heather Doyle, Áine Phelan, Eimear Doran, Pamela Turke. Front. Rachel Barrett, Michelle Fahy, Fiona Faherty, Lisa Burke, Alyce Regan, Eimear Doyle. (Missing from photo Vanessa Mullaney)

RACE NIGHT

The Moycullen Senior Men’s Club Race Night was held recently in the Forge, Moycullen. The club would like to thank everyone who sponsored races or horses and those who came along on the night. The club’s participation at National League level depends greatly on the success of the club’s fundraising events and without the support of the many sponsors, supporters and friends these events could not happen. A special word of thanks to Ann Marie and all the staff in the Forge who made it a great night for all who attended.

STREET LEAGUE

The club held a very successful U’11 and U’13 Street League over eight weeks during March and April in the school hall.. Over one hundred boys and girls took part in some very exciting games. Leagaun/Ballydoite were the winners of the U’11 competition with Drimcong/ the Village winning the U’13 competition.

U’12 BOYS WIN SILVER

Moycullen boys finished the season with the silver medals in the Galway Plate Competition. Thanks to Pearse Lawlor and Francis Kelly who coached the team

3RD CLASS GIRLS NEWS

Well done to the 3rd class girls team coached by Orla Gilligan and Ciara Power who had a great 26-8 win over Barna.

The team was Aoife Curley, Aoife Gallagher, Cliodhna O'Reilly Marshall, Emma Haddock, Jennifer Faherty, Jessica Hurney, Jessica Nolan, Kate Benson, Laura Caulfield, Mairead Power, Sarah Cullen & Sinead Lowry.

Edited from Moycullen Matters June 2004 Issue 97

IRISH U’16 PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Cian Nihill has been named as ‘Irish U’16 Player of the year’ by the governing body of the sport, Basketball Ireland. Cian was presented with the award at a ceremony in the Burlington Hotel by Tony Colgan, President of Basketball Ireland. Cian, who is on the Irish U’16 squad, was captain of ‘The Bish’ team that reached the All Ireland U’16 final this year, a game in which he top scored with 29 points. Cian was also a starting five player on the West team that won the All Ireland Interregional U’18 championship for the first time. He also captained the Galway U’16 team and played on the Moycullen U17 team that reached the ‘Billy Kelly ‘tournament semi final.

Photo: Cian Nihill

MICHAEL DOWD NAMED ON THE IRISH U’18 SQUAD

Photo: Michael Dowd

Congrats to Michael Dowd who has been selected on the Irish U18 squad following try-outs in Dublin in May. He will now be taking part in an intensive summer training programme under national Coach Dave Fitzsimons as part of the preparations for the European championships in August 2005 . The 20 man squad will break from training from September to March but will come together again next spring to prepare for the championships . Michael is the third Moycullen player to be selected for an Irish squad this year. James Loughnane is on the U'15 squad and Cian Nihill is on the U'16 squad

GALWAY AREA BOARD TEAM

The Galway Area Board U'14 and U'16 teams were in competition at the Inter Area Championships in Belfast in early May. Eight Moycullen players represented Galway, Edel Curran on the U14 Girls, David Lee, Dillon Cunningham and Gerard Lyons on the U'14 Boys and Cian Nihill, David Keane, James Loughnane and Paul O'Brien on the U'16 Boys team.

GOLF AM AM 16TH JULY

Moycullen Men's National league team are holding their annual Golf AM-Am in Oughterard Golf Club on Friday 16th July

Enquiries should be made to Michael Cunningham

U’13 Boys team at the Henri Seux Tournament in France

U’13 boys participated in the Henri Seux International Tournament in France at the end of May. This was the sixth time that Moycullen has sent a team to this excellent tournament . They lost their opening game 24-43 to Gdansk (Poland) but bounced back with good wins over Ardres (France) and Vilvoorde (Belgium) before losing by 20 to Belgrade (Yugoslavia) who went on to win the tournament. In the playoffs for places 5th to 8th Moycullen lost to Geneva (Switzerland) but beat Gdansk (Poland) by 14 points in their last game for a 7th place finish in the 16 team tournament. Coaches John and Nollaig Cunningham did a great job organising the trip and preparing the team

Photo L/R Fergal Hastings, David Heverin, James O’Brien, David Lee, Tomas Gilson, Gerard Lyons, Eanna Noone, Dylan Cunningham, David Wynne.

MEN WIN THE GALWAY CUP

Photo: The Galway Senior Cup is presented to Moycullen Captain Nick Carolan by Mrs King, widow of the late Dominic King after whom the cup is named . Also in photo is Nollaig Cunningham.

MORE CLUB NEWS JUNE 2004

The U15 Girls travelled to Luxembourg where they took seventh place in the Tagablatt International Tournament .

The Club AGM took place on Tuesday 25th May in Árus Uilinn. Officers elected for the coming season are Chairperson John Cunningham, Treasurer, Kitty Canavan , Secretary Gerry Nihill Five other officers will be nominated in September.

Moycullen U'17 Boys reached the Billy Kelly Tournament semi Final in Cork with wins over Delta Notre Dame, Marian Dublin and Carrigaline Cork. They lost to eventual winners Blue Demons in the semi.

Seven of the Moycullen U'15 Boys team travelled to the USA with their 'Bish' school team for a series of games. During the trip they got to two NBA games.

The Senior men completed a Galway League and Cup double

A Moycullen 'Over 35' men’s team were runners up in the Frank Gallery tournament in Ennistymon.

Moycullen ladies team had their best season yet winning six games

Moycullen Senior Ladies team

Back, L/R Ann Blehein, Maeve Darcy, Margaret Costello, Ann Burke, Rebecca O'Neill, Emma Croke, Martin Burke.

Front L/R Lorraine McStay, Liz Jennings, Sinead Keys, Catherine Murray, Laura McAteer, Lara Coyne

Edited from Moycullen Matters September 2004 Issue 98

AMERICAN COACH PETER SHARKEY AT THE MOYCULLEN COACHING CAMP

Moycullen Basketball Club were fortunate to have American coach Peter Sharkey for a week long basketball coaching clinic in July. Peter worked for five days with over fifty players aged 9 to 12 , concentrating on teaching fundamental skills such as passing, catching shooting, pivoting, dribbling and defence. The photo shows coach Sharkey teaching shooting technique to the 9 and 10 year olds. Assistant coach Cormac Canavan also in the picture.

WEDDING BELLS

Sean Hynes and Heidi Annuk were married on Saturday 26th June at St. Columbanus University Chapel, NUIG.

Sean has been a dedicated club member over the years both as a coach and player and the club would like to wish Heidi and Sean every happiness in their married life.

JUNIOR CLUB NEWS

The Junior Club is now up and running for the coming season. With over 180 children registered and playing in 12 groups, training weekly, the club has seen substantial growth over the past number of years. At the recent AGM the following officers were elected.

Chairperson Tom Higgins, Treasurer - Emma Croke, Secretary– Mary Gilson. We would like to see a lot more involvement in the club by parents. We are asking that parents help their child's coach whenever possible, especially with supervision at training and games. Best of luck to the U’11, U’12 and U’13 Boys and girls teams who will be taking part in the Galway Leagues this season. We plan to run our own street league in February in the NUIG Sports centre

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Cian Nihill played on the Irish U’16 team at the European Championships where he was leading scorer for the Irish over the nine games the team played.

Cian was a starting five player but his best performance was in the win over the Netherlands where he was the games top scorer on 23 points including 7 from ten three pointers. The Irish also beat Finland and ran a number of other teams very close including Sweden ,Iceland and Austria.

Photo: Cian Nihill

Edited from Moycullen Matters December 2004 Issue 99

U’13 BOYS IN CORK

Coaches Francis Kelly and Tomas Higgins took the Club U’13 Boys team down south in October for the annual Cork County Board basketball Tournament . This was the first time this group of boys played in Cork and they were very competitive against the more experienced southern teams, losing by two to Tralee in a thriller and to Blue Demons by 14. The team was Philip Ezergailis, Alan Kelly, David Higgins, Paul Gannon, John Doran, James Donoghue, Ian Burke, Dominic Rushe, Eoghan Hynes, Eoin Walsh, Michael Lawlor, Robert O’Donnell, Stephen Maloney.

Photo: U’13 player Paul Gannon

GOOD START TO NATIONAL LEAGUE

Moycullen Senior Men's National League team have made a promising start to the season, winning five of their first six games to go top of the league with one third of the season gone. The team are unbeaten at home and although they lost by one in Castlebar when the home team scored on the buzzer, they bounced back a week later to beat Queens in Belfast after overtime. The team play a series of three away games in the run up to Xmas and are home again in the new year when they face Castlebar in NUIG on 8th January.

Back: Padraig Cregg, Evan Keane, Fergal McAndrew, Adrian Walsh, John Cunningham, Nollaig Cunningham, Marcus O'Grady Front: Paul O'Brien, Dara Canavan, Michael Dowd, Glenn Hynes, Cian Nihill.

U’18 BOYS WIN THE MAREE TOURNAMENT

Back L/R Cathal O'Currain, Garnet Griffin, Paul O'Brien, David Keane, Liam Doheny

Front L/R Michael Dowd, Cormac Canavan, James Loughnane, Cian Nihill. (Not in photo Kevin Folan and Coach Gerry Nihill)

U’15 BOYS IN CORK SEMI FINAL

The Moycullen U'15 boys team put in a very credible performance in winning three games at the annual Cork Co. Board U'15 Intermediate Tournament. Under rookie coach Paul O'Brien they beat Mallow and Blue Demons B and Carrigaline before losing in the semi final by five to Neptune.

Photo: Gerard Lyons, starred for the U'15 boys in Cork

MOYCULLEN U’9 BOYS

Moycullen’s promising U’9 team. Back L/R Sean Candon, Fintan Kelly, Conor Lowndes, Stephen O’Brien, Conal Morgan.Front L/R Patrick Lyons, Brian Regan, Kevin O’Donovan, Cillian Mullarkey

Edited from Moycullen Matters February 2005 Issue 100

CHRISTMAS BLITZ

CHRISTMAS BLITZ WINNERS

Back: Denis Phelan, Mark Regan, Colie Gavin, Rory Monaghan, Cian Nihill, Cian Phelan Front: Colm Gavin, James O’Brien, Mark Loughnane

Photo: Bish Teacher Tom O’Malley in a spot of bother during the Xmas Blitz at Scoil Mhuire as he is surrounded by some present and past students. From left Fergal Monaghan, James O’Brien, Cian Phelan, Rory Monaghan and Gearóid Hynes. In the background is the referee John Cunningham

Page 2 September 2005 Issue 103

Photo: Moycullen professional player from Canada, Adrian Walsh, enjoying the company of three of the men ’s teams regular table officials Siobhán Doran, Laura Lyons, Gemma Hynes at the celebration in the Forge after the last home game of the season in which Moycullen defeated Sligo in the top of the table clash .

Photo: Rory Monaghan accepts the Jim Lee Trophy from Nollaig Cunningham after his team won the Blitz. Rory also received the tournament MVP award.

Photo: Deirdre Gavin and Bernard De Souza at the senior men’s race night

Photo: Michael Cunningham, Kitty Canavan and Mike Raftery at work during the race night

Photo: John Canavan, with Jo and Padraig McDonogh enjoying the senior men’s race night in the Forge

Photo: Race night MC Mike Raftery of Galway Bay FM shares a joke with Geraldine Burke

RACE NIGHT THANKS

The men’s team would like to thank everyone who supported the teams fundraising race night in the Forge in January.

Without the support of a lot of people both in Moycullen and in Galway it would not be possible to participate successfully in the National League

U’12 BOYS HEAD TO FRANCE

Good luck to the boys U’12 team and their coach Tom Higgins as they head to Pace in France for an Internatio nal Tournament in March. A group of nine parents will accompany the boys.

Although the club regularly competes in France in the Ardres U14 tournament in May, this will be the first time for the club to take part in the tournament in Pace and also the first time that coach Higgins and this group of parents has taken on such a major undertaking.

Basketball Club News edited from Moycullen Matters May 2005 Issue 101

MOYCULLEN LADIES WIN THE GALWAY SENIOR CUP FOR THE FIRST TIME

The Moycullen ladies capped a wonderful season when they beat NUIG in the final of the Galway Division One Senior Cup. They had earlier put out Team Cuba in the semi final and Corrib in the quarter final.

Back L/R Ann Blehein, Karen Kenny, Maeve Darcy, Lara Coyne, Rachel Gilkey, Siobhán Doran, Martin Burke (Coach) Front L/R Laura McAleer, Anne Burke, Lorraine McStay, Cliodhna Bohan, Emma Croke.

Photo: Point guard Cliodhna Bohan had a great season for Moycullen ladies team leading them to their first ever county senior cup title

U’17 BOYS MISS OUT ON THE BILLY Kelly FINAL BY ONE POINT

A Galway U17 team comprising players from Moycullen and Maree reached the final of the ‘Billy Kelly’ Invitation Tournament in Cork. They beat Blue Demons (Cork), Swords (Dublin), Tralee (Kerry) and St. Vincent’s (Dublin) on the way to the final. In a top class contest they were beaten 72-71 by Killester in the final. The Moycullen players were Cian Nihill, Paul O’Brien, James Loughnane, and David Keane.

MEN RETAIN GALWAY CUP

Photo: Marcus O’Grady accepting the Dominic King memorial trophy after winning the Cup Final

JUNIOR STREET LEAGUE ACTION(photos)

May 2005 Page 2

U’13 BOYS TRAVEL TO PACE, FRANCE

Moycullen took part in a brilliant tournament in Pace, northern France in early April.

Moycullen lost to Solol PISEK from Czechoslovakia in the first game. They then beat Luca TALLINN ESTONIA in the second game. They also played BETTON of France, NANTERRE of France and FORTI e LIBERI, ITALY, even though the team lost the last 3 games they put in some great performances and were only narrowly beaten in all three games.

Eoin Walsh reached the semi-final of the free throw competition and was unlucky not to be in the final. The parents and players were full of praise for the way the tournament was managed and for the way the teams were looked after while in Pace.

Back. Mike Madden (Coach), Eoin Walsh, Stevie Moloney, John Doran, Ian Burke, David Higgins. Tomas Higgins (Coach). Front James Reilly, Robert O’Donnell, Dean Madden, Colm Kelly, Brian Conneely.

Photo: Tom Higgins presenting the winners prizes to Nora Carr and Rose Cunningham at the fundraising card drive for the U’12 boys before the team left for Pace, France.

Photo: U’16 girls team captain Eimear Doyle with minister Eamon O’Cuiv at the presentation of prizes at the Galway Cup finals. The Moycullen team received runners up medals from the minister.

Photo: Kitty Canavan accepting a match sponsorship cheque from Ann Marie Kelly, The Forge for the Moycullen men’s National League Team.

IRISH U'15 SELECTION

David Lee has been included in the Irish U’15 development squad.

David captained the Moycullen team that beat Maree in the county cup U’15 finals recently.

He played on the West representative team at this year’s interregional competition.

He is the fifth Moycullen player selected on an Irish squad this year.

Paul O’Brien and Cian Nihill are on the U’17 squad, Michael Dowd U’18 and James Loughnane U’16

NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION ONE IRELAND CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS 2005

The men’s team finished with a 17 and 6 winning record to take the National League Division One Ireland Conference title for the first time.

Back L/R Marcus O’Grady, Nollaig Cunningham, Fergal McAndrew, Paul O’Brien, Evan Keane, John Cunningham, Adrien Walsh.

Front L/R Dara Canavan, Cian Nihill, Nick Carolan, Glen Hynes, Michael Dowd. Missing from photo Padraig Cregg, and team coach Gerry Nihill

Edited from Moycullen Matters June 2005 Issue 102

SEVENTH TIME COMPETING IN THE HENRI SEUX TOURNAMENT

Moycullen U-13 boys that played in the Henri Seux tournament in Ardres, France

Photo: L/R Jamie O'Donovan , Philip Ezergailis, Paul Gannon, Dominic Rush, Sam Conroy, James Lee, Greg Bohan, Eoghan Hynes, Jason Casburn.

This was the clubs seventh visit to the tournament with what was possibly the most inexperienced team ever to travel. They played Belgrade,( Yugoslavia), Ardres, (France), Ettelebruck (Luxembourg) , Krvavec (Slovenia) and Ardres 2 (France). The standard was superb, four of the team’s they faced were from top European clubs.

The Moycullen goal was to show individual and team improvement during the tournament and they certainly did that. After being well beaten in the first three games they began to cope better with the pace and scoring power of their opponents and they beat Ardres 2 by 10 points in game four in front of a big crowd.

A great experience for the boys. As usual the French families were wonderful hosts. Trips like this aren't about winning and losing - they're about competing and learning and all involved would agree that a lot of competing and learning was compressed into the weekend.

CIAN SELECTED FOR EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Cian Nihill has been selected on the Irish Junior (U’18) men's team for the European Championships in the Slovak Republic this summer. He will be the first Moycullen player to play for Ireland at Junior men's level. After the European Championships Cian will be heading to Berkshire Prep. School in the USA for a year.

GOLF AM AM FRIDAY 15TH JULY

Moycullen Men's National league team are holding their annual Golf AM-Am in Oughterard on Friday 15th July.

Teams of four €150.

Tee or green sponsor €50

Enquiries to :

Michael Cunningham 086 8154954,

Nollaig Cunningham 091 555784

Moycullen Basketball Club need coaches for next season. If you have some knowledge of the game the club would love to hear from you. A coaching course will be provided to everybody interested in helping out with one of the younger teams. Contact Mary Gilson at 091 555252

Edited from Moycullen Matters September 2005 Issue 103

CIAN TOP SCORED FOR IRELAND AT THE EUROPEANS

Cian Nihill had an outstanding tournament at the European U'18 Championships in Slovakia. He led the Irish team in scoring, averaging 18.2 ppg including 33 in the win over Romania, 24 v Macedonia 21 v England and 18 against the Tournament Champions Ukraine. Cian also averaged 5 rebounds per game and played 35 minutes per game over the eight games. This was an impressive display by the Moycullen player considering he is underage again next year

Photo: Cian Nihill playing v Poland

Photo: James Loughnane played for the Irish U’16 team at a tournament in San Marino

AMERICAN COACH PETE SHARKEY AT THE MOYCULLEN SUMMER COACHING CAMP

American coach peter Sharkey ran a five-day camp for players aged 10 to 13 in Moycullen in July. This was the the second year for the club to have coach Sharkey work with our younger players

Picture shows Coach Sharkey and also assistant Coaches Ciara Power, Siobhan Doran and Michael Dowd

U’16 BOYS AND U’16 GIRLS TRAVELED TO SLOVAKIA

Moycullen U-16 Boys and Girls recently added Zilina in Slovakia to the list of club destinations in Europe. It proved one of the best tournaments yet with the combination of top class opposition, excellent hosting, an interesting location and a stop off in Vienna and a swim in the Danube on the way! Both teams played 5 tournament games. The girls failed to pick up a win but improved from game to game and came very close in their final game against Lokomotiv Teplicka from Slovakia. The boys fared slightly better. They lost by 10 to the hosts in their first game and followed that with two heat breaking defeats by 3 points to BK'99 Presov and 4 points to USK Praha in their group. With a bit of luck, they could have ended up in the top four. Instead, they progressed to the 5th to 8th place playoffs where they lost their first game narrowly to Spisska Nova Ves before putting in an excellent performance to reverse the earlier defeat to Presov, coming away with a 10-point win and clinching 7th place.

Girls team was Lisa Burke, Emma Carr, Edel Curran, Eimear Doran, Eimear Doyle, Heather Doyle, Fiona Faherty, Michelle Fahy, Sinead Maxwell, Vanessa Mullaney, Áine Phelan, Pamela Turke, Meg Williams. Coaches Ann Blehein and Ann Burke

Boys team Neil Cantwell, Alan Conroy, Dylan Cunningham, Alan Griffin, Martin Hofler, David Lee, James Loughnane, Gerald Lyons, Eoin Maxwell, Chris McNairney, Steven Tummon. Coaches John Cunningham and Nollaig Cunningham

Dylan Cunningham and James O’Brien played on the Galway U’14 team that captured the All Ireland Inter Area Board Championship with a 66 to 54 win over Ulster in the final which was played at the National Basketball Arena.

Galway were unlucky not to complete a double when their U’16 boys team were defeated by Dublin in the All Ireland final. Moycullen had four players on the Galway team, James Loughnane, Chris McNairney, Eoghan Maxwell and David Lee.

Edited from Moycullen Matters November 2005 Issue 104

MOYCULLEN BOYS IN THE USA WITH THE BISH

Seven Moycullen U16 team players travelled to USA with the Bish during the midterm break to play a series of games in the Boston area. During the trip they had the opportunity to attend two NBA games in the Fleet Centre where they saw the Boston Celtics defeat the New York Nicks in overtime 112-96 on the opening night of the season. The trip was organised by two of the Bish teachers Tom O’Malley and Bernard de Souza, both of whom now live in Moycullen.

Pictured at the game are James O’Brien and Gerard Lyons.

RELAXING IN SLOVAKIA

Some members of the Moycullen Girls U’16 team relaxing between games during their recent trip to Slovakia.

From Left. Eimear Doyle, Fiona Faherty, Edel Curran, Áine Phelan, Sinead Maxwell, Michelle Fahy, Pamela Turke, Meg Williams, Lisa Burke

NATIONAL LEAGUE SEASON PREVIEW

Moycullen head into this season with a much changed line up from last year. With the departure of Adrian Walsh for the super league and Cian Nihill to the USA the team is smaller but have gained quickness on the perimeter with the signing of Australian shooting guard Aaron Sansoni. Also joining the team are American Joe Bakaysa, a good outside shooter while the team have added a mobile rebounder Polish forward Lech Habalis. Into the line-up come two local eighteen year olds Garnet Griffin, 6’-6’’ and David Keane 6’-5’’, both players with a lot of potential .

International U’16 player James Loughnane will be challenging for court time at the guard spot as will U18 International squad member Paul O’Brien. Michael Dowd, who is now studying PE in Limerick will be the starting point guard and brings a full seasons National league experience with him although he is still only eighteen. At the heart of the team will be the ever reliable veterans John and Nollaig Cunningham, backed up by seasoned campaigners Glenn Hynes, Dara Canavan Fergal McAndrew and Gearoid Hynes. All in all a nice blend of youth and experience which should become increasingly competitive over the course of the year as the team game begins to gel.

Coach again this year is Gerry Nihill. Games will be played in NUIG and Killannin

Photo: Australian Aaron Santoni

Edited from Moycullen Matters February 2006 Issue 105

GALWAY SPORTS STAR AWARDS

It was a special night for Moycullen in the Galway Bay Hotel on 16th January when Gemma Hynes was presented with the Galway Sports Star award in Athletics and Cian Nihill received the Sports Star award for basketball.

Seventeen other athletes representing various sports presented also with their awards include Damien Hayes(Hurling), Finian Hanley (Football), Lourda Kavanagh (Camogie) Niamh Fahy (Killannin, Ladies Football) and ‘Team of the Year’ the Galway Minor Hurling team. Special guest at the banquet was former Clare hurling manager Ger Loughnane .

Photo: Gemma Hynes and Cian Nihill at the Galway Sports Stars Awards

BLITZ WINNERS

Winning team in the Xmas Blitz

L/R Kieran Power, Michael Gannon, John Cunningham, Sean Hynes, Dylan Cunningham, Cormac Canavan, Mark Loughnane, James Loughnane

Photo: Shane O’Donoghue, John Cunningham and Haulie Dowd battle for position during the Xmas Blitz

John Cunningham hit a dramatic three pointer on the buzzer to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in the final of the 2005 Xmas Blitz. Moments earlier the losing finalist team led by Gearoid Hynes had taken the lead for the first time in the game when young Gerald Lyons hit a big three pointer. Momentum and the clock were with the Clooniffe man’s team as his team had possession of the ball for a last shot to seal victory. The shot was missed, John Cunningham grabbed the ball, took two dribbles and although not renowned as a three-point shooter hit one of the great match winners in the history of the Blitz. For captain Michael Gannon it was his first winners medal in fifteen attempts and he was all smiles accepting the Jim Lee Trophy from Blitz organiser Nollaig Cunningham

Photo: Captain Mike Gannon accepts the Jim Lee Xmas Blitz trophy from Nollaig Cunningham

Final three home National League games

25-Feb-06 | Moycullen | v | Waterford | Sat, Killannin, 7.00pm
04-Mar | Moycullen | v | Newport | Sat, NUIG, 4.00pm
11-Mar | Moycullen | v | Waterford | Sat, NUIG, 4.00pm

February 2006 Page 2

MOYCULLEN U’17 INTERNATIONAL

The Basketball Club broke new ground with the visit to Moycullen of one of Europe’s top clubs, OKK Belgrade for an invitation tournament in the Killannin Community Centre on 11th and 12 th February. In what was a fantastic weekend of top class basketball, the Irish U’16 team beat Belgrade in the final 55-54 with two free shots in the final seconds. The Moycullen team played superbly throughout the tournament and reached the semi final where they los t to the Irish team, Super Valu and the GMIT Catering School provided sponsorship which enabled Joe Loughnane and his team of helpers provide food for players, referees and officials in the gym throughout the tournament. The parents of the Moycullen boys hosted the visiting players and did Trojan work in and around the sports hall. Over fifty people were involved in the various rotas as table officials, shop assistants, kitchen etc. Great credit to the main organiser John Cunningham whose tireless work made the tournament happen. All in all a great team effort by the Moycullen Club.

The Moycullen team with some of the visiting Belgrade players at the International Tournament in Killannin .

Back: Chris McInerney (10), Alan Conway (10), Eoghan Maxwell (14), Alan Griffin (6), David Lee (11) Front: Martin Hoffler (15), Neil Cantwell (15), Tomas Gilson (4), Gerard Lyons (7)

SUPER VALU SPONSORSHIP

Photo: Alan Hynes, General Manager Kyne’s Super Valu Moycullen presents a sponsorship cheque to Basketball Club Treasurer Kitty Canavan. Also in the photo is Patricia Kyne., assistant manager Super Valu.

All the prizes for the Auction Race at the Basketball Club Race night which was held in the Forge were sponsored by Super Valu. They also provided sponsorship for the International Tournament hosted by the Moycullen in the Killannin Community Centre.

Photo: Leah Cunningham has been selected on the West region U’15 Basketball squad

Images from the Moycullen U’17 InternationalTournament in Killannin in February 2006

Photo: The Belgrade Coach in the background and table officials Garnett Griffin, Róisín McNairney ans Róisín Higgins

Photo: Joe Loughnane

Photo: David Lee

Photo: Gerald Lyons v Belgrade

Photo: Helpers and Table Officials: Rory Gilson, Patrick Lyons, Gerry Riordan,Paul O’Brien, Laura Lyons, Una McDonald, Julie Ann Russell, Orla Walsh.

Photo: Tip Off in the Final: Ireland v Belgrade

Photo: James Loughnane v Belgrade

Photo: Eoghan Maxwell

Photo: John Cunningham presenting the tournament trophy to the captain of the Irish Team

Edited from Moycullen Matters April 2006 Issue 106

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Moycullen men missed out on a place in the National League playoffs on score difference after finishing the season in third place on a 6 and 6 record.

Southern Conference

|  | Played | Wins | Losses | Points
1 | Castleisland | 12 | 10 | 2 | 20
2 | Waterford | 12 | 9 | 3 | 18
3 | Moycullen | 12 | 6 | 6 | 12
4 | Limerick Lakers | 12 | 6 | 6 | 12
5 | Newport | 12 | 1 | 11 | 2

In the Northern Conference Longford and Sligo qualified while St. Vincent’s and Clondalkin qualified from the Dublin Conference. Moycullen are already looking ahead to next season when they hope to be considerably stronger with the return of a number of key players not available this season and the signing of a Bosman player from Europe. 2005-06 marked the eigth season for Moycullen to compete in the National Basketball League and the team would like to thank its sponsors and the supporters for their continued encouragement and support.

Photo: Nollaig Cunningham battling for position with Limerick Laker star player John Galvin. Galvin also plays for the Limerick Senior Football team.

IRISH SQUAD SELECTION

Congrats to four Moycullen players who have been chosen on Irish squads preparing for the European Championships. Dylan Cunningham has made the Irish U’15 squad, James Loughnane the Irish U’17 squad, Cian Nihill the U’18 squad and Michael Dowd the Irish U’20 squad. Team selection will take place after the squads have trained together for a number of months.

MOYCULLEN PLAYERS HELP THE WEST WIN THE U’15 INTERREGIONAL

The West Region (Galway-Mayo) won the All Ireland U’15 Interregional boys championship for the first time. The team was powered by a combination of Moycullen and Maree players. The Moycullen players were Dylan Cunningham, James O’ Brien, Stephen Heaney, Davy Jackson and James Brophy. The Galway boys broke the stranglehold Cork and Dublin have on this competition and deserve every praise for their achievement. Two years ago the West won the U’17 Interregional Championship for the first time in many years with a team that also included a number of key players from Moycullen including Michael Dowd, Cian Nihill and Paul O’Brien, all of whom now play on the Moycullen National league team.

YOUNG PLAYERS IN ACTION IN SOME RECENT JUNIOR SECTION GAMES

Photo: Joshua Marvesley (Under 8 group)

Photo: U13 player Roisin Higgins

Photo: Michael McAndrew (U8 Group)

Edited from Moycullen Matters June 2006 Issue 107

BASKETBALL CLUB AWARDS NIGHT 2006 AT THE FORGE

The end of season get together was held on Saturday 13th May 2006 in the Forge. At the function a special presentation was made to Kitty Canavan who retired as treasurer having given seventeen years of outstanding service to the club. Presentations were also made to the five youth players currently training with Irish national squads. The men’s team, winners of the Galway Senior Cup for the third time in a row received their medals and there were presentations to six players who represented the West region. Nollaig Cunningham got the National League MVP award and Ciara Power got the lad ies team award. James Loughnane received the Young Player of the Year award .

Photo: Ladies team members from left Sinead Maxwell, Paula Burke, Ciara Power (Ladies team award 2006), Martin Burke (Coach), Siobhan Doran, Lisa Burke, Ann Burke

Photo: Retiring Club Treasurer Kitty Canavan with Club Chairperson John Cunningham

Photo: International Squad members James Loughnane(Ireland U’17) , Michel Dowd (Ireland U’20), Garnett Griffin (Ireland U’20), Dylan Cunningham (Ireland U’15). (Not in photo Cian Nihill (Ireland U’18)

Photo: Dylan Cunningham, (West U'15), Nollaig Cunningham (MVP National league team) and Leah Cunningham (West U'15)

OFFICERS ELECTED AT THE AGM

The Club AGM was held on 10th May. The full text of the annual report is available on the club website at www.moycullenbasketball.net At the meeting John Cunningham was re-elected Chairperson, Ann Blehein took the position of secretary and Gerry Nihill is the new treasurer. For the coming season it was decided to amalgamate the Junior section (ages 8 to 12) with the Juvenile sections (ages 13-16) into a new youth section. U’17 to U’19 boys will now be in the men’s section of the club with the U’17 girls in the senior ladies’ section.

GALWAY U’12 CHAMPIONS

Moycullen U’12 Boys Team Galway Champions 2006 Back L/R: Margaret Costello (Coach), Patrick Monaghan, Dylan Costelloe, Danial Ferns, Evan Costelloe, Liam Barber, John, Daly. (Mary Gilson, Manager). Front L/R: Leo Rush, Sean Walsh, James Wynne, Rory Gilson, Ciaran Mulkerrins, Andrew Hurney

BILLY KELLY TOURNAMENT

The U’17 boys team put in three good performances at the Billy Kelly All Ireland U’17 Tournament in Cork at Easter but still came away without a win. The standard was as usual very high but Moycullen matched up well in all their games. Their best performance came in the match against the eventual champions from Dublin when Moycullen led all the way only to be caught in the closing minutes as tiredness set in.

SILVER FOR GIRLS

Moycullen girls had to settle for runner up medals in two competitions at the Galway finals. The U’15 girls came up against a super Maree side led by Irish International Claire Rockall and were never close to the Oranmore team. In the U’16 final Moycullen were expected to beat Gort but the local girls had a off day and never got going and the south Galway team grabbed a title they were not expecting to win.

SENIOR MEN WIN THE GALWAY CUP

MOYCULLEN 76 - NUIG 59

Having competed in different conferences of the National League, it was fitting that Moycullen and NUIG should finish the season by clashing in the local Galway Cup Final for the Dominic King memorial trophy. The game took place on Easter Monday in Calasanctius College in Oranmore and it provided a chance for both teams to claim local bragging rites in a season where both struggled at National level. In the end, despite a brave NUIG fight back in the second quarter, Moycullen proved much the stronger. Overall, their greater experience and strength in depth was too much for the NUIG side and they cruised to a 17-point win to end a frustrating season on a positive note. They can now rest up over the summer and try to put the missing pieces of the jigsaw puzzle together for the start of the season ahead.

Michael Dowd (19), James Loughnane (17), Nollaig Cunningham (13), John Cunningham (12), David Keane (6), Gearóid Hynes (5), Glenn Hynes(2), Garnett Griffin (2), Paul O’Brien (2)

U’13 BOYS HEAD TO FRANCE

The U’13 Boys team head to Ardres in France in June for the Henri Seux International Tournament. This will be the eight time for Moycullen to play in this prestigious FIBA Approved tournament in Northern France. Teams from twenty European countries are taking part.

Photo: Mary Nihill accepting a match sponsorship cheque from Ann Marie Kelly, The Forge, for the Moycullen Men’s National League Team

Edited from Moycullen Matters November 2006 Issue 109

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Moycullen had two players in action at the European Championships this summer. 6’-6’’Garnet Griffin gained his first caps for Ireland when he played at the U’20 championships in Portugal in July. Cian Nihill had brought his total of youth International caps to 41 at the European U'18 Championships in Romania. He led the Irish team in scoring, averaging 14 ppg and ended the nineteen team tournament as the leading three-point shooter.

Photo: Garnet Griffin

Photo: Cian Nihill

SUMMER COACHING CAMP

The annual summer coaching camp for young players was held this year in mid -August under the direction of American coach John Richerson. This year camp was organised by Michael Dowd, Cian Nihill and Siobhan Doran and great credit is due to these three young players for taking on the initiative and doing the work to make the camp happen.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Moycullen head into this season with a lot of confidence as the team is considerably stronger than last year. Canadian Adrian Walsh has returned to Moycullen after a season in the super league while Cian Nihill has returned from the USA to study in NUIG. Glen Hynes has taken up employment as an engineer in Galway after a year working in Dublin. With Irish National team players Garnet Griffin and Michael Dowd and James Loughnane also in the line-up the team has a lot of potential. Other young players likely to feature this year are David Keane and Paul O’Brien while Experienc e d campaigners John and Nollaig Cunningham, Gearoid Hynes and Fergal McAndrew will again be central to the team’s performance. Gerry Nihill takes charge as head coach for a third season

Home National League Games

Sat 30 Sept | Moycullen | v | Wateford | NUIG | 4.00pm
Sat 7 Oct | Moycullen | v | Tralee | NUIG | 4.00pm
Sat 4 Nov | Moycullen | v | Castleisland | NUIG | 4.00pm
Sat 11 Nov | Moycullen | v | Limerick | Killannin | 7.00pm
Sat 25 Nov | Moycullen | v | Tralee | NUIG | 4.00pm
Sat 6 Jan | Moycullen | v | Castleisland | NUIG | 4.00pm
Sat 21 Jan | Moycullen | v | Limerick | Killannin | 7.00pm
Sat 17 Feb | Moycullen | v | Titans | NUIG | 4.00pm

Photo: Michael Dowd

Photo: James Loughnane

Photo: Gearoid Hynes

November 2006 Page 2

U’16 BOYS AND U’16 GIRLS TEAMS IN SLOVAKIA

Moycullen Basketball U’16 Boys and U’16 Girls travelled to Zilina in Slovakia in August for the 2006 Badem Tournament. This was the second year that Moycullen participated in the tournament. After a brief pit -stop in Vienna on route, the Moycullen boys team roared out of the blocks in game 1 bea ting the home team MBK Zilina on the buzzer. A great start for the team. In game 2 they also played well but lost to BK Ziar Nad Hronom, Slovakia by 11 points. Game 3 was against the tournament favourites, Serbian team KK Zemun, Moycullen lost by only 14 which was a fair achievement considering that no other team got within 20 points of them. With confidence growing after this performance the Moycullen boys scored 94 points in beating Kezmarok in the final group game. This left the team in the 5th and 6th place play-off against Katowice from Poland. The Poles had a huge size advantage over the team and this coupled with fatigue on the Moycullen proved to be the deciding factor in the game. In the end Moycullen lost by 11 points mainly due to a bad start and fatigue but they battled right to the end.

A 6th place finish was an excellent result and one that the team deserved thoroughly. They won many admirers for their tough and gritty displays on the defensive end and with their ability to not only run a half-court offence but also to pushthe ball up the court. This was further emphasized when Dylan Cunningham along with 2 players from KK Zemun (winners) and 2 players from USK Prague (2nd place) was selected on the All-Star tournament team.

Front row:. Stephen Heaney, Gerald Lyons, Tomas Gilson, James O’Brien. Coach. Nollaig Cunningham. Back row: James Brophy, Davy Jackson, Dylan Cunningham, Steven Tummon

BADEM CUP 2006

The girls team also played really well against very tough opposition and had one win from four games, beating UKS KATOWICE before losing to superb teams from ŽILINA, JISKRA KYJOV and LOKO ŽILINA Front row. Orla Walsh, Sinead Maxwell, Amy Duggan, Elma Lee, Fiadhnait Mc Donough. Back row. Ciara Gallagher, Paula Burke, Una McDonald, Louise O’Reilly, Ciara Forde. Coach Martin Burke

Edited from Moycullen Matters December 2006 Issue 110

U14 BOYS WIN IN CORK CO. BOARD TOURNAMENT

Congrats to the Moycullen U'14 Boys team who had a superb win in the Cork Co Board Tournament They beat the big three Cork teams, Demons, Ballincollig and Neptune on the way to the title. The final against Neptune was not for the faint hearted as it was one of those games that could have gone either way with the result in doubt right to the end. However, Moycullen showed great character to edge home 33-32. Well done to the boys and to their coaches Tom Higgins and Mike Madden.

Front: Dean Madden (15), Kieran Monaghan (11), Eoin Walsh (4) Capt., Patrick Beatty (7), David Higgins (6), David Smyth (12). Back Row; Drew Wilkinson (9), Brian Conneely (10), Ian Burke (14), John Doran (8), Coach; Tom Higgins. (Not in picture Mike Madden, coach)

NATIONAL LEAGUE REACHES HALF WAY MARK

Moycullen Senior Men’s Team are having a fine season in Division One of the National League.

The team has a nice blend of youth and experience with veteran captain John Cunningham once again leading by example both on and off the court.

Moycullen have the best young talent in the league with six key players under 19 years of age. Michael Dowd and James Loughnane have proven time and again that they are the best point guard duo around. Youth Internationals Garnett Griffin and Cian Nihill have great versatility while David Keane and Paul O’Brien are quickly developing into fine players. Moycullen certainly look to have the talent to be consistently at the top in the years ahead.

Photo: Action from the National League John Cunningham, Adrian Walsh and Padraig Cregg surround a Limerick Lakers player as James Loughnane closes in.

Home National League Games after Christmas

Sat 6 Jan | Moycullen | v | Castleisland | NUIG | 4.00pm
Sat 21 Jan | Moycullen | v | Limerick | Killannin | 7.00pm
Sat 17 Feb | Moycullen | v | Titans | NUIG | 4.00pm

Full home and away schedule, including Cup dates are available on www.moycullenbasketball.net

MOYCULLEN PLAYERS STAR AS GALWAY WIN THE ALL IRELAND INTER AREA COMPETITION

Galway U 18 Team.

Front: Cathal Finn (Maree), James Loughnane (Moycullen), Cian Nihill (Captain, Moycullen), Danny Finn (Maree), Neil Cantwell (Moycullen), Jack Conroy (Maree), Back: Peter Finn (Maree), Darren Callanan (Maree), David Keane (Moycullen), Paul O’Brien (Moycullen), Kieran Considine (Maree), Gerry Nihill, (Coach, Moycullen), John Finn (Assistant Coach, Maree).

The team put in a superb performance at the finals of the All Ireland Inter Area Board Championships, beating Ulster 73-38 in the final in the National Basketball Arena. Five Moycullen players starred on the team, James Loughnane, Cian Nihill, David Keane, Paul O’Brien and Neil Cantwell. The Galway team was coached by Moycullen man Gerry Nihill.

There was further success for Galway when the U’16 team also won the Inter Area Board Final, beating Dublin by one point. Three Moycullen Players were on the Galway Team, Stephen Tummon, David Lee and Gerald Lyons.

U11 BOYS PERFORM WELL IN CORK CO. BOARD TOURNAMENT

The Moycullen U’11 boys team reached the semi-final of the Cork County Board Tournament.

Team Back: L-R. Cian Nihill (Coach), Lairgnen McDermott, Darragh Mulkerrins, Seadhna O’Dhuibhir, Padraig Doran, Andrew Barber (Assistant Coach) Anthony Faherty, Ciaran Murphy, Evan Doyle, Donal Murphy (Manager). Front: Oisin Cunningham, Ciaran Barber, Darren O’Donnell, Paul Wynne, John Connor, Donal McDonagh.

Edited from Moycullen Matters May 2007 Issue 112

NATIONAL LEAGUE FINAL

Moycull en Senior Men’s Team had a fine season in Division 1 of the National League, posting a 16 and 6 winning record in reaching the National Final. However, they came up seven points short against the Cup Champions Tolka Rovers in the final. The team was very disappointed at not taking the title after a great run through the playoffs, which saw them dethrone the Northern Conference Champions Sligo and then knock out the Dublin C onference Champions Marian. The final was held in the UL Arena between the two super league semi-finals and the large crowd really enjoyed a great contest as two excellent teams went head to head for the National title. Jo hn Cunningham was only able to play limited minutes in the final due to illness and with the team’s top scorer Adrian Walsh only managing 2 points Moycullen did not have the scoring punch on the day to beat Tolka. The players would like thank all the Moycullen supporters who came to the final (including one who came from England!) and gave such great backing right to the final whistle. Thanks also to everyone who came to the home games during the regular season in NUIG and in Killannin and contributed to a memorable season.

Photo : Michael Dowd in action in the National Final against Tolka in the UL Arena.

Back: Haulie Dowd Assistant Coach, Fergal McAndrew, John Cunningham, Cian Nihill, Adrian Walsh, Nollaig Cunningham, Garnett Griffin, Gerry Nihill Coach. Front: Padraig Cregg, Michael Dowd, Glenn Hynes, Gearoid Hynes, James Loughnane.

Thanks to the sponsors of our National League Team Super Valu, The Forge, Contract Crushing Services Ltd, An Teaghlach Uilinn Retirement & Convalescence Ctr, JJ Rhatigan, Griffin & Co., Ml. McNamara & Co, Rossmere Developments Ltd, Castlethorn Construction, BetaTherm, M oycullen Handball Club, Costello Bus Hire Ltd, Cuman Iomaniocht M aighculinn, Fat Freddies, John Canavan, Foxes Bar, Lydons Carpet & Bedding, K & K Kyne, Galway Framing Studio, Nephin Games Ltd, Eoghan O'Sullivan Ins. (Galway) Ltd. M oycullen Pharmacy Ltd Bohan Dry Cleaning & Laundrette, Burkes Garage, JJ. Faherty Ltd. Village Book Shop, Hynes Engineering, Cumann Peile M haigh Cuilinn, Physioworks, Menlo Park Apts. G. & M . Clancy, Clifford Darcy.

Issue 112 Page 2

NATIONAL SELECTIONS

Six Moycullen players have been selected to train with the Irish International panels. Team selections will be made in early summer

Leah Cuningham | U'15 Girls squad
Dylan Cunningham | U'17 Boys squad.
David Lee | U’17 Boys Squad
James Loughnane | U'18 Men’s Squad
Stephen Tummon | U'17 Boys Squad
James Loughnane | U'18 Men’s Squad
Cian Nihill | U’20 Men’s squad
Garnett Griffin | U’20 Men’s squad.

Moycullen U’14 Team Galway Champions 2007

Front: Kevyn Burke, Rosin Walsh. Middle: Dean Madden, Kieran Monaghan, Eoin Walsh, Colm Kelly, Patrick Beattie, Robert O' Donnell, Back. Ronan Higgins, Tom Higgins, Brian Conneely, Ian Burke, David Higgins, James Reilly, Drew Wilkinson, John Doran

OFF TO EUROPE

Moycullen will have three teams participating in European tournaments this summer, continuing a tradition which has contributed so much to player development in Moycullen over the years. The U’13 Boys travel to France in May while the U’14 Boys and U’15 Girls will be heading to Slovakia in August

SENIOR TEAM DRAW

Weekend Break

Chris Crowley, Ballygooly, Co. Cork

Patio Heater

John McDonagh, Oughterard

€200 Super Value Shopping Voucher

Glenn Hynes, Knockshanbally.

Meal Voucher (White Gables)

Terry Callally, Moycullen

€100 Super Value Shopping Voucher

Lal Conneely, Gortachalla.

Moycullen U’14 Girls Team Galway Plate Winners

Back :Emma Croke, Jenna Donohoe, Niamh Scully, Amy Curran, Roisin Higgins, Roisin McNairney Front : Liane O’Donovan, Eleanor Curran, Niamh Mulkerrins, Shauna Lee

Moycullen U’12 Team Galway Champions 2007

Back Peter Cooke, Kevin O'Donovan, Dylan Costelloe, Patrick Lyons, Conor Lowndes, Sean Candon. Front: Cillian Mullarkey, Eoghan Waldron, Rory Gilson, Tomas Donovan, Conal Morgan, Stephen O'Brien.

Photo: U’12 players Cillian Mullarkey and Rory Gilson size up the situation in the Galway U’12 Final

Edited from Moycullen Matters October 2007 Issue 113

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Moycullen had three players in action at the European Championships this summer. Garnett Griffin and Cian Nihill played on the Irish Team at the European U’20 championships in Warsaw in July. Garnett was playing in his second U’20 Championship while Cian has now reached a total 49 youth international caps. The Iris h team won a record four games at these championships. Irish team manager was none other than Nollaig Cunningham. Meanwhile James Loughnane made his European debut at the U’18 Championship in Bulgaria in August. James was a starting five player and averaged over 20 minutes per game. Ireland won two games and produced some big performances against formidable opposition.

Congrats to all three players on reaching the pinnacle of Youth Basketball

Photo: Irish Youth Internationals 2007 James Loughnane (U’18), Cian Nihill (U’20), Garnett Griffin (U’20)

MEN’S NATIONAL LEAGUE

Moycullen tip off the new season with a home game against Waterford Crystal on Saturday 29th September at the new time of 5pm. Moycullen will again be anchored by a core of very experienced players including John Cunningham, Glen Hynes, Gearoid Hynes and Nollaig Cunningham. Irish Youth Internationals Garnet Griffin, Cian Nihill and James Loughnane are expected to make a big contribution with a talented number of young players are likely to make their National league debut this year including Dylan Cunningham, Stephen Thummon, David Lee and Eoghan Maxwell. With U’20 players David Keane and Paul O’Brien also in the line-up Moycullen have a very young squad which has the potential to develop into a formidable team over the next few years. Gone from last season’s very successful team are Fergal McAndrew who has moved to the USA, Michael Dowd who is living in Limerick and playing Super league with the Lions and Canadian Adrian Walsh who has retired from National League.

Photo: Professional Polish coach Zbigniew Mardon takes charge of the Moycullen team this season

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Photo: Cian Nihill received the 2007 Irish National League Player of the Year Award from Sean O’Reilly (Director Basketball Ireland) and Tony Colgan (President Basketball Ireland). Cian was the third Moycullen player to get this award. Adrian Walsh 2005 and John Cunningham 2002 were previous recipients .

Home National League Games

Sat 29 Sept | Moycullen | v | Wateford | NUIG | 5.00pm
Sat 6 Oct | Moycullen | v | Tralee | NUIG | 5.00pm
Sat 13 Oct | Moycullen | v | Limerick | NUIG | 5.00pm
Sat 15 Dec | Moycullen | v | Titans | Killannin | 7.00pm
Sat 9 Feb | Moycullen | v | Waterford | Killannin | 7.00pm
Tues 19 Feb | Moycullen | v | Titans | Killannin | 7.00pm
Sat 23 Feb | Moycullen | v | Castleisland | NUIG | 5.00pm

Full home and away schedule, including Cup date is available on www.moycullenbasketball.net

Issue 113 Page 2 - A SUMMER IN EUROPE

SLOVAKIA

Moycullen U’15 Girls and U’14 boys played in the XV th International Tournament in Zilina This was the 3rd year that Moycullen participated in the tournament. The boys team had two memorable wins over Czech team BK MECOM HUMENNE and Slovak team BK SK KEZMAROK 1907. While the girls team found the going tough against very strong opposition they gained invaluable experience and performed with great spirit. Many thanks to the coaches and parents who did a brilliant job organising the trip. Meanwhile the U’18 and U’20 boy’s teams travelled to Slovakia at the end of August for an International Club Tournament. We will have news of how they got on in the next edition.

U’15 Girls Team in Slovakia Back: Fiona Power, Roisin McNairney, Leah Cunningham, Niamh Scully, Caoimhe McBrien. Front: Katie Curran, Joyce Lee, Roisin Higgins, Liane O'Donovan, Niamh Mulkerrins. Emma Croke (Coach)

FRANCE

Earlier this summer the Moycullen U’13 Boys team took part in the Henri Seux International Tournament in Ardres France. This was the 9th year for Moycullen to compete in this high level European tournament which featured some of the top clubs from powerhouses such as Lithuania and Serbia.

BELGIUM

Ian Burke, Drew Wilkinson and Paul Gannon were part of the Galway U’15 team that travelled to Ghent in Belgium for a preseason tournament.

ATHENS

John Cunningham, Nollaig Cunningham and Gerry Nihill went to see the European Cup Finals in the Olympic Stadium in Athens.

WARSAW & SOFIA

With a number of Moycullen players representing Ireland at European Championships in Poland and Bulgaria it certainly was a summer with a European flavour.

U’14 Boys team in Slovakia Back: James Reilly, Drew Wilkinson, John Doran, Ian Burke, Patrick Beatty, Eoin Walsh Front: Brian Conneely, Dean Madden, Kieran Monaghan, Colm Kelly, David Higgins, Coach Tomas Higgins .

MOYCULLEN APPOINT A PROFESSIONAL COACH

The club will have the services of a full time coach for the coming season . Zbigniew Mardon is a very experienced coach from the Polish First Division. He will be holding a number of camps for young players including one in August, a second camp during the Xmas holidays around the 2nd Jan and a third camp closer to Easter. There will also be five one day camps on Sundays in NUIG as well as sessions for the various teams and coaches. He will also be in charge of the National League Team.

Edited from Moycullen Matters December 2007 Issue 114

The Blitz

The annual Xmas Blitz will take place on the outdoor court at the back of Scoil Mhuire on St Stephens Day. The blitz is a great social event, bringing together past and present players as well as those who don’t play basketball as their main sport.

Give your name to John or Nollaig Cunningham or mail you name to info@moycullenbasketball.net if you would like to play this year.

This year’s event promises to be a special occasion as the club are organising a reunion on St. Stephens’s day of the girl’s team that won the All Ireland U’16 in Mosney ten years ago in 1997.

FATHER AND SON TEAM UP

Photo: Nollaig Cunningham and his son Dylan get ready to enter the court at the start of the season on the first occasion they lined out together on the Moycullen National League team.

U’13 BOYS WIN CORK TOURNAMENT

Moycullen claimed a major underage trophy when they won the Cork Co. Board U'13 Boys Tournament. They produced some sparkling performances, especially their semi-final win over Demons followed by their win in the final over Neptune.

Team, Back: Angela O’Reilly, Peter Cooke, Dylan Costelloe, Sean Candon, Kevin O'Donovan, Ronan Higgins, Eileen Donovan. Front: Conor Lowndes, Gaelin O'Toole, Tomas Donovan, Rory Gilson, Conor Kyne (Captain), Stephen O’Brien, Patrick Lyons, Conal Morgan,

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Photo: Garnett Griffin tips off v Waterford in the first game of this seasons Men’s Division One National League campaign. Moycullen got off to a good start winning three of their first four games. Moycullen have a very young team with eleven of the fifteen player squad under 20 years of age.

Photo: Tomas Gilson, who made his National League debut in the Waterford game.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT WIN

Moycullen U'20 , Winners International Tournament in Slovakia

Back: David Lee, Stephen Tmmon, Paul O'Brien, Zbigniew Mardon, Kieran Considine, Cian Nihill, Dylan Cunningham. Front: Michael Dowd, Neil Cantwell, James Loughnane, Eoghan Maxwell, Cathal Finn. The tournament had teams from Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. James Loughnane and Cian Nihill were named on the tournament All Star Team

SLIGO U’12 TOURNAMENT WINNERS

Winners U’12 Sligo Invitation Tournament

Back: Darragh Mulkerrins, Aidan Claffey,Lia m Buckley, Padraic Doran, Evan Doyle, Ciaran Murphy, Front: John Connor, Brian Regan, Donal McDonagh, Carl McDonagh, Ciaran Barber, Eamon Buckley

Home National League Games

Sat 15 Dec | Moycullen | v | Titans | Killannin | 7.00pm
Sat 9 Feb | Moycullen | v | Waterford | Killannin | 7.00pm
Tues 19 Feb | Moycullen | v | Titans | Killannin | 7.00pm
Sat 23 Feb | Moycullen | v | Castleisland | NUIG | 5.00pm

Full home and away schedule, including Cup date is available on www.moycullenbasketball.net

Edited from Moycullen Matters March 2008 Issue 115

U’20 NATIONAL CUP CHAMPIONS

Moycullen U'20 men produced a sublime performance at the National Basketball Arena to win the National Cup with an incredible 63-45 win over hot favourites UCD-Marian. Playing magnificent team defence, they suffocated the normally free flowing UCD-Marian attack. Four Moycullen players scored in double figures and they had the luxury of a 30 points lead in the last quarter with all twelve players savouring court time in front of brilliant Moycullen supporters who stole the show with their colour, noise and enthusiasm. A night never to be forgotten as Moycullen won one of the most prestigious Irish basketball titles.

Congrats to all involved, especially head coach Zbigniew Mardon, assistant coach John Cunningham and also Gerry Nihill and Nollaig Cunningham who were involved in coaching these players at various ages aver the past ten years .

For a club from a small town with no sports hall and using all players that have come through their own youth section the win is an incredible achievement.

Photo: Moycullen captain Paul O’Brien raising the National U’20 Cup

Moycullen U’20 Team. National Cup Champions

Front: Gerald Lyons, James Loughnane, Cian Nihill, Tomas Gilson, Neil Cantwell. Back: David Lee, Stephen Tummon, Eoghan Maxwell, Dylan Cunningham, James O’Brien, Paul O’Brien, James Brophy

1997 ALL IRELAND WINNING TEAM REUNION

Ten years ago Moycullen won their first Basketball All Ireland when the U’16 girls captured the All Ireland Community Games title in Mosney. The girls were back together on St. Stephens day in conjunction with the blitz to remember the win celebrate their achievement. The All Ireland cup was procured for the day and a great night of memories and fun was had by all.

Photo: At the 1997 All Ireland reunion were team members Faye Bohan, Michelle Hynes, Niamh Ni Fathartha, Claire Barrett, Annette Hynes, Tara Russell, Roisin Nihill, Cliodhna Bohan, Rebekah O’Neill. (Not in picture Karen Barrett and Coach Gerry Nihill)

AT THE BLITZ

Photo: Caoimh Davoren and Seosamh O’Fatharta

Photo: Killian McDonald tucking into Joe Loughnane’s cooking.

Photo: Róisín Mcnairney, Leah Cunningham, Sinead Maxwell, Amy Duggan

MOYCULLEN U’10 WILDCATS !!!!!!!

They call themselves the ‘Wildcats’ and they train in Moycullen Hall on Thursday night with their coach Roisin Nihill. They have lots of talent and dream that one day they will be all Ireland champions. All opposition better watch out for these Wildcats

Front: Siobhán Regan, Ruth Cunningham, Aisling Corcoran, Mollie Finn, Rachel Fox, Molly Curtis, Grace Egan, Laura Corcoran. Back: Jean Hynes, Sarah Curtis, Amber Devaney, Romy Cunningham, Grace Kavanagh, Grace Callely, Áine Barber, Kate Wade. (Coach Róisín Nihill)

U’12 BOYS SO CLOSE IN CORK

Moycullen U’12 Boys put up a fine performance in the Cork Invitation Tournament n December, losing out on a semi-final spot on score difference by just 0.2 of a point. Controversially, what seemed a perfectly good basket by Anthony Flaherty in the dying seconds of their third game, was called travelling by the referee. If allowed, the basket would have put Moycullen into the semi Final

Results Game one. Moycullen beat Fr Mathews B 37-16. Game two Moycullen beat Carrig na bhFear 16-11 game three. Moycullen lost to Blue Demons 19-27. A fine performance overall and well done to coaches Andy Barber and Padraig McDonogh

CEARNÓG NUA SPONSOR MENS TEAM

At the launch of the sponsorship of the men’s National League Team are from left. Paul Fitzmaurice, Development Manager Cearnog Nua, John Cunningham, Dylan Cunningham, Cian Nihill, James Loughnane, Nollaig Cunningham, and Padraig Rhatigan, Managing Director JJ Rhatigan.

Edited from Moycullen Matters June 2008 Issue 116

SPECIAL SEASON DRAWS TO A CLOSE

Highlight of the season was the National Cup victory by the Men’s U’20 Team. The work done at underage level over the last ten years came to fruition at the National Basketball Arena in January as Moycullen earned the respect and admiration of the entire Irish Basketball community for their fantastic performance in the final.

The decision to recruit a professional Polish Coach Zbigniew Mardon was a key element in the success as he brought a new momentum and style of playing to the club. Coach Mardon also made a big impact with the Men’s Team, integrating seven youth players into the team and taking them to the Senior National Semi-final. With seven Moycullen players on current Irish National Squads the future is bright at senior level.

The Youth section continued to thrive, providing regular basketball for over two hundred players ranging in age from nine to sixteen. The club competed in Youth tournaments in Slovakia and Luxembourg while the U’13 boys head to France in May where Moycullen will be competing for the tenth time. The Moycullen Ladies Team compete in the Galway league while the Christmas Blitz is still going strong.

Photo: In the National League Semi Final in Tralee as Paul O’Brien (6) and Nollaig Cunningham trap Tralee’s American Player Ricardo Leonard.

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U’12 Team - Galway Silver Medalists

Front: Liam Buckley, Oisin Cunningham, Brian Regan, Eamon Buckley, Aidan Claffey, Ciaran Barber, Donal McDonogh, Lorganean McDermott. Back: Padraic McDonogh, John Connor, Sheadhna O’Duibhir, Darren O’Donnell, Sean Candon, Peter Cooke, Ciaran Murphy, Anthony Faherty, Cian Nihill (Coach)

Photo: Conor Lowndes in action for the U’13 boys team in a challenge game against Tralee Tigers.

U’14 BOYS TAKE SILVER

The U’14 Boys collected silver medals after reaching the Galway League Final. With many of the team still U’13 they will be a force next year.

U’13 GIRLS IN LUXEMBOURG

The Moycullen U'13 Girls travelled to Luxembourg for the Tageblatt International Tournament at Easter. The trip was superbly organised by their two young coaches Eimear and Heather Doyle

U’16 Team -Galway Div 2 Silver Medalists

Back: Roisin McNairney, Fiona Power, Leah Cunningham, Niamh Scully, Roisin Higgins, Kathy Kilduff, Front: Katie Curran, Niamh Mulkerrins, Joyce Lee, Leanne O'Donovan

Issue 116 Page 2

MOYCULLEN U’9 & U’10 INVITATION TOURNAMENTS

It was an all action day at NUIG in April as the U'9 and U'10 boys and girl’s teams from the four top underage clubs in Galway took part in an end of season tournament organised by Moycullen Basketball Club

Corrib, Maree, Moycullen and Claregalway played a total of 24 games spread over four separate tournaments.

Medals and goodies were given to all the players as everyone was a winner on a super day of underage sport.

Credit to John Cunningham, the Moycullen coaches and parents who made it all happen.

Back: Tim Keane (Coach), Mark Convery, Kevin McAndrew, Dara Heffernan, Michael Barry, Diarmuid Mulkerrins, Thomas Gannon. Front: Ciaran Hearns, Dara Coughlan, Cormac Power, Ruairi Waldron, Daire Davoren, Thomas Hackett. (Absent Jack Clark and Jack Whyte)

U’10 Girls

Back: Charlie Hosty, Sorcha Whyte, Sarah Casburn , Chloe Conroy, Catherine Connaire, Ailbhe Davoren, Robyn Cox, Megan O’Donnell, Louise Hosty, Amy Cooke, Julie O’Brien. Front (from right) Áine McDonagh, Rachel Elliott, Kate O’Brien, Aishling O’Connor, Lorna Walsh, Aishling McDonagh, Roisin Buckley, Grace Cummins.

Photo: U’9 player Áine Barber

U’10 Boys

Back: Cillian Byrne, Robert Flynn, Barra Convery, Conor Curran, John Hackett, Daniel Lydon Front: Eoghan Heffernan, Cian Parsons, Eoghan Kelly, Gerard McDonagh, Thomas Walsh

Photo: Thomas Walsh in action in the U’10 Boys Tournament

Edited from Moycullen Matters September 2008 Issue 117

PRESENTATION BY MAYOR

Mayor of County Galway Peter Feeney with members of the Moycullen U’20 team at a reception in the County Buildings to celebrate All Ireland wins by the Basketball, Football, and Handball teams of Moycullen. Portumna hurlers were also honoured at the reception.

L/R Tomas Gilson, Cian Nihill, Mayor Peter Feeney, Gerald Lyons, Paul O’Brien, Dylan Cunningham

U’13 GIRLS IN LUXEMBOURG

The Moycullen U’13 Girls Team enjoying the sunshine at the Tagablatt International Tournament in Dudelange in Luxembourg. Moycullen have participated in this tournament on a number of previous occasions and this year the trip was organized by two of the youngest coaches in the club, Meg Williams and Eimear Doyle. Special thanks to both coaches and to the parents who travelled with the team.

INTERNATIONAL HONOURS

Four Moycullen Players were selected to represent Ireland at the European Championships this summer.

Three of the players gained their first international caps, Dylan Cunningham and Stephen Tummon played against England in a mid summer tournament before departing for the Championships in Romania in late July. Cian Nihill got his 50th cap this summer marking the occasion with 31 points against Bulgaria. Cian captained the Irish U’20 team at the European championships in Romania in August

Photo: From left. Paul O’Brien (U’20), Dylan Cunningham (U’18), Stephen Tummon (U’18), Cian Nihill (U’20)

VISITORS FROM SLOVENIA

Moycullen hosted a group of 45 players, coaches and parents from Krvavac, Slovakia for a week during the summer.

The visitors were hosted by the families of the Moycullen players and the club would like to thank everybody who helped out.

During their stay they played the Moycullen U’16, U’18 and U’20 teams in a series of very competitive games in St. Mary’s Gym in Galway. They found time to tour Connemara, Clare and Kerry and also played three games in Tralee. While in Galway they also had a game against the Irish U’18 men’s team. Moycullen first made contact with the Slovakian Club while competing in the Henri Seux International Tournament in France. Credit to John Cunningham who did an enormous amount of work setting up the visit for the Slovenians.

Photo: Jamie Donovan finds his way to the basket blocked by a rather tall U’16 Slovenian player

September 2008 Issue 117 Page 2

U’20 PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Paul O’Brien is presented with the Irish U’20 Player of the Year award by President of Basketball Ireland Tony Colgan at the annual IBA awards dinner in Dublin. Paul made a big contribution to Moycullen’s National Cup triumph this year.

U’13 BOYS IN FRANCE

The Moycullen U’13 Boys Team at the Henri Seux International Tournament in Ardres France. This was the ninth time that Moycullen participated in this prestigious FIBA tournament.

Back L/R Eileen Donovan, Conor Lowndes, Dylan Costelloe, Stephen O’Brien, Patrick Lyons, Angela O’Reilly. Front: Thomás Donovan, Killian Mullarkey, Conal Morgan, Kevin O’Donovan.

END OF SEASON CELEBRATION AND PRIZEGIVING

The club held a very enjoyable end of year prize giving at the Forge in the early summer. The club had much to celebrate after a hectic year on and off the court. Among the many achievements recognized was the Men’s team success in reaching the National League semi-final, the Men’s U’20 team winning the National Cup, the U’13 boys winning the Cork Co. Board Tournament, the trip by the U’13 Girls to Luxembourg, the U’13 Boys going to France and the U’17 Girls and U’20 Men in Slovakia where they won the Tournament. The six players involved in Irish Squads were also honored. The many underage teams competing in the Galway Competitions received special mention as over two hundred players competed from age 9 to 16

Photo: Eoghan Maxwell received the Most Improved Player Award rom Councilor Sean Kyne

Photo: Mary Gilson is presented with the Moycullen Club person of the Year Award by Sean Kyne

Photo: Cian Nihill is presented with the Overall Outstanding Player Award by Community Development Chairperson John Power

Coach Zbigniew Mardon

In 2007, after a second men’s National League Final defeat in three years, the club recognised that something different was needed. Through the exposure our underage teams had to European competition we decided that, rather than going down the standard American route, we needed a European influence to make that difference. Enter Zbigniew Mardon, a Polish coach with over 20 years coaching experience in Poland, including 10 years in the top division. His focus on and belief in young players was a key selling point for the club given that we had a group of very talented U20’s emerging and also that he would need to have a coaching role spread across the whole club, not just at Senior level. We had received an e-mail from Zbigniew the previous year saying he was interested in coaching in Ireland as he had family that had just moved here. A piece of luck indeed.

From the beginning we knew there was something different about Zbigniew. He brought a whole different level of professionalism to training that, while challenging, was also hugely enjoyable. He had his own approach to the game, was very confident in his methods and his ability to coach and, in his two years with the club, he changed the whole philosophy of the club and the attitude of players he dealt with to training. Many of the facets of what he thought are still part of the club’s coaching methods today. Success arrived on court with the U20’s clinching a National Cup and the Senior Men following suit in his second season in charge. While finances dictated that he was only here for 2 years, his influence will continue through the players he coached for many years to come.

My adventure with Moycullen.

It was 2007, after a long, tiring, exhausting time with my Polish club, I decided to change something in my life. I was always interested in new places, I wanted to meet new people and sample their culture. In a conversation with my nephew, who lived in Dublin for several years, he described Ireland as a colourful, beautiful country where the people are all positive and enjoy life. I did not think too long, I sent a query to some Irish basketball clubs, asking if they needed a basketball coach. I received, if I remember correctly, three answers. One of them was an email from the Chairperson of Moycullen Basketball Club, John Cunningham. After a few messages by Internet which we exchanged, I knew I wanted to work in this place.

Later, I flew to Moycullen for a conversation about my job. Where did we meet? In The Forge of course, the most important place for Moycullen people. My first impressions from the meeting with members of the club, everything I saw, houses, streets, lakes, confirmed what I already heard from my nephew, that Ireland is a truly beautiful country.

I spent two very enjoyable seasons in Moycullen. I met interesting people, very much in love with basketball. The successes we achieved together meant that the time I spent there is even more memorable. I will never forget the final match of the U20 Cup of 2008 and the final match of the Senior National Cup 2009. I will never forget the fans who went with us to Dublin and our return to celebrate the victories in Moycullen. Quite another story was our meetings with local rivals, Titans from Galway. Happily, they all ended in victory for us. While this was nice for me, I think it brought special joy to my players and our fans.

My adventure with Moycullen lasted two years, two years which I will always remember with great fondness and joy, two years which gave me a lot of new energy in life and a new world view. It is a pity that this time was so short.

My soul always remains a citizen of Moycullen.

Edited from Moycullen Matters December 2008 Issue 118

BASKETBALL CLUB NEWS

The basketball season is in full swing with almost three hundred members training and competing in various leagues and competitions. The club’s flagship team, the Senior Men’s Team, play in Division One of the National League and had a great start to the season, going top of the Southern Conference in November. They play their home games in the magnificent twenty million euro Kingfisher-NUIG Sports Centre.

The Moycullen Ladies Team are really moving this season and lead the Galway League heading into the Christmas break. They are undefeated in the competition so far this year. Six of the team played with the Moycullen U’18 Girls Team in the National Cup in November.

The U’18 Men and the U’20 Men played in their respective National Cup competitions and although both teams lost, the U’18 men went on to win the Sheild Competition. The club entered five teams in national Competitions so far this season.

The Youth section continues to go from strength to strength and now has fourteen teams ranging in age from U’10 to U’16. All the teams compete in the Galway Youth leagues with the winners of the U’14 and U’16 competitions progressing to an All Ireland series.

The boys teams also enter the Cork County Board Tournaments where they have had a lot of success, most recently in November when the U’14 team won the tournament.

Photo: Cian Nihill is averaging 25 points per game for the National League Team.

Photo: Dylan Costolloe is one of the talented U’14 Team

Photo: Michael Burke asked the questions at the table quiz in the Cottage.

LADIES TEAM ARE TOP OF THE GALWAY LEAGUE

Moycullen Senior Ladies Team Front: Róisín Higgins, Maya Vybornykh, Róisín Mc Nairney, Paula Burke, Elma Lee, Amy Duggan, Shauna Lee. Back: Grainne Ní Fhlatharta, Emma Croke, Shona Murphy, Riona Burke, Róisín Nihill, Meg Williams, Leah Cunningham, Martin Burke (Coach).

ST. STEPHENS DAY BLITZ

Why not join in one of the great sporting traditions of the parish and play in the annual Christmas Blitz. Call john Cunningham at 086 340 5771 to get a place on one of the teams. Action will start at 9.30am and Joe Loughnane will have the sausages cooked for the early birds.

The blitz has been running since the late 1960’s and is one of the longest running tournaments in Ireland

MOYCULLEN GAME ON THE INTERNET

The recent National League game between Moycullen and Titans was recorded by Irish Sport TV and is available for viewing on the Internet. The link for the game can be found on the home page of our website www.moycullenbasketball.net.

Moycullen Matters December 2008 Issue 118 Page 2

Photo: All eyes are glued to the action at the Moycullen v Limerick Lions National League game in the University of Limerick Sports Arena. Moycullen won the game 82-66. From Left: Leah Cunningham, Sinead Maxwell, Karen Walsh, Michael Dowd, John Cunningham and Eugene Maxwell.

Photo: Ronan Faherty helps his son Padraig dunk the ball at the NUIG Sports Centre.

Photo: Kyle Cunningham dunking in NUIG Sports Centre.

Photo: U’10 players Laura Corcoran, Romy Cunningham and Aisling Corcoran at the Street League

Photo: Zbigniew Mardon gets the Street League underway

The Moycullen U’14 Team that won the Cork County Board Tournament

Back: Dylan Costelloe, Stephen O’Brien, Patrick Lyons,, Peter Cooke, Owen Thornton, Padraig Doran.Front: Seamus Garrity, Rory Gilson, Conal Morgan, Killian Mullarkey.Not in the photo: Conor Lowndes, Zbigniew Mardon (Coach), Margaret Costelloe (Manager).

Edited from Moycullen Matters March 2009 Issue 119

MOYCULLEN MAKE HISTORY IN NATIONAL CUP FINAL WIN

An Cearnog Nua Moycullen were crowned men’s senior National Cup Champions with a superb display at the National Basketball Arena in Dublin at the end of January. They produced an inspired performance in the final against old rivals St. Marys Castleisland., dominating the game from start to finish for a 67 to 42 win. Every one of the Moycullen players rose to the occasion, scoring freely from all angles while at the other end producing their trademark defensive shutout. The performance brought back memories of the awesome display a year earlier when eight of the present senior team played on the National U’20 Cup winning team.

Bonfires blazed in the village for captain Nollaig Cunningham and his team when they returned with the cup for a long night of celebration . With eleven of the twelve players coming through the club’s own youth section, the victory is a reflection of the great work done at youth level over the years and the tremendous support from the local community for the club. Ni neart go cur le céile.

Photo: Nineteen-year-old James Loughnane played like a veteran in the final, holding Castleisland danger man Declan Wall to just two points

Senior National Cup Champions

Front. James Brophy, Eoghan Maxwell, Dylan Cunningham, Mindaugas Kurcenkovas, James O’Brien. Back. Coach Zbigniew Mardon, Gerald Lyons, James Loughnane, Glenn Hynes, Cian Nihill, Nollaig Cunningham, Garnett Griffin, John Cunningham, David Lee.

Photo: Glenn Hynes scored twelve first half points in the cup final win.

Moycullen Supporters at the National Basketball arena

The Moycullen supporters were terrific from start to finish during the National Cup Final. Photo shows a section of the Moycullen support at the National Basketball Arena.

Photo: Cian Nihill had a great game, controlling the tempo at the guard spot and top scoring with 17 points, earning him the MVP Trophy

March 2009 Page 2

CHRISTMAS BLITZ 2000

The weather was good and Joe Loughnane had the sausages sizzling when the annual Christmas blitz tipped off at 9.30am on St. Stephens day. Reports from the USA in the weeks leading up to the tournament indicated that Kevin McDonald had been in serious training with the intention of going one better than his runners up medal last year. Action was fast and furious, competition fierce and the standard never higher. When the last basket had been scored at 4.30pm Kevin was indeed collecting his first winners medal while Gerry Nihill was collecting his fifth, having won his first back in the 1980’s.

Rory Monaghan was awarded the Padraig Kelly Memorial Trophy, presented to the player who best epitomised the spirit of the blitz.

Photo: Enjoying the Christmas Blitz were Leanne Donovan, Amy Duggan, Sinead Maxwell, Paula Burke, Lisa Burke and Leah Cunningham

Photo: Mitch McDonald in action at the Blitz. Mitch also starred at the National Cup Final, leading the Moycullen supporters with his drumming skills.

BLITZ WINNING TEAM

Back Conor Cregg, Richard Lee, Gerry Nihill, James Brophy Front. David Carr, Gerald Lyons, Garnett Griffin (Captain), Kevin McDonald

ORIGINAL PAINTING RAFFLED

The winner of the draw for an original oil painting sponsored by Farm Lane Art Gallery was Frances Horan, Cregg Connell, Creggs, Rosses Point, Co Sligo. The draw took place in Regan’s on Sunday 21st December. The photograph shows former Moycullen player Brendan Darcy drawing the winning ticket with the artist Mary Lee. Thanks to everyone who supported the raffle and special thanks to the Lee family Home Farm who organised and promoted the raffle.

For up to date news check out the club website at www.moycullenbasketball.net

Edited from Moycullen Matters June 2009 Issue 120

MOYCULLEN MENS TEAM ENTERS THE SUPER LEAGUE

Moycullen Men’s Team have been promoted by Basketball Ireland to the Irish Superleague. After ten years in the National League Division One, the club was delighted to accept the opportunity to compete at the highest level with such great clubs as Killester, Blue Demons and Neptune. The move to Superleague is a massive opportunity for the club but it will bring new challenges in terms of organis ation and playing strength as many of the clubs are semi professional. But with six youth Internationals on the Moycullen roster the team has built a strong playing base. For players and fans alike, having Superleague basketball in Galway opens a new and exciting era.

GALWAY LEAGUE DIVISION ONE CHAMPIONS

Galway League Division One Winning team

Front. Sinead Maxwell, Paula Burke, Elma Lee, Amy Duggan. Back. Riona Burke, Fiona Duggan, Roisin Nihill, Leah Cunningham, Meg Williams, Emma Croke. Not in Photo Coach Martin Burke.

Moycullen won their first Galway League Division I title, posting a perfect 12 and 0 winning season on their way to victory. It was a terrific season for the Moycullen girls under coach Martin Burke who managed to blend youth and experience into an all-conquering outfit. While the Moycullen girls dominated the league from the start , the title was only decided in the closing seconds of the last game when Moycullen defeated Titans by two points to secure their first Division One Championship

STREET LEAGUE

Photo: Liam Hynes raises the Moycullen Street League Trophy after Uggool - Killagoola had beaten Woodlands Park in the Final.

INTERNATIONALS

Congrats to Leah Cunningham who has been selected on the Irish U'18 Girls Team and to James Brophy and Dylan Cunningham who have been selected on the Irish U'18 Men’s Team. Congrats also to Drew Wilkinson who made the Irish. U’16 Team

TOURNAMENTS

Moycullen Club ran four one day Tournaments in Killannin in April. John Cunningham did a super job organising the four tournaments for U’10 Boys, U’10 Girls, U11 Boys and U’11 Girls . Over two hundred players from six clubs participated.

Moycullen Senior Team Fundraising Draw

1st. Joe Bohan, Pine Grove

2nd Declan McAndrew, Home Farm

3rd Philomena Walsh, Kylebroughlan

4th Dominique Morvan, Oughterard

5th Mike Kelly, Knockcarra

The draw took place at the Awards Night in the Forge on 24th April. Congrats to the winners. Thanks to everyone who supported the draw, especially McCann’s Super Valu, Moycullen who sponsored the prizes .

CLUB AWARDS 2009

An outstanding season was celebrated by the Club at the annual awards presentation in the Forge at the end of April. At the function, awards were presented to club members who had made significant contributions to the success of the club both on and off the court. Chairperson Haulie Dowd complimented everyone involved with the twenty-two teams that represented the club during the season and added that the players and supporters had shown great club spirit and had a real identity with Moycullen

Photo: Cian Nihill is presented with the Basketball Ireland Division One Player of the Year by West Region Chairperson Fr Barry Horan

Photo: Emma Croke is presented with the Senior Ladies Team Leadership Award by Galway Bay FM Basketball reporter Adrian O’Neill

Photo: U’11 Player of the Year Sorcha White is presented with her award by Club Chairperson Haulie Dowd

Photo: Padraic Doran is presented with the U’13 Player of the Year award by Councillor Sean Kyne

Photo: Leah Cunningham is presented with an award by Fr. Barry Horan, Chairperson of the Western Region Board, to mark her selection on the Irish U’18 Squad.

Photo: Sean Kelly is presented with the U’12 Player of the Year award by Councillor Sean Kyne

MOYCULLEN AWARDS 2009

Basketball Ireland Player of the Year | Cian Nihill
Men’s Team Leadership Award | Nollaig Cunningham
Moycullen Young Player of the Year | Dylan Cunningham
International Selection ’09 Award | James Brophy
International Selection ’09 Award | Leah Cunningham
International Selection ’09 Award | Drew Wilkinson
European Champ ionship Player ’08 | Paul O'Brien
European Champ ionship Player ’08 | Cian Nihill
European Champ ionship Player ’08 | Dylan Cunningham
Ladies team Leadership Award | Emma Croke
Ladies team Leadership Award | Roisin Nihill
Supporter of the Year | Michael McDonogh
Men’s Team, Distinguished Service Award | Joe Loughnane
Men’s team Achievement Award | Zbigniew Mardon
Club Person of the Year | Gerry Nihill
Girl's U'11 Player of the Year | Sorcha White
Girl's U'11 Most Improved Player | Kate O'Brien
Boys U'12 Player of the Year | Sean Kelly
Boys U'12 Most Improved Player | Michael McAndrew
Girls U'12 Player of the Year | Shannon Keady
Girls U'12 Most Improved Player | Vanessa Smyth
Boys U'13 Player of the Year | Padraic Doran
Boys U'13 Most Improved Player | Anthony Faherty
Girls U'14 A Player of the Year | Ciara Higgins
Girls U'14 A Most Improved Player | Keavy Conroy
Boys U'14 Player of the Year | Dylan Costello
Girls U'14 B Most Improved Player | Sinead Faherty
Girls U'14 B Player of the Year | Sinead Scully
Boys U'14 Most Improved Player | Eoghan Thornton
Boys U'15 Player of the Year | Toms Fabriciuss
Boy s U’15 Most Improved Play er | Brian Brophy
Girls U’16 Play er of the Year | Roisin Higgins
Girls U’16 M ost Imp roved Play er | Niamh Scully
Boy s U’16 Play er of the Year | Drew Wilkinson
Boy s U’16 Most Imp roved Play er | Leo Rush
Future Star Award | Patrick Lyons
Future Star Award | Cliodhna O'Reilly Marshall
Future Star Award | Aine McDonagh
Future Star Award | Kyle Cunningham

Basketball Club News edited from Moycullen Matters September 2009 Issue 121

MOYCULLEN MOVE UP TO SUPER LEAGUE

On Saturday the 3rd of October, basketball in Moycullen will enter a new era with the first ever men’s Superleague game in Galway tipping off in NUIG at 6 pm. For 10 years the Moycullen team have competed nationally in Division 1 but this season they will step up to compete at the highest level against the true powerhouses of Iris h basketball such as Blue Demons and Killester. It promises to be a fascinating season of top quality competition for the young Moycullen team who are likely to turn a few heads as they take on the best players from across the country.

SUPER LEAGUE FIXTURES

Sat 3rd October | NUIG | 6pm | V | UL Eagles, Limerick
Sat 31st Oct | NUIG | 6pm | V | Killester
Sun 1st Nov | NUIG | 3pm | V | Neptune
Sat 14th Nov | NUIG | 8pm | V | Hoops, Dublin(cup)
Sat 21st Nov | NUIG | 6pm | V | UCD Marian
Sat Dec 5th | Leitir Mor | 7.30pm | V | Cup 2nd(Cup QF)
Sat Dec 12th | Leitir Mor | 7.30pm | V | Hoops
Sat Jan 2nd | NUIG | 6pm | V | UCC Demons
Sat Jan 23rd | NUIG | 6pm | V | Belfast Stars
Sat Feb 13th | NUIG | 6pm | V | St. Vincents Dublin
Sat Feb 27th | NUIG | 8pm | V | Ulster Elks

Check the website for updates www.moycullenbasketball.net

COLLEGE STAR TO PLAY FOR MOYCULLEN

Joining Moycullen for their inaugural season in the men’s Superleague is 6’5’’ Simon Harris. A graduate with a B.S. in sociology, Simon was ranked in the top ten high school seniors in the basketball hotbed of North Carolina. He went on to play for top Division One College team North Carolina State. Simon, who turned twenty-three this year, has a keen interest in coaching and will be a valuable resource to basketball in Moycullen and in the Galway area over the coming season.

INTERPROVINCIALS

11 young players from Moycullen club have spent the summer training with the Connacht Development Academy run by Basketball Ireland. Representing Connaught on the boy’s panel are; Rory Gilson, Stephen O'Brien, Patrick Lyons, Dylan Costelloe, Eoghan Thornton and Padraig Doran. On the girls panel are: Cliodhna O'Reilly Marshall, Keavy Conroy, Kathy Carter, Ciara Higgins and Áine Gallagher.

The Academy finished with an Inter-Provincial Tournament August 30th. in Dublin.

INTERNATIONALS

Dylan Cunningham and James Brophy travelled to the USA during the summer for a series of games with the Irish U’18 squad. During the ten day trip they played a series of games against High School and AAU teams in the Boston area as well as attending coaching sessions with various American college coaches.

While the men’s U’18 squad were working out in Boston Leah Cunningham was in Connecticut with the Irish U’18 Ladies squad. The girls had ten days of intensive training and also played in a tournament.

September 2009 Issue 121 Page 2

GIRLS SUMMER CAMP

Irish U’16 Girls Coach, Joe Shields headed up a four day training camp in the NUIG Sports Centre at the end of August. Joe was assisted by current youth International Carol McCarthy and former schools International Roisin Nihill

Photo: Coach Joe Shields presenting a special achievement award to Ruth Cummins at the Moycullen Girls Camp

MASSACHUSETTS TEAM TAKE ON MOYCULLEN GIRLS

Photo: Áine Gallagher drives to the basket in the game between the Moycullen U’16 girls and the Mass. Wildcats from Boston. Played in Killannin in August, Moycullen gave the American girls a great game before eventually giving way by 12 points.

LADIES TEAM

Following on from last year’s successful season which saw them capture the Galway Senior League Title for the first time, the Moycullen Senior Ladies team resumed training in September with high hopes of retaining their title. They also hope to make a strong bid for the Galway Cup this year.

CALENDAR

With twenty one teams in the club it is hard to keep up to date with everything that’s happening. To get details of upcoming games and events check out the new online calendar available on the website. go to www.moycullenbasketball.net

BRONZE MEDAL AT THE NATIONAL COMMUNITY GAMES

Front L/R Anthony Faherty, Darren O’Donnell, Kyle Cunningham, Ciaran Barber, Ben Brennan Back L/R. Donal Murphy (manager), Cian Nihill(coach), Darragh Mulkerrins, Andy Barber(manager), Ronan Higgins, Peter Cooke, Seadhna O’Duirbhir, Nollaig Cunningham(coach) not in picture: Donal McDonagh

The U-13 boy’s community games team capped off a memorable season for the club , winning the bronze medal at the national finals in Athlone in impressive fashion. Moycullen were denied a spot in the gold medal game after a heart-breaking 5-point loss in the semi-final to eventual champions Celbridge in front of a packed house in the Athlone IT sports complex. The boys responded to win the third place playoff the next day by defeating the Ulster champions, Castleblaney by 29 points.

Edited from Moycullen Matters December 2009 Issue 122

CUNNINGHAM FAMILY HAVE THEIR OWN STARTING FIVE

Five Moyculleners are the last to leave the gym on a cold wet night in Oranmore. Every available limb carrying basketballs, gear and water bottles. It will be well past bedtimes before they arrive back in Uggool and into the coming days before they stop arguing over the finer points of the U-12 boys’ basketball tournament they have attended all day. Who else could it be but the Cunninghams, Nollaig, his two sons Dylan and Kyle and two daughters Leah and Romy, each one a basketball fanatic.

Photo: Linda with Nollaig, Dylan, Leah, Kyle and Romy

Nollaig Cunningham’s basketball career has come a long way from a tough first round loss to Newcastle in the U-13 boy’s community games, his first game in a Moycullen jersey. 20 years later he captained the Moycullen senior men’s team to a Division 1 National Cup and is one of the most recognisable faces of the current Superleague team.

Answering about his earliest basketball memory Nollaig says “The Blitz and waiting for my chance to play in it” adding “Once Santa was sorted on Christmas day, it was down to get a look at the Blitz. When I was a teenager; Christmas was all about the Blitz; what were the teams? Who would be the favourites? What time was the first game at? Was there a possibility of revenge from the previous year?” Now of course it is his youngest son, 12-year-old Kyle who watches from the side-lines on St. Stephen’s day, eager for his chance to take part in one of Moycullen’s oldest sporting traditions and emulate his Dad and older brother Dylan.

While the kids were never pressured to play basketball, it was fairly inevitable they would as Nollaig explains “They've always been around the game since they were small, one of them would often be in at the senior training when they were very small, sitting on the sideline bouncing a ball or sleeping on the sideline depending on how good the team was !”

Linda, Nollaig’s wife, is the non-hoopster of the house and keeps some normality on a family that is basketball crazy. Nollaig laughs “I think if it wasn't for her easy going attitude to the game we'd have gone nuts by now.” Non-hoopster is very much a relative term here. Linda can still be seen at every Moycullen home game and has the onerous task of trying to make sure each training session and match is attended, no s mall task having four small kids and ‘a Nollaig’ to organise!

Whatever the formula, they have raised four basketball success stories. Last summer, Leah and Dylan both represented their country, an amazing honour for a brother and sister, not to mention t heir parents. Nollaig proudly says “to see them lined up in the gym wearing the Irish gear and singing the National anthem was an unbelievably proud day for all of us and something that we'll never forget”. I don’t think you would find a punter on the stre et who’d take a bet that Kyle and Romy won’t follow in their siblings’ footsteps in the years to come.

Nollaig himself has no idea what drew him to the game of basketball; few do it is just one of those games which inspires that kind of passion. Whatever the reasons, Moycullen is thankful. From Romy at U-12 girls to Dylan at senior mens, the Cunninghams are the type of family which is the backbone of clubs of all codes up and down the country.

So, Nollaig starts the car and the kids jump in out of the rain. It has been a fairly normal day. The journey home will comprise of talk about the day’s games until they turn their attention to the next outing. Today it was Kyle in Oranmore, next week it might be Leah in Longford. Whatever the day, if its Moycullen b asketball, it is likely the Cunninghams will be there.

IRISH U’16 SQUAD

Congrats to Cliodhna O'Reilly Marshall who has been selected on the Irish U’16 basketball squad. Cliodhna played exceptionally well at the recent Interprovincial where she captained the Connacht U'15 team

MOYCULLEN TRAINEE OFFICIALS

Twenty-six volunteers attended Introductory Table Official and Coaching Courses held in Moycullen in October. The photo shows course tutor Paul Donovan giving instruction to the trainee table officials.in Árus Uilinn. The coaching course was held in the school hall under Coach Tutor Martin McGettrick (Irish U'16 men’s Coach 2009)

SUPER LEAGUE A MAJOR CHALLENGE

The move by the senior men’s team to the Super league brings top level senior basketball to Galway for the first time with Moycullen squaring up the traditional powerhouse clubs like Blue Demons, Neptune and Killester in the new NUIG-Kingfisher sports centre. The financial and organisational challenges are significant but the local community has been very supportive and the team has been competing well so far. The players would like to thank the many individuals and busines in Moycullen for their support and encouragement.

Photo: Men’s Superleague team coach, Enda Byrt setting out the tactics

SPORT AWARD

Moycullen Basketball club were presented with a Galway Bay FM Sports Award at a ceremony in the Radisson Hotel in November. The award was in recognition of the achievements of the club in winning the 2009 Senior National Cup and promotion to the Super league. The ladies won the Galway Senior league for the first time while the Youth section, with over two hundred members, is one of the largest in the country

NUIG SCOLARSHIPS

Four Moycullen players were awarded sports scholarships to NUIG this year. Cian Nihill, James Loughnane, Paul O’Brien and Dylan Cunningham are in receipt of the scolarships

SUPER LEAGUE FIXTURES

Sat 14th Nov | NUIG | 8pm | V | Hoops, Dublin(cup)
Sat 21st Nov | NUIG | 6pm | V | UCD Marian
Sat Dec 5th | Leitir Mor | 7.30pm | V | Cup 2nd(Cup QF)
Sat Dec 12th | Leitir Mor | 7.30pm | V | Hoops
Sat Jan 2nd | NUIG | 6pm | V | UCC Demons
Sat Jan 23rd | NUIG | 6pm | V | Belfast Stars
Sat Feb 13th | NUIG | 6pm | V | St. Vincents Dublin
Sat Feb 27th | NUIG | 8pm | V | Ulster Elks

For all the latest news go to www.moycullenbasketball.net

Edited from Moycullen Matters March 2010 Issue 123

The Moycullen Super League Team

Front L-R: James O’Brien, Mindaugas Kurcenkovas, Michael Dowd, Eoghan Maxwell, James Loughnane, Puff Summers, Gerald Lyons. Back L-R: Enda Byrt (Coach), Garnett Griffin, Nollaig Cunningham, Nate Fritsch, John Cunningham, Paul O’Brien, Dylan Cunningham, Cian Nihill

The addition of American Nate Fritsch to the super league team has made a big difference and they have started to pick up wins in the top flight. The ladies team continue to impress in Galway division one as they bid to retain their cou nty title. Hardly a weekend passes without one or other youth team travelling to Cork while in the local league our teams compete in every division from U11 to U16. With twenty-two Moycullen Club teams in regular action it’s been all go since September.

Photo: James Loughnane scoring for Moycullen against Belfast Star in the Superleague at the Kingfisher NUIG Sports Centre. James has had a great first season in the top league and is recognised as one of the top defensive guards in the Super league.

GALWAY SPORTS STAR AWARDS

Two Moycullen sportsmen were honoured at the Galway Sports Star Awards. Cian Nihill (Basketball) and Martin Mulkerrins (Handball) received their Awards at a banquet in the Ardilaun Hotel in January. It was Cian’s second time to be honoured, having previously received the award in 2005

TABLE QUIZ

Thanks to everybody who supported the table quiz in the Co op Forty four tables made for a great atmosphere and a very competitive and enjoyable contest took place with the result in doubt right up to the final questions. Special thanks to Sean Ban Breathnach who was a superb quizmaster

March 2010 Issue 123 Page 2

PHOTOS FROM THE CHRISTMAS BLITZ

Conditions were tough with ice, sleet and snow facing the competitors at 9.30am on St Stephens morning. Joe Loughnane got the f ry going and soon the games were in full flow. Scores as low as 6 points to 4 separated the teams in some of the early games but as conditions improved around midday so did the scoring. By late afternoon it was another old firm clash in the final with Nollaig Cunningham overcoming John Cunningham by the narrowest of margins in the last game of the day. Philip Lydon was presented with the Padraig Kelly memorial trophy for the player best representing the spirit of the tournament.

Photo: Enjoying the Final of the Blitz were David Lee, Leah Cunningham, Dylan Cunningham, Fiona Duggan, Monica McDonald, Emma Croke, Roisin Nihill, Joe Loughnane, Luke Hickey and Chris McNairney

Photo: Never mind the sleet and rain Annie Costello, Margaret Costello, Mary Gilson, Kitty Canavan, Judy Conroy get into the spirit of things

Photo: Perfect conditions for basketball! Kieran O’Connor, Seosaimh O Fatharta and Caoimh Davoren discuss the best way to handle the unfavourable weather conditions

Photo: Haulie Dowd presenting Philip Lydon with the Padraig Kelly award for the player best representing the spirit of the blitz.

Blitz Winning team Front: Dylan Costello, Sean Rossa McDermott, Philip Lydon, Back:, Seosaimh O’Fatharta, Gerald Lyons, Nollaig Cunningham, Rory Monaghan, Martin Burke.

Edited from Moycullen Matters June 2010 Issue 124

MOYCULLEN PLAYERS LEAD NUI GALWAY TO THE INTERVARSITY TITLE

NUIG captured their first Intervarsity Title in a generation with an all Galway line-up in which eleven of the fifteen players came from the Moycullen Club. Captained by Cian Nihill and coached by Moycullen Superleague player Lawrence Summers, they took the title after one of the most dramatic finals in the sixty-year history of the competition. Fifteen points down as the game entered the last quarter, NUIG somehow found the inspiration to turn the game on its head and overhaul UUJ for a one-point win. MVP James Loughnane sparked the comeback with a series of great scores and Dylan Cunningham hit the winning point from the free throw line in the closing seconds. Credit the confidence, skill, togetherness and determination of this remarkable group of Maree and Moycullen players. Basketball is one of four focus sports in NUIG and college President Professor James Brown held a special reception for the team in his reception room in the Quadrangle in recognition of the achievement.

Photo: Intervarsity Final MVP James Loughnane with coach Lawrence ‘’Puff’’ Summers

NUIG Intervarsity Champions 2010

Front l/r Gerald Lyons, James Loughnane, Con Crowley, Garnett Griffin, Darren Callanan, Eoghan Maxwell, James O’Brien, Dylan Cunningham. Back: Cian Nihill (Captain), James Brophy, Liam Conroy, Chris McNairney, Paul O’Brien, Stephen Tummon, David Hansberry, Lawrence ‘’Puff’’ Summers (Coach)

ACTION FROM THE GALWAY YOUTH FINALS

Photo: Jack Costello looks for an opening in the U12 Galway Final

Photo: Patrick Lyons hits a three pointer in the U’15 Galway Final

Photo: Shannon Keady played great in the U13 Final win over Maree

YOUTH CAMP

Puff Summers will be heading up a basketball camp for Moycullen Basketball Club in NUIG in August. The camp, for boys and girls, will run from Monday 23rd August to Thursday Ages 11 to 16.

Kingfisher NUIG is a super venue for a camp with three courts and excellent support facilities.

GALWAY U’13 CHAMPIONS

Galway U’13 Champions 2010 Back: Aoife Donovan, Shannon Keady, Cliodhna Regan, Orla Conneely, Roisin Thornton, Evelyn Burke, Claire Caulfield. Front: Annelene Barry, Emily Molloy, Alisha Mullarkey, Claire Guinnane (Captain), Deri O’Toole, Evie Lowndes.

CLUB AWARDS

Photo: Martin Burke is presented with the Club Person of the Year award by Chairperson Haulie Dowd

Photo: International U’16 Squad member Cliodhna O’Reilly Marshall receives an achievement award from Councillor Sean Kyne

Photo: Molly Finn is presented with the U’12 Most Improved Player by Puff Summers

Photo: Stephen O’Brien is presented with the U’15 Most Improved Player Award by Enda Byrt

SUPER LEAGUE NEWS

Moving into top level national basketball was a huge step for our team but they coped well at the higher level and came away with five wins, a good return for a team entering Superleague for the first time. The players really appreciated the big effort many people made in getting behind the team over the season. Who will ever forget the emotion surrounding the first win when Dylan Cunningham hit a three on the buzzer to beat UCD Marian or the 131 to 124 triple overtime win in the National Arena over Hoops. With a good first season behind the team, everybody can now look forward to an exciting second year starting in September. During the summer the players will be busy working on their individual skills and strength training programmes to prepare for the challenges ahead. With a full squad returning and a year’s super league experience under their belt, the team is set to make a big impact in 2011

STREET LEAGUE WINNERS 2010

Home Farm hold the local bragging rights after winning the annual senior street league. Kylebroughlan came into the competition with big hopes of retaining their title but Home Farm were in top form and throughout saw off all comers. Teams Home Farm, Kylebroughlan, Woodlands, Clooniffe, Corcullen, Leagaun, The Village.

Photo: The Home Farm team. Gerry Nihill, Cian Nihill, David Lee, Roisin Nihill, Chris McNairney, Roisin McNairney (Not in Pic but who also starred David Carr)

Edited from Moycullen Matters August 2010 Issue 125

NO SHORTAGE OF ACTION DURING THE SUMMER

It may be considered the off season for basketball, nevertheless many Moycullen players have had a hectic summer. The Super league team were hard at work on their strength and conditioning programmes and came together to scrimmage twice a week. At the outdoor court behind Scoil Mhuire the Summer Youth League were a big hit, with an U’13 mixed league in June and an U’16 league in August. The U’13 Community games girls team trained all summer in preparation for the Connacht Finals in July and for the National Finals in August. A number of players were also in action with the national squads. Leah Cunningham spent two weeks in the USA with the Irish U’18 squad, and Cliodhna Marshall O’ Reilly was in Spain with the Irish U’16 development squad.

Cian Nihill played with the Irish Senior Men’s Selection a series of games against Big East NCCA team Pittsburgh. During the summer Cian was named Irish Collegiate Player of the Year by Basketball Ireland after leading NUIG to the Intervarsity title.

A number of the U’15 boys and girls took part in summer camps run by Basketball Ireland with a view to selecting the National Squads at these ages.

Photo: Cian Nihill in action for the Irish Senior Men against Pittsburgh

SUPER LEAGUE GOLF AM AM

The men’s Super league team held a fundraising golf AM AM in Oughterard Golf Club in July. The event was well supported and competition was hot with only a handful of points separating the top eight teams. At the end the second days play, the team of Michael Lee, Wally Russell, Peter Lee and Gerry O’Connor took the first prize sponsored by McCann’s SUPER VALU while the runner up prize, sponsored by the Forge, was won by the team of Mike Darcy, Gerry Burke, Eoin O'Connor, and Mattie Donohue.

Thanks to the many players who turned out on the day to support the AM AM. Scoring was high with only six points separating the top five teams.

Special thanks to Hugh O’Donnell who did the bulk of the work in organising and running the event. The Super league team are very grateful to the tee and green sponsors special thanks to the main prize sponsors Super Valu, The Forge, Specsavers, Hugh O'Donnell, and Radharc Landscaping

Photo: Michael Lee and Wally Russell were on the winning team photographed here with the first prizes sponsored by McCann’s Super Valu

Photo: Enjoying the golf AM AM were Neil O’Sullivan, Niall Faherty, Vincent O’Sullivan and Colm Boyle

Photo: Una Russell

Photo: Frank Fahy T.D

Photo: Richie Lee

August 2010 Issue 125 Page 2

CONNACHT COMMUNITY GAMES CHAMPIONS

Front. Áine McDonagh, Ailbhe Davoren, Catherine Connaire, Megan O’Donnell, Mollie Finn, Chloe Conroy. Back. Paul O’Brien (Coach), Louise Hosty, Sorcha Whyte, Amy Cooke, Charlie Hosty (Manager), Conal Duffy (Connacht Community Games Committee). Not in photo Kate O’Brien.

Photo: Áine McDonagh in action at the Connacht final

The U’13 girls lit up the summer with their great run in the Community Games. They won the Galway title last May in dramatic fashion with a double overtime win in the county final over Claregalway. Then in July they dethroned the Connacht Champions Mohill in the provincial semi final and then had a comprehensive 42-16 win over Sligo in the Connacht final. They became the first girls team from Moycullen to win the Connacht Title since the U’16 girls won in 1997 and 1998.

SUMMER LEAGUE

Summer league action returned to the outdoor court at Scoil Mhuire. With the fine weather in June and great turnout of supporters, the league provided wonderful enjoyment and excitement. None more so than in the final when Max Brennan scored the winning basket on the buzzer. Superleague players Gerald Lyons and Garnett Griffin organised the league

Photo: Max Brennan won the MVP award after leading his team to victory in the final game

Photo: James Lyons and Ronan Clancy

SUPER LEAGUE

The new Super League season tips off on Sunday 3rd October at 3pm with a home fixture in NUIG Kingfisher against the current league and Cup Champions, Killester. Basketball Ireland named Moycullen as the best supported team in last seasons competition and complimented the club on the effort made to provide top class basketball and make the games an enjoyable family event. The coming season promises more great action with the team aiming to build on the success of last year and reach the playoffs in 2011.

Edited from Moycullen Matters December 2010 Issue 126

“So how exactly do Moycullen have a Superleague team again?” It is a familiar question asked by people around the country that, quite honestly, has no easy answer. The Superleague is a semi-professional league consisting of best senior teams in the country, all of whom, with the exception of Moycullen, are based in the cities of Dublin, Cork, Belfast and Limerick

Not alone do these clubs all come from areas with a population figure at least ten times the size of Moycullen, they also have a lot more potential to attract corporate sponsors. This gives them the possibility of recruiting top Irish players from across the country. For example, Limerick Eagles boast a starting five of one player from Dublin, one from Cork, one from Wales, one from Limerick and one from America.

Moycullen are a unique entity, apart from our American player, our entire starting five live and were raised in the parish of Moycullen, as have the majority of our 16- man panel. The advantage – a unique and lasting bond within the team and with the fantastic fans that made us the best supported team in the country last season

Back. James Loughnane, Paul O’Brien, James Brophy, Stephen Tummon, Mason Ambler, John Cunningham, Cian Nihill, Nollaig Cunningham, Eoghan Maxwell, Gerald Lyons. Front. Dylan Cunningham, Michael Dowd, Kevin McDonald, Enda Byrt, Mindaugas Kurchenkovas, Kieran O’Connor, James O’Brien. Not in picture Garnett Griffin.

Photo: Moycullen Club Mascot ‘SHOOTER’ with some young friends at the Superleague game in Kingfisher NUIG

Photo: Dylan Cunningham with an athletic scoring move to the basket in the Superleague game against UL Eagles at the Kingfisher NUIG Sports Centre.

December 2010 Issue 126 Page 2

U’20 MEN INTO CUP QUARTER FINAL

Photo: Ian Burke produced some sparkling performances in Belfast where he led Moycullen U’20 Men through the Qualification Tournament and into the Quarter Finals of the National U’20 Cup

MOYCULLEN LADIES ON FOIREANN NA GAILLIMHE

A new Ladies' Basketball Team which has been set up in Galway for the forthcoming season (2010/2011). This new team will act as a 'county team', whereby any player playing local Galway League will be eligible to play. All the Galway clubs have agreed that an amalgamation of the best players from each of the local teams would sustain a competitive team in the National League Division 1 and be of huge benefit to Galway Basketball.

Six Moycullen players are on the team, Roisin Nihill, Leah Cunningham, Maebh Malone, Marie Deegan, Sinead Maxwell and Meg Williams

The Foireann na Gaillimhe team that made a great start to their first National league campaign with a win over Castleisland in Kingfisher NUIG

Back Aedin Nic Fhlannacha (Leitir Mor), Hannah Coen (Claregalway) Orla Dempsey, Roisin Nihill (Moycullen), Marie Deegan(Moycullen). Front. Ciara Newell (Claregalway), Sinead Maxwell (Moycullen), Caoimhe Clancy (Oughterard), Meabh Malone (Moycullen)

A BIT OF FUN

Photo: Áine Barber tries on some fancy head gear with the help of Megan O’Donnell during the Moycullen Youth Basketball camp in NUIG

NEW U’20 LADIES TEAM

Moycullen broke new ground in October when they played in the U’20 Ladies National Cup for the first time. Although they were not successful, losing to Tralee in the first round, it was a significant first step in the club’s efforts to build the ladies section. The Moycullen team was Patricia Igoe, Roisin Higgins, Roisin McNairney, Aisling O’Sullivan, Sinead Maxwell, Elma Lee, Shauna Lee, Paula Burke, Kate Donoghue, Tena Thornton, Amy Duggan, Leah Cunningham, Coach Martin Burke

Photo: American born Mason Ambler joined the Moycullen Super League Team this season. Mason is 6’-6’’tall and an imposing presence in the paint. A Conference All Star player in the NCCA Division 2 Coker College., Mason is also an excellent coach and is making a big contribution to the club in this area.

Photo: Keavey Conroy starred for Moycullen U’16 Girls when they reached the Limerick Invitation Tournament Final.

Edited from Moycullen Matters March 2011 Issue 127

GALWAY CHAMPIONS

Congrats to the U'14 team on winning the Galway Cup with a 36-32 win over Maree in the final. Special mention of Kyle Cunningham who had a super game, He was the leading scorer in the final and knocked down the clutch baskets in the closing minutes that secured the win.

U14 Galway Cup Champions 2011

Front row; Eoghan Power, Sam Rush, Eoghan Kelly, Sean Kelly, Rory Heffernan, Joshua Marvesley Back Row; Nollaig Cunnin gham (Coach), Conor Egan, Dylan Curran, Dara O'Sullivan, Kyle Cunningham, Joseph Tummon, Jack Costello, Dylan Cunningham (Assistant Coach). Missing from photo and on the squad; Michael McAndrew, Feargal Gillespe, Eoghan Walls-Tuite, Conor Curran, Max Brennan, Johnny Dubber, Ben Brennan, Ryan Fox

SUPERLEAGUE YEAR 2

It’s been a tough season for Moycullen in the Super League. Garnett Griffin missed the entire season due to a knee injury and Moycullen had just won their first game in the league when they lost top scorer Cian Nihill with an ankle injury. This was a severe blow to the team as Cian had been averaging 17 points per game. Nevertheless, the team regrouped and competed well in most games. Michael Dowd had a fine season at the point guard spot while Dylan Cunningham used his athletic ability to good effect in carrying more of the scoring responsibility. Steven Tummon had a big impact at the forward spot where he averaged 14 points per game. American Mason Ambler played his part, grabbing an average of 14 rebounds and 21 points per game. While John and Nollaig Cunningham gave valuable minutes off the bench. Although wins were hard to come by, the team played with great spirit and a lot of skill and gave good value to their loyal supporters who turned out in big numbers throughout the season.

Photo: Superleague point guard Michael Dowd looks to link up with Mason Ambler in the game with UCD Marian in Kingfisher NUIG Sports Centre.

TABLE QUIZ

A very competitive and enjoyable contest took place in the Forge in February with the result in doubt right up the to final question. Special thanks to Maura Hynes who set the questions Nollaig Cunningham who did quizmaster

March 2011 Issue 127 Page 2

U’17 BOYS WIN LONGFORD TOURNAMENT

Moycullen U’17 Boys team won the Longford Falcons Invitation Tournament in February. It was an excellent team performance with all ten players contributing over the four games. Captain Eanna Malone led the team superbly at the point guard position. Evan Bleasdale and Brian Brophy controlled the boards while Liam Barber, Evan Costello and Ian Burke played with great spirit and confidence and all three scored well. U'16 player Dylan Costello showed superb handling skill when called on to take on the point guard duties. Special mention has to go to fifteenyear- old Patrick Lyons who hit a blistering six three pointers from six shots in the fourth quarter of the final to turn a two-point deficit into a twelve-point win...

U’ 17 Longford Tournament Winners

Front. Rory Gilson, Eanna Malone, Patrick Lyons, Dylan Costello, Stephen O’Brien. Back Brian Brophy, Evan Bleasdale, Liam Barber, Evan Costello, Ian Burke. (Coach Gerry Nihill)

CHRISTMAS BLITZ

Eight teams and over sixty players braved the elements in the 2010 edition of the longest running outdoor tournament in Ireland. Once the snow and frost had been cleared from the court at 8.30 am on St Stephens day competition got underway and continued until the last basket had been scored at 4pm with Eoghan Maxwell leading his warriors to victory.

Seosaimh O’Fatharta was awarded the ‘Padraig Dandy Kelly Trophy’ as the player who most represented the ‘spirit of the blitz’.

Christmas Blitz Winners

Front. David Lee, Eoghan Maxwell, Diarmuid Lee, Back, Seosaimh O’Fatharta, Kieran O’Connor, Caoimh Davoren, Pat Griffin.

The U’15 Boys team reached the final of the 'John Coughlan' U15 Open Tournament in Cork. Great performance by a talented young team. Well done to coach Mason Ambler and team manager Andrew Barber. Moycullen results Won v St Brendan’s 22-14 Lost v Neptune 41-43, Won v Demons 50-9 Won Semi-final v Father Mathews 33-25 Lost the Final Neptune 39-42

Well Done to Coach Michael Dowd and his U’10 Boys team who won all four games during their trip to Limerick. They had wins over two Neptune teams from Cork and two Limerick city teams

Photo: Róisín Walsh lines up her shot during the half time shootout at the Super league game in NUIG

Edited from Moycullen Matters June 2011 Issue 128

U’16 BOYS WIN THE ALL IRELAND CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

Moycullen U’16 Boys crowned a wonderful season by capturing the All Ireland Club Championship in Dublin in April. The team won every competition they entered this season, including the Cork County Board Open Tournament and the Galway League and Cup championships. They played their best basketball when it mattered most at the All Ireland Finals, including a brilliant display against hot favourites Dublin Kubs in the final which Moycullen won by three points in overtime.

All Ireland U’16 Club Champions

Front row; Rory Gilson, Patrick Lyons, Step hen O’Brien, Seamus Garrity , Conall Morgan,. Second row. Gerry Nihill (Coach), Darragh Mulkerrins, Dylan Costelloe, Padraig Doran, Peter Cooke, Sean Candon, Margaret Costelloe (Manager).

IRISH TEAM SELECTION

Three Moycullen U’16 players, Dylan Costelloe, Patrick Lyons and Stephen O’Brien, have been selected on the Irish U’16 Team. The three boys were a key part of the Bish team that won the All Ireland School U’16 League Title in February and they were inspirational when Moycullen captured the All Ireland U’16 Club Championship in April. Their ability to handle pressure and make the big plays when needed was evident in their overtime wins in the Cork U’16 Tournament final over Neptune and the All Ireland final win over Dublin Kubs. Their first outing with the Irish team was in May when they travelled to Spain for an Invitation Tournament in Bilbao.

Photo: Three Moycullen players selected on the Irish U16 Team Dylan Costelloe, Patrick Lyons, Stephen O’Brien.

U’16 BOYS WIN IN CORK

The U’16 Boys Team captured the Cork Open Tournament when they beat Neptune by five points in overtime in a pulsating final at the Parochial Hall. On their way to the final they demolished the other Cork team Blue Demons by sixty points. During Easter the U’17 boys team came within a whisker of landing the top U’17 tournaments in the country when they were beaten by one point in the final of the Billy Kelly Tournament. Earlier in the year the U’15 boys were unlucky to lose the final of the U’15 Cork Tournament by one point to local Cork team Neptune.

GOLF AM AM

The Moycullen Super league Team are holding their annual Golf Am AM in Oughterard Golf Club on Thursday 14th and Friday 15th July. This event is a key part of the fundraising by the Moycullen Club to help defray large costs involved in participation in the Super league.

June 2011 Issue 128 Page 2

ANNUAL MOYCULLEN CLUB AWARDS

Photo: Sean Kyne T.D presenting the ‘Senior Ladies Player of the Year’ award to Marie Deegan at the annual Moycullen Basketball awards

Photo: Haulie Dowd presenting the ‘Club Person of the Year’ award to Annie Costelloe at the annual Moycullen Basketball awards night in the Forge in May

Photo: Chairperson of the Moycullen Development Association, John Power, presenting the U’20 Player of the Year’ award to Cormac Lee

RESULTS FROM THE GALWAY JUVENILE FINALS

Moycullen youth teams enjoyed a bumper year at the Galway Cup and League playoffs. The U’16 Boys completed a double with wins in the Cup and League. The U’15 boys had a similar success, winning the Open Cup Tournament and taking the league championship with an overtime win over Titans. The U’13 girls and U’14 Girls won their respective leagues with strong performances in both finals with the U’14 girls going on to play in the All Ireland tournament. The U’17 boys reached the Galway league finals and the U’15 and U’16 Girls won their respective plate competitions. Moycullen took the silver medals in the U12 Girls, U’13 Boys and U’14 Boys. Earlier in the season the U’14 Boys won the Galway Cup.

Galway Juvenile U’13 League Winners

Front row; Louise Hosty, Chloe Conroy, Áine McDonagh, Megan O’Donnell, Ailbhe Davoren. Back. Charlie Hosty, Julie O’Brien, Kate O’Brien, Amy Cooke, Catherine Connaire, Mollie Finn, Sorcha Whyte. Paul O’Brien (Coach)

Photo: U’16 boys with the Galway Cup Darragh Mulkerrins, Padraig Doran and Peter Cooke

It promises to be another summer of great action for our local Community Games teams as both the U’13 Girls and Follow us on the U’16 boys have won their respective Galway competitions and qualified to represent the county at the Connacht Finals in Roscommon on Saturday 16th July. Both teams were very impressive in the Galway finals and hopes are high that they will go on to provincial and national success. The Girls team is Aisling Corcoran, Laura Corcoran, Romy Cunningham, Ailbhe Davoren, Áine McDonagh, Chloe Conroy, Louise Hosty, Catherine Co nnaire, Mollie Finn, Amy Cooke. The Boys u16 team is Patrick Lyons (captain), Peter Cooke, Darragh Mulkerrins , Padraig Doran, Sean Candon, Lairganan McDermott, Kieran Barber, Darren O’Donnell, Rurai McHugh, Seadhna O’Duibhir.

Website www.moycullenbasketball.net

Edited from Moycullen Matters August 2011 Issue 129

U’16 BOYS WIN ALL IRELAND COMMUNITY GAMES GOLD

All Ireland U’16 Community Games Champions

Back L/R Andrew Barber (Manager), Padraig Doran, Peter Cooke, Lairgnean McDermott, Sean Candon, Seadhna O'Duirbhir, Gerry Nihill (Coach) Front. L/R Darragh Mulkerrins, Kieran Barber, Patrick Lyons (Captain), Darren O'Donnell, Rurai McHugh.

Photo: The All Ireland U’16 Community Games Trophy is presented to the Moycullen captain Patrick Lyons

SUPERLEAGUE TEAM GOLF AM AM IN OUGHTERARD

Thanks to everyone who played in the AM AM. Special thanks to Hugh O’Donnell who did a lot of work in setting up and running the event.

Photo: Nollaig Cunningham presenting the Am Am winner’s prize, sponsored by McCann’s Super Valu, to Geoff Ginnetty, David Sullivan and Tom McDonagh,

Photo: Moycullen U'16 Player Darragh Mulkerrins with his playing partner, Galway hurling legend Tony Keady

Photo: Gerry O'Connor and Michael Lee, with the Am Am runner up prizes which were sponsored by The Forge.

Photo: Nollaig Cunningham presenting the third place prize in the golf Am Am, sponsored by Jim Regan, to Michael Darcy

Moycullen tip off their third season in the Super League with an away game in Cork against Blue Demons on 2nd October. The first home game will be in the Kingfisher-NUIG on Saturday 15th October at 4pm against DCU Saints. Moycullen have all their local based players returning with the exception of Garnett Griffin who has moved to London. Enda Byrt, who coached the Super League team for the past two seasons has stepped down and American player Mason Ambler has returned to the USA. The team will have the services of a new American player in time for the start of the season.

August 2011 Issue 129 Page 2

COMMUNITY GAMES SILVER MEDALS

The Moycullen U’13 girls came within a whisker of taking the gold medals at the National Community Games Finals , missing out by three points after overtime in a thrilling U'13 All Ireland Final. Earlier in the summer they retained their Connacht Community Games title at the provincial finals in Roscommon and when on to win the All Ireland semi final against the Ulster champions in Athlone in August. In that semi-final game, the team produced an amazing comeback, overturning a thirteen-point half time deficit to win by four. Although they were very disappointed not to win the final, they can be very proud of their achievement in winning silver.

All Ireland Community Games Silver Medal winners

Front. Louise Hosty, Ailbhe Davoren, Áine McDonagh, Aisling Corcoran. Back. Charlie Hosty (Manager), Amy Cooke, Chloe Conroy, Romy Cunningham, Mollie Finn, Laura Corcoran, Catherine Connaire, Paul O’Brien (Coach).

SENIOR LADIES TEAM

After a successful season last year, when they reached the Galway Division One Cup and League finals, the Moycullen Senior ladies team will be back in action in the Galway League in early October. The team always welcome new players who can contact the team at info@moycullenbasketball.net.

A number of the Moycullen players will also be lining out in the National League Division One with Foireann na Gaillimhe. They play their first home game in Calasanctius College Oranmore on Saturday 8th October.

U’13 BOYS IN FRANCE

Moycullen U13 boys made their annual pilgrimage to Ardres, France in early June and competed against some of the finest underage teams in Europe and further afield. Inspired by a visit to the battlegrounds of World War 1 enroute, they battled manfully without reward in their group games before clinching 2 victories in their playoff games to end the tournament on a high.

In the group, they played Martinique from the Caribbean, Targu Mures from Romania and Krvavec from Slovenia who, this year, had two players standing 6'2'' tall. The final group game was against French region, Indre et Loire. Despite not getting a win, the team were competitive in every game with only a lack of size and a little bit of composure denying them the elusive win.

In the playoffs, the team built on their efforts against stronger opposition in the group, easily defeating Niamey from Niger in the first playoff game before finishing with a dominant performance against English side, Brighton to clinch 17th place

Team: Eoghan Kelly, Connor Curran, Max Brennan, John Hackett, Daniel Lydon, Michael O'Reilly, Ronan Clancy, Cian Parsons, Thomas Hackett, Mark Convery

European Championship

Patrick Lyons played against Sweden, Hungary, Switzerland, Armenia, Slovak Republic and Macedonia at the European U’16 Division B championships in Macedonia. Patrick averaged 15.3 minutes per game and was the team's third highest scorer with 5.1ppg. Dylan Costello missed out on the chance to play in Macedonia when he picked up a knee injury while playing with the Irish team in a tournament in Scotland. Stephen O’Brien was a reserve on the team that travelled to Macedonia but both he and Dylan were capped for Ireland in the Scotland Tournament

Edited from Moycullen Matters December 2011 Issue 130

SUPER LEAGUE TEAM 2011-2012

Back. Luke Enos (USA), Paul O’Brien, Stephen Tummon, Dylan Cunningham, Cian Nihill, Nollaig Cunningham, Gerald Lyons (Coach) Front. Kevin Folan, Michael Dowd, James Loughname, Eoghan Maxwell, Ian Burke. Not in picture Patrick Lyons, Salva Camps

JOHN CUNNINGHAM RETIRES

After an illustrious career that included being named by Basketball Ireland as National League Player of the Year in 2001, John Cunningham has hung up the proverbial boots , retiring as Moycullen’s all-time leading scorer in senior national competitions.

Now playing for our Galway League side, John’s decision to not re-join the Super league squad ended an incredible 14 consecutive years of playing national league basketball with Moycullen.

His incredible passion, (matched with a near unstoppable baby hook shot!) was a driving force behind the senior team’s rise from Galway League Division II in the 1980s to the Intermediate National League in 1997 and onto the National League in 1999. Fittingly, he scored the first Moycullen basket in the Super league on a historic day for the club in October 2009.

Photo: John Cunningham (15)

GALWAY LEAGUE MEN’S TEAM

While the Super league team has been grabbing the headlines, the Moycullen Division One Galway League Team has been building a formidable reputation in the local league. They have a nice mix of youth and experience with young guns like Patrick Lyons, Cormac Lee and Ian Burke combining with seasoned veterans John Cunningham, Rory Monaghan and Sean Hynes. Competition in the Galway league Division One is tough and is a great opportunity for players not on the Super League Team to play at a good level

December 2011 Issue 130 Page 2

SENIOR LADIES TEAM

Back: Anne Raftery Sinead Monaghan, Meg Williams, Evita Lace, Michelle Canavan, Leah Cunningham, Tena Thornton, Kate Kennedy, Róisín Nihill, Front: Roisin Higgins, Sinead Maxwell, Caoimhe Clancy, Maebh Malone, Marie Deegan Not in picture: Nuala Healy

MOYCULLEN U’14 GIRLS WIN LIMERICK TOURNAMENT

Moycullen U14 girls got their season off to a winning start with a thrilling twopoint win over Fr. Matthews from Cork in the Limerick Celtics tournament final. The girls had lost earlier to the same opposition by a solitary point but followed that up with two good wins against Glanmire and the host club Limerick Celtics. The return of Sorcha White to the team after the Community Games provide a huge boost to the team particularly under the basket as she played a captain’s part with some excellent defensive play and great scores at crucial times. In the final, Moycullen turned a one-point half time deficit into a third quarter three-point lead with a great offensive display. They went into the last 90 seconds with a seven-point lead – only to see Fr. Matthews wipe it out with a three quick baskets. However, they girls held their nerve & the ball to edge the final by a basket.

Back: Amy Cooke, Chloe Conroy, Catherine Connaire, Áine McDonogh, Kate O’Brien. Front Louise Hosty, Ailbhe Davoren, Sorcha White, Megan O’Donnell, Molly Finn

WEDDING BELLS

Congrats to former Moycullen player Puff Summers who got married on 8th October to Mayo girl Lynda Moore. Great celebration at the reception in Belmullet with many of Puff's former Moycullen teammates in attendance.

Edited from Moycullen Matters March 2012 Issue 131

THE BLITZ

Eight teams and over sixty players took part in the 2011 edition of the longest running outdoor tournament in Ireland. No frost or snow this year and conditions were as near perfect as could be expected for mid-winter. Joe Loughnane had the sausages sizzling in the pan as the first game got underway at 9.30am Competition was intense at the teams were very evenly balanced and the result was in doubt right to the end. With light fading and the clock ticking past 4.30pm, Dylan Cunningham led this team to victory. David Heveran collected the ‘Padraig Kelly Memorial Award’ as the tournament MVP

Blitz winning team.

Front. Ronan Waters, Dylan Cunningham (Captain), Pat Griffin, Back. Davy Jackson, Liam Barber, David Heveran, Evan Keane, Gerry Nihill Cormac,

Photo: John Cunningham, Nollaig Cunningham, Evan Bleasdale, Gerald Lyons

Photo: Sean Rossa McDermott

Photo: League of Ireland soccer star John Russell showed his basketball skills

Photo: Cormac, Dara and Kitty Canavan

Photo: Rory and Fergal Monaghan enjoying the blitz games

Photo: Megan O’Donnell, Áine Barber and Kate O’Brien enjoying the blitz.

YOUTH SECTION

Moycullen continue to have a thriving youth section, with boys and girls teams from U’9 to U’16. Each team has parental involvement support roles while senior players give their time and expertise in coaching these teams. One of the strengths of the present set up is the close link between the youth section and the Super league team. Game day in Kingfisher is now a highlight for many of these young players where they see the sport played by the best players in the country.

THE LADIES TEAM

Moycullen have a strong team competing in the Galway Division One League. They have a nice mix of youth and experience. With former Irish Schools Internationals teammates Michelle Canavan and Roisin Nihill blending well with up and coming players like Leah Cunningham, Maebh Malone, Sinead Maxwell and Roisin Higgins. They play in Westside on Wednesday night at 7PM.

March 2012 Issue 131 Page 2

U’20 CUP RUN IS OVER

Moycullen U’20 Men had a super win in the National Cup Quarter Final, toppling a fancied Neptune side in a thrilling game in Kingfisher NUIG. Neptune held the lead as the game entered the closing minutes but a series of great plays from U’16 Internationals Patrick Lyons and Dylan Costelloe in a 9 points to 2 run for the home side secured a memorable five-point win. The semi-final was played in Cork in January and while Moycullen played well, they could not match the power of an older and more experienced Maree team and they lost 91-61.

U’20 Cup Team. (7) Dylan Costelloe, (9) Seamus Garrity, (4) Rory Gilson, (10) Andrew Brady, (6) Stephen O’Brien, (11) Patrick Lyons, (12) Evan Costelloe, (5) Evan Bleasdale, (8) Liam Barber, Ian Burke, Paul O’Brien (Coach)

Congrats to Darragh Mulkerrins and Mark Rohan who have been selected on the Irish U'16 t eam. Two other Moycullen players, Sean Candon and Padraig Doran were part of the wider squad. Kyle Cunningham has been selected on the Irish U’15 training programme leading to the selection of next year’s Irish U16 team which will play at the European Championships.

SUPERLEAGUE TEAM TOPPLE KILLESTER

Highlight of the season has to be the home court win over reigning Super league champions Killester. Moycullen were without their American Luke Enos who was side-lined with an ankle injury. All the Moycullen players stepped up big with Eoghan Maxwell having his best game this season and Cian Nihill at his best in scoring a game high 18 points. Salva Camp and Mike Dowd dominated the guard exchanges and Salva hit an impressive 16 points. Paul O'Brien had a great game, defending Turner while still chipping in 14 points at the other end. The big home crowd enjoyed a great contest and a super home win

Photo: ACE HIGH CHEERLEADERS have added a lot of sparkle to the support at the home Super league game in Kingfisher NUIG

Photo: The addition of Spanish player Salva Camps to the roster has given Moycullen a lot of new fire power. Salva is very experienced having played at the top level in the Spanish league

Photo: Cian Nihill hits a three pointer in the home win over Killester

Edited from Moycullen Matters June 2012 Issue 132

NEW COACHES WELCOME

The club would welcome new coaches for next season. There will be an introductory coaching 1 day course early in September which will give the necessary skills to get started. Contact Irene Cummins at 087 2139226.

INTERNATIONAL HONOURS

Three young Moycullen players won their first Irish caps against Wales recently. Darragh Mulkerrins (U16), Mark Rohan (U16) and Kyle Cunningham (U15) became the latest Moycullen players to represent their country.

Photo: Kyle Cunningham played for Ireland U’15 against Wales

Photo: Mark Rohan playing for Ireland U’16 against Wales at the National Basketball Arena.

Photo: Darragh Mulkerrins driving to the basket in the game against Wales

GALWAY LEAGUE & CUP DOUBLE

While the men’s Super league team were grabbing most of the limelight, the men's second team came in under the radar and pulled off a remarkable double, winning the Galway Division One League and Cup competitions. Sean Hynes and Rory Monaghan were back in action after a number of years working in the USA and their experience, together with that of Ronan Waters was a vital part of the teams success. Young players like Cormac Lee, Stephen Heaney, Tomas Gilson, Andrew Brady and Davey Jackson brought a lot of energy to the team while the ‘pick and roll’ game of veteran John Cunningham with rising young star, seventeen year old Patrick Lyons could always be relied upon when a score was needed. Patrick was awarded the season MVP by the team.

Team. Rory Monaghan, John Cunningham , Gerald Lyons ,Sean Hynes, Patrick Lyons, Tomas Gilson, Steven Heaney, Davey Jackson, Ronan Waters Cormac Lee, Andrew Brady.

Photo: Davey Jackson playing against Titans in the Galway Division One league

LADIES IN CUP FINAL

The senior ladies team competed in the Galway Division One League, finishing the competition in third place behind Claregalway and Titans. They had a great run in the Galway Cup, reaching the final where they lost narrowly to Claregalway. Five of the girls also played in the National league with Foireann na Gaillimhe.

Team. Roisin Nihill, Sinead Monaghan, Michelle Canavan, Leah Cunningham, Tena Thornton, Kate Kennedy, Roisin Higgins, Sinead Maxwell, Caoimhe Clancy, Maebh Malone, Marie Deegan, Meg Williams, Evita Lace. Coach Gerry Nihill.

ANNUAL AWARDS

Annie Costelloe presenting the Club Person Of the Year to Paul O’Brien. The full list of award winners can be found on the club website www.moycullenbasketball.net.

BILLY KELLY

The U’17 Boys team reached the semi final of the ‘Billy Kelly’ memorial tournament in Cork, This annual tournament is the premier competition in Ireland for U’17 boys and to reach the semi final was a significant achievement.

June 2012 Issue 132

MOYCULLEN GIRLS WIN THE U’14 ALL IRELAND

Back: Charlie Hosty, Kate O’Brien, Amy Cooke, Sorcha White, Louise Hosty, Áine McDonagh, Mollie Finn, Paul O’Brien, Julie O’Brien. Front: Chloe Conroy, Aisling Corcoran, Ailbhe Davoren, Megan O’Donnell, Laura Corcoran, Catherine Connaire.

Moycullen captured the All Ireland Club championship for the first time with a two point win in the final over Killinkere from Cavan in the final . The girls qualified for the All Ireland playoffs by winning the Galway Championship. In the All Ireland they beat St Marys, Castleisland, Sligo Warriors and Limerick Celtics on the way to the final where they met Killinkere who beat a fancied Brunell team from Cork in their semi. The game proved to be a thrilling affair with Moycullen getting off to a great start and leading 14- 4 after the first quarter. Killenkere came back strongly to reduce the deficit to 3 at half time and eventually taking the lead with 3:30 remaining on the clock in the fourth. But the Moycullen girls refused to buckle and scored five unanswered points to regain the lead.. Again at the close, the team showed great composure holding possession to close out the game to take the All Ireland title 35 -33. Catherine Connaire with 14 points and Sorcha White with an awesome game under the boards led the way for Moycullen. This was only the second All Ireland win by a Moycullen Girls team, the previous occasion was back in 1997 when Moycullen won the U’16 Community games title.

Four weeks after their All Ireland win the girls travelled to Gothenberg in Sweden for a big international club tournament.

U’16 BOYS TAKE BRONZE IN THE ALL IRELAND

An understrength Moycullen U’16 Boys made a brave attempt to retain the All Ireland they won the previous year but despite some fine performances at the playoffs ,they had to settle for the bronze medals as St. Vincent's in Dublin took the title. Moycullen battled their way through the pool games to the semi final where they faced the midland champions Kestrels. Moycullen trailed for most of the game but put in a great run in the third quarter and managed to take the lead deep into the second half. However they were unable to maintain the push and were beaten by ten points. In the third and fourth place playoff they beat the Kerry champions, KCYMS 56-49. Overall a very credible performance in achieving the third place in Ireland.

Team. Ciaran Barber, Darragh Mulkerrins, Mark Rohan, Sean Candon, Kyle Cunningham, Jack Costelloe, Darren O’Donnell, Seadhna O’Duirbhir, Rory Heffernan .Coach Cian Nihill, Manager Andrew Barber.

Photo: Kieran Barber drives to the basket at the All Ireland U’16 playoffs

Edited from Moycullen Matters September 2012 Issue 133

SUPER LEAGUE TEAM GOLF CLASSIC

Thanks to everyone who played in the AM AM. Special thanks to Hugh O’Donnell, Mary Nihill and John Cunningham who did a lot of work in setting up and running the event. Thanks also to Oughterard Golf Club who made their fine facilities available. The organising committee were fortunate that fine weather prevailed for the two days and the event was very enjoyable and well supported. The Super League team are very grateful to the tee and green sponsors and special thanks to the main prize sponsors , McCann’s Super Valu, The Forge, Radharc Landscaping, and Athenry Golf Club.

Photo: Larry Bohan lining up a putt at the Golf AM AM

Photo: Richie Lee tees off at the Golf Am Am

Photo: Christopher Hurney on the fairway at the golf AM AM

Photo: Former Galway football star Tomas Tierney tees off.

Photo: Cian Nihill presenting the winners prize of four hampers sponsored by Super Valu, to Mattie Donoghue whose team won a a score of 102 points. Also in the photo is Mike Welby who was part of the winning team

Photo: Ann Marie Kelly presenting the runner up prize, sponsored by The Forge, to Galway hurling legend Tony Keady. Also in the picture is Joe Loughnane, Moycullen Basketball Club.

Golf Am AM Results

1st. Sponsored by Super Valu Moycullen, won by Mattie Donahue's team with a score of 102 points .

2nd. Sponsored by The Forge, was won by Tony Keady and Brendan Lynskey’s team with 96 points.

3rd. Sponsored by Con Dooley, went to Noel Greaney’s team with 94 points.

4th. Sponsored by Radharc Nurseries was won on a score of 92 by Niall Leyden.

5th. Sponsored by Athenry Golf Club Tom McDonagh's team

6th. Jim Regan’s team of Larry Bohan, Eanna Noone, Conor Bohan and Christopher Hurney, sixth place on 88 points

WEBSITE

Keep up to date with everything happening in the basketball club at www.moycullenbasketball.net The club can be contacted at info@moycullenbasketball.net

Page 2 September 2012

DOUBLE CONNACHT COMMUNITY GAMES GOLD

Moycullen completed a double at the Connacht Community Games Finals in Roscommon with the U16 Girls and the U’11 Mixed Team taking the provincial titles. Both teams had won the Galway competitions earlier in the summer. The U’16 Girls were bridging a gap of fourteen years since the Connacht U’16 title was last won by Moycullen. The win this year is a fine achievement as many of the girls are still U’14. Their pace and work ethic was spectacular as they cruised to the title.

The work done by the underage coaches in the club was also very evident in the display by the U11 mixed team. They played great basketball, full of skill pace and vision for players so young. This is a new competition, introduced three years ago by Community Games for the first time and this is a first win for Moycullen

Photo: Ailbhe Davoren in full flight in the Connacht U’16 Final

Connacht U’16 Community Games Champions

Back. L/R Catherina Davoren, Áine McDonagh Paul O’Brien, Roisin Thornton, Shannon Keady. Front: Emily Molloy, Ailbhe Davoren, Megan Davoren, Megan O’Donnell & Catherine Connaire. Not in photo Evie Lowndes & Claire Guinnane

Photo: Paul Kelly hits a jump shot Connacht Community Games U’11 Final

Connacht U’11 Community Games Champions

Back row (L-R): Rhys Plower, Aoife Burke, Mia Fitzgerald, Tommie McNeela, Sean Hynes, Lily Hynes, Molly Hynes, Paul Kelly. Front Eoin O'Reilly, Chloe Lydon, Ruth Heffernan, Conor Corcoran, Eleanor Egan

Photo: Molly Hynes drives to the basket in the Connacht Community Games U’11 Final

Edited from Moycullen Matters December 2012 Issue 134

MOYCULLEN TAKE TO THE COURT FOR THEIR FOURTH SUPER LEAGUE SEASON

Moycullen have a new line-up for the 2012-2013 season with five U18 players on the roster. The loss to emigration of five of last year’s team has left Moycullen facing the difficult task of filling their places. Into their shoes come five of the U’18 team, four of them youth internationals. In the second home game this year three of these young players had a combined score of 32 points, a fantastic performance at this level. Returning super league players Cian Nihill, Stephen Tummon, Paul O’Brien, James O’Brien, Nollaig Cunningham and Ian Burke form the spine of the roster with Spanish player Salva Camps acting as player coach. The team have an excellent American in Patrick Sullivan who was recruited through the work of former Moycullen Coach Enda Byrt. Patrick is a real team player and a very good scorer which was evident in the home win over DCU Saints when he scored forty points. Two early season wins have given the team confidence with the coaching of former Spanish International Camps a crucial part in putting a new dimension into the Moycullen offensive system.

Photo: The Super League team celebrate after the overtime win over DCU Saints in front of a packed house in Kingfisher NUIG in a game recorded by Setanta TV. From left. Mark Rohan, Stephen Tummon, Patrick Sullivan, Sean Candon, Ian Burke, Patrick Lyons, Salva Camps, Paul O’Brien, Dylan Costelloe, James O’Brien, Nollaig Cunningham, Stephen O’Brien, Cian Nihill.

IRISH U’15 SQUAD

Congrats to Catherine Connaire, Áine McDonagh, Conor Curran and John Hackett who made it through the national try-outs and have earned places on the Irish U'15 squad.

Photo: Catherine Connaire and Áine McDonagh

Photo: Conor Curran

Photo: John Hackett

U’18 & U’20 NATIONAL CUPS

Moycullen U'18 men came through a very difficult qualification tournament to secure one of the eight quarter final spots in this year's National Cup. Team Patrick Lyons, Dylan Costelloe, Joseph Tummon, Sean Candon, Mark Rohan, Stephen O'Brien, Kyle Cunningham, Darren O'Donnell, Darragh Mulkerrins. Coach Gerry Nihill. Manager Margaret Costelloe.

In the U’20 national Cup Moycullen went out at the first hurdle when they were beaten by 25 points in the local derby with Titans. Moycullen held the lead for most of the first half but could not build any significant advantage. The second half belonged to Titans who scored at will on the fast break. and ran out comfortable winners.

U’16 BOYS WIN TOURNAMENT

The U’16 Boys had a great win in the Limerick Celtics preseason tournament, coming through their pool games unbeaten before overcoming Titans in the semi and Demons in the final. Team: Jack Costelloe, Dara O'Sullivan, Conor Curran, Eoghan Walls -Tuite, Conor Egan, Joshua Marvesley, Sean Kelly, John Hackett, Ben McKenna, Ben Brennan, Eoghan Kelly. Coach Nollaig Cunningham. Manager Annie Costelloe.

December 2012 Issue 134 Page 2

U’12 GIRLS DO WELL IN TOURNAMENT

Moycullen U 12 Girls got the season off to a flying start with a very successful trip to play in the Becky Mac Cauley Memorial Tournament hosted by Limerick Celtics. Our girls acquitted themselves very well, beating Waterford Wildcats in the first game of the day 14-8 followed by success over Limerick Celtics in a very tough fought and physical battle, 18-17. In the playoff stages where they met a very good Templeogue team and Moycullen again came out top on a score of 28: 16. In the semi-final Moycullen lost narrowly in a very exciting contest to a Maree/Corrib combination. This Moycullen team possesses enormous character, determination, athletic ability and basketball potential. Well done to all girls involved. You did yourselves and your Club proud.

Back row L-R Ruth Bradley, Katie Higgins, Aoife Burke, Molly Hynes, Ailbhe Power, Ella Whyte, Chloe Lydon. Front - Corrado Santocanale, Siomha O Brien, Elena Santocanale, Emma Mullally, Katie Hosty, Charlie Hosty.

A LOOK BACK AT THE 2012 COMMUNITY GAMES

Moycullen had fine runs in this year’s Community Games with the U’16 Girls and the U’11 Mixed teams winning silver medals at the National Finals in Athlone. They had come through to the finals after winning the Galway and Connacht titles earlier in the summer. In Athlone, both teams came within a whisker of taking the National titles , the girls just missing out by three points after a tremendous contest in the final with the Cavan champions while the U’11 team came up just short in the final against the Kerry champions. Both teams won their semi-final games convincingly and while disappointed at coming up short in the finals they can be proud of their achievement . Special thanks to U’11 Coach Sean Hynes and U’16 coach Paul O’Brien.

Photo: Conor Corcoran in full flight in the U’11 Mixed All Ireland Final

Photo: Claire Gunnane, Megan Davoren and Evie Lowndes celebrate their semi Final win in Athlone

WEST TEAM SUCCESS

Congrats to the Moycullen players Max Brennan, Conor Curran, John Hackett, Ronan Clancy and Eoghan Kelly who played on the West U’15 boys team that won the Interregional Tournament in Dublin. This tournament is the annual showcase competition for the best U15 players in the country with the Western Regional Team winning their first U15 boys title since 2007, defeating the Northern Regional Team by 43 to 33.

Moycullen also had four girls on the West U’15 Girls team. Well done to Áine McDonagh, Ailbhe Davoren, Sorcha Whyte and Catherine Connaire.

FUTURE STARS CAMP

Well done to everyone who took part in the Future Stars Camp in Killannin in November. Super league team players Salva Camps and Patrick Sullivan did a great coaching job and were very impressed with the enthusiasm and the ability of our youngest members. The boys and girls worked very hard on their drills and skills on both days and had great fun in the process! Due to its phenomenal success, it is hoped to run another in early January, over the Christmas break, so keep an eye on the Website for details. A special word of thanks to all the parents involved in the organization and supervision over the two days, ensuring that it all ran smoothly

Edited from Moycullen Matters March 2013 Issuee 135

SUPER LEAGUE

The Moycullen Men’s Super League team have enjoyed their most successful season ever playing in the top division of Irish basketball. In their fourth year in the Super League, Moycullen reached their previous high win total of five wins in early February and did not stop there as they continued to register victories, entering the post-season discussion for the first time.

While enjoying the exploits of sensational American Pat Sullivan who finished as the counrty’s top scorer - and Spanish point guard/coach Salva Camps, Moycullen supporters were introduced to the next generation of stars as several U18 players became major contributors. The season also saw Moycullen defeat all four Dublin teams for the first time, knocking off DCU Saints, Killester, UCD Marian and Dublin Inter during the 2012/13 campaign.

Photo: American Patrick Sullivan dunks in the game against Dublin Inter at Kingfisher NUIG with Cian Nihill and Stephen Tummon also in the picture.

U’18 TEAM REACH THE NATIONAL CUP FINAL

Moycullen reached the club’s first ever U’18 National Cup Final but had to settle for the silver medals after a tremendous contest at the National Basketball Arena .

The final was a high quality game, with all ten starting players current Irish Internationals. Moycullen led up to half time but Belfast Star hit a purple scoring patch in the third quarter and opened up a ten-point lead. From there to the end Moycullen threw everything they knew at the Belfast team but just could not find a way to consistently break down the Star defence and close the gap.

The team had many excellent performances during the year. They came through a really tough qualifying tournament and then had a super quarter final victory over Dublin’s Kubs on their home court in a game recorded by Setanta TV.

Their best performance had to be their semi-final demolition of a highly fancied Neptune team on their home court in Cork.

Back. John Cunningham (Assistant Coach), Patrick Lyons, Dylan Costelloe, Sean Candon, Stephen O’Brien, Joseph Tummon, Gerry Nihill (Coach). Front Darragh Mulkerrins, Kyle Cunningham, Mark Rohan, Darren O’Donnell

Irish Team

Six Moycullen players had the honour of representing their country in recent International Tournaments. Sean Candon got his first caps with the Irish U’17 team while Darragh Mulkerrins and Mark Rohan added to their previous caps alongside Sean.

Meanwhile Patrick Lyons captained an Irish U’18 team that also starred Stephen O’Brien and Dylan Costelloe. Congrats to all six players

Issue 135 March 2013 Page 2

CORK U’16 WINNERS

Moycullen U’16 boys won the prestigious Cork U’16 Tournament for the second time in three years with a series of fine displays at the Parochial Hall in Cork City. In the pool games they beat the local favourites Blue Demons and followed that with a good win over St. Brendan’s Tralee. In the quarter final they overcame Ballincollig before defeating old rivals Maree 37-32 in the semi-final.

The final was against an excellent Sligo All- Stars team but Moycullen got off to a fantastic start, blitzing the Sligo lads with excellent scores and some great defence. By half time Moycullen held a solid twelvepoint lead. Sligo gradually closed the gap and just when it looked like they might take control of the game in the 4th quarter, a sequence of excellent defences coupled with a huge 3 saw Moycullen hold out for a superb win. Final score 37 – 32.

U’16 Cork County Board Tournament Winners

Back L-R Josh Marvesley, Sean Kelly, Kyle Cunningham, Dara Sullivan, Joseph Tummon, Front L-R Conor Egan, Rory Heffernan, Ben Brennan, Eoghan Kelly, Jack Costelloe. (Coach Nollaig Cunningham)

THE BLITZ

Blitz Winners

Back L-R Caoimh Davoren, Sam Conroy, Dylan Costelloe, Evan Keane. Front L-R Sean Hynes, Cian Nihill (Captain), Kyle Cunningham

Photo: Sean Hynes considers his passing options. Looking on are Patrick Lyons, Pat Griffin and Joe Loughnane

BOWLING FUNDRAISING

Many thanks to everyone who came to the youth section bowling fundraiser. Teams from all sections of the club from U’9 up to Super league took part and it was a great social night which everyone enjoyed. 43 teams in total competed.

Patrick Sullivan - The American 2012-2013

The hunt for an “American” is always a risky business in Irish basketball. You’re relying on word of mouth, filtering through endless CV’s and references from agents that tell you the guy is the best thing since Michael Jordan, studying “Game foot-age” that often only shows limited “highlights” and, generally, looking for a needle in a haystack. On the other side, when you do find someone that “fits”, the next step is to convince him to come to a world where he has to lead the team, coach in the youth section, work a part time job and transition to a whole different way of life for a small amount of money. Then, when the deal is finally done, you pray that the 6’8’’ giant (who dunks for fun) that you signed is at least 6’4’’ and can dribble with both hands. A minefield.

When Pat Sullivan arrived, we had definitely negotiated the minefield. Pat’s CV was impressive. He boasted a stellar collegiate career at Hamilton College, New York, where he scored more than 1,000 career points and finished ninth on the university’s all time scorer’s list. While his listed height of 6’ 7’’ was definitely in his shoes, he had no problem playing that size and both hands worked a treat. And he was smart. By the season’s end, he had led Moycullen to their most successful season ever in Superleague, delivering a season average double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds. He’s since returned to America to work in investment banking and there’s no doubt he’ll be good at that as well.

PATRICK SULLIVAN LOOKS BACK ON THE SEASON HE SPENT WITH MOYCULLEN IN 2012-’13

Moycullen will always hold a special place in my heart. I have nothing but fond memories reflecting back on my time training all around Galway and getting a chance to travel the country playing all of the top teams in the Irish super league. My time in Moycullen was much more than a basketball experience, rather a time to soak in the Irish culture and develop lifelong friends.

After I graduated from Hamilton College in the spring of 2012, I began to work out all summer in hopes of getting signed by a team somewhere overseas. I had a family friend searching to find me a team and he somehow found Moycullen Basketball Club through a mutual contact. I received a call from Salva Camps asking me about my game and what the team was looking for. On the first phone call he was honest and told me they were looking for someone a bit taller, but if that player didn't work out, I had a chance. A few weeks later I got a call (thankfully the taller guy fell through) and I was on a plane within a week. Before I knew it, I was at the Nihill residence getting ready to head out for my first training at Mary's. The first few weeks went fast. We were training hard as a team, I had found a residence down by the docks in Galway, got a job at Elvery's, and did my best to try every local pub within walking distance.

When the first game started, I was surprised. The level of talent was much higher than expected, even the guys on our own team stepped it up when playing at the Kingfisher. I didn't want to let the "lads" down, so I quickly realized that I needed to step up my game. Our team was competitive, feisty, and played hard every time we threw on the green and white uniform. Although we didn't make the playoffs, we had some very big wins. I think the best game of the season was at home against the DCU Saints, a nationally televised game that went into overtime. Everyone on the team stepped up to make that win possible. Salva, Cian, and Patrick were playmakers from the outside while Steven, Nollaig and the O'Brien's took care of the rest. It was a great win in front of a lot of our supporters.

My time off the court in Galway was equally as fun. I remember countless nights after games having the team down to my apartment before heading out for a few drinks. Team lunches were common place at the Home Plate before it closed and a lot of the guys came over to Elvery's in Corbett Court during my shift to hang out.

There was always one guy looking to append time before or after practice and I felt like I really was part of the community.

Lastly, I was able to coach a group of younger boys for a majority of the season. I had a great time working with them, developing their skills, and watching them grow. There were some tremendous athletes on that team and I'm sure I will be seeing some of the names playing American college basketball.

I couldn't have asked for more from my time in Moycullen. The club was absolutely fantastic. There was a sense of family, commitment, and fun with every event that we hosted. The culture forces an American like myself to get involved, give back, and produce results. I'd like to thank everyone that made the opportunity so special, and please know there is always a place to stay when you visit New York City!

Photo: Patrick Sullivan in action for Moycullen

Edited from Moycullen Matters June 2013 Issue 136

IRISH CLUB OF THE YEAR

Moycullen have been named Irish Club of the Year by Basketball Ireland. The award was voted on and selected by national and regional media outlets that regularly feature basketball in their coverage. The award is recognition of the success of the club over the past season, particularly the achievements that have attracted the attention of the national print and electronic media and built upon the outstanding reputation that Moycullen B.C has within Irish basketball community.

* | Best winning season ever for the Moycullen men in the Super League
* | The U18 Men's were National Cup finalists
* | One of the best represented clubs on Irish international panels with ten players on four squads (Eight boys and two girls)
* | Qualification for three out of the four All-Ireland Club Championships (U14 and U16 Girls and U16 Boys)
* | Regular and extensive coverage in local newspapers
* | Best attended home game featured on Setanta's Irish Basketball TV where our Super League team defeated DCU Saints in over time.
* | Our U18 Men's eye-catching U18 National Cup quarter final win was also shown nationally on Setanta TV

This is the third occasion that Moycullen B.C have been named Basketball Ireland Club of the Year. The previous occasions were in 1997 and 2000

Photo: Le Bron James at the St Patricks Day parade ( with Michael Lee looking on)

Photo: U’10 player Ilena Davoren driving to the basket during the Tournament which Moycullen held in Killannin

Photo: Coach Sean Hynes giving words of advice to his U10 ‘Olympians’ team

INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS

Congrats to Catherine Connaire and Áine McDonagh who got their first caps for Ireland in a series of games against Scotland.

Meanwhile Patrick Lyons, Dylan Costelloe and Stephen O’Bri-en added to their caps when they played on the Irish U18 team at a tournament in France.

Two U’17 players, Darragh Mulkerrins and Sean Candon also won caps recently in a series of games against Wales. Following the games both players were selected to continue with the Irish Development squad. Congrats to Conor Curran who is one of the 18 players selected to progress to phase two of the Irish U'15 Development Squad .

BILLY KELLY TOURNAMENT

Moycullen came through the pool games successfully and reached the quarter final before losing 55-31 to St Vincent's Dublin.

U’14 GIRLS IN SWEDEN

The Moycullen U14 girls competed in the Gothenburg Basketball Festival from the 9th – 12th May against some of the best teams in northern Europe . The girls progressed through the group stages with 3 wins and 1 loss The girls dispatched Kvarnby BBK and Hop BBK in the group stages to get into the last 8 of the ‘A’ section .

COMMUNITY GAMES

Moycullen U’13 boys won the Galway Community Games Title defeating Claregalway in the Final. They now represent Galway in the Connacht finals in July.

U’14 BOYS IN FRANCE

Moycullen played in the U’14 FIBA Tournament in Ardres in May, their best performance coming in beating the Bulgarian side Sofia. Paul Kelly was selected on the tournament All Star team.

www.moycullenbasketball.net

June 2013 Issue 136 Page 2

MEMORABLE FOURTH SUPER LEAGUE SEASON

Moycullen had a very successful Super league season and were in contention for a playoff place right up to the last two games. Their eight wins surpassed by two their previous record of six wins.

American player Patrick Sullivan led the league in scoring, averaging 24ppg and he was an outstanding ambassador for the club on and off the court. The two eighteen year old rookies, Patrick Lyons and Dylan Costelloe had excellent debut seasons. Cian Nihill had to deal with commuting from his workplace in Dublin but still managed a solid season, averaging 10ppg. Paul O’Brien (8 ppg), Stephen Tummon (7 ppg), James O’Brien (4.4 ppg) and Nollaig Cunningham (3 ppg) all added a solid and experienced spine to the team.

One of the highlights of the season was the game covered by Setanta TV in which Moycullen defeated DCU Saints in overtime in a thrilling game in front of a packed home crowd.

As our fourth season in the Super League draws to a close the club gives special thanks to retiring men's committee members John Cunningham and Mary Nihill who were pivotal in driving the move into the Super League and who did so much to support the team with fundraising, organisation, planning and providing match day support over the past four seasons.

ALL IRELAND U’14 AND U’16 PLAYOFFS

A hectic weekend of basketball took place at various venues across the country in April as the teams that qualified through the regional competitions battled it out for All Ireland honours. Moycullen have a good record in these All Ireland Championships and they are the only club to have won both a boys title (U16 in 2011) and a girls title (U14 in 2012).

The U16 boys beat Castlebar in their first game but their chance of the division A title were dashed when they lost to Fr. Matthews. of Cork. They had the consolation of winning the Division two title and fifth place overall with wins over Belfast Star and St. Brendan's Tralee.

The U16 girls lost their first game to to the eventual champions St. Anthony's. They won their next game but then lost to Tralee in the division two semi final. They finished the tournament strongly with a win over Longford for seventh place overall. The U’14 girls won the division three title, beating Ulster Elks 44-35 in the semi final and Dunshaughlin 26-22 in the final. They were ranked ninth overall in the All Ireland.

Moycullen U’14 Girls. Galway U’14 League and All Ireland Division Three champions

Back. Aisling Corcoran, Áine Barber, Mollie Finn, Romy Cunningham, Fiona Claffey, Siobhan Regan Front Sarah Curtis, Grace Egan, Ruth Cunningham, Jean Hynes, Laura Corcoran, Molly Curtis, Maria Burke.

Edited from Moycullen Matters September 2013 Issue 137

CONNACHT CHAMPIONS AND ALL IRELAND BRONZE MEDAL WINNERS

Moycullen U’13 Boys won the Connacht Community Games title in July and went on to represent Galway at the National Finals in Athlone in August. In the All Ireland semi-final they came up against a physically powerful Castleisland team and despite a great effort the Moycullen lads, they fell to the Kerry outfit on a score of 42-26. The boys bounced back however in the third place playoff and won the bronze medals with a convincing 46-9 win over Donagh of Monaghan.

Back Row: Martin Burke (Coach,) James Duggan, Ciaran Anthony, James Connaire, Dara Heverin, Jim Duggan Manager Front Row: Kevyn Burke, Paul Kelly, James Cummins, Troy Devaney, Tommy McNeela, Rian Oates.

PLAYERS HEADING OVERSEAS

Two young Moycullen basketball stars are heading overseas to pursue their studies and basketball careers. Patrick Lyons is enrolled at Barking Abbey in London where he will study psychology and Sport and Exercise Science. Dylan Costelloe is heading to the Ipswich Basketball Academy where he will study Physical Education and Psychology. Patrick and Dylan made a big contribution to the Moycullen Super league team last season and played on the Irish U’18 team. Best of luck to the two lads in England.

GERRY NIHILL STEPS DOWN AFTER 23 YEARS

Gerry Nihill is stepping down from his role as basketball news reporter for Moycullen Matters. For twenty-three years Gerry has recorded the events as Moycullen grew from a club with one team in 1989 to one of the foremost clubs in Ireland. From the first issue in 1990 to this 137th edition, the basketball news article was ever present in Moycullen Matters and the many photographs included with the editions vividly illustrated the achievements of individual players and teams over the past twenty-three years.

It is planned to publish the entire collection of basketball pages from Moycullen Matters as part of the history of the club which was first founded in 1966.

Edited from Moycullen Matters December 2013 Issue 138

SSE RENEWABLES IS THE NEW MOYCULLEN SPONSOR

SSE Renewables, Ireland’s leading green energy developer has been unveiled as the official sponsor of the Moycullen Men’s Premier Basketball Team for the 2013/‘14 Premier League Season.

Following this announcement, the club’s men’s team will be known as SSE Renewables Moycullen in the newly rebranded Premier League.

Unveiling SSE Renewables as official Men’s Premier League Team sponsor Haulie Dowd, Chairman of Moycullen Basketball, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming SSE Renewables as the new power behind Moycullen Men’s Premier Team. Funding our flagship team takes a significant amount of money each season. Without the support of SSE Renewables we would find it almost impossible to have a team compete at the top level with all the benefits that has for every team in the club, so we’re delighted to have SSE Renewables involved.”

Front L-R Salva Camps( Coach), Sean Candon, Darragh Mulkerrins, Stephen O’Brien, Eoghan Maxwell, Tomas Gilson, Gerald Lyons, Rory Gilson. Back L-R Ronan O’Sullivan, Nollaig Cunningham, Evan Costelloe, Paul O’Brien, Ian Burke, Dylan Cunningham, Mike Callaghan, Fintan O’Connor.

LONG SERVING CLUB OFFICERS STEPPING DOWN

A number of people that have had major roles in developing Moycullen Basketball club have stepped down this year. Gerry Nihill has been involved in so many of the good things that have happened over the last 20+ years and his roles have included coach, organiser, photographer, website developer, webmaster and Moycullen Matters Reporter. Gerry was actively involved in many of the ambitious decisions that have brought the club to a higher level including initiating trips to foreign tournaments and competing at national level culminating in the club playing at the highest level in the country.

Mary Nihill has also made a significant contribution particularly leading the efforts to maintain a viable Super League team for the last 4 years. During this time she took on many roles from fundraising to MC at matches. Her contribution to the team resulted in the club being recognised for having the best match presentation in the league.

John Cunningham has also been involved in many of the same developments in addition to his years as a top class player. John has stepped down from his formal role with the senior men but continues to help the team and to coach at underage level. Again the club would like to thank John for his role in making the club one of the leading clubs in the country.

NEW PROFESSIONAL PLAYER

Michael joins us from Wesleyan University in Connecticut where he had an excellent career on his way to scoring over 1,000 points with his University, an outstanding achievement. He had an excellent senior season with Wesleyan where he played 32 minutes per game and averaged 15 points and 7 rebounds. Already he’s made a big impact on the League and we wish him every success over the course of the year.

Photo: New Moycullen addition

FASHION SHOW

A very successful Fashion Show was held in the Westwood Hotel with the proceeds going to the Men's Premier League Team. The players and the organisers would like to thank the Mandy Maher Model Agency, all the fashion outlets who came on board and the many businesses that have sponsored very generous prizes for our raffle .

Shops taking part: Fusion Fashion Moycullen, Design House Barna, Standun Spiddal, Portobello, Parafin, Swamp, Geraghtys Mensware, Paco, Michael Mullins Milliner, The Platform, Concepts.

Pop up Shops: Wrapsody, The Cakery, Matt O’Flaherty, Aloe Vera, Croi

Sponsors: Super valu, Enjoy, Howards, Con Dooley, The Forge, Matt O’Flaherty, Yourells, Elysium, Teresa Newell, Emelle, Treasure Chest, Don’t Call Me Dear, Swamp, Parafin, Ann Leyden – Upstairs Downstairs, Mary O’Reilly – Revive, John Power - Aerogen.

December 2013 Issue 138 Page 2

U’13 BOYS WIN THE CORK COUNTY BOARD TOURNAMENT

Photo: L/R :Conor Walsh, Tommy Mcneela, Troy Devaney, James Wall, Iarlaith O’Sullivan, James Cummins, Paul Kelly, Mark Heffernan, James Connaire, Nicholas Sudarsky, Mairtin O’Conghaile, Eoin O’Reilly.

The Moycullen U13 Boys team won the prestigious Cork County Basketball Board title. On the way to the final they beat Fr Mathews, Neptune and Liffey Celtics. They met Fr Mathews again in the final and clawed back a 5 point deficit in the last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter to force extra time. They went on to outscore their opponents in the extra period and secured a famous victory.

The players on the Moycullen U13 squad have been together for the past 4 years and have developed a strong team spirit. They work hard for one another on the court and always encourage one other from the bench. A squad of 12 players, coached by Dylan Cunningham, had a score to settle as they travelled to Cork on Saturday. Fr. Mathews had beaten them in the final of the U12s last year and the players felt they needed to make amends.

Supporters from both sides watched through their fingers as their teams once again locked horns in the final. The game went to overtime, Moycullen getting the tying point with 16 seconds on the clock. Moycullen dominated the extra period, scoring 4 points to Fr Mathews 1. Final score Moycullen 43, Fr. Mathews 40. Jubilation for Moycullen and their supporters.

U’16 BOYS PERFORM WELL IN LIMERICK

Moycullen began their season in earnest in the toughest possible way with games against the No. 1 and No. 2 in the country in the Limerick pre-season tournament. Buoyed by a 2-0 start in friendly games, the team were in great form and put on a tremendous performance against all Ireland favourites, Neptune in the first match. In a thrilling encounter they went toe to toe with them throughout with Neptune’s greater depth proving the difference in the end. Huge positives in the display were the scoring contributions from Max Brennan in open play and Conor Curran’s all round athleticism and Eoghan Kelly’s leadership. John Hackett also had strong showing, particularly in post play.

Out of the frying pan and into the fire….. a 15 minute break before facing Maree!! Tight games often swing on small incidents and one of these arrived when Connor Curran picked up his third foul late in the first half. This forced him to the bench for the early part of the second half during which Maree opened up a double digit lead. Credit to Moycullen, they never gave up and, despite playing their second match in a row, they finished the stronger. Ronan Clancy hit a big three and Max, Eoghan and Connor hit some crucial scores as they narrowed the gap. A three pointer by Connor Curran cut the margin to 1 with three seconds on the clock but Maree hung on. Frustration for Moycullen but a great point to be starting from in all Ireland year…. they’ve proved they can play with the best; they now just have to find a way to beat them.

U’16 GIRLS WARM UP FOR SEASON IN LIMERICK

Moycullen U16 girls started their preseason with a visit to Limerick Celtics invitational tournament.

Taking part were arguably the top eight teams in the country. The girls were grouped with Brunel and Meteors and played their typical pressing fast game to overcome Brunel in the first by three and Meteors in the 2nd by 20 odd points. They faced an improving Liffey Celtics team in the semi and while they led at the break, they could not maintain the effort and eventually lost on by eight.

The squad are looking forward to the games ahead, on improving their fitness levels and doing their best to retain their All Ireland crown…..one game at a time

Edited from Moycullen Matters March 2014 Issue 139

INTERNATIONAL SELECTION

Five Moycullen players are off to the European Basketball Championships this summer. Conor Curran will be with the Boys U16 team in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Sean Candon & Darragh Mulkerrins will be in the Ukraine with the Men’s U18 and Catherine Connaire & Áine McDonagh will be in Estonia with the girls U16s.

Photo: Daragh Mulkerrins, Áine McDonagh, Conor Curran, Catherine Connaire & Sean Candon

U’18 BOYS PROGRESS IN CUP

Moycullen Under 18 Boys had an impressive win against local rivals Titans in Kingfisher. They eventually won 101 – 43. Coaches Nollaig Cunningham and Salva Camps will be delighted with the contributions of the full bench, all of whom contributed good minutes. Good news for the club was the return to action of Premier League player Sean Candon who has been dogged by injuries this season.

Back : Darragh O’Sullivan, Darragh Mulkerrins, Josh Marvesley, Kyle Cunningham, Joe Tummon, Max Brennan. Front row: Eoghan Kelly, Sean Candon, Conor Curran, Rory Heffernan, Sean Kelly, Ronan Clancy.

U’16 GIRLS TRAVEL TO SCOTLAND

Moycullen U16 girls had a very successful trip to Scotland over Christmas where they were hosted by Basketball Scotland and played four games over the Friday to Sunday period. The girls finished with a 4 & 0 record as they beat the U15 squad 105- 35, the Scottish U16s twice with scores of 94-84 & 113-77 and the U18 squad 65-56.

Moycullen U’18 girls went out to Glanmire, the eventual winners, in the National U18 Cup quarter final on a score of 74 – 48. Their reward for the cup run is not insignificant as all of this team are available again next year (and four the following year again) and will be seeded in next year’s draw thus avoiding the heavyweights of Irish Ladies basketball. Moycullen’s two defeats in this tournament were to Meteors in the group stage & Glanmire who between them provide 10 of the Irish U18 squad.

U’16 Girls Team. Back: Sorcha Whyte, Kate O’Brien, Catherine Connaire, Megan O’Donnell, Aine McDonagh, Jean Hynes. Front: Aisling Corcoran, Chloe Conroy, Mollie Finn, Ailbhe Davoren, Megan Davoren, Laura Corcoran

Congratulations to Dylan Cunningham who was selected as one of the twelve players to play for the Irish Premier League Select Team against their English counterparts in Birmingham in January. Paul O’Brien was been selected as a reserve on the team having already played against Wales in October.

The Sunday morning 3 v 3s have proved to be very popular with ballers of all ages in the cllub this season. While it is always a fun event the players are watched closely by Technical Director Salva Camps whose initiative this is.

Edited from Moycullen Matters June 2014 Issue 140

U’16 GIRLS ARE ALL IRELAND CLUB CHAMPIONS

Moycullen Basketball’s Under 16 Girls are the new All Ireland champions - two years after winning the U14 crown. Last Sunday in Portlaoise, the girls produced outstanding performances in their four games, including victories over the Cork champions Fr. Mathews & the Dublin champions Liffey Celtics. They defeated Ulster Elks by 12 points in the semi final and then had 14 points to spare in the final over Waterford Wildcats.

Catherine Connaire took the tournament MVP award. It was a wonderful display by all the girls and coaching staff on what was a historic day for the club. Crucially in each game different players rose to the task and put the team on their back to carry them through. A fantastic achievement by the girls to add to their U14 crown that they had won two years ago and finish the weekend and the season as U16 All-Ireland Champions 2014.

Back: Áine McDonagh, Sorcha Whyte, Mollie Finn, Romy Cunningham, Paul O’Brien. Front: Aisling Corcoran, Megan O’Donnell, Chloe Conroy, Catherine Connaire, Ailbhe Davoren, Kate O’Brien, Laura Corcoran.

U’14 BOYS TAKE SILVER AT THE ALL IRELAND CLUB FINALS

Moycullen U14 Boys took the Division 1 Silver Medal at the All Ireland Club Championships in the Oblate Hall, Dublin going down to an exceptional Neptune team in the final.

The boys had nothing left in the tank after a single point, double overtime win against a fancied Templeogue team in the semi final and just could not reproduce that form again in the final. However a ranking of second in Ireland is a fantastic result and is just reward for the effort put in throughout the year.

Back: James Lyons, James Duggan, Fionn McDonagh, James Connaire, Ciaran Anthony, Fiachra Mulkerrins, Mark Convery Front : James Cummins, Paul Culkeen, Kevyn Burke, Paul Kelly, Evan Mulkerrins

U’18 BOYS MISS OUT NARROWLY IN THE ALL IRELAND SHIELD FINAL

The shield competition is confined to teams that missed out on qualification for the quarter finals of the Division 1 Cup. Our Under 18 Boys reached the final of the shield and put up a great display before finally succumbing to Sligo All-stars by 4 points.

Back. Nollaig Cunningham, Daragh Mulkerrins, Kyle Cunningham, Conor Curran, Dara O’Sullivan, Sean Candon, Josh Marvesley, Joe Tummon. Front: Sean Kelly, Jack Costelloe, Ronan Clancy, Rory Heffernan, Eoghan Kelly, Max Brennan.

June 2014 Issue 140 Page 2

MOYCULLEN UNDERAGE TEAMS DOMINATE THE GALWAY FINALS

Moycullen Basketball Club had a super day at the Galway Finals, winning six of the twelve titles on offer . The Moycullen teams securing Galway titles were our boys in the U’13, U’14, U’15 and U’17 cup finals and our girls at U’16 and U’17 levels.

In the U’17 Boys final a superb display of individual and team defence were the key elements in laying a solid foundation for the Moycullen success. Holding your opponent to 29 points especially in a final is a difficult task and when you couple that with some superb offensive execution, the Moycullen display was even more impressive. With 5 players scoring in double figures it was a complete team performance and an excellent end to the Galway league season for the lads

The U15 boys went into the game as underdogs having lost to Maree twice in the previous 10 days including one drubbing. It was a different side that showed up in Killannin on finals day to do battle as they led from start to finish as they ran out deserved winners on a 45 – 38 score line.

The U17 girls were never in trouble against Maree and duly won the Under 17 county title by 12 points. Even though they fell 10 points behind during a good Maree spell in the second quarter, there never was any doubt that Moycullen would win.

The U’14 Boys completed a league and cup double with a 35 to 31 win over Maree.

The U13 Boys had lost to Titans in the league but they turned the tables on Titans in the final and ran out 43 –24 winners.

U’17 Moycullen Team. Galway Champions

Back : Nollaig Cunningham, Daragh Mulkerrins, , Kyle Cunningham,, Conor Curran, Dara O’Sullivan, Sean Candon, Josh Maversly, Joe Tummon. Front: Sean Kelly, Jack Costelloe, Ronan Clancy, Rory Heffernan, Eoghan Kelly, Max Brennan

U’14 BOYS IN CORK

Our Under 14 Boys team travelled to Cork in April to play in the Emmett Neville Invitation Tournament. The tournament included the best teams at this age group in the country and also welcomed England’s best U14 team, Manchester Magic. The lads beat Malahide and Limerick Celtics but lost to KCYMS in the group matches and lost to the current All Ireland champions at this age Neptune in the Semi final. This Moycullen team is improving with every match.

AWARDS NIGHT 2014

There was a great attendance at the annual Awards night in the Forge in April where individual excellence was rewarded. The club also honoured the 9 players that were involved with Irish teams this season and awarded the Club Person of the Year award to Chairperson Haulie Dowd. On behalf of the club, the Chairperson paid tribute to the legacy of Gerry and Mary Nihill who stood down at the end of last season after many years of involvement in the club. Thanks also to Ann Marie for the use of the Forge and her continued support.

Edited from Moycullen Matters October 2014 Issue 141

U’13 BOYS WIN THE ALL IRELAND COMMUNITY GAMES

Photo L/R: John Cunningham, James McLoughlin, Tommy McNeela, Daniel Hackett, Eanna Davoren, Paul Kelly, Mark Heffernan, Mark Tobin, Rhys Plower & Eoin O’Reilly

"Time passes quickly" is a phrase often used in the context of sport..... many of the Moycullen basketball fraternity I'm sure can clearly remember the thrill of winning our first (and only previous) U13 Boys Community Games title in Mosney. However, I suspect we would all find it hard to believe it was as far back as 2000. None of this year’s team were even born when it happened, Mosney has been replaced by Athlone and players from the 2000 team such as Michael Dowd and Cian Nihill have come and gone (hopefully to return...) through successful Super league careers with Moycullen. Superleague wasn't anywhere on the Moycullen radar in 2000, winning the local league was enough of a challenge. Time definitely does pass quickly.

In the 2014 Community Games there was the small matter of getting over Maree in the Galway final. The final was in Calasanctius and in a tight encounter, the scoring power of Paul Kelly was to prove the difference with Moycullen winning by 6. Despite the victory, it was hard at that point to see an All-Ireland in the team. Next up were the Connacht Finals and the team were never challenged and eased to victory over Castlerea from Roscommon and Ballinamore from Leitrim. A good result but still hard to see an All-Ireland on the horizon.

The All Irelands are a bit of a step into the unknown with little info available in advance. The semi was against Donagh from Monaghan (whom we beat in last year’s 3rd place playoff) . The semi on Saturday proved easier than expected.... early scores from Paul Kelly, Eoghan O'Reilly and Tommie McNeela and excellent team defence saw Moycullen establish an unassailable lead and they were able to give plenty of court time to the full squad throughout the game. Mark Heffernan and Mark Tobin put in good minutes coming off the bench and the young guys, Daniel Hackett and James McLoughlin showed great confidence when given their opportunity. Play of the day went to Daniel Hackett for his super "and one" basket.

On Sunday morning the team faced Kill/Johnstown in the final . The Leinster Champions were very impressive in their semi final and would have been favourites to win gold. However Eanna, Paul, Rhys and Daniel helping Tommie to contain Kill/Johnstown's quick guard, limiting his chances to score while Eoghan, the two Mark's and James rotated the job of protecting the basket. Tommie did an excellent job and six points up early in the third quarter, all looked good. However, Paul then picked up his third foul forcing him to the bench. Moycullen went ten points behind but when Paul returned in the fourth he gave a superb offensive display, drove time after time through the Kill/Johnstown defence to score as the deficit was quickly erased. When Paul didn't score, Tommie chipped in and, with everyone defending manfully, the team eased away to a superb 7 point victory, 31-24. Happy days... and a long summer of effort well rewarded.

The journey home was great with the ever supportive parents more than happy to toot their horns in the cavalcade to the village where bonfires blazed to welcome home the All Ireland Champions.

October 2014 Issue 141 Page 2

MOYCULLEN PLAYERS IN INTERNATIONAL ACTION

Five Moycullen players represented Ireland in August at the European Championships. Catherine Connaire and Áine McDonagh were in Tallin, Estonia with the U’16 Girls, Conor Curran was in Macedonia with the U’16 Boys and Sean Candon and Daragh Mulkerrins were in Sofia, Bulgaria with the Irish u’18 Team.

Photo: Irish U’18 Team with Front row Daragh Mulkerrins (10) and Back Sean Candon (9) Áine McDonagh and Catherine Connaire

Photo: Áine McDonagh and Catherine Connaire in Estonia with the Irish U’16 team

Photo: Conor Curran holding the flag with the Irish U’18 team in Bulgaria at the European Championships

The Irish U’16 girls recorded wins against Austria, Romania & Norway and with a bit of luck might have made a top 8 placing as England, a team they had recorded two wins against some two months earlier had a great tournament and finished second to Germany. Both Catherine & Áine had fine tournaments and contributed well to the overall effort - both recording excellent performances against Finland & Austria respectively.

Conor played in six games at the championships in Sofia. Playing in temperatures that reached into the low 30’s they struggled with the conditions and lost their first five games against Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria, Portugal and Albania. Although most of the games were close, they ended the tournament on a high with victory in their final game.64-63 over Luxembourg.

Edited from Issue 142 December 2105 & Issue 143 March 2015 Page 1

U’20 MEN ARE NATIONAL CUP CHAMPIONS

An outstanding display of team basketball proved decisive for Moycullen as they secured the Men’s U20 National Cup for the 2nd time in the clubs history defeating Belfast Star on a score line of 70 – 60 in front of a packed National Basketball Arena in Dublin.

To say that Moycullen earned the cup would be an understatement; they had to defeat the reigning U20 cup champions on their home court in the quarter finals, Neptune in Cork in the semi-final and then the favourites in the final. It was the toughest of paths to claim the U20 cup but all 13 team members stepped up at different times during the campaign to ensure they wouldn’t be denied. Also of note is the fact that 4 of the players had brothers that were members of the U20 National Cup winning team in 2008.

Rory Gilson 17pts & 3rbs, Stephen O’Brien 15 & 3, Kyle Cunningham 14& 2, Sean Candon 9 &12, Joseph Tummon 9 & 10, Darragh Mulkerrins 6 & 5, Rory Heffernan 0 & 1, Dara O’Sullivan, Sean Kelly, Jack Costelloe, Conor Egan, Eoghan Kelly, Connor Curran 0 & 1.

Front row: Daragh Mulkerrins, Rory Heffernan, Rory Gilson, Eoghan Kelly & Sean Candon. Back : Conor Egan, Joe Tummon, Sean Kelly, Kyle Cunningham, J Conor Curran, Jack Costelloe, Dara O’Sullivan, Stephen O’Brien.

SO CLOSE FOR SENIOR MEN IN THE NATIONAL CUP FINAL

It was a case of a bridge just a little too far for SSE Airtricity Moycullen in the Senior Men’s National Cup final when they came up 3 points short against C&S Blue Demons in Dublin in the National Basketball Arena in Dublin. While it is of no consolation to the team it was most definitely the game of the weekend in terms of excitement and drama, the lads can be proud of their achievement in reaching the final and maybe if lady luck had shone just a little more on us rather than them we could have been celebrating a unique double.

Back: Salva Camps, Nollaig Cunningham, Dylan Cunningham, Ronan O’Sullivan, Chris McNairney, Paul Freeman. Front: Darragh Mulkerrins, Patrick Lyons, Rory Gilson, James Loughnane, Kyle Cunningham, Sean Candon, Ian Burke.

From the outset it was obvious that Demons had come with the game plan of playing a physical and slow game against a younger and lighter Moycullen. It was mainly down to Dylan Cunningham’s sharp shooting that we only went in 7 points in arrears at the half and while it was a big gap it could have been a lot worse. Coming to terms with the physical play, the Moycullen lads started eating into the lead bit by bit and with Paul Freeman commanding the defensive boards and James Loughnane making inroads into the Demons defence, eventually they got their heads in front & with 3 minutes to go in the game, SSE Airtricity had a small lead of 3 points. However on two of Demons next 4 possessions, two hail-Mary 3 pointers at the end of shot clocks somehow managed to drop & instead of being possibly 5 or 7 down they found themselves 3 up going into the final seconds. Try as they may Moycullen were unable to get a similar rub of the green and they came up just that tiny bit short at the end of the game.

Edited from Issue 142 December 2015 & Issue 143 March 2015 Page 2

U’14 BOYS WIN THE GALWAY CUP

Moycullen U14 Boys gained their second piece of silverware this season adding the Galway U14 cup to the Cork County Board title they won some weeks back.

The final score of 53-37 over Maree was an accurate reflection of the game with Moycullen’s greater depth of talent again making the difference.

Trailing 12-17 at the end of the first thanks to the 10 points from an imposing Daniel Arimaro, Moycullen completely dominated the second quarter and led at half time by 17 points. Another strong performance in the third left the boys in a very comfortable position and they coasted home to reprise the achievement of last year’s U14 team.

Captain Mairtin O’Conghaile accepted the cup on behalf of his team mates and paid tribute to a fine Maree team, coach Dylan Cunningham & his colleagues.

Front Row: Nicholas Sudarsky, Mark Heffernan, Mairtin O’Conghaile, James Cummins, Troy Devaney, Rian Oates. Back Row: Tommy McNeela. James Connaire, James Wall, Iarlaith O’Sullivan, Paul Kelly, Conor Walsh, Gerard Davoren & Mark Tobin.

U’18 GIRLS BOW OUT OF CUP

Moycullen U18 girls bowed out of this year’s National Cup in heart breaking circumstances going down 46 – 44 to one of the tournament favourites, St Anthony's from Cork.

Having already beaten Killester & Muckno Lakers comprehensively , the next game against the All Ireland U16 champions of two years ago, St. Anthony's was a “winner takes all” affair for a spot in the quarter final. The Moycullen girls led from the tip off, reaching half time with a twelve point lead. However, a lapse in concentration in the third was to prove their undoing when St Anthony's closed the lead to 4 going into the last. The Cork Ladies led for the first time in the game with four minutes remaining on the clock. The closing minutes were extraordinarily tense with Catherine Connaire scoring three (free throw & field goal) to narrow the gap, St Anthony's adding a free throw of their own to increase the margin to two again. Moycullen still had chances as the seconds ticked away but could not get that tying score.

In the shield final later in the season the girls lost narrowly to Ulster Elks in the final despite a massive 40 point haul from Áine McDonagh who was named the game MVP.

CHRISTMAS BLITZ

As so often in the past, this year’s blitz came down to a battle between two Cunningham's. This time it was the younger generation with Dylan taking the title over his brother Kyle’s team. Dylan also beat his father Nollaig’s team in the semifinal. Keeping the family theme, Kyle’s team was captained by Ian Burke and also included Ian’s father Martin. Despite the inclement weather, it was another great day in the parish with big crowds from late morning enjoying the refreshments provided by the volunteers.

U’17 BOYS IN SLOVAKIA

In the first game they beat their hosts; final score Moycullen 63 Krvavec 35, before beating Triglav 54-40. They went on to complete the weekend with a win against a physically strong Kadis team from Lithuania. All in all it looks like a good weekend’s basketball and the photos suggest the lads got to see the sights and socialise with their opposition as well. Well done to manager Joe Curran and Coach John Cunningham on the work involved in organising this.

Photo: Ronan O’Sullivan and Stephen O’Brien were awarded sports scholarships to NUI Galway

Edited from Moycullen Matters June 2015 Issue 144

U’14 BOYS ARE ALL IRELAND CHAMPIONS

Front: Tommy McNeela, Troy Devaney, James Cummins, Mark Heffernan, Mark Tobin, Nicholas Sudarsky, James Wall Back: Rian Oates, Ger Davoren, Mairtin O’Conghaile, Iarlaith O’Sullivan, Eoin O’Reilly, Conor Walsh, Paul Kelly, James Connaire.

A brilliant season for a talented & dogged team - Galway League & Cup Winners, Cork County Board winners, Emmet Neville Tournament winners, All Ireland champions.

All Ireland Club U14 Champions! Hard to believe given that we trailed by 8 with two minutes left in the final against Belfast Star. Both defences excelled and scores were hard to come by. Moycullen had rarely got three consecutive scores without Star interrupting the sequence and then eight unanswered points – including a couple of threes from Iarlaith O’Sullivan erased the Star lead. Star needed a score and took their last time out. Some great defence resulted in a 5 second violation and Moycullen had the ball back with 5 seconds on the clock. The last seconds were played out a second at a time as Star had fouls to give but ultimately they ran out of road as Paul Kelly sealed the win with a free throw. Champions!

The Moycullen team had many heroes – Paul Kelly’s never say die attitude, constantly taking the fight to the opposition, Martin O’Conghaile’s heroics against Liffey when his spirit & aggression galvanised the team, James Connaire’s 23 points against Kubs in the semi, Ger Davoren’s quite efficiency, Tommy McNeela’s timely scores, James Cummins’ determination throughout and Iarlaith O’Sullivan’s quiet brilliant defence and of course those two threes !! But when all is done, the game is essentially a team game and in games of such tight margins, all of the players contributed, a rebound, a block, a nudge here & there – all the small things added up to a first U14 All-Ireland title for Moycullen.

Moycullen club had two other teams competing at the ‘A’ All Ireland Club Competition (AICC) , having qualified as winners of their respective Galway leagues. The U’16 Boys finished 6th best in the country losing out to Belfast Star today following wins over KUBS and Blue Demons. The U’16 Girls while unsuccessful at the finals also did the club proud putting in great performances over the two days.

June 2015 Issue 144 Page 2

U’17 BOYS WIN THE BILLY KELLY TOURNAMENT IN CORK

Back: Thomas Hackett, James Lyons, Max Brennan, David Kelly, Ladmy Sila, Thomas Walsh, Brian Garvey, John Cunningham. Front: John Hackett, Diarmuid Mulkerrins, Conor Curran, Eoghan Kelly (Captain), Ronan Clancy, Evan Somers.

The “Billy Kelly” is synonymous with Irish Basketball. There is no need for a more detailed title – anyone with even limited knowledge of basketball in Ireland knows that it is the unofficial National U17 Boys championship.

Few would have predicted that the team of 2015 would be the one to make the breakthrough. While this years team was undoubtedly talented, they had never even reached a final in the Cork County Board tournaments. At local level, Maree (the National U16 champions from 2014) had a stranglehold on them, having never lost a competitive game to Moycullen while, nationally, Neptune have been building up their current bunch of U15/16/17’s as the best hope in 20+ years of returning them to their former glory. With other really strong team’s at U17 level such as Vincent's, Castleisland, Fr Matthews, Templeogue and Sligo all entered for the tournament (and all of whom had defeated Moycullen at some stage), it would have been hard to predict a Moycullen victory. Thankfully, basketball games are decided on the court and on the day and predictions are really only opinions, not facts.

After two days play and against the odds, Moycullen had battled their way to the final against local rivals Maree. Moycullen had been in this position before without achieving the end result. However, with Max Brennan doing a good containing job on Rockall and Eoghan Kelly running the game from the point, it was clear this was a different Moycullen team. There was one scare left however as, with three minutes on the clock, Kelly was forced out of the game through injury. However, Connor Curran, Max Brennan and the superb James Lyons shared the ball handling duties and the team defence proved well up to the task, limiting Maree to just 8 points in a quarter in which they scored 11 themselves. In the end, the margin was 9, 50-41, and the “Holy Grail” had finally been found.

THREE BASKETBALL IRELAND AWARDS FOR MOYCULLEN

A very successful year for the club was marked by Moycullen receiving 3 awards in Basketball Ireland’s Annual Awards. Paul Kelly won the Under 14 Boys Player of the Year after great performances in the team’s march to the All-Ireland Club Championship (AICC) title. In addition, the club were awarded the award for Men’s Underage Coaching. This is an acknowledgement of the great work current and past coaches have put into the club, the coaching development initiatives the club have invested in, and the contribution Technical Director Salva Camps has made over the last two years. Salva was also awarded Men’s Division 1 Coach of the year having led the club to a first ever National League title and the Cup Final.

The underage success is an acknowledgement of an incredible year in boys competitions where we were U20 National Cup Champions, U18 National Cup Semi-Finalists, U17 Billy Kelly Champions, ranked 5th in U16 AICC, U14 AICC & Cork County Board, Emmett Neville Champions.

June 2015 Issue 144 Page 3

SENIOR MEN TAKE THE NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 1 TITLE

SSE Airtricity Moycullen are National League Division 1 champions after a thrilling end of season decider with Maree. While Maree won the game on the night by a point Moycullen’s 12 & 2 winning record included 2 losing bonus points leaving them a point ahead of their near neighbours. It has been a great season for Salva Camps charges who also were National Cup runners-up after a narrow loss to Demons. Ronan O’Sullivan was named on the Division 1 All Star first team and Paul Freeman was named on the All Star second Team

Back: Salva Camps, Nollaig Cunningham, Dylan Cunningham, Ronan O’Sullivan, Chris McNairney, Paul Freeman. Front: Darragh Mulkerrins, Patrick Lyons, Rory Gilson, James Loughnane, Kyle Cunningham, Sean Candon, Ian Burke.

Photo: Dylan Cunningham lifts the Division 1 Cup

|  | Played | Wins | Losses | Points
1 | Moycullen | 14 | 12 | 2 | 38
2 | Maree | 14 | 12 | 2 | 37
3 | Eanna Dublin | 14 | 7 | 7 | 22
4 | Demons Cork | 14 | 7 | 7 | 22
5 | Kilkenny | 14 | 6 | 8 | 20
6 | Titans Galway | 14 | 5 | 9 | 18
7 | Fr. Matthew's | 14 | 6 | 8 | 18

U’15 BOYS TAKE COUNTY TITLE

The U’15 Boys finished the season with a 100% record as they secured a third Galway League Title in a row for Moycullen with a 58-26 score line over Maree.

Team. Back: Jim Duggan, James Lyons, James Duggan, Evan Mulkerrins, Mark Convery, Paddy Lenihan, Cathal Walsh, Martin Burke. Front: Paul Kelly, Kevyn Burke, Fiachna Mulkerrins, Paul Culkeen, James Connaire.

Salva Camps

Salva Camps joined Moycullen in 2012 as a player. An excellent point guard, he had played as a professional in in the top Spanish and European Leagues. A troublesome back injury limited his playing opportunity with Moycullen and his role soon changed into a coaching one when the club realised his potential in that area.

Having played at the top level in Spain, he had a great understanding and insight into offensive basketball and was able to apply these to the Moycullen teams. He gave the players a great perspective on offensive movement and how to exploit every scoring opportunity which elevated their play to a new level.

He coached in the club for three years, working with teams from the Youth Section through to the U’20 and senior men. In the 2014-2015 season he led the National League Team to the Division 1 Title with a 12 and 2 winning record. In July 2015 Salva was assistant coach to the Spanish U’20 men’s team that won silver medals at the European Division A Championship. Salva returned to live in Spain at the start of the 2015-2016 season and took take up a coaching position with the top Spanish side Badalona.

SALVA LOOKS BACK AT HIS THREE SEASONS WITH MOYCULLEN 2012-2015

What is Moycullen Basketball Club? That is the question that I asked myself while I was searching for teams in the Galway vicinity just before moving there for an English course. At the time, none of the thoughts that came to mind were even close to what I would discover only a few weeks later.

At first sight the Moycullen Basketball Club seemed like just another Irish basketball club but since the first day, when I became part of the Moycullen Basketball community, I realized that the club was much more than just any basketball club. We all know that basketball is not the most popular sport in Ireland but you do an extraordinary job making this sport look so cool through all of the time, effort and courage that you put into it. It is you that make basketball the most important sport in Ireland!

How can such a small village be the home to such a Successful basketball club? And I am not talking about titles. I am talking about training boys and girls from U9 to U20 to become members of the senior team. PASSION! Passion from every single person who is part of the club; from the committee members, to the team managers who volunteer time, turns dreams into realities!

Everything that I have to say about the club is positive. Thank you for helping me to grow as a player, as a coach and most importantly as a person. I am grateful to you for developing values in all of the team members, which will be forever a part of their lives as they have been in mine. 50th anniversary?

Fifty is only a number. With people like you running the club there will be important anniversaries to celebrate for centuries to come!

Thank you for allowing us to be part of such an amazing BASKETBALL CLUB!

Moycullen Basketball will always be an important part of our lives.

Salva

Edited from Moycullen Matters September 2015 Issue 145

U’16 BOYS WIN THE NATIONAL COMMUNITY GAMES

The Moycullen boys came through the Galway and Connacht competitions comfortably to qualify for the All Ireland Finals. In the national semi final they beat a strong Malahide team after overcoming a very slow start to pull away by the end winning by 10. They beat St Patricks from Cavan in the final.

Front row: Martin Burke, James Lyons, James Duggan, Kevyn Burke, Eimhinn Mulkerrins & Gerald Lyons. Back Row: Cormac Power, James Connaire, Dara Heffernan, Fiachra Mulkerrins & Paul Kelly

MOYCULLEN PLAYERS ON INTERNATIONAL DUTY

Áine McDonagh & Catherine Connaire played for Ireland U18 Ladies in Bucharest in a group with Latvia, England, Bulgaria & Bosnia & Herzegovina. Áine started in all four games but sprained her ankle and missed the remaining three games . Catherine played in all seven games. Ireland won two of the final three games beating Albania & Cyprus easily but going down in a thriller against Iceland by 6. .

Joe Tummon was in Austria with the U’18 Boys Team. He was a starting five player and had a fine tournament playing an average of 26.7 minutes over nine games. His shooting and rebounding ability made a significant contribution to the Irish performances in all games. Ireland had two good wins against Macedonia & Luxembourg and several narrow defeats. Scotland, Israel (beaten finalists), Slovakia, Denmark, Austria and Iceland provided the other opposition.

Back in Ireland a number of other players were training with their respective Irish development squads. Paul Kelly, James Lyons and Mark Convery were with the U’15 development squad while Eoghan Kelly, John Hackett and Conor Curran were training with the U’17 squad.

Photo: Catherine and Áine v Latvia

U’14 MOYCULLEN GIRLS TRIP TO BARCELONA

The Moycullen U’14 girls team were met in Barcelona by Moycullen Club basketball Coach Salva Camps who was at home for the summer. The girls stayed in the Barcelona Sports Hostel, a wonderful facility for sports teams visiting the city. It is very new and has great facilities including a fully equipped gym and swimming pool together with being centrally located and close to a metro station.

There was no official basketball tournament on at the time, so Salva arranged for the girls to play a number of friendly games against local teams. The girls also had a time to tour the city, do some retail therapy and spend an afternoon on the beach.

This turned out to be a fantastic trip for the girls who managed to mix a great cultural experience with sport, sunshine, shopping and swimming. What more could you ask for?

September 2015 Issue 145 Page 2

SLOVENIAN CLUB HOSTED BY MOYCULLEN

Photo: The Slovenian club Kravavec pictured at NUI Galway during their games with Moycullen

Some trip….. 10 days, 5000+ km in a bus….. basketball games in Ardres, Cork, Moycullen and Dublin

The Ireland leg began with an early morning arrival in Rosslare, a drive to Cork for a tour of the city and then three games in the Neptune Stadium . They arrived in Moycullen and all 43 were divided out between our local host families who gave up their time, their food and their beds. Moycullen played three games against Kravavec. The games were very competitive and played in good spirits.The Slovenian U12’s were too strong for our U13’s with their ball handling and basics a joy to behold…. the Moycullen U17’s levelled the series comfortably against mainly U15 opposition but the visitors clinched the series when their Senior team comfortably defeated our mix of Galway League and Premier league players…. for the Premier league players, it was a good reminder that top level basketball requires year-round dedication

Once the games finished, it was straight to the Forge for a meal and a night of cultural exchange….. Gerry Nihill organised a collection of Moycullen’s finest traditional musicians while two of the Slovenian players showed their versatility by producing their own accordions. Damjan Korosec (Slovenian organiser) and John Cunningham exchanged gifts to mark the occasion and the party brought life to the normally quiet Tuesday night in Moycullen….

"On Wednesday morning a tour of Connemara was scheduled under the guidance of Joe Loughnane, visiting Kylemore, the National park and Diamond Hill which was climbed to the top by some hardy souls On return, our Slovenian friends had shown their wonderful self-sufficiency by providing a wonderful lunch of “eintopf (one-pot) and a choice of beers for the weary climbers…. no super-valu rolls for them… they are well used to these “tours” and have the full picnic-kit ready… burners, benches, etc.. and not a single bit of rubbish left after them…

Photo: Eoghan Kelly playing v Kravavec in NUI Galway

From Connemara it was cross-country run to Spiddal for an hour at the seaside before introducing them to Gaelic football up close at the minor game…. they got fully behind our Moycullen team and the An Ceathru Rua supporters knew all hope was gone when the accordions were broken out to play the last waltz…. the only blight on the occasion was the introduction for our Slovenian friends to the irish “midge”… which left its mark on one or two…

The following morning, it was time to say goodbye as their epic journey home began.

Photo: Joe Loughnane and Damjan Korosec

Edited from Moycullen Matters December 2015 Issue 146

SENIOR MEN RETURN TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE

Moycullen basketball men's senior team, SSE Airtricity Moycullen, returned to the top flight of Irish basketball; the Premier League for the 2015/2016 season. Most of their experienced players were again available, captain Dylan Cunningham, James Loughnane, Stephen Tummon, Paul Freeman & Ronan O’Sullivan brought experience and quality to the squad and with Paul O’Brien back after a year out & Cian Nihill also returning after his year in Australia, the team had great depth to count on. The team also had a strong young presence with U’20 players Rory Gilson, Stephen O’Brien, Sean Candon & Patrick Lyons and U’18 players Joseph Tummon and Kyle Cunningham on the roster.

Back: Dylan Cunningham, Andy Burns, Stephen Tummon, Paul Freeman, Joseph Tummon, Ronan O’Sullivan, Stephen O’Brien, Patrick Lyons. Front: Cian Nihill, Sean Candon, James Loughnane, Paul O’Brien, Kyle Cunningham

U’18 BOYS PREPARE FOR THE NATIONAL CUP

Moycullen U18 boys played had an extensive program of 25 games in their preparation programme for the U’18 national Cup including a trip to Barcelona for three high level games. Having shocked many by winning the Billy Kelly U17 tournament last season, Moycullen would have been classed as one of the favourites for the competition but the loss of David Kelly who is out for the season with a long term shoulder injury, was a serious blow to their chance.

THEN AND NOW As U’11 in 2008 And as U’18 in 2015

Back: John Cunningham, John Hackett, Cian Parsons, Conor Curran, Thomas Walsh, Max Brennan, Front: Daniel Lydon, Gerard McDonagh, Diarmuid Mulkerrins Eoghan Kelly

Back: Thomas Hackett, James Lyons, Max Brennan, David Kelly, Ladmy Sila, Thomas Walsh, Brian Garvey, John Cunningham. Front: John Hackett, Diarmuid Mulkerrins, Conor Curran, Eoghan Kelly (Captain), Ronan Clancy, Evan Somers.

Edited from Moycullen Matters March 2016 Issue 147

U’18 MEN REACH NATIONAL CUP FINAL BUT LOSE OUT TO NEPTUNE

Moycullen reached the U’18 National Cup Final but came up against a quality Neptune side who were just too good. In fairness to the team, they gave it everything and, for a brief moment with three minutes to go, after a superb fourth quarter effort, they had closed to within 5 and dared to dream. Al through their great cup run it looked as if it was going to be their year. A magnificent win in the qualification tournament was fol owed up with top class victories in the quarter and semi final

For Moyculen, there wil always be what-ifs; what if John Hackett hadn’t picked up his third foul so early, what if they had come out of the zone in the last two minutes of the third, what if David Kelly had been available .

However, it was a magnificent 12 months for the team. To win a the club’s first Billy Kelly and be only the second team from the club to make an U18 Cup Final was a tremendous achievement by a group of players who had lived in Maree’s shadow throughout their underage years. They are a perfect example of what hard work, dedication and perseverance can achieve. They never turned down a game, no matter who wasn’t available or where the road took them and they have probably played more basketball over their 10 years of underage competition than most of the Moycullen Premier league players have played in their career.

Photo: Conor Curran in the National Cup Final against Neptune played in the National Basketball Arena

Team. Thomas Hackett, James Lyons, Max Brennan, Ladmy Sila, Brian Garvey, John Hackett, Conor Curran, Eoghan Kelly (Captain), Ronan Clancy, Evan Somers. Mark Convery, Lorcan O’Mordha, Dara Heffernan, David Kelly. Coach John Cunningham, Assistant Coach Gerry Nihill.

GALWAY BAY FM BASKETBALL AWARD

Photo: Catherine Connaire (U'18 girls) was presented with the Galway Bay FM 2015 award for Basketball at a ceremony in the Loughrea Hotel & Spa. Her selection for the Ireland U18 Girls in Bucharest last July and her good form with the NUIG Mystics who top Division one of the National Women’s Basketball league were cited as the reasons for the award.

GALWAY SPORTS STAR AWARD

Photo: Moycullen were presented with the Galway Club of the Year at the Galway Sports Stars Awards. Given the competition across all sports in the county, this was a great achievement for the club and indeed for basketball in Galway.

In his introduction, MC and Connacht Tribune Sports editor, John McIntyre cited the success at National Level he senior men’s return to the Premier League, the large numbers of players on Irish squads and the clubs ability to compete annually with the “bigger” Dublin & Cork clubs.

CHRISTMAS BLITZ

Photo: Pat Griffin receiving the ‘Spirit of the Blitz’ award from Eoghan Maxwell

James Loughnane captained his team to win the Jim Lee Trophy at the Christmas Blitz on St. Stephens Day.

Winning Team James Loughnane (Captain), Garnett Griffin, Conal Morgan, John Hackett, Ronan Waters, Robert O’Donnell, Alan Conroy

Edited from Moycullen Matters June 2016 Issue 148

U’18 GIRLS BOUNCE BACK FROM CUP EXIT TO WIND THE SHIELD COMPETITION

The U18 girls took the national shield title with a convincing 71-43 win against a game Tolka Rovers from Dublin in the final. Áine McDonagh took the MVP award. On the way to the final the girls had beaten Dunshaughlin and Killester before accounting for Glanmire in the semi final. The girls competed in the shield having missed out on a top eight spot in the cup competition earlier in the season.

Photo L/R: Sinead McDonagh, Mollie Finn, Romy Cunningham, Catherine Connaire, Áine McDonagh, Jean Hynes, Ailbhe Davoren & Megan O’Donnell

U’13 BOYS MIXING IT WITH THE BIG EUROPEAN CLUBS IN FRANCE

This year’s Tournoi International Henri Seux in May was the 34th running of this fantastic tournament. Remarkably it’s the 18th time that the club has been represented and it’s always a fantastic occasion for the players and the coaching staff. It is the only FIBA recognised U13 tournament in Europe, so it’s always a great honour for the club and the U13 Boys to play and represent our club & village in Ardres, Northern France.

The Moycullen boys faced Triglav Kranj from Slovenia, French regional representative side Indre et Loire, host club Ardres and Belgrade from Serbia, all powerhouses. The experience gained against these excellent sides set the foundation for Moycullen to win in their last game, beating the team From Sofia, Bulgaria. It was great for our boys to experience a FIBA tournament and get a taste of international basketball. Over the years participation in the tournament has inspired many Moycullen players to train and play at the highest level possible (which contributed in no small part to the club being at the top level of the domestic game) and go on to represent their country.

Photo: Coach Rory Gilson and The U'13 boys team

U’16 BOYS WIN THE GALWAY LEAGUE BUT COME UP SHORT IN THE ALL IRELAND

Moycullen U16 Team won the Galway League Final beating Maree 43-37 but ended up in a group of death situation at the AICC All Ireland in Cork. Drawn with the eventual winners Templeogue & Ballincollig, each team won one & lost one but the lads finished bottom on score differential. It could have been different if we had a small bit of luck but championships can be decided on very small margins. This will be a great learning experience for the lads as they move up to the Billy Kelly & National Cup arena.

MOYCULLEN PLAYERS PLAYED A BIG ROLE IN THE INTERVARSITY WIN BY NUI GALWAY

NUI Galway won the men’s Intervarsity title on their home court with a dramatic one point win in the final. Moycullen had ten players on an extended squad coached by Paul O’Brien.

In the final Paul’s brother Stephen shot the team back into the game after they went 10 points down in the second half Starting five players Ronan O’Sullivan and Joseph Tummon also made a vital contribution to the win. Sean Candon, Patrick Lyons and Kyle Cunningham also played in the final. Other players on the squad were Rory Gilson, Rory Heffernan and Jack Costelloe.

U’15 GIRLS WIN THE GALWAY B FINAL

Moycullen and Titans U’15 girls entered the County B final having split their two matches during the season.

Molly Hynes began driving hard to the basket and drawing fouls resulting in two of Titans best players fouling out. The defence of Moycullen was sublime, and guards Katie Hosty and Ella Whyte did a great job of curtailing Titans star guard Ellie Lydon, getting steals and pushing the fast break.

With crucial free throws from Katie Higgins and Molly Hynes, Moycullen managed to take the lead in the final minute 34 -33. Moycullen’s great defence was not to bend though, as they got a steal in the closing seconds and dribbled out the clock to a well-earned team victory.

Back row: Katie Higgins, Aoife Burke, Ella Whyte, Ruth Bradley, Ruth Heffernan, Katie Hosty, Siofra Collins, Aoife Dempsey, Ian Burke (Coach) Front row: Sarah Robb, Ailbhe Power, Molly Hynes, Katie O’Keefe

U’12 GIRLS HAVE A GREAT WIN IN THE Fr. SEAN MANNING MEMORIAL 3 V 3

A selection of our U12 Girls pulled off a magnificent achievement in winning the Fr Sean Manning Memorial 3×3 Tournament in St Marys College. It is a highly coveted title and was toughly contested with eight teams starting in two groups. We won our three group matches, beating Barna 25-1 in the first match, followed by a 21-7 victory over Titans in the second match with the final group match played against Corrib Tigers whom we beat 15 points to 6. The semi-final against Maree was a close end to end affair. The tie went to a sudden death Free-Throw contest starting with the respective captains. Maree began with their captain who made her free throw followed immediately by a basket from Ruth O Sullivan. After a number of missed attempts it came back around to the captains and this time the Maree captain missed her shot leaving Ruth O Sullivan with a shot to win the match which she duly converted to great celebration.

The final was a really entertaining and highly skilled tussle with our neighbours and good friends Corrib Eagles against whom we eventually prevailed with Moycullen finishing up winners with a margin of 2 in a score line of 12-10. All the players contributed hugely during the 5 matches. Leah Ruane and Eva Hackett combined their height and skills wonderfully to dominate the boards in both defence and offense. Eimear Burke terrorised the opponents with her magical dribbling, shooting and tenacious defensive interventions. Caoimhe O Sullivan seemed to pop up in every corner of the court making some brilliant passes and defensive saves and Ruth O Sullivan and Laoise Curtin defended and scored like veterans.

Photo: Eva Hackett, Caoimhe O’Sullivan, Eimear Burke, Ruth O’Sullivan, Leah Ruane, Laoise Curtin

15 BOYS TAKE GALWAY A TITLE

Moycullen U15 boys took on Titans in the Galway final in the Jes Hall and came away with a 56-40 win. The boys were certainly up for the contest and hit the track running going into a 20 -12 first quarter lead. Titans did manage to slow the boys down somewhat in the second but Paul Kelly started to find his range and the game was over as a contest midway thro’ the third as Moycullen kept the scoreboard ticking over with another 19 points. Apart from their offensive execution, what was particularly pleasing was the defensive performance limiting Titans big players to low single digits.

Edited from Moycullen Matters September 2016 Issue 149

BUSY INTERNATIONAL SUMMER FOR MOYCULLEN YOUTH INTERNATIONALS

Moycullen players, Áine McDonagh & Catherine Connaire both had great performances with the Ireland U18 women team that finished a very creditable 8th in the European Championships Division 2 in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Ireland beat England, Estonia & Macedonia in the group stages but lost a critical game to Greece by 4 points. Nevertheless, this gave Ireland a quarter final match against the outstanding performers of the first round – Sweden. Ireland held a 14 point lead in the third quarter but couldn’t match the intensity of the Swedes and had no answer to the depth of their bench, losing by 18 in the end.

The girls then faced Poland 15 hours later in the decider for 5/6th place and again went down by a basket. The last game against Germany was an absolute cracker with Ireland down by 24 point at one point before a sustained effort in the second half saw them close the gap to 2 points.

The girls won that last quarter by 26-10 but just ran out of seconds. They forced two turnovers in the last 10 seconds in search for that elusive tying basket……Áine & Catherine played in all games and this marks the third season in a row they have represented their country. They have been a credit to themselves, their coaches & the club

Photo: Áine McDonagh and Catherine Connaire

Conor Curran played for the Irish U’18 men at the European Championships Division B in Skopje, Republic of Macedonia. Connor had a good tournament, and was a starting five player in all matches,.

In the group games Ireland faced the hosts, Macedonia, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria and Cyprus. Ireland started slow and lost their first game to Cyprus by a narrow margin which was a big disappointment as they had beaten Cyprus comfortably in a previous competition. They then had to face three strong teams, Hungary and Bulgaria and Poland and Ireland finished the group stages without a win.

In the first classification game against Romania, played in a non air conditioned gym with temperatures reaching into the mid 30’s Conor had a fine performance and Ireland led for much of the game. However Romania finished stronger and won by 6.

They lost the next game to a very physically powerful Albanian team but bounced back in their final classification game against Cyprus and exacted full revenge for the earlier defeat by posting a 16 point win.

Photo: Conor Curran v Macedonia

Photo: Paul Kelly & Mark Convery represented Ireland in Sofia in the U16s European Division B championship.

They had two wins, beating Luxembourg and Scotland. They lost to Macedonia, Israel, Denmark, Norway, Hungary and England.

Paul played in all eight games, averaging 13 minutes a game. Paul is underage again next year. Mark, who averaged nine minutes, had to sit out for two games after picking up an injury.

Spare a thought for James Lyons who was also on the team but broke his leg during an Ireland training session a week prior to departure and was not able to travel.

September 2016 Page 2

Kyle Cunningham & Joseph Tummon played for the Irish U20 Men’s team at the European Division B Championship’s in Chalkida, Greece.

The team competed very well, winning 4 of their 8 games and matching up successfully against teams with many full professional players. They were unlucky not to qualify for the top eight play-off after wins against the Netherlands, Kosovo and Albania Losses to Great Britain and hosts Greece meant they finished third in their group.

A great win against Slovakia in the first classification game meant that once again they got to play against another European powerhouse in Russia in the next classification game. They produced another good display,but went under 64-34. This left them in a battle with Portugal for 11th & 12th place. Unfortunately a game too far and Portugal ran out winners 64-38.

Both Joseph and Kyle are eligible for this age group again next year.. Joseph, a 6-7 power forward was a starting five player in Greece and played in all eight games, averaging 5.2 points per game and 4 rebounds. Kyle , a 6-3 shooting guard, played in four games against Greece, Russia, Albania and Portugal, averaging 9 minutes per game. The experience the two boys gained at this years tournament should see both players in strong positions to lead the Irish team next year .

Photo: Kyle Cunningham and Joseph Tummon

U’18 STAR EOGHAN KELLY HEADING TO THE USA

Moycullen U’18 team captain, Eoghan Kelly, has taken up a scholarship position to play basketball at Gunnery Prep school in the USA.

Eoghan was a member of the Irish team at the U18 3v3 European Championships which took place in Hungary in July. They lost their two games but played superbly against France who are 8th ranked in Europe and Hungary who are 3rd ranked. They were actually level at 14-14 with Hungary late in the game (the local support were getting restless) before losing 21-14. On the following day, as is common at 3x3 tournaments, they played Switzerland twice in follow up games for teams who didn’t make the playoffs, and beat them comfortably both times. Not bad for Ireland’s first entry ever at this level.

Making the 3v3 team was a fitting reward for Eoghan after his surprising (and disappointing) omission from the full U’18 team for the European Championships. He had an outstanding season, leading the Moycullen U18 team to the National Cup Final & being a vital part of the U20 team that lost out narrowly in the National Cup Semi-Final.

Photo: Eoghan Kelly in action for Moycullen

SILVER AND BRONZE AT THE ALL IRELAND COMMUNITY GAMES FINALS

The Moycullen U’13 girls and the U’16 boys continued the tradition of success by the parish at the community games when the girls won the bronze medals while the boys took the silver medals at the National Finals in Athlone. Both teams had qualified earlier in the summer after winning their respective Galway and Connacht championships.

Back Row: Cormac Croke, James Connaire, James Duggan, Paul Kelly. Front Row: Kevyn Burke, Tommy McNeela, James Cummins.

Back: Jane Roche, Naoise O Donnell, Eimear Burke, Eva Hackett, Laoise Curtin. Front: Lucy Hynes (Captain), Leah Ruane, Mikaela Devaney, Ruth O Sullivan, Caoimhe O Sullivan Managers: Barry O Sullivan & Nuala Burke

Summer Camp 2016

Time to get ready for the upcoming season and what better way than to participate in our annual Summer Camp run by our Premier League Players and Coaches.

Bring a ball, water & a small snack plus loads of effort, great attitude & the willingness to learn from some great coaches

Make sure to book early to secure your place

Kitty Canavan looks back on her involvement with of the Club from the early 1990’s

Kitty Canavan was treasurer of the Club for fifteen years from 1989 to 2004. During the 1990’s she was the main organiser the Juvenile section, booking training times, organising coaches, registering teams and doing the multitude of jobs needed to keep a club with over twenty teams functioning. Kitty also coordinated the table officials for National league games from 1997 to 2011 and was an active fundraiser and administrator with the senior section from the time it took the step from Galway league to National league in 1997. Kitty’s enthusiasm for the game , her ability as an administrator and financial manager and meticulous attention to detail meant the club was always on a sound financial footing.

She never coached, she never played and without her, Moycullen Basketball Club as we know it now could never have been.While she had some knowledge of the game from her days living in New York City, Kitty Canavan could have been forgiven for thinking her even slight involvement with basketball was at an end when she moved to a small village in the Galway Gaeltacht.

Fortunately for all the future Moycullen hoopsters out there, Kitty was friends with Barbara Walsh, a woman with a determined vision for basketball in Moycullen and an acute ability to s pot and persuade local talent to aid her cause.“I knew Barbara, we were friends and she had already gotten me involved in the community council. She had come up with the idea of forming a basketball club and she asked me to help out. She contacted anyone s he knew who had a knowledge of basketball, Gerry Nihill and John Cunningham, then Seanie Hynes and from there we set up the juvenile club.”

Within 10 years that juvenile club, formed through Barbara Walsh’s recruitment, would grow to be the third biggest in the country. Kitty was at the heart of this new venture, a fact evident from the amount of times her house phone number appears in the early editions of the Moycullen Matters as a contact for everything from registration to training schedule enquiries.

“We would have maybe three or four sessions an evening on up there in the hall (Scoil Mhuire). I would just go up and collect the money after each of the session. Such and such would have forgotten of course. I probably went up three times a night every night. “Excitement for the sport quickly gripped Moycullen youngsters, as Kitty remembers.

“One night we took a full busload into Renmore, Democrats were playing, and when half time came they just went out and Gerry always said it reminded him of calves out in Spring after being in all winter. They just went wild around Renmore, it was their first time seeing a senior match like that.

“New coaches became involved and people like Mairtin Clancy, the Gannons and others became constant feature at Moycullen basketball events.

Of course, as the club grew so did the jobs that needed doing .“It was either in Nihill’s house or John Cunningham’s house, when they decided they (the senior men) were going National League. It was just Gerry, John and myself sitting there and the rules were you needed this, you needed that.“Gerry just said ‘I’ll do the clock and you do the score sheet’. I never saw a score sheet in my life I told him. He said ‘you’re doing it’. There was no choice, I had to go come home, get in touch with Basketball Ireland, get the rule book, there was no such thing as any courses back then , and figure out how to do the score sheet and I have been on it for 14 years right through to Superleague.”

Photo: Kitty Canavan keeping score at the Super League

From its earliest days, Moycullen Basketball set its sights well beyond Galway

.“We had trips away all the time. The big 52 seater bus that Padraig Faherty had. Cork, Limerick, Sligo and Dublin and it was a full bus, boys and girls.

It wasn’t just one team it was across age

Especially if the men were playing, we would go to where they were, play the local teams and watch the senior match so that they were seeing basketball played at a higher standard.

“Every year we went to Dungaravan to the National Basketball Camp. One year we sent 35 on a bus from Moycullen. Boys and girls that age were very keen to go to Dungarvan. They were all keen on basketball and then they knew they would be meeting those good coaches and they really enjoyed it.

“The first year Sean Hynes and Mike Gannon went down as players but they took the coaching course, they were that keen on improving themselves.”

Another constant feature and early lifeline for Moycullen Basketball was the existence of the Community Games, kept going by dedicated volunteers like Concepta Croke

Photo: Kitty trying out an alternative free shot style while in France with the U13 Boys in 1999.

“It was really community games that was the spring board to going on to further competition,” recalls Kitty.“Community Games itself that was the driver behind it because that is what the kids looked forward to, it’s what they knew. They knew their age group and it was only in the later years, after we went to France for the first time in 1999 or so that other competitions like tournaments abroad became the focal points.

Kitty has been there through it all. From the very first youngsters in the late 80s right up to the U20 National Cup triumph in 2008. From when Moycullen were losing all their first round Galway community games matches to when they were sending multiple teams to All Ireland final weekends in that same competition.

Photo: Whether it was keeping the accounts or keeping the score you could be certain that Kitty had the right total

Photo: Kitty Canavan accepting the 1997 Irish Club of the Year award from the president of Basketball Ireland

The miles travelled, the trips taken, the hours spent in gyms and hostels minding dozens of kids, the hours spent piling over finances, all worth it?

In typical Kitty fashion, her answer is short, neat and to the point, “Definitely”

JOHN CUNNINGHAM

When anyone thinks of Moycullen basketball Club they immediately thing of John Cunningham. No one has had more influence on the club over the past 25 years than John. He coached more teams than anyone else, he went on more trips with teams to Europe than anyone else, he spent longer on the committee than anyone else and he was probably the most influential player in the club over those 25 years. What made John so unique ? His love of the game, his dedication, his ability on court, his understanding of the game and his ability to work with people were all exceptional. John's often use phrase was …’’in fairness…’’

He was the right man in the right place when the club reorganised in 1989. At that time Moycullen were taking the first steps into a new era with the start of a youth section and the formation of a new senior team. John quickly became the main man on the senior team as they gradually moved up through the leagues, starting in the Galway Division 2 and ending up in the Superleague in 2009. John was involved as a player all during that era, more often than not often the guiding and driving force behind the developments. On court, there was a period when he was the dominant player in Division One of the National league and was recognised as such with the Player of the Year award by Basketball Ireland in 2002.

During the past 25 years it is almost impossible to count the number of teams he has coached and influenced in the club. Whether it was the U10 boys on a Saturday morning during the winter, the Community games U16 during the summer , John was ever willing to take on the coaching responsibilities. He valued giving players exposure to the game at a high level and as such brought his teams to every corner of Ireland in search of quality opposition. Never afraid to take on much stronger teams, he understood that player development was a long term project and that a crucial part of that was the experience players gained from competing against top Irish and continental sides.

While John was ever visible at Moycullen games as either player, coach or supporter, his work behind the scenes on the club committee, which drew far less attention, was absolutely crucial to the growth of the club. He acted as chairman for over 20 years, initiating and driving most of the crucial steps along the way that led Moycullen be awarded the ‘Club of the Year’ on three occasions. He stepped down from his administration duties in 2013 but continued to coach underage team, guiding his U17 to the Billy Kelly Tournament Success in 2015 and the National U’18 Cup final the following year. In Autumn 2016 he took on the reins of the Superleague team and while continuing to train and play with the Moycullen Galway League Division One team. In the 2015-2016 season following an undefeated season, he picked up a winners medal in that Galway League, twenty five years after he first played in that competition.

In the following pages John looks back on his 25 years playing senior basketball with Moycullen. From the first step into the Galway League Division 2 two in 1989, through the years in the National Intermediate league and National league and on to the Superleague in 20019

“ The Superleague club from a crossroads without even a home gym”

It’s funny, when I look back at 27 years of involvement with Moycullen Basketball Club, I expected my memories would be dominated by games, achievements, awards etc…. However, when I try to remember even the best on-court events over the years, either personal or team, I find it hard to picture too many details. Many of the years are just a blur of wins & losses, end of season tables, one year rolling into the next. When you’re totally immersed in something, you tend to live in the moment and then move on rather than capture it. Each year was an attempt to keep the ball rolling forward, move on, move up, find a way to overcome the next challenge ahead of us. Thankfully, maybe guided by having been partly along similar roads before with other clubs , Gerry Nihill did a fantastic job of doing what didn’t really enter my head, capturing the moments (through Moycullen Matters and his own records) during my own period of involvement in the club. With this as a guide, I’ve been able to piece together what, in an Irish context, has all the makings of one hell of a good sports movie.

“The early years – finding our feet”

For me, it all began in 1989. I had played schools basketball in Spiddal and had represented Connacht Schools so, when I heard that there was a Galway League basketball team kicking off in Moycullen , I was delighted. I had no knowledge of the prior history of the club at the time but knew most of the guys through having played in the Christmas Blitz the previous couple of years. A group of 10 players came together under Gerry Nihill’s guidance and Paul Winterlich from the Ferryman Inn sponsored a set of gear. Needless to say, he recouped his investment ten -fold over the coming years!

Photo L/R: Paul Winterlich, Martin Burke, Denis Phelan, Walter McDonagh, Francis Kelly, Eoghan Maguire, Harry O’Neill, Michael Burke, Gerry Nihill, Vinny Sullivan, John Cunningham.

I’ve always felt Gerry’s description of the first training session in Moycullen hall is a little harsh but, let’s say we definitely weren’t equipped to play an up-tempo running game off the bat. Despite this, we came together well as a team and, after suffering an early season defeat to Gort, we didn’t lose another league game, overturned the Gort defeat and clinched the Div 2 title with a thrilling win in the Claddagh Hall over a Joe King-led Shamrocks team.

Division 1 the following season was initially a step too far as we failed to win a game and were relegated. However, it did introduce us to our future “stepping stones” in Galway, Democrats, Tuam and Maree. Promotion followed the season after when we again won the Division 2 title Division 1 the following season was initially a step too far as we failed to win a game and were relegated. However, it did introduce us to our future “stepping stones” in Galway, Democrats, Tuam and Maree. Promotion followed the season after when we again won the Division 2 title and never again dropped back. The win this time was sparked by the first ever foreign trip by the club, when the team travelled in pre-season to the Rolls Royce Basketball Tournament in Derby. We didn’t win but it certainly brought us together as a team. Times were very different back then. We were due to catch a bus home to Galway on our return but the flight was late, we missed the bus and a number of us spent the night in Heuston Station before catching an early train home! Teambuilding….

Photo: Four of our lads ‘teambuilding at the end of the tournament in England. Gerry Nihill, Harry O’Neill, Martin Tierney and Michael Burke

Some things never change though… fundraising was always a key part of keeping the show on the road. Table Quizzes in the Ferryman were popular in the early years with Mike Burke and Martin Tierney always willing to come up with the questions and Mike (as quizmaster) willing to take the heat from Frank Clancy (RIP) whenever a question wasn’t 100% indisputable. Needless to say, the team didn’t mind the venue either. However, there were other novel ones as well. The Sponsored Dribble from Clifden to Moycullen was one such event. Simple really, 2 balls, 40 miles, keep them bouncing…. buckets for people to stop and give their donations. It became obvious after a while that some of the oncoming traffic wasn’t stopping to contribute. Vinny Sullivan had the answer though as he became the master of “encouraging” oncoming traffic to slow down. The next challenge emerged as we arrived at Peacockes, the first “watering hole”. Finding “dribblers” after that was not so easy and the pattern continued after Oughterard and Kinneavy’s. It was a tired and weary bunch that arrived “home” to The Ferryman in the dark of night. It’s a fundraiser that certainly couldn’t be done today.

“Time to get serious”

With Division 2 behind us, the next challenge was to start climbing the Division 1 ladder. As always in Galway, the opposition varied from year to year as teams came and went but the pecking order was generally Maree at the top and then Tuam or whatever Democrats combination was present. Maree, despite not having played National League, were made up of a core of players who had National League experience, Tuam were backboned by an All-Ireland winning schools team of the 80’s and had climbed to National league level as Team Wes t, over time merged with the Ballina team of the McHale’s, Deora Marsh etc., before dropping out and back into Galway league. Democrats catered for the more ambitious Galway players of the time but, like Tuam, were coming to the end of their National League days. There was also an active tournament circuit in Connaught/Clare at the time and thus there were plenty of opportunities to play and improve. We had a good relationship with the ex-National League Ennistymon team (Gerry and Ennistymon’s Enda Byrt had coached Irish Senior Men’s and World Student Games teams together for many years) at the time and travelled up and down for friendlies/tournaments on a regular basis. Our first big scalp was a win over Democrats in our own tournament (“The Butchers cu p”) but Ennistymon put us in our place in the final. The following year, we won the Ennistymon tournament, beating Castleisland and then a strong Cork RTC team in the final. I’ll always rememb e r the Cork RTC game for the “Mike Gannon” incident. Mike could be a little fiery and had been getting a bit of a ribbing from (or had developed a dislike of for some reason) the Cork guys who had won their semi. Early in the final, Mike made a left hand lay-up, continued on a route that took him under the basket, out the other side and he then ran along the Cork bench, pointing a finger at each guy in turn. Needless to say, it didn’t make the game any easier, but it inspired Mike and we went on to win our first away tournament.

Ennistymon Tournament Winning Team 1997 . The Cup is the tournament trophy. The shield is the tournament MVP awarded to John Cunningham

Back: Glen Hynes, Jim Gannon, John Hunt, John French, Nick Carolan John Cunningham. Front: Darren Higgins, Rory Canavan, Sean Hynes, Dara Canavan.

The succeeding years saw us slowly grind down the three powerhouses, first Democrats, then a fading Tuam team and finally, after a number of frustrating years, Maree. Our first local title was the Guinness Cup of 1997 followed by a first win over Maree in a double winning season in 1997/1998. This was followed by a streak of 7 straight Galway League wins and numerous Guinness Cups including one season where we had our B team face and defeat our A team in the Cup Final. In this period, as a bigger commitment was required, the team totally transitioned and I was the only remaining survivor from the original 10. Sean Hynes, Mike Gannon, Niall Faherty and Mark Downes initially made up the local contingent, Nollaig Cunningham joined up soon after, and the team was fleshed out with some “blow-ins” from Galway, including Derek Mulveen who played many years with Titans after leaving Moycullen, Rory Canavan (a teammate of mine from my Connacht schooldays) who played a big part in our first Guinness Cup win and Maurice Horan, an NUIG student who went on to manage the Limerick Senior football team.

The first block of underage players from our youth section then began to make their way onto the team and provided the spark for our dominance. The initial ones emerged from the U16 Community Games team that got to Mosney in 1993. The same bunch of players got to a Billy Kelly Quarter Final in 1995 and lost a thrilling U19 National Cup Regional Final (basically a National Semi Final) to Star of the Sea in 1996. Glenn Hynes deserves special mention from this group as, excluding a short hiatus in Dublin, he served a 15 year period with the Senior team until 2009, often driving the team on with his will to win and battling qualities . There are very few opponents who would say they enjoyed playing against him but they would all testify to his talent. One of my favourite memories of Glenn’s contributions came in the final of an Ennistymon tournament against Castleisland. In a tight game that went to overtime, Castleisland stole a ball and had a two on one on the break, with Glenn the only one back. Declan Wall threw a lead pass but Glenn (a soccer goalie of renown at the time as well) dived full length across the court to tip the ball out of bounds and save a certain basket, sliding into the chairs after the ball. Typical Glenn.

Photo: Glen Hynes(10) and John with the McHale brothers Anthony and Liam

Other key contributors from that team were Mike Gannon’s brother, Jim, and Darach Ottaway. We also got brief but important contributions from John French, Paul Sweeney, Darren Higgins and MacDara Joyce. On the back of this underage influx, despite not having won any local title at this stage, we entered the National Intermediate League in 1996/1997 and this quickly transitioned to Division 1 of the National league in 1998/1999.

Photo: John’s 1996 U’19 team which missed out on a place in the cup final when losing by a point to Star of the sea in the final of the qualification tournament. Back Sean Browne, Paul Callanan, Paul Sweeney, Shane O’Donoghue, John French. MacDara Joyce. Front: Darrach Ottaway, Ronan Donoghue, Colm Gavin, Jim Gannon, Glenn Hynes (And Frank O’Brien)

Photo: The 1997 U’19 team, coached by John, that played in the National Cup qualification tournament. winning two games before losing to tournament winners Killarney. Back: Sean Browne, Frank O’Brien, Paul Sweeney, John French, Glenn Hynes, Jack Considine. Front: Philip Casburn, Mark Walshe, Dara Canavan, Darren Higgins, Jim Gannon

“National League – a step into the unknown”

To be competitive at this level, we needed to strengthen the squad. Sean Hynes had been doing some great work in the Youth section , culminating in an U19 B Cup Final appearance in 2000. From his squad in that period, Dara Canavan, Kevin McDonald, Gearoid Hynes, Rory Monaghan and Alex Lyden -Horn all emerged. The first four gave sterling service over a number of years while Alex had a brief but spectacu lar contribution. He was a genuine 6’7’’ tall and lived in Clifden. I can only picture Sean Hynes’ reaction when he first walked in the door to his underage training!

Photo: 6-7’’Alex Lyden Horn

In Alex’s only National League season (our second), we had taken on Joe Coughlan as our first outside coach. We entered a new competition called the All Ireland Club Championship which was run on a provincial basis with the four winners reaching the Final four.

I think we were the only entrants in Connacht (or we may have beaten Maree) but for some reason that slips my mind, we ended up with only seven players for the Saturday of All Irelands (and that included Joe himself). Glenn wasn’t feeling the best that morning either and we were facing Corinthians who were a bunch of hard -nosed players with plenty of National League experience. We played out of our skin though (Glenn was unstoppable in the first half) and, with the game tight near the end, a rebound came off their ring and Alex soared over everyone for a put back dunk that almost pulled down the ring in the Tolka gym. It broke Corinthians and we were through to the final the following day.

We hadn’t planned for this and had no accommodation booked ! Joe, as he does, worked his magic (or whatever he does) and we ended up staying in the Marino Institute! The final was against Star of the Sea and was one of the best games I’ve ever played in. They had an American (think his name was Steve Touhey) and he shot the lights out. Every time we’d edge ahead, he had an answer. The game went to overtime but the seven men (joined by Doug Collins) had spilt too much sweat over the two days to lose. We edged it 94-93 and won Moycullen’s first ever Senior National title.

Celebrating the All Ireland Club win

Photo: Joe Coughlan (Coach), John Cunningham, Ronan Waters, Doug Collins, Glenn Hynes ,Kevin McDonald, Marcus O’Grady, Dara Canavan

We nearly delivered in the National league as well finishing runners up to a strong Ballina team. This was to prove a common theme over the coming years. Alex ended up getting an academic scholarship to Yale, played a couple of minutes as a walk-on in his first year and never played for Moycullen again.

“Time for imports”

With myself, Nollaig, Glenn, Dara and Kevin at the core of a strong local squad, and Marcus O’Grady (another member of my Connacht underage teams) and John Stephens (a student at NUIG) joining we were optimistic of soon closing the gap on Ballina and clinching a D1 title.

National League team 2000

Back: John Cunningham, Ronan Waters, Damien Griffin, John Stephens, Marcus O’Grady, Glen Hynes.Front: Dara Canavan, Nollaig Cunningham, Kevin McDonald, Gearóid Hynes

However, over the coming seasons, D1 changed with teams looking outside the country to close a gap that they couldn’t close from within their own structures. With our excellent underage structure and a base of good young players, we initially battled away as we were but, with some clubs having 2-3 imports, it became a case of, if you can’t beat them, join them.

For the 2002/2003 season, with coach Joe Coughlan back at the helm, we signed Fergus Intemann, a 6’ 7’’ Irish American who had played for Enda Byrt and Gerry Nihill on the World Student Games teams. While the season had some ups and downs, things were looking good going into the end of season top 4’s. However, having seen a very beatable Ballina scrape their way into the final we lost our semi to a Queen’s team that, while deserving their win having shot the ball extremely well on the night, were a team we had consistently beaten when it mattered. Needless to say, Ballina won yet another final. The following season was a similar story, despite reaching another All Ireland Club Final.

Photo: 6’-7’’ American import Fergus Intemann

Photo: Kevin McDonald (7) guarded by Ballina’s Liam McHale (11)

“2 finals in 3 years”

As had happened previously with Sean Hynes, Gerry Nihill had been working away at underage with a very good bunch of young players, including his own son Cian. Players such as Cian, Mike Dowd, Paul O’Brien and Garnett Griffin had been well used to underage success , had represented Moycullen in European tournaments and made International appearances which made their transition to Senior a straightforward process . With their emergence, Gerry returned to take over the team for a three-year period. His first year was arguably our best chance of Division 1 glory. Adrian Walsh returned as our foreign import and myself, Glenn, Marcus O’Grady and Fergal McAndrew added the experience. We came through a tough “National Conference” season and won the playoff tournament at the end in a tough weekend’s basketball where we had a tremendous battle with Sligo.

Unfortunately, our reward was a final against the “Dublin Conference” winne rs, St Vincent’s. In an attempt to encourage Dublin League teams to participate at National level, Basketball Ireland came up with the solution of including the Dublin league as a separate conference in Div ision 1. However, the rules around eligibility (which had been tightened up over the previous seasons in National league) were a little loose when applied to Dublin league teams with Superleague players. The Vincent’s team we faced was stacked with Superleague experience, including young Simon Flynn who played heavy minutes in the Superleague but was eligible for their D1 team, Chris Doyal who played a number of seasons before (and possibly after) as a professional in Superleague but was now studying in Dublin and Karl Donnelly who had just dropped down from Superleague the previous season. We put up a reasonable show but were eventually overpowered.

Two years later, we returned to the finals Conference champions after another tremendous season This time, Tolka Rovers provided the opposition. Dublin league teams were now required to play in Div 1 and in fairness to Tolka, they were the first ones to take the step. Adrian Walsh was back again and despite having won the Div 1 Player of the Year in 2005, I felt he played better in 2007. His performance in Sligo in the semi-final was one of the best I’ve had the pleasure of being on court to see. He had spent the previous season with Limerick Superleague and the final was in UL so it was almost like a home court game. However, sport can be cruel at times and, in the final, Adrian just couldn’t find his rhythm and, despite a superb shooting performance from Fergal McAndrew, and tremendous efforts from young guns, Mike Dowd and Cian Nihill, we couldn’t get the job done. It was beginning to feel like Div 1 was as far as we’d climb.

2005 Conference Champions and National League Finalists

Back: Marcus O’Grady, Nollaig Cunningham, Fergal McAndrew, Paul O’Brien, Evan Keane, John Cunningham, Adrian Walsh. Front: Dara Canavan, Cian Nihill, Nick Carolan, Glen Hynes, Michael Dowd (Coach Gerry Nihill)

“Time to look abroad”

That defeat in 2007 was another key point in the Moycullen story. We needed something different. The time was right. We had an excellent bunch of U18/U20’s, we had a good committee in place, the youth section in the club was at a crossroads with lots of players and success but limited numbers of true coaches. We had received lots of e -mails from potential coaches over the years but it was now the time to really look at the viability of a foreign coach. The obvious source was America but, having seen th e growing influence of Bosman players in Ireland, and having been exposed to the European game at many foreign tournaments, we felt looking to Europe would provide a better fit for us. Enter Zbigniew Mardon.

The whole Moycullen basketball environment changed when he arrived. From the beginning everything was “John, this is not possible…..”. He had an ability to make you feel like we were a third world country in sporting terms and attitudes and he was probably right. From a Div 1 point of view, the training changed immediately. No more two basketball sessions a week. Team gym sessions were compulsory and the dark dreary gym under the church in St Marys was a fitting location. He would have us training twice a day if it were possible but he grudgingly settled on 4 sessions a week. The athletic sessions were challenging to say the least but had their humorous side as guys struggled with “frog jumps” or the variety of coordination drills he seemed to have in his repertoire. To this day, the words “Eoghan is first….” will send any of the players around at the time into convulsions of laughter. I can still remember the session where, for various reasons, only four of us were available and, as Glenn and myself were considered “old”, we were given the night off. He still made Eoghan Maxwell and James O’Brien do the full session, which was twice as tough with only two in the rotation… It pushed us to the limit in many ways but it was the perfect move at the perfect time as there was a bunch of guys around willing to embrace it.

Photo: Zbigniew Mardon

The first evidence of his abilities came when we travelled to Slovakia with an U20 team that was patched together for a number of reasons. It was early in his regime and a tough tournament with some dodgy looking 19 year olds. However, the guys won all their games and everyone was even more bought in. He insisted that we work with our own players in Div 1 and not bring in a professional. He had his own system of play and it was religiously drilled night after night. I would be the first to say it wasn’t suited to an old, back to the basket guy like me but, I was reaching the end of my career and enjoyed the challenge of finding a way to fit in. It also seemed to suit the players we had and combined with the level of basic skills , footwork and coordination drills we did in training, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The results were immediately evident and we had a solid first season. We lost to a St Brendan’s squad in the league semi that were loaded up with a Lithuanian import, Tomas Saltonas, a still effective Rick Leonard and Roscoe Patterson, another American import who has popped up around Ireland over the years.

The U20’s flourished under his wing, winning a thriller against local rivals, Maree, in the first round of the National Cup and going all the way to the final. In that, they were total underdogs ( to all but ourselves ) against a strong UCD Marian team but blew them out with a superb defensive display that totally locked up their scoring threats. The crowd at the final that day were immense and, as time went on, it became a common trait of the club, a small parish with huge

Front: Gerard Lyons, James Loughnane, Cian Nihill, Tomas Gilson, Neil Cantwell. Back: David Lee, Stephen Tummon, Eoghan Maxwell, Dylan Cunningham, James O’Brien, Paul O’Brien, James Brophy.

“The best was yet to come”

The following season was even better. With Zbigniew returning, we had worked hard to build a stronger relationship with NUIG, and had laid the plans for a Superleague application, with an assessment of our suitability to be carried out over the course of the season. On court, a number of the U20’s had pushed their way into key playing roles and the battle for court time meant training was very focussed. Zbigniew’s system was now bedding in and we had a pre -season trip to Poland which put us in great shape for the league.

We really hit the ground running and, by Christmas were in a very strong position in the league and had made our way to the cup semi-final (against local rivals Titans). My own personal season had taken a turn for the worse however when, 2 weeks before the cup semi, I broke my wrist badly in a game. With Garnett Griffin also picking up an injury and Glenn Hynes away in New Zealand, we were really understrength for the trip to Castleisland against a very strong and motivated Titans team. The game itself was a tremendous contest. James Loughnane came of age that day scoring 28 points I think, drives, outside shots, everything. We had no right to win but managed to push the game to overtime where we showed more discipline and control to edge a classic. I can still picture the five that finished the game, Dylan Cunningham (Age17), Eoghan Maxwell(Age 18), James Loughnane(Age 18), David Lee (Age 17) and Nollaig Cunningham (a bit older than the rest….)….. true grit.

The final had its own drama’s with Nollaig going down in the warm-ups (only to play through the pain). Glenn was back from New Zealand and played a stormer and Garnett was also back in action. We had so many ding-dong battles with Castleisland over the years but, on this day we were in total control. The defensive system Zbigniew had put in place once again did the trick. Cian Nihill got the MVP, a fair reflection on his growing influence over the team. For me, it was bittersweet, having played for 20 years to get to that point, not playing in the final really hurt. However, the celebrations and bonfires in Moycullen on the way home soon dismissed any personal disappointments. To see the support in the arena for the game and the crowds in the village when we got home late that night was without doubt the best moment in my basketball career. For a small parish, we certainly punch above our weight.

Photo: President of Basketball Ireland, Tony Colgan, presenting the 2009 National Cup to co-captains Nollaig Cunningham and John Cunningham

“Onwards and upwards”

With the cup won, the challenge was now to complete the double. The league had been a “holy grail” for many years and we were in great shape. Zbigniew was worried though. In his eyes, having won the cup, the edge went off our training. As with all things in sport and life, we’ll never know if he was right but I have to say, I felt it a bit as well. I was having my own battle to get back from what the doctors described as ”as bad a break as they’d seen”. I made it back for the league semi-final vs Ballon, 8 weeks after the break, wearing a wrist support. It was to be a disappointing return though as I fouled out and the team were picked apart by Ballon’s excellent ball movement. I think we lost by 8 but we were never really within touching distance. They went on to beat Titans in the final and it took a bit of the gloss off the year.

However, we had the added joy of our Superleague application being accepted and we were now heading for the big league, 20 years after re-entering the Galway league. The work that went into the Superleague application process deserves special mention. Led by Mary Nihill, Gerry, Kitty, Haulie Dowd and myself spent hundreds of hours putting together a portfolio that any full time business would be proud of. It should ha ve been a no-brainer for the assessment committee of Basketball Ireland (and may have been) but the presentation day and the wait afterwards were worse than any job interview.

“The top of the tree”

As the 2009/2010 season began, we had finally made it to the top level, Superleague. Disappointingly, we weren’t able to finance a return for our Polish coach, Zbigniew Mardon, who had been the catalyst for our progression. However, we were fortunate to be able to secure ex-Ireland Senior Men’s coach Enda Byrt and also to get Simon Harris, from D1 North Carolina State, in as our non-EU player.

The pre-season went well and we were optimistic going into the season. Personally, at 38, the mileage was beginning to show and, despite a better than expected recovery for my wrist, I hadn’t (and wouldn’t) regained full flexibility which didn’t help my already dodgy shooting technique. However, nothing would stop me from playing and completing the march from bottom to top in Irish basketball. I would have to say that the standard was higher than I expected. We went to late November without a win. When it came, however, it was worth the wait as Dylan Cunningham nailed a three on the buzzer to beat UCD Marian in NUIG. The crowd reaction that day was another great memory and, in those first few season’s we were getting 300 people to games, the biggest turnout in the league outside of the Cork derby games.

Things did not go well on court for Simon and we had to make a change. Despite the disruption of Simon going, the arrival of Nate Fritsch and Puff Summers gave us a lift and we ended up having a successful first season, beating both Shamrock Hoops and Ulster Elks twice along with the UCD win. One of the surreal memories from that season was our cup win against Hoops, achieved in the wonderful “Sportlann Micheal Mhor” in Leitir Mor. I can still picture the shellshocked Hoops guys after arriving in one of the most westerly basketball outposts in Europe. It was another example of Moycullen being something different in the Irish basketball world. We finished the season with a 5-13 record, something we’ve only surpassed twice in the years since. That was to be my one and only season in Superleague.

Photo: John grabs a rebound in the Superleague game v UCD Marian when Moycullen had their first win in that league

When the end came for me it happened very quickly. When pre-season came around the following year, I just wasn’t up for it and called it a day without any second thoughts. I continued my committee role for a number of years but now, my focus is on coaching and playing a little local league ball. Funnily, having come full circle, one of my most enjoyable games was in my first season back in Galway league when a young Patrick Lyons and myself ran a high pick-and-roll all night to beat a loaded Titans team in the Galway Cup Final. When I do look back, it’s truly an amazing story for a crossroads in Connemara to have done what we did….. and all without a home gym…..

Photo: Moycullen Celebrations

Harry O’Neill looks back on his playing days with the Galway League team in the early 1990’s

Once Upon A Time in the West …...

A long, long time ago in the sleepy little hamlet of Moycullen (even long before the very idea of an actual traffic light at our crossroads was ever dreamed of!) “something” was stirring… “Something” was in the air. There was a bit of a “bounce” in the footsteps of some of the citizenry. Basketball was waking up again in Moycullen!

The year of this particular Renaissance was 1989. Some reminders of where we were collectively at back then are as follows: Fianna Fail called a general election on 15th-June. The timing was right and they, along with the new Progressive Democrats party, formed the new government. On Nov. 9th thousands of jubilant Germans brought down the infamous Berlin Wall. “When Love Comes to Town” (U2 featuring BB King), “And a Bang on the Ear” (Waterboys) and “Paradise City” (Guns ‘n Roses) were big hits. Sugar Ray Robinson, Lucille Ball, Gilda Radnar, Samuel Beckett, Salvidor Dali and Ayatolla “Come a Little Bit Closer” Khomeini died. Cork beat Mayo in the All Ireland football final and Tipperary beat Antrim in the All-Ireland hurling final.

Which brings us back to basketball.

After conferring with some of our finest basketball minds/legends (i.e. Michael Burke, John Cunningham and Gerry Nihill), we are pretty sure that it was in February of 1989 that we first got together. Barbara Walshe had been talking to Gerry Nihill about the possibility of organizing some basketball sessions for the children. She also spoke with Michael Burke about the possibility of getting a senior men's’ team up and running again. Michael thought it a good idea and Barbara subsequently set up a meeting down at the school gym for any men interested in forming a team. (It should be noted that although there was no “official” team at the time, there was a basketball club in the village (Michael Burke, Martín Clancy and Francis Kelly were the officers) These gentlemen were instrumental in organizing the annual Moycullen “Christmas Blitz” (which, they tell me, dates back to pre-Christian times).

I was relatively new to the village then and was glad to learn that a team might be in the making. I went to the nicely laid-back meeting a few days later. Barbara opened up the meeting by having us introduce ourselves (there were about 10 or so guys there I think) and then left us to get things organized. (Thank you by the way to Barbara Walshe who was such a positive force in the village back then and, if I recall correctly, was the main player behind organizing and launching our very own “Moycullen Matters”). Back to the meeting. It was there that I first met Michael and Martin Burke, Francis Kelly and Walter McDonagh. We collectively decided that we would meet weekly and play some ball amongst ourselves and take it from there. If there was continuing interest in meeting and training we would then consider forming and enrolling an “official” team into the Division II Galway Senior Men's’ League for the 89/90 season in the autumn.

Well there was interest. We began our weekly sessions around March and were joined by Gerry Nihill, John Cunningham, Eoghan Maguire, Vinnie Sullivan and Denis Phelan. We persevered with the training, were getting fit and starting to gel as a team.

We decided to enter the league in September that year. That first team (well, the first in a decade) consisted of the nine named gentlemen above and me. Let the records show that I, Harry O’Neill, was the first genuine “American” to play on an official Moycullen basketball team. Now I would be the first to admit that that might sound a tad more impressive than it actually was. But we did have some fun imagining what some of the other Galway League teams might have thought, upon hearing that there was an American on the Moycullen team. Perhaps they thought he might be 6’ 5” tall. Hell, maybe he was even black! But there I was, just under 6’ and pale as that Procol Harum song.

I did though like to give the teams we played against pause for thought and so would do a handstand or two in the pre-match warm-up to distract or maybe even unnerve them. Inevitably though, when the match began and they would witness my actual prowess on the court, they would sort of relax again.The team worked well together: The young guys, John, Vinnie and Eoghan had great energy and basketball smarts and made it easier for us more mature guys to “stay the pace”. Gerry’s knowledge of the game and coaching experience were invaluable to the whole team. We had a hell of a lot of fun and actually won the Division II title that year!

The following year (1991) we were joined by Niall Faherty, Mark Regan and Mark Downes. That year (our first in Division One Galway league) was a bit of a baptism of blood but we still continued to have fun. That team shown in the picture was:

Dec 1991 Back Row: Michael Burke (4), Martin Burke (10), John Cunningham (9), Vinny Sullivan (12), Gerry Nihill (7), Harry O’Neill (11) Front : Mark Regan (8), Niall Faherty (7), Mark Downes (13)

Over the next few years faces came and went. Sean Hynes and Mike Gannon were great additions to the team. Shortly after that came Derek Mulveen, Joe Clancy, Darach Ottway, Bob Burke, McDara Joyce, Caoimh Davoren, and Bobby McDonald

In 1993 we broke new ground for Moycullen Basketball by travelling to Derby in England to play in the ‘Rolls Royce Tournament !

After travelling in style we ended up missing the last bus from Dublin to Galway on the return journey and slept the night on the benches in Heuston station .

Photo: On the way to England

Photo: Sleeping rough in Heuston

I played with the Moycullen team until 1996 when I finally hung up my sneakers.

The photo on below is the Moycullen Galway league Team I played on in 1996. At this stage we had been joined by another American., Bob Burke, now living in Galway where he had relatives . Bob had played collegiate basketball in the USA and professionally in Europe.

Back Row: Sean Hynes, Gerry Nihill (7), McDara Joyce (6), John Cunningham (15), Martin Burke (10), Michael Burke(14). Front Row Harry O’Neill (8), Bob Burke (12), Darach Ottway (5), Mike Gannon (13) and Francis Kelly.(4)

I look back on it with nothing but pleasant memories. Highlights of it for me were as follows:

The establishment of basketball coaching/sessions for local children after our first year as a team. From that first team alone, Gerry Nihill, John Cunningham, Martin Burke and myself all provided coaching at one time or another. This trend continues and many players from subsequent teams provide this valuable coaching service to our community.

The weekly after training sessions when we’d head up to the Ferryman for “strategy” discussions. Often times at these meetings we would be joined by Martin Tierney, an “unofficial” but integral member of the squad.

The Clifden to Moycullen “Big Bounce” fundraiser for the club when the team dribbled the entire distance on foot. It seemed like a good idea at the time but I can tell you it was a hell of a long journey.

The trip to Derby in the UK. Butty sandwiches and quite a bit of craic on and off the court. Watching a bit of a cricket match and being treated like royalty by the good people of Derby.

All of it… good stuff. As Bob Hope used to sing, guys, “Thanks for the memories”,

Gerry Nihill looks back on early days of the Moycullen Basketball Youth Section and the part it played in the growth and development of the game in the parish.

Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game.” – Michael Jordan

Barbara Walshe was a woman with ideas. Ideas on community development, on youth affairs, on girls in sport, on all areas that impact life in a village like Moycullen. But more important than ideas, she was a woman of vision and action, and was able to turn an idea into a practice. And it was with one such idea that she arrived at my door in 1988 with the suggestion that I get involved in starting up basketball for girls. Barbara felt that boys were reasonably well catered in the area with regard to sport but that girls had more limited opportunities. Now at the time I had taken a break from what had been many years coaching basketball, both in my school in Mountbellew and the in club in Oughterard where I had been involved with their men’s National League Team. With a house needing finishing and a young child, I felt my plate was full. But Barbara was a persuasive person. On seeing my initial reluctance she added…’’ I will get two good people to help you’’ The following day she was back with the names of Kitty Canavan and Bridie Hynes. The following Saturday I was back coaching, arriving into the hall in Scoil Mhuire to be faced with a group of over twenty under eleven girls. The youth section was underway.

Within a year, Barbara, Kitty and Bridie had five underage groups playing. They had recruited John Cunningham, Mairtín Clancy, Sinead Hynes and Caitriona Faherty.as coaches and had found a helper coach for each group These assistants, including Ann Marie Clancy Alan Cooke, Mark Downes and Maura Rushe, who were, in time, experienced enough to take on coaching one of the new groups that were added each September. A year later five groups had become became eight, ranging in age from U’10 to U’16, boys and girls and further young assistants had joined including Deirdre Sullivan, Mike Gannon, Sean Hynes and Sarah O’Donoghue. Within a few seasons the Youth Section had expanded to over twenty groups. Finding coaches and helpers for all these fell primarily to Kitty Canavan and Barbara Walsh who did a masterful job of persuading people to help and in allocating hall time in the limited space available at Scoil Mhuire.

From the very start we placed great emphasis on coach education and the club began sending people to the National Training Camp in Dungarvan for player improvement and coaching courses. Dungarvan was ‘the place to be’ for hoops fans. It had all the top Irish coaches on the staff and the best players came there from all over Ireland to learn the game. They also had European and American coaches on the staff, including at times NBA stars. It was an inspirational place and it played a huge role in education and training a generation of young Moycullen players. In the summer of 1994 the club had a group of twenty at the camp. In the following years a 55 seater bus was needed to transport the Moycullen contingent to the camp.

Dungarvan Camp 1994

Front L/R: Helen Glynn, Laura Buckley, Annette Hynes, Darach Ottway, Dara Canavan, Marina Ní Riain, James Glynn, Sean Flynn, Willie John Walshe, Noelle Regan. Back: Sean Hynes, Sean Browne, Paul Callanan, Glenn Hynes, Jim Gannon, Mike Gannon, Barbara Jennie Walshe, Frank O’Brien, Philip Casburn, Mark Ryan.

Dungarvan was not the only camp the players attended. The youth section ran their own camps starting with a refereeing and coaching weekend in 1990. American coach Jerome Westbrooks was a big hit in the Moycullen camp held in Scoil Mhuire during the summer of 1994. The youth section ran a coach qualification course in Moycullen in 2003 and Californian High School Coach, Peter Sharkey, gave week long summer camps in Scoil Mhuire in 2004 and 2005. Very successful summer camps were also organised and staffed by our own club coaches which were often held in the spacious sports halls of NUI Galway.

Photo: Coach Sharkey coaching in Moycullen

Many coaches have played their part in the growing strength of the Youth section. In particular, Sean Hynes and John Cunningham had an immense impact in putting the section on a solid foundation and on a clear path forward. They were prepared to travel to any part of the country that could provide good opposition, playing in challenge games and tournaments and in the process exposing their players to the game at as high a level as possible. This exposure, together with the teaching of sound fundamental skills, meant that by the end of the 1990’s, the Moycullen Youth teams were competitive against their peers in clubs throughout Ireland. New coaches came on board each season, making it possible to provide basketball over twenty teams. It was one of the hallmarks of the club that the senior and teenage player were so willing to get involved in coaching the younger age groups. It deepened their understanding of the game and helped generate a great club spirit. The teenage volunteer coaches in1996 and 1997 were Rebecca O’Neill, Kate Kennedy, Marina Ní Riain, Derek Canavan, Mary Regan, Michelle Hynes, Annette Hynes, Karen Barrett, Dara Canavan, Nessa Bohan, Cliodhna Bohan, Jim Gannon,, Róisín Nihill, Barbara Jenny Walsh, Tara Russell, Helen Glynn, Noelle Regan , Glenn Hynes and they were joined by more senior coaches Gerry Nihill, John Cunningham, Sean Hynes, Bob McDonald, Anne Burke and Haulie Dowd. And as the new mil-lennium came round Kevin Lee, Nollaig Cunningham and Tomas Gilligan all took on coaching responsibilities, all the time deepening the community involvement with the Youth section.

In the early 1990’s Community Games Basketball was the sole competitive outlet available for the Moycullen underage teams and in n1990 the club entered a team in the Girls U’13 competition. At the time, with the club at such an early stage in its youth development, winning one game was an achievement. However within a few years Moycullen teams were reaching and winning Galway Community Games at U’13 and U’16 levels, progressing on to challenge for provincial honours and eventually reaching the national finals in Mosney. In 1997 Moycullen had won its first All Ireland Community Games Title when the U’16 Girls took Gold in Mosney. This was a great boost to the Club and raised the profile of Moycullen Youth basketball in the community and around Galway.

However Community Games were a summer event and there was no competitive underage outlet in the county. So in 1996 Gort Coach Pat Bourke, and I set up a Juvenile committee within the Galway County Board and began underage county competitions . Because there were no juvenile club teams in Galway at the time, building an underage competition structure also involved helping form juvenile sections in new and existing senior clubs. Some of these clubs went on to develop their own strong youth programmes, which, together with the Moycullen Youth Section, have been the foundation of the success Galway schools and clubs have had in National competitions from 2000 onward. In order to further extend our u15 and U'17 teams John Cunningham, Sean Hynes and I created a Connacht League to give our team a greater range of competition than was available in Galway. Castlebar, Sligo and Longford were particularly strong at the time and provided tough game on a home and away basis. All the time our players were building up experience and understanding of the game. From the year 2000 onward the Cork County Board Tournaments were a tremendous source of high level competition for boys teams from U’12 to U’17. These tournaments were a great training ground as the competitive edge and fighting spirit our teams had to learn to cope with from the Cork clubs was second to none.

One of the really big steps taken by the Youth Section in its drive to widen the horizon's of its players was the trip to Ardres in France in 1999 by the U’13 boys team . No underage team from Galway had ever competed on the continent before and it was no small undertaking at the time to transport te high energy eleven and twelve year olds by bus, train and ferry to the north of France and back. But it started a process that over the next fifteen years has seen Moycullen Youth teams play in many countries, including Austria, Slovakia, Sweden, Spain, Poland, Belgium, Luxembourg and Slovenia.

This exposure to the continental level of basketball has played a big part in inspiring many young g Moycullen player to strive to achieve their maximum potential in the sport. The fruits of all these efforts was shown by the many youth players that have been selected to play for their country, something most could only dream about when the Youth section first took root in Moycullen at in the latter part of the 1980’s .

Photo: Cian Nihill (4) playing against Moscow in Austria in 2000.

Summer Leagues on the outdoor courts in Moycullen were always a great event. These mixed leagues were usually organised by teenage volunteer coaches who promoted , coached and refereed these competitions. During the winter months youth street leagues were held in the indoor hall at the school. Teams representing the various districts around the parish competed for the village bragging rights. Large crowds packed the side-lines, making the small floor area even tighter. These Youth Leagues were reminiscent of the senior parish leagues held in the late 1960’s on the old outdoor court. Despite not having our own sports hall, our coaches never shied away from organising youth tournaments in whatever gym was available. With Killannin and NUI Galway most often the venue. John Cunningham even ran an International tournament for U’16 Boys in Killannin in 2006, bringing top teams from all around Ireland and even from as far afield as Belgrade in Serbia.

Photo: Summer league 2010 - Catherine Connaire and John Hackett

All of the volunteer coaches who were part of the Youth Section in the early years have now moved to other parts of the country or have retired from coaching. John Cunningham is the exception, with unbroken service as a youth coach from 1989 to 2016. The most recent group under his guidance have achieved something no other team could manage, to win the Billy Kelly U’17 Tournament in Cork, which they did. in 2015. The development of this group from U9 beginners to All Ireland Tournament Winners by learning the game playing in the Galway Leagues and Community Games, travelling around Ireland to tournaments, going to France and Spain to gain experience, mirrors what the Moycullen Youth section has been about for the past 25 years.

A number of the Moycullen Youth Teams have competed very well in the Irish National Club Championships. High points were the U’16 Boys All Ireland Club Title in 201, the U’14 Girls All Ireland Club Title in 2012, the U’16 Girls All Ireland Club Title in 2014 and the U’17 Boys win in the Billy Kelly Tournament in 2015. These wins have been made possible through the coaching expertise passed on from the club’s senior players to the youth players a, practice that is as strong today as it was in the 1980’s. Superleague players like Nollaig Cunningham, Martin Burke, Michael Dowd, Dylan Cunningham, Cian Nihill and Eoghan Maxwell, Ian Burke, Rory Gilson, and Gerald Lyons have all made the time to coach at underage level. Along the way they have been supported by parents who acted as team managers and helped out with the logistics of transport, gear, training schedules and all the other things necessary to support the smooth running of a team.

Kitty Canavan was one such parent but Kitty was also directly or indirectly involved with all the teams in the Youth section in her role as coordinator from 1988 to 2006. Her contribution over that time was immense. When she retired in 2006 the reins were put in the capable hands of Mary Gilson who continued the work began by Kitty.

As the club celebrates its 50th anniversary, the Youth Section enters its second 25 years, strong in the knowledge that it will be following a tradition of dedication, sportsmanship and team loyalty built over the previous 25 years, a tradition that has generated a basketball culture in Moycullen that few could have foreseen when Barbara Walsh first came up with her idea of starting youth basketball in 1988.

Photo: Evan Costelloe and Amy Ferns in the 2005 Junior Street League

Photo: Killian Malarkey and Rory Gilson, U’12 Boys 2007

Photo: Coaches Mike Madden and Tom Higgins with the U’12 Boys in Pace, France 2005

Photo: 2011 U’16 All Ireland winning co– captains Paddy Lyons and Dylan Costelloe

Photo: Summer League 2010 MVP Max Brennan

Photo: Nollaig Cunningham with U’10’s, 2006

Photo: Cork U’12 County Board Winners 2001 with coach Gerry Nihill

Photo: Paddy Lyons with Club professional player Adrian Walsh in 2005

Photo: U’16 All Ireland Winners 2014 with coach Paul O’Brien

Photo: Sean Hynes lining the court

Sean Hynes began playing and coaching basketball in Moycullen 1991 and played a central role in the development of the Club for the next fifteen years. Always available to help out, whether it was to take a team for training, referee, prepare a team for competition, line the court for the blitz (see photo) or organise a camp or a tournament, there was no area of the club activities that Sean did not contribute to. He also played on the various Moycullen teams including the National League.

His father Billy was often called on to make rings for the local courts. Here Sean looks back on this work and its place in Moycullen hoops history.

Hoop Dreams ….

Basketball is a simple game, it doesn’t need a big field or goals or studs on boots, just a ball and a steel hoop. In Moycullen, in the 80s and 90s , a ball was easy enough to get but a hoop was trickier. They weren’t as easy to get as they are now. More often than not a household with an aspiring ball player went up to Killagoola to Billy Hynes and got a bespoke basketball hoop. Building a hoop, a backboard and stanchion which were made to make the most out of every inch of decent scrap of tarmac in the parish of Moycullen took a lot of skill and craftsmanship. Things got even more complicated when they were needed in the Halla Mór (was there ever more of a misnomer) where my Dad designed them to be lowered to 8 and a half feet for the miniballers and then raised to ten feet for the older kids. Of course Dad knew well the imprompt u dunk contests there would be on the lower height by the under 16s who regularly trained there and engineered them to withstand aspiring dunkers too.

He made hoops that were integral to the annual rite of passage that is the Stephens day blitz. At one of the coldest Blitz’s ever, where we had to melt the lines on the court, two new sets of basketball hoops were ordered and sent down to be set in concrete on the back court of the school. After much maneuvering they were set in concrete by several enthusiastic volunteers but slipped due to the weather overnight and turned out slightly skewed, much to the annoyance of my father who had spent so long building them to be just right. Suffice to say no scoring records were ever broken on those particular hoops.

The baskets made by my Dad saw a lot of firsts for the club, the first ever Moycullen basketball camp, which was held by Jerome Westbrooks over 2 gloriously sunny June days in the late 80s. They had the first Moycullen team to make an All-Ireland community games finals training on them, the first dunk for the club (at a proper height), and the first miniball tournament held in Moycullen against Kilannin, a special mention to Mrs. Lawless who started miniball in Scoil Mhuire 35 years ago. Though they never hosted a county final or international game, many future Irish players learned to shoot in them and some of the most heavily contested Blitz games were decided on them ensuring enduring fame or shame for those involved .

Spalding, Molten, Mikasa, Wilson, Nike, leather, synthetic, brand new and warped basketballs, even the odd O’Neill footballs all found their mark in those baskets with or without nets. The courts these baskets hung over were tarmac or gravel and in one case mostly grass. The lengths people went to practice and play basketball were amazing and they did it because it was fun. In the early stages for the club, there were no easy games or likely successes, people came back to play again and again because it was fun. As things have moved on, the club has been massively successful by any measure, and we have all worked hard to push on at each step, first win, first county title, first Connacht title, first all-Ireland, first regional player, first international player, and now these things happen regularly through the hard work and dedication of so many. I’m no fan of nostalgia and the white sweatshirts, LA gear pump up shoes and star spangled bandanas may not be missed but there are some that can be remembered fondly. The bus trips to the National basketball camp in Dungarvan or to all points around Connacht just to get good quality games organized by Gerry Nihill and John Cunningham, aided and abetted by Kitty Canavan. We also miss the friendship, enthusiasm and love of the game shown by both Dominic King, and Fr. Sean Manning, both dear friends of the club and both RIP.

My father has also passed and although he never got to meet some of his grandchildren, most have played for Moycullen and have got to train and shoot on those hoops that he securely put up many years ago for them and all the other ballers in the parish who had hoop dreams.

A PARENT REMEMBERS …….

By Sean Gannon

Sean and Jodie Gannon’s children were immersed in basketball. They were real ‘basketball addicts’ They had the fanciest backboard and ring in Moycullen, decorated with striking NBA graphics. Anyone passing along the Mountain Road would see the nonstop games on the Gannon driveway at the front of the house. Sean himself was an avid sportsman with a strong background in GAA having won county and Connacht senior medals with his native Dunmore.

‘keep that basketball away from the windows’…

After the first garage window was broken, fireguards, no longer required to keep toddlers out of the fireplace, were nailed up to protect the glazing. After two more windows, one from the inside, were broken, they were replaced with plywood nailed to the mahogany frames. This did little to enhance the front elevation of our house but it did bring some peace of mind.

Our first contact with basketball was when John Cunningham decided to enter an under-16 team in the Community Games and assembled a team from his classmates and friends including one from our house. I don’t remember that team having any great success but it was the start of basketball for us.

There followed many years of endless taxiing, piles of sweaty gear and tripping over bags and boots dropped on the floor immediately inside the front door. A backboard and ring had to be fixed to the garage wall. This was later followed by lines and various other markings painted on the paving. After garage windows had been broken, fireguards, no longer required for their primary purpose, were nailed up to protect the glazing. For years, the sound of a basketball bouncing was to be the backdrop to much that went on.

Knowing little about basketball or its rules there always seemed to be too many people in too small a playing area. Curiosity lead to some research which revealed that the typical basketball court provided only about 42 square metres per player whereas a typical gaelic pitch provided about 430 square metres per player.

To those of us who came from a background in sports where players played and others did everything else, it was interesting to find that in the basketball club players of all ages other than the beginners were expected to do more than just play. It seemed that players, including some still playing on underage teams , were expected to contribute to coaching, team management, game arrangement, transport and fundraising. Young members learned that it was their club and that they shared a responsibility to look after it.

There always seemed to be a great emphasis on coaching at all levels. This was reinforced by the annual trips to the coaching camps in Dungarvan where the young players could benefit from the advice of coaches at a senior level in the game. These trips were always greatly enjoyed, no doubt for social as well as for basketball reasons.

Photo: Jim Gannon coaching U’9 ‘s

For a family with teenagers, a great benefit of the club was that it provided for activities and participation throughout the year and was almost unique in providing, particularly in winter, a place outside the home for teenagers to meet and socialise in a supervised setting.

Summer time was generally dominated by Community Games activities at county, provincial and national levels . Winter time was more about the local leagues. In the early years , Maree always seemed to be a team to beat. Throughout the year a great deal of leisure time was spent playing on the outdoor court at the back of the old school, now Arus Uilinn.

Friendships were formed at underage level with players in other clubs and in schools and this was no doubt instrumental in starting a trend where some Galway City based players came to play with and stren gthen Moycullen teams. When teenagers became adult’s activities related mainly to league games, at first against local Galway teams and later in national leagues. It was very satisfying to see Moycullen Basketball Club host games and compete successfully against teams who for years had well-established national profiles. Moycullen, of course, went on to establish a national profile and reputation for itself.

Photo: Kate Gannon playing for Moycullen in the Community games

Everybody of course remembers the St Stephens Day blitz which in our house usually began on Christmas Day when captains began the effort to contact team members. Others can write about the many methods employed to prepare the playing surface. With always two, often three and sometimes four from our house playing, the day itself involved constant traffic to and from the school. After playing and refereeing for a while, players, not all of them our own, would arrive back wet, hungry and in a hurry.

The great benefit was that the remains of the Christmas turkey and ham were mercifully well depleted by the end of the day. It was a day for some to be competitive, others to meet old friends and for all to enjoy

Photo: Mike Gannon accepting the Blitz Cup after captaining his team to victory

Photo: Jim scoring in the Christmas Blitz

Photo: Joe Gannon keeping score at the blitz

Moycullen Basketball Club can be proud of its enormous contribution to the Moycullen community and in particular to the many generations of young people whose lives it has enhanced.

Cian Nihill looks back on the first trip by Moycullen to the Tournament in France.

Cian Nihill was on the first Moycullen youth team that travelled to a European tournament. In 1999 as an 11 year old he went to Ardres, France with the U’13 team. He went again in 2000 and 2001, one of a small group of players who played in Ardres three times.

Cian went on to play for Ireland in the FIBA European Championships at U’16, U’18 and U’20 levels and was also on the Irish senior men’s selection. He also spent a year playing and studying in the USA at Berkshire.

Cian played on the Moycullen U’20 Cup winning team in 2008 and the senior Men's Cup winning team in 2009 and was a key member of the Moycullen team that moved up to the Irish Super League in 2009.

He was named Irish U’16 player of the Year in 2004, Irish Senior Men's National League player of the Year in 2007, Irish Collegiate player of the Year in 2010 and was the Galway Sports Star for Basketball on two occasions. And some early steps were taken in Ardres….

“You’re joking right? France? Next week?! No way.”

It’s hard now, all these years later, to put into words just how excited we were. We were going to go where no Moycullen underage team had ventured before….abroad.

To do it any justice, the circumstances have to be briefly detailed. A team meeting, suspiciously convened by coaches and parents, the team of ten were to be told of something. The obvious jumped to mind - we were in trouble for some forgotten trespass. But, from beneath the then full-bodied moustache, Gerry Nihill revealed that a last minute offer to play a prestigious tournament in France had been made, that it had been accepted, that the decision to go had been discussed with parents, that the parents had approved and that we all needed to practice our “Bonjours” and “Au Revoirs” for next week. Undoubtedly, the exact details of travel and warnings of appropriate behaviour were doled out but I doubt any of us heard a word. We were going to an international tournament.

The flagship team of the club at the time, the all-conquering U17 girls, fresh from Moycullen’s first national title, had been talking about a trip overseas for years and it never came. The superstar team of U16 boys ahead of us never left these shores. The Senior Men, who were now in the National League weren’t going to be jetting off anywhere but here we were, with no warning, about to compete in a FIBA tournament in France.

The excitement had hardly waned an ounce when we turned up a week later for the early morning Galway to Dublin train, proudly decked out in all blue, tear away Ireland Basketball team tracksuits which Gerry had found buried in the Nihill attic, conveniently accidentally shrunken in the wash to fit our less than intimidating statures. Twenty-three hours, two boat voyag-es, countless bus and train journeys and a dramatic London underground transfer later, when we still hadn’t arrived in Ardres, France…the excitement in fairness did start to wane just a tad.. In hindsight, our journey there was madness but it all seemed like brilliant madness to us and we loved every second of the adventure. With Ryanair not yet a viable option for cheap transport, the only route had been by land and sea, from Galway, across Ireland, Wales, England and Northern France.

To Gerry, John Cunningham, Haulie Dowd and Kitty Canavan, I don’t know what ye were thinking trying to keep track of ten kids, aged between 11 and 13 on all those various public modes of transport for a full 24 hours but to this day I admire you all for the fact that none of us were killed or lost for ever.

As our attendance at the tournament was on such short notice (it all arose because of an offer from Eanna Basketball Club to take the spot they could no longer fill but wanted to keep Irish) we didn’t actually have anywhere to stay.

While room was found at the local mental institution in years to come for Gerry and Haulie (true story), it wouldn’t have suited the needs of the team that year and so we were hosted by local families who extended an incredibly warm welcome while introducing us all to the idea that beef didn’t have to be burned to a charcoal black.

Photo: Staff in Ardres1999: Haulie Dowd, John Cunningham, Kitty Canavan,

Moycullen Team in Ardres May 1999

Front: Conor Bohan, Diarmuid Lee, Michael Dowd, Kieran O’Connor, Cormac Canavan, Cian Phelan. Back: Cian Nihill, Cillian McDonald, Sean Rossa McDermott, David Carr.

Determined to begin the Irish era of basketball world dominance, we had high hopes of showing these foreigners a thing or two on the court. Five losses from five games later and we realised we had a long way to go.

Our team was mostly a year, if not two, too young for the tournament. Added to that, it was the first time we had ever seen U13s be so big, so athletic and so (too put it simply) good at basketball.

That is not to say that we were blown away as we had competitive moments and I will always remember the great following we had at games from locals who seemed to admire the general spirit and skill that this tiny bunch of Irish lads played with. While we ultimately finished a de served dead last in the tournament, it was easily the most satisfactory last place performance any of us are likely to experience.

I will never forget that week, the endless games of 3on3 on the back courts outside the main arena with players from all over Europe, the bumbling attempts at French when trying to order the 10 Franc fries in the stall across the street, local hoops enthusiast Phillipe with his buzzer machine creating a cacophony of sounds to put off whatever team we played against and the general pinch yourself with excitement realisation that we were the Irish representation at this international tournament when most teams around Galway at the time never travelled more than 20 miles from home.

There would be other tournaments abroad shortly afterwards in Austria, Luxembourg and Belgium where better results and bigger trophies accumulated. I would return to Ardres twice more and we steadily climbed the pecking order, finishing top eight.

However, as brilliant as those tournaments were, none compared with that first trip to France. Its tournament poster is the one that still adorns my bedroom wall and it provides the most vivid memories when I think of underage basketball excursions with Moycullen.

I always love to follow how subsequent generations of players perform in France each year. I’m bizarrely proud to be a part of the first team that took part in what has become one of the great traditions of our club and it is something that bonds all of us who have been fortunate enough to experience it.

Vive le Tournoi International Henri Seux de Ardres (yes I had to Google the spelling) and long live Moycullen’s participation !

SOME MEMORIES FROM THE 2009-2010 SEASON

Mary Nihill looks back on entry to the SuperLeague

Photo: Mary Nihill

Moycullen decided to enter the National Superleague in 2008 Mary Nihill was one of the people who put together the club’s application and was part of the club delegation who met with basketball Ireland to negotiate entry to the league. During the first four seasons in the Superleague Mary acted as chairperson of the men’s section, attended the monthly Superleague meetings in Dublin, drove fundraising for the team and was the announcer and match commentator at our home games. Mary coached for many years, winning All Ireland A schoolboy titles at St. Pauls Oughterard and coaching Corrib men’s national league team.

Part of the commitment the club made was to host their home games at good quality venues and to promote and deliver a high standard at the Moycullen home games. Here she recalls what that commitment meant for the core group involved in organising the Moycullen home games in a season

The vision

A chance for Moycullen people to see their basketball team play at the top level of the men’s game in Ireland and compete with the best players in the country at an event that was professionally presented.

In Galway, there are always the signals that the summer recess is coming to an end – the Galway races, Leaving Cert results day and for those of us in Moycullen Basketball Club the new season Super League fixture list detailing the dates times and venues for our home games.

Because Moycullen does not have a home court it was always a struggle to ensure that we had suitable venues for home games. John Cunningham would have done trojan work on this part of the job throughout the summer through constant communication with authorities in NUIG, Kilannin and even as far afield as Leitir Mor in order to secure venues in which to play our games. But that was only the start of what was involved in getting a season of home games that would be presented as entertaining spectacles of the sport of basketball played at a highest level.

Pre season

Planning for the home games began in earnest in August. The club’s website, Moycullen matters and the local papers was used to full effect to herald the start of the new season The production of the season tickets got underway in our spare room with the printer and laminating machine on 24-hour duty. The roadside signs and posters were prepared and electronic clocks, sound systems and table equipment taken out of storage.

The committee looked at every detail necessary to make the games a success and to provide an occasion that all members of the Moycullen club could identify with. In particular, the committee saw the home games as an ideal opportunity to inspire the next generation of players to choose basketball as their sport and to strive to emulate the players that had reached Super league standard. A small dedicated team of exceptionally hardworking people did a wonderful job and the games drew big attendances and had a consistent high level of presentation. This was recognised by Basketball Ireland who awarded Moycullen with the award of “Best presented Home Games” in 2012, the association also noting the high level of attendance at games even during seasons when the team did not have a lot of wins.

Photo: Huge support for the Moycullen team

Photo: Moycullen Cheerleaders

Home Game week

The Monday preceding a home game weekend began with the list of the times and venues where the Moycullen underage teams were training during that week so that game reminder flyers could be distributed encouraging attendance at the upcoming game. Arranging one of these groups to participate in a half time basketball activity was also high on the list of jobs. My morning trip to work was never boring with the inevitable phone calls to Galway Bay FM and Ollie Turner reminding him that we had a home game that week as well as checking that our game notice board was in place on the Galway road The mid-week task was to contact the visiting team to get the names and numbers of the team and to design and layout the programme so that a couple of hundred copies could be photocopied programmes late on Friday evening .

Game Day

On match day our cars would be loaded with shot clocks, game clock, banners, signs, table equipment, sound system and all the various bits and pieces needed at the venue.

The selection of music was always a bane of contention in the house and my overuse of the Saw doctors was curbed as a more “modern” home game playlist was handed to me for use before games and during timeouts.

Photo: Persuading one of the young fellows to get into costume for our mascot ‘Shooter’ was always a challenge but we usually found a willing volunteer.

The first people to arrive at the gym on game day were inevitably Joe and Bridie Loughnane. Bridie set up at the door and was without doubt the most pleasant front of house face for any of the teams in the superleague. Bridie also had often constructed a hamper for raffling at half time and arranged sellers and acted as on the spot nurse for any player in need. Joe in the meantime definitely got the award for quickest set up time in any gym. Chairs, scaffolding for banners tables flags music players and speakers got landed into the middle of the gym in double quick time by Joe commandeering any unfortunate person he spotted regardless of whether they had any interest or inclination to help.

So the arena was decorated, music was playing teams out warming up and the crowd started to come in. Teams were introduced to the crowd and the national anthem was played. Commentary during the games and during the intervals (through Irish if in Leitir Mor) kept interest for the audience.

Photo: Bridie Loughnane presenting the half time raffle prize to the winner, Tim O’Brien

After match

When the game finished Joe led the clear up of the gym, the storage of equipment and loading of cars to bring the equipment back to Nihill’s garage to await the next home game. Joe also collected the gear from the team for washing at the Loughnane home. While the pack up was underway, Kitty Canavan would summarise the statistics and relay them into the results service of basketball Ireland.

On the way into Moycullen we would drop John Cunningham at his house where he would start his article on the match for that week’s local papers. Next a quick trip down to Home Farm to unload the cars and update the website with the result and some photos from the match before heading to the Forge for post-match food with many of the team members. The inevitable post-match analysis was carried out and lots of chat with the neighbours and sports people from the local GAA organisations who were always eager to get the news. These Saturday night interactions symbolised the vision for Moycullen basketball club, a club rooted in the community and aiming to play the game at the highest level.

Having a flagship team in the club with the associated work of promoting and hosting professional and entertaining home matches took a huge commitment from those people involved. However, it was work undertaken willingly as it played a vital role in inspiring the next generation of young basketball players and contributed in no small way to the success the club has enjoyed in local and national competitions and the selection of so many of our young players to the Irish International teams.

Fergal McAndrew looks back on his years with Moycullen Senior Men 2002-2007

Photo: Fergal McAndrew playing for Moycullen National League team in the University of Limerick Sports Hall in 2007

The Moycullen team was always a scary proposition to play against!!

My first experience playing them on a national level was when I played with Castlebar. Playing Moycullen was very much a case of pick your poison as they seemed to have so many go to players both inside and on the perimeter. Be it John Cunningham with his never miss hook shot (I seemed to notice his misses more when I played with him!!), Marcus O’Grady nailing every mid-range effort or Dara Canavan flipping the ball up and in from his knees!!

The thing that I most remember though was how well they played as a team and always seemed to know where each other were.

I don’t believe we ever got close to bringing home a win against them. Strangely enough once I switched to Moycullen, Castlebar finally beat us but I’m pretty certain it was just coincidence…

Joining Moycullen was very much an unknown as they seemed to be such a cohesive unit and I was not sure how I would integrate. I have played basketball on many different teams at different levels but my first training sessions with Moycullen were definitely eye openers. I initially thought that I had totally misread the team’s unity as the guys went at each other on the court harder that most teams do in games. There were very few nights where multiple screaming matches didn’t break out between players. Funnily enough sometimes Nollaig was not even involved!!

It didn’t take long to figure out that be it a pick up training game or a national final, Moycullen players do not like losing. The intensity levels in these training games was amazing and allowed us to seamlessly transition into national league action. Of course the key to this was also the depth. In my first couple of years depending on how training went you could move from starting games to not being in the game day panel wit hin a couple of weeks.

I played with Moycullen from 2002 – 2007 and while there was a steady core of five or six players through this time there always seemed to be a steady supply of youth joining the team and stepping straight up and contributing. The conveyor belt was strong at that stage and seems to only have gotten stronger in the years since.

Playing with a big club from a small village is pretty unique. The a bility to play on a national stage within such a tight knit community was an amazing experience and I made a lot of friendships that go well beyond basketball. The only regret is that we did lose several national finals during this time. Thankfully they were able to light bon fires soon after I left the country. Again, coincidence I am sure.

Anne Burke looks back on her playing days with the Moycullen Senior Ladies team.

Anne Burke looks back on her playing days with the Moycullen Senior Ladies team. She first played recreational games on Thursday nights in the Hall in Scoil Mhuire and recalls how that led to the start up of a Moycullen Galway League Ladies Team in 1994. Ann played for ten years in the Galway League, the highlight being the win in the Galway Senior Cup in 2005

My first memories of the Moycullen Ladies’ Section competing in the Galway League is in the early to mid 80’s. I think we played for two seasons, coached by Kevin Walsh (Kilrainey). Training sessions were on a Sunday morning in the small ‘Halla Mór’ in Scoil Mhuire which was too small for a league game and so we had to play all our games away.

I first joined the ‘Thursday fun basketball nights’ in the Halla Mór in September 1990. The players weren’t overly interested in keeping to all of the rules of basketball (and still aren’t), but loved playing the game and having the ‘craic’ which was (and still is ) very important to them!

John Cunningham approached me in 1994 to see if the ‘Thursday fun nights’ ladies would be interested in joining the Galway league. I was very interested, so I mentioned it to some of the girls, who said “we’ll wait and see what’s involved”.

John volunteered to coach the team which would consist of the interested ladies from the Thursday night group and some girls just out of U’16 age group. We duly joined the Galway League in 1990 and John coached us for the first two years. The Thursday night recreational game still continued to thrive and the players enjoyed the overlap of Galway League and recreational players. We decided we deserved (or could afford) a home venue and so started training in Oughterard Community Centre on Sunday nights. We used that as a venue for a number of years before moving into the Claddagh Hall in Galway City. We also upped our training sessions to twice a week, Mondays and Wednesdays, often in the freezing artic conditions, which I’m sure many of you reading have been (un)lucky enough to experience! Our next venue move was into the Westside Community Centre for training on Wednesday nights but we still kept the Claddagh venue for Monday night sessions.

Our first big venture outside of the Galway League was the October bank holiday in 1996 where we represented Ireland in a Community Games multi-cultural weekend in Trabolgan Holiday Village, Cork, all down to Anne Newell, who phoned me to see if we would be interested. ‘The craic was mighty’ and the basketball wasn’t too bad either.

After enjoying our first taste of play outside of the Galway League we jumped at other opportunities to sample basketball in other parts of Ireland. Over the years we organised many weekend trips around the country, always incorporating a basketball game or two. Other handy ways to get extra games was to tag along with the men’s team when they travelled to tournaments. One such regular event was the Easter games played by the men against the Isle of Man when we got the opportunity to play their ladies team. We also travelled to Ennistymon, Co. Clare a number of times to play the Ennistymon ladies, our game with them sometimes played as a curtain raiser to the Frank Gallery Men’s Invitation Tournament final.

We had many coaches over the years, including an Australian, Mark Devery, for two seasons, and we were usually won enough games to be in the top half of the league table at the end of each season. However, it wasn’t until 2005 that we won or first big trophy when we captured the Galway Ladies Senior Cup under coach of Martin Burke.

Galway Cup Winners 2005

Back L/R Ann Blehein, Karen Kenny, Maeve Darcy, Lara Coyne, Rachel Gilkey, Siobhán Doran, Martin Burke (Coach)

Front L/R Laura McAteer , Anne Burke, Lorraine McStay, Cliodhna Bohan, Emma Croke.

Thursday fun nights are still going strong in the Halla Mór, played year round with tip off at 9:30pm.

Anne Burke.

Barbara Walshe Reflects on the Club's Development

Barbara Walshe was the person who made the first move in 1988 to organise youth basketball in Moycullen. Her wish at the time was that girls would become more actively involved in sport and that basketball was an ideal game for this.

Barbara was a person who had vision and energy and her initiative in bringing together, in the village, a number of people who had experience in the sport was to start a process that in time would lead to the development of one of Ireland’s leading clubs.

If someone had said to me, back in 1988, that Moycullen would be famous for basketball on a local, national and European level in the future, I think I would have laughed! Back then, Moycullen had a history of basketball participation, but there were no decent facilities in the village, never mind any regular coaching or competitions for young people. By the 1980s, Moycullen was known as a quintessential GAA village. .

It was the lack of sports opportunities for girls that actually first interested me in helping start a Basketball Club. Back then, there was a growing emphasis on the benefits of sport, but a belief that girls didn’t ‘do’ sport either because they weren’t interested in exercise or because they didn’t like competition. Misguided or what? Still it wasn’t exactly straightforward. Firstly, I knew nothing much about sport generally, never mind basketball. Secondly, as a recent blow-in myself with five kids, I didn’t know anyone else in the village who did either!

Yet things soon started to take shape. Firstly, brilliant basketball minds began coming forward – people like Gerry Nihill, John Cunningham, Sean Hynes ,Bob McDonald and Harry O’Neill – who not only understood the game but were delighted to impart their knowledge. Then, the parents got behind us with their vital support. People like Kitty Canavan, Bridie Hynes and many more since, who did everything from supervise sessions and collect money, to organise the administration and transportation for games and competitions across the county and country.

But perhaps the key to the Club’s longevity and success was something that was emphasized early on. Gerry, John, Sean, Bob and Harry believed strongly in investing in the development of the game - to encourage young people to not only play the sport but give back to the Club themselves by becoming involved and helping create a legacy. So, coaching courses were offered to harness young players’ interest and enthusiasm. This often lead to them being offered ‘assistant coach’ positions to younger teams, before moving up to ‘coach’ when ready. As a result, more coaches trained more young people in the area, and more teams began to do better and better in competitions like the community games. From there, players from Moycullen began excelling in their secondary school and university teams, and started being chosen to represent their county, Connaught, and even national teams.

Of course, the benefits of basketball went further than sporting achievement. The Club helped many young people develop enduring friendships, confidence, leadership skills, initiative, discipline, dedication, loyalty and important teamwork skills for life going forward. And that is how, against all odds, this small village in the west of Ireland began playing basketball and are now famous for their skill, heart, determination and success in it. Who would have thought?

Barbara Walshe

Nollaig Cunningham reflects on a unique sporting event

The St. Stephen’s Day blitz is not only a club institution; it’s also a village one. Santa Claus comes and goes but the Blitz is always constant. It’s the medal that all Moycullen club players want. Our players have been successful at National League, National Cup and All Ireland Club level. Many have represented their County, their Province and their Country. Players have collections of medals and awards achieved in multiple basketball leagues and championships. But if they do not have a Christmas Blitz medal then there is a huge gap in their collection.

While the orientation and location of the courts have changed slightly from year to year, what has remained constant all those years is the thud of a ball on the ground, the screech of runners, the shouts of laughter and the howls of despair (often in ago-ny due to some slightly over zealous “tackling”) around Scoil Mhuire on St. Stephens Day Padraig Faherty, Joe Joe Faherty, Brendan Faherty, Jim Regan, Martin Clancy, Murty Davoren, Micky Lee were just some of the names that appeared as champions during the 1970 and 1980’s. This was an era when the tackles were robust and the retribution even more so. Not a place for the faint hearted but there was always room for skill and that bit of guile but you had to be able to back it up.

Since 1984 every member of the winning team has their name inscribed on the trophy and this in itself is a running memorial of blitzes since. It’s always a great feeling to see your name on the trophy and look at all the others names that are on it.

Anybody that wanted to win the Blitz from the late 80’s to the end of the 00’s would have to go through John Cunningham (no relation!!) or myself, Nollaig Cunningham. From ’85 to 2010, John would win the Blitz an amazing 9 times and I was his greatest challenger with 6 wins. In this period we dominated the play; our battles on the blitz court were great and the winner was crowned Blitz champion more often than not.

2001 saw the introduction of a very special award in memory of a player, Padraig Dandy Kelly, who passed away tragically that year. Dandy epitomized all that the blitz is; uncompromising, brave and competitive on the court but great fun and always up for the craic off the court. Every year it has been presented as our version of an MVP; “The Spirit of the Blitz” award.

The 00’s also saw the introduction of “The Hall of Shame”; a list of the players that have played in Blitzes but have yet to win one. It’s a place that no player wants to be. In this modern era, Superleague players like James Loughnane & Dylan Cunningham have started to dominate. Each year new young players join the Blitz for the first time bringing energy and enthusiasm to the event. The Blitz Draft, pre and post Blitz “interviews”, and live streaming are now all part of the ‘Day’ . With these innovations the Spirit of the Blitz is renewed each December and its safe to say that the event is in good hands and will continue to thrive and evolve over the course of the next 50 years.

Over the years we have had numerous “Snow Blitzes”. Who will forget the heavy snowfall of 2000, when games had to be delayed to sweep the lines clear of snow. Frost & ice hasn’t impacted as much as you would think, although two recent years in particular spring to mind that required court clearing measures; 2005 and the infamous “Ice Blitz” of 2009, which probably had the worst playing conditions of all Blitzes; ice, snow, sleet and then more ice. And not forgetting the numerous “Rain Blitzes” when old school outdoor Moycullen basketball comes to the fore.

Once people begin to stir from their beds on St. Stephen’s Day, the buzz down at the school where a bbq\picnic\feast is now part of the day (thanks to the generous club members and neighbours that have embraced the event), is just as good as it ever was. Long may it continue to be an important part of what not only the club is but also what Moycullen is.

Below are a selection of photos from the blitz over the years:

THE BLITZ 1968 to 2016

By Gerry Nihill

The referee gave a sharp blow on his whistle… The players response was instant… ’FOR WHAT?... '

The referees explained ... 'TRAVELLING..you ran seven steps !!' The reply... 'NO WAY ...I ONLY TOOK FIVE.!!'

In the early days the rules were sparingly applied, not a tournament to get too technical about. as many of the participants were not basketball players. The play was always robust to say the least. Sometimes not for the faint hearted. But that was mainly in the older days when almost every sportsman in the parish participated , Gaelic football players , hurlers, handball-ers, basketballers, all codes. It was just something everybody did on St. Stephens Day. Always great fun, but never taken lightly and competition was fierce with every game fought to the last basket. Despite the rough and tumble nature and the sometimes hazardous conditions on the outdoor court in the depth of winter, injuries were few. However a few broken arms and an occasional dislocation are sometimes recalled. The ladies participated in the early blitzes. Tough girls in those days. The rules for the 1969 blitz state that . …. ‘’Teams must have two ladies on court at all times. Any team putting out four men shall be disqualified.’’

The first Blitz was held during the Christmas holidays in 1968 after the outdoor court was laid down. The first complete record of all the players taking part in the Blitz at Christmas time is from 1969.

Mairtin Walsh | Michael Connor | Patrick Lydon | Murty Davoren | Padraig Clancy |
Enda Clancy | Tom McLoughlin | Tadhg Walsh | J. Audley | Brendan Darcy |
Mairtin Clancy | Joe Clancy | Seasmus Lydon | Sean Clancy | Brendan Hynes |
Michael conneely | Jim Regan | B. Mulkerrins | Bernie Faherty | Kieran Audley |
Patricia McDonagh | M. McLouglin | Bernie Lydon | Carmel Lydon | Ann O'Connor |
Evelyn Walsh | Gabriel Burke | Mary Lydon | Ann Ruane | Sandra Scully |
| Bernadette Lydon |  |  |  |
Paddy Connor | Tomas Clancy | Joe Joe Faherty | Micky Lee |  |
Michal John Dunne | Sean Clancy | Johnny Lee | Joe McLouglin |  |
Tommy Clancy | Tommy McDonagh | Padraig Dunne | Michael McDonagh |  |
James Connor | Tom Scully | Bobby McDonagh | Michael Audley |  |
Angela O'Connor | Eithne Davoren | Brenda Donnellan | Dervla Hynes |  |
Carmel Scully | Geraldine Burke | Cecily Burke | Mary Davoren

Records are sketchy during the 1970’s but the tournament became a regular event every year, even in seasons when the club did not have teams in the Galway Leagues. There was a break in 1976 and 1977 when the outdoor court was uprooted during the demolition of the old Parish Hall and the construction of the new Scoil Mhuire. The blitz resumed in 1978 when a new outdoor court was marked out and baskets installed on the playground behind the new school. Plaques and medals were the norm for winners and runners up. In 1985 a cup was presented by the Lee family in memory of Jim Lee . The names of the winning players were inscribed on the base of the cup which has provided a wonderful record for the succeeding 30 years.

Photo: Club Chairman Mairtín Clancy accepting the ‘Jim Lee Cup’ from Johnny Lee in 1985. The Cup was presented to the club by Johnny and Micky Lee in memory of their father Jim Lee who died in 1984.

Photo: The first winners of the Jim Lee Cup, 1985 Front: Martin Barrett, Joe Clancy, Adrian Clancy. Back: David Casburn, Mark Hanley.

BLITZ WINNERS

2015 James Loughnane | 2007 Bernard de Souza | 1999 Andrew McDonald | 1989 David Faherty
2015 Tomás Gilson | 2007 Denis Laffey | 1999 Glenn Hynes | 1989 Donal Goldrick
2015 John Hackett | 2007 Diarmuid Lee | 1999 James Lydon | 1989 Harry O'Neill
2015 Conal Morgan | 2007 Eoghan Maxwell | 1999 Padraig Kelly | 1989 Martin Burke
2015 Garnett Griffin | 2007 Gerry Nihill | 1999 Seamus Friel | 1989 Shane McLoughlin
2015 Alan Conroy | 2007 Henry Lydon | 1998 Fergal Monaghan | 1989 Tim Bohan
2015 Ronan Waters | 2007 John Cunningham | 1998 James Glynn | 1988 Brian Casburn
2015 Rob O Donnell | 2006 Alan Conroy | 1998 Niall Faherty | 1988 David Faherty
2014 Dylan Cunningham | 2006 Karolis Nenorta | 1998 Nollaig Cunningham | 1988 Gerry Nihill
2014 Luke Hickey | 2006 Cillian McDonncha | 1998 Robbie Walsh | 1988 Joe Clancy
2014 Stephen O'Brien | 2006 Haulie Dowd | 1997 Dara Canavan | 1988 Michael Naughton
2014 Sean Kelly | 2006 Jim Gannon | 1997 Donie Mulkerrins | 1988 Mark Regan
2014 Conor Curran | 2006 Keith Bohan | 1997 James Lydon | 1987 Derek Connelly
2013 John Cunningham | 2006 Nollaig Cunningham | 1997 Niall Faherty | 1987 Denis Phelan
2013 Patrick Lyons | 2006 Richard Lyons | 1997 Robbie Walsh | 1987 Eamon Kyne
2013 Philly Lydon | 2005 Cormac Canavan | 1997 Sean Browne | 1987 John Cunningham
2013 Pat Griffin | 2005 Dylan Cunningham | 1996 Caoimh Davoren | 1987 Lawrence Kelly
2013 Rory Monaghan | 2005 James Loughnane | 1996 Gearoid Hynes | 1987 Mark Hanley
2013 Alan Conroy | 2005 John Cunningham | 1996 Gerry Nihill | 1987 Nollaig Cunningham
2013 Ronan Clancy | 2005 Kieran Power | 1996 James Regan | 1987 Tony Goldrick
2012 Cian Nihill | 2005 Mark Loughnane | 1996 Padraig Kelly | 1986 Aodh Davoren
2012 Sean Hynes | 2005 Michael Gannon | 1996 Paul Casburn | 1986 David Faherty
2012 Sam Conroy | 2005 Sean Hynes | 1995 Darrach Ottway | 1986 Gearoid Curran
2012 Caoimh Davoren | 2004 Cian Nihill | 1995 James Regan | 1986 Kenneth Casburn
2012 Dylan Costelloe | 2004 Cian Phelan | 1995 John Cunningham | 1986 Kieran Curtin
2012 Evan Keane | 2004 Colie Gavin | 1995 Kenneth Clancy | 1986 Martin Mc Donagh
2012 Kyle Cunningham | 2004 Colm Gavin | 1995 Michael Burke | 1986 Tim Bohan
2011 Gerry Nihill | 2004 Denis Phelan | 1995 Sean Lydon | 1985 Joe Clancy
2011 Evan Keane | 2004 James O’Brien | 1994 Cian McLoughlin | 1985 Martin Barrett
2011 Pat Griffin | 2004 Mark Loughnane | 1994 Denis Phelan | 1985 Mark Hanley
2011 Dylan Cunningham | 2004 Mark Regan | 1994 James Regan | 1985 David Casburn
2011 Ronan Waters | 2004 Rory Monaghan | 1994 Joe Gannon | 1985 Adrian Clancy
2011 Liam Barber | 2003 Cian Costello | 1994 John Cunningham | 1984 Eoin Langan
2011 David Heveran | 2003 Gerry Nihill | 1994 Kenneth Clancy | 1984 Eamonn Fahy
2011 Davey Jackson | 2003 James Loughnane | 1994 Liam Hynes | 1984 Martin Burke
2010 Diarmuid Lee | 2003 John Cunningham | 1994 James Casburn | 1984 Mairtín Clancy
2010 Eoghan Maxwell | 2003 Patrick Laffey | 1993 Cian McLoughlin | 1984 Terence Monaghan
2010 David Lee | 2003 Robbie Walsh | 1993 Colie Gavin | 1982 Micky Lee
2010 Seosamh O'Fatharta | 2003 Ronan Waters | 1993 Eoghan Maguire | 1982 Brendan Darcy
2010 Kieran O'Connor | 2002 Caoimh Davoren | 1993 James Regan | 1982 Terence Monaghan
2010 Caoimh Davoren | 2002 Denis Laffey | 1993 John Cunningham | 1982 Tomas Clancy
2010 Pat Griffin | 2002 Denis Phelan | 1993 Padraic Davoren | 1982 Martin Barrett
2009 Seosamh O'Fatharta | 2002 John Cunningham | 1993 Sean Lydon | 1982 Eamon Conneely
2009 Gerald Lyons | 2002 John French | 1993 Tim Bohan | 1973 Micky Lee
2009 Nollaig Cunningham | 2002 Keith Bohan | 1992 Adrian Clancy | 1973 Mairtín Clancy
2009 Martin Burke | 2002 Stephen Tierney | 1992 Colie Gavin | 1973 Tomas Clancy
2009 Dylan Costelloe | 2001 Andrew McDonald | 1992 Donie Mulkerrins | 1973 Tom McLoughlin
2009 Sean Rossa McDermott | 2001 Barry Waters | 1992 Kenneth Clancy | 1973 Hugh Molloy
2009 Philip Lydon | 2001 Donie Mulkerrins | 1992 Martin Burke | 1973 Denis Phelan
2009 Rory Monaghan | 2001 Fergal Monaghan | 1992 Tommy Keady | 1968 Micky Lee
2008 Conor Cregg | 2001 Henry Lydon | 1991 David Faherty | 1968 Joe McLoughlin
2008 Gerry Nihill | 2001 Nollaig Cunningham | 1991 Fergal Clancy | 1968 Michael McDonagh
2008 Richard Lee | 2001 Richard Lyons | 1991 Harry O'Neill | 1968 Michael Audley
2008 James Brophy | 2001 Sean Hynes | 1991 Sean Ansbro | 1968 Dervla Hynes
2008 David Carr | 2000 Colm Gavin | 1991 Sean Hynes | 1968 Mary Davoren
2008 Gerald Lyons | 2000 Denis Laffey | 1991 Sean Lydon |
2008 Garnett Griffin | 2000 Gerry Nihill | 1990 Alan Cooke |
2008 Kevin McDonald | 2000 Mark Loughnane | 1990 Declan O'Halloran |
2008 Conor Cregg | 2000 Nollaig Cunningham | 1990 David Faherty |
|  | 1990 John Cunningham |
|  | 1990 Kieran Curtin |
|  | 1990 Richard Casburn

2016 Cian Nihill

2016 Dara Canavan

2016 Dara Heffernan

2016 Derek Canavan

2016 Garnett Griffin

2016 Josh Marvesly

2016 Rory Heffernan

2016 Sean Hynes

2017 James Loughnane

2017 Caoimh Davoren

2017 James Connaire

2017 Paul O'Brien

2017 Keith Bohan

2017 Sean Kelly

2017 Josh Marvesley

2018 Josh Marvesley

2018 Joe Tummon

2018 Stephen O'Brien

2018 James O'Brien

2018 James Cummns

2018 David Carr

2019 Dave Naughton

2019 Conor Egan

2019 Dylan Cunningham

2019 Paul Kelly

2019 Sean Hynes

2019 Ronan Waters

2019 Kevin McDonald

2020 No Blitz due to Covid 19

Photo: 2016 Winners

Photo: 2017 Winners

Photo: 2018 Winners

Photo: 2019 Winners

Photo: Micky Lee is inducted into the Blitz Hall of Fame

Blitz Hall Of Fame

John Cunningham 87, 90, 93, 94, 95, 02, 03, 05, 07,13.

Gerry Nihill 88, 96, 00, 03, 07, 08, 11.

Nollaig Cunningham 87, 98, 00, 01, 06, 09.

Sean Hynes 91, 01, 05, 12, 16.

David Faherty 86, 88, 89, 90, 91.

Denis Phelan 73, 87, 94, 02, 04.

Joe Clancy 69, 78, 79, 85, 88.

Caoimh Davoren 96, 02, 10, 12, 17

James Regan 93, 94, 95, 96.

Micky Lee 68, 71, 73, 82.

Martin Burke 84, 89, 92, 09.

James Loughnane 03,05,15,17

Dylan Cunningham 05,01,15,19

Weather conditions on the outdoor court were sometimes far from ideal for what is primarily an indoor sport.

Wet conditions always had to be factored in and whether to play with or against the wind also had to be taken into account . But the greatest hazard was ice and every effort would be made to melt it, sometimes not very successfully. Liberal quantities of salt, were applied on the court early morning but the ice often lingered and the ability to make a ‘skating lay up’ was a much admired skill. Health and safety considerations not much of a concern in those days.

Photo: A very cold looking group of players at 9.30 am on a snowy St Stephens Day in 2000. Mark Loughnane, Denis Laffey, Nollaig Cunningham, Kevin McDonald, Colm Gavin, Johnny McDonald, Andy McDonald and Glenn Hynes.

When the salt supply did not suffice in 2009 a little heat was applied. The ice melted but everyone was covered in oily diesel residue and players ended up sliding more than ever. Nevertheless the competition continued and that blitz will long be remembered even if all the details can never be put in print.

But as Ireland has a generally mild climate frosty conditions were rare. A wet court was far more common. The lines had long faded on the outdoor court and temporary markings were often hastily applied, sometimes on the morning of the blitz. Sean Hynes was an expert at this

Photo: Sean Hynes drying the court with a blow torch so that the temporary lines could be painted on.to the court.

Photo: Sean using the GAA pitch marking device to apply the temporary lines ahead of the first game

In the early years Blitz was often not completed on St. Stephen's day with the semi finals and finals held on the following weekend to finish off the tournament. During the 1980’s the court behind the school was realigned and two side by side courts were now available. This allowed all the games to be completed in one day although the final was sometimes played in semi darkness. On such occasions the headlights' of the cars parked at the side came into use, enabling the referee to keep a closer eye on any transgressions.

With the arrival of pre fab buildings on the school grounds the court area behind the school became restricted so the blitz moved back to the site where it was originally played – at the front of the school. As there were no baskets in this area temporary arrangements had to be made with mobile basketball units having to be transported from various houses in the village.

Photos: Playing into the temporary baskets at the front of the school in 2003 and 2005

Having a chef in the club has its advantages when it came to providing sus-tenance to the players on a cold St. Stephen's morning when most of the early risers did not have time to get breakfast before the first game. Joe Loughnane would have the pan on and the sausages sizzling by the time the first game was finished at 10am.

During the day players came and went as the games progressed. Whoever was seen to be unemployed on the side line was quickly volunteered into service as a referee, scorekeeper or timekeeper. The captain of each team also acted as coach and he was usually one of the more experienced players on the team. He had the task of collecting the entry fee before the first match and then rotating the players in and out of a running clock game, trying to win the contest but at the same time give all his troops a fair share of playing time. A strong physical player usually got extended minutes, reflecting his importance in a robust contest. Good shooters usually were ineffective in the breeze and might not get as much time but someone who could get an offensive rebound from one of the many missed shots was considered invaluable.

There were specialist blitz players like Martin Burke and Denis Phelan, John Cunningham and Nollaig Cunningham and any player would have a great chance of collecting a winners medal if they were lucky enough to have one of them on their team

As the club developed , players became more skilful and gradually the blitz increasingly took on the look of the modern game of basketball. Fundamental skills picked up in the youth section and experience playing in competition around Ireland and abroad gradually began to impact on the standard of play. Players now expected the letter of the law to be applied to the more technical aspects of play and coaching tactics began to influence the outcomes more and more even if the practice was generally frowned on. In one of the latter day blitzes a parent called to the referee ‘whistle up the rough play, my son is an international ’ to which the referee replied ‘ sure are not half the players out there internationals now !’’. Changed times in the Christmas blitz

Some of the many Moycullen youth internationals taking part in the blitz after 2000.

Photo: : Garnett Griffin,

Photo: : James Loughnane

Photo: : Cian Nihill

The blitz was a great place to meet up with old school friends and former teammates. Whether you were playing or not you called in to the blitz to see who was there , watch some of the action and meet up with old pals.

Photo: When the weather was good lots of local people came around which made for a great atmosphere, especially in the final when games were close and no holds were barred. From right: Kevin Lee, Bridie Loughnane, Julie O’Brien, Sheila and Damien Mullarkey, Cian Nihill, Gerald Lyons.

Photo: The blitz was also considered a right of passage for the younger lads. They eagerly waited for the day when they were considered old enough and strong enough to get on a team. One of the drawbacks of playing in your first blitz was that your name was added to the ‘Hall of Shame’ - a list of all those in recent years who had never won a blitz. This was a list you had to get your name off of as soon a possible as special slagging was dished out to the stars on the list.

Of course the ultimate place to get your name was on the ‘Hall of Fame’. Introduced in 2000, it was compiled from the list of winning names inscribed on the cup from 1984. You had to have four winners medals to be placed on this list. Top of the list is John Cunningham with ten wins which shows his dominance and effectiveness in this competition. Having John on your team nearly guaranteed you a winners medal.

John Cunningham | 10
Gerry Nihill | 7
Nollaig Cunningham | 6
David Faherty | 5
Joe Clancy | 5
Martin Burke | 4
James Regan | 4
Denis Phelan | 4
Caoimh Davoren | 4
Sean Hynes | 4
Micky Lee | 4
James Loughnane | 4
Dylan Cunningham | 4

One player who is not in the hall of fame but whose story is worthy of a place of honour is Michael Burke. For many years Michael organised the Blitz and he played in 20 competitions without ever winning it. In 1995 he was selected on the team with James Regan who was considered a lucky player as he was a winner the three previous years. Michael duly won his first and only medal and James became the only player to complete a ‘four in a row’

C 1980 Blitz Front: Aodh Davoren, Francis Kelly, Vinny Sweeney. Back: Padraig Faherty, Gerard Walsh, Terence Monaghan, Mike Connor

1985 Blitz. Front: Gerard Walsh, Colie Gavin, Ian McKay. Back : Sean Ansbro, Michael Burke, Joe Joe Faherty, Padraig Faherty

In many ways the Moycullen club is reflected in the history and spirit of the St. Stephens Day Blitz. The resilience of the club in reaching the top level of Irish basketball, coming from a small village on the road to Connemara, a village without a sports hall and without a secondary school, reflects the tradition that brings players to the outside court once a year, no matter the weather , to compete for the Jim Lee Cup. There is nothing like it in Irish basketball.

IT SAID IN THE PAPERS

Page 1 of 2

Continued from Previous page

Programme for the Moycullen v Newport National League Game in Renmore on Saturday 28th September 2002

2008

2008

January 2009 National Cup semi final played in Castleisland

December 14 2011

Some Special Individual Awards/Achievements

1980/81 | Joe Clancy | Division 2 Galway League Player of the Year
2001/02 | John Cunningham | Division 1 National League Player of the Year
| Gerry Nihill | Galway Bay FM Sports Award – Basketball
2003/04 | Cian Nihill | Basketball Ireland - U16 Player of the Year
2004/05 | Adrian Walsh | Division 1 National League Player of the Year
2005/06 | Cian Nihill | Galway Sports Star of the Year - Basketball
2006/07 | Cian Nihill | Division 1 National League Player of the Year
2007/08 | Paul O’Brien | Basketball Ireland U20 Player of the Year
| Paul O’Brien | MVP U20 Men’s National Cup Final
2008/09 | Cian Nihill | MVP Division 1 Men’s National Cup Final
2009/10 | Cian Nihill | Galway Sports Star of the Year – Basketball
| Cian Nihill | Male Collegiate Player of the Year
2014/15 | Salva Camps | Basketball Ireland Coach of the Year
| Moycullen Club | Basketball Ireland Underage Coach of the Year
| Paul Kelly | Basketball Ireland AICC U14 Boys Player of the Year
2015/16 | Catherine Connaire | Galway Bay FM Sports Award - Basketball

Photo: John Cunningham

Photo: Cian Nihill

Photo: Catherine Connaire

Photo: Paul O’Brien

Photo: Salva Camps

Photo: Paul Kelly

Moycullen players that have played abroad

2000/01 | Alex Lyden-Horn | Berkshire Prep School, Massachusetts, USA
2001/02 | Alex Lyden-Horn | Yale University, Connecticut, USA
2005/06 | Cian Nihill | Berkshire Prep School, Massachusetts, USA
2013/14 | Patrick Lyons | Barking Abbey Basketball Academy, London, UK
| Dylan Costelloe | Ipswich Basketball Academy, Ipswich, UK
2014/15 | Patrick Lyons | Tennessee Temple University, Tennessee, USA
| Dylan Costelloe | University of East London, London, UK
2015/16 | Dylan Costelloe | Plymouth Raiders, British Basketball League, Plymouth, UK
2016/17 | Dylan Costelloe | Plymouth Raiders, British Basketball League, Plymouth, UK
| Eoghan Kelly | The Gunnery Prep School, Connecticut, USA

Photo: Alex Lyden-Horn

Photo: Cian Nihill

Photo: Patrick Lyons

Photo: Dylan Costelloe

Photo: Eoghan Kelly

FIBA Internationals (Played at European Championships)

FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, is the world governing body for basketball.

Ireland participates in the European Championship Division ‘B’ at U’16, U18, U’20 and in Division ’C’ at Senior Men and Senior Ladies.

European Championships are held each year, usually during the summer months. The twelve players that represent Ireland at each age group are selected by the Irish Basketball Association after an extensive try-out and selection process.

Seventeen Moycullen players have been selected to represent Ireland in FIBA European Championships.

The players listed in the table below have all played for Ireland in the European Championships:

2000 | Padraig Cregg | 2001 European Championships for Cadets | 3 Games
2004 | Cian Nihilll | 2004 U16 European Championships Men: Div B | 8 Games
2005 | Cian Nihilll | 2005 U18 European Championships Men: Div B | 8 Games
2006 | Cian Nihilll | 2006 U18 European Championships Men: Div B | 8 Games
| Garnett Griffin | 2006 U20 European Championships Men: Div B | 4 Games
2007 | Cian Nihill | 2007 U20 European Championships Men: Div B | 8 Games
| Garnett Griffin | 2007 U20 European Championships Men: Div B | 8 Games
| James Loughnane | 2007 U18 European Championships Men: Div B | 7 Games
2008 | Cian Nihill | 2008 U20 European Championships Men: Div B | 8 Games
| Paul O'Brien | 2008 U20 European Championships Men: Div B | 8 Games
| Steven Tummon | 2008 U18 European Championships Men: Div B | 7 Games
| Dylan Cunningham | 2008 U18 European Championships Men: Div B | 4 Games
2011 | Patrick Lyons | 2011 U16 European Championships Men: Div B | 7 Games
2014 | Sean Candon | 2014 U18 European Championships Men: Div B | 7 Games
| Darragh Mulkerrins | 2014 U18 European Championships Men: Div B - | 7 Games
| Connor Curran | 2014 U16 European Championships Men: Div B | 7 Games
| Catherine Connaire | 2014 U16 European Championships Women: Div B | 7 Games
| Áine McDonagh | 014 U16 European Championships Women: Div B | 7 Games
2015 | Joseph Tummon | 2015 U18 European Championships Men: Div B - | 9 Games
| Catherine Connaire | 2015 U18 European Championships Women: Div B | 7 Games
| Áine McDonagh | 2015 U18 European Championships Women: Div B | 4 Games
2016 | Joseph Tummon | 2016 U20 European Championships Men: Div B | 8 Games
| Kyle Cunningham | 2016 U20 European Championships Men: Div B | 4 Games
| Connor Curran | 2016 U18 European Championships Men: Div B | 8 Games
| Catherine Connaire | 2016 U18 European Championships Women: Div B | 7 Games
| Áine McDonagh | 2016 U18 European Championships Women: Div B | 7 Games
| Paul Kelly | 2016 U16 European Championships Men: Div B | 8 Games
| Mark Convery | 2016 U16 European Championships Men: Div B | 6 Games
2017 | Paul Kelly | U16 European Championship Div. B Bulgaria |
| James Lyons | U 18 European Championships Div B Estonia |
2018 | Patrick Lyons | Senior Men, FIBA Small Nations Tournament, San Marino |
| Paul Freeman | Senior Men, FIBA Small Nations Tournament, San Marino |
| Paul Kelly | U18 European Championship Div. B, Kosovo |
| James Connaire | U18 European Championship Div. B, Kosovo |
2019 | James Lyons | U20 European Championships, Div.B, Portugal |
| James Connaire | U18 European Championships, Div B, Romania |
| Paul Kelly | U18 European Championships, Div B, Romania |
2020 |  | No International games due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

FIBA Internationals

Photo: Dylan Cunningham

Photo: Cian Nihill

Photo: Garnet Griffin

Photo: Padraig Cregg

Photo: Paul O’Brien

Photo: Steven Tummon

Photo: Conor Curran

Photo: James Loughnane

Photo: Sean Candon

Photo: James Lyons

Photo: Kyle Cunningham and Joe Tummon

Photo: Darragh Mulkerrins

Photo: Patrick Lyons

Photo: James Connaire

Photo: Áine McDonagh and Catherine Connaire

Photo: Paul Kelly

Photo: Paul Freeman

Photo: Mark Convery

Other Moycullen Players with International Honours

In addition to FIBA Competitions Irish teams play in International Tournaments, Four Countries Competitions (Ireland, England, Scotland ,Wales) and various challenge games against European countries. Irish teams have also travelled to the USA to play High School and College sides.

Over the years many Moycullen players were selected on Irish squads and got the opportunity train with that squad and in many cases play for an Irish selection in tournaments and challenge games.

1972/73 | Joe Clancy | Schoolboys
1994/95 | Barbara Jenny Walshe | U17
| Shane O'Donohue | U17
| Paul Sweeney | U15
1996/97 | Roisin Nihill | U15
1998/99 | Roisin Nihill | U18
| Kevin McDonald | U17
1999/00 | Alex Lyden-Horn | U17
2000/01 | Sean Rossa McDermott | U15
2001/02 | Padraig Cregg | U16
2002/03 | Cian Nihill | U15
| Gemma Hynes | U15
2003/04 | James Loughnane | U15
2004/05 | Cian Nihill | U17
| Paul O'Brien | U17
| Mike Dowd | U18
| James Loughnane | U16
| David Lee | U15
2005/06 | Mike Dowd | U20
| James Loughnane | U17
| Dylan Cunningham | U15
2006/07 | Steven Tummons | U18
2008/09 | Dylan Cunningham | U18
| James Brophy | U18
| Leah Cunningham | U18
| Drew Wilkinson | U16
2009/10 | Cian Nihill | Senior Men
| Leah Cunningham | U18
| Cliodhna O'R. Marshall | U16
2010/11 | Dylan Costelloe | U16 Men
| Stephen O'Brien | U16 Men
2011/12 | Dara Mulkerrins | U16
| Sean Candon | U16
| Mark Rohan | U16
| Padraig Doran | U16
| Kyle Cunningham | U15
2012/13 | Dylan Cunningham | Senior Men
| Patrick Lyons | U18
| Dylan Costelloe | U18
| Stephen O'Brien | U18
| Dara Mulkerrins | U17
| Sean Candon | U17
| Mark Rohan | U17
| Connor Curran | U15
| John Hackett | U15
| Catherine Connaire | U15
| Aine McDonagh | U15
2013/14 | Dylan Cunningham | Senior Men
| Paul O'Brien | Senior Men
| Kyle Cunningham | U17
| Joseph Tummon | U17
| Romy Cunningham | U15
2014/15 | Kyle Cunningham | U18
| Eoghan Kelly | U17
| Connor Curran | U17
| John Hackett | U17
| Mark Convery | U16,U15
| Paul Kelly | U15
| James Lyons | U15
2015/16 | Dylan Costelloe | Senior Men
| Dylan Cunningham | Hibernia
| Patrick Lyons | Hibernia
| Ronan O'Sullivan | Hibernia
| Sean Candon | U20
| Ailbhe Davoren | U18
| Lorcan O'Modhra | U17
| James Lyons | U17,U16
| Romy Cunningham | U17
| Paul Kelly | U15
| James Connaire | U15
2017 | Cian Nihill | Senior Men
| Paddy Lyons | Senior Men
| Paul Freeman | Senior Men
| James Cummins | U17
| Aaron Kernan | U17
| Daniel Arimoro | U17

INTERNATIONAL TRIPS AND VISITS

For many years basketball in Moycullen was primarily local. Trips to Gort for an away game in the Galway League was often the farthest a player might have to travel in a season. Occasionally one of our teams would have to cross the border into Mayo for a clash with Ballinrobe. Trips to Dublin or Cork to take on the kingpins of Irish basketball was unheard of.

All that changed in 1993 when the senior men’s team, then playing in the Galway League, took flight to Derby in England.

No small undertaking at the time but one that was to sow the seed for what was to follow. The first really big step on to the continent came in 1999 when the U’13 boys headed by train and ferry to the North of France. Trips out of the country by Irish club teams were very infrequent at the time and and the Moycullen boys were the first juvenile team from Galway to venture on to the continent.

From then on Moycullen Youth Section have made it a priority to seek out and travel to tournaments in Europe. This gave our young members the exposure to the game played at the top level by great European Clubs from basketball powers like Lithuania, Serbia, Italy and Spain. The payback in terms of motivation and ambition has been a major part in the growth and development of basketball in Moycullen, a growth that was to lead ultimately to winning National Underage Cups and participation in the Men’s Superleague and the development of generation of players with a clear vision of how the game should be played.

1993/94 | Senior Men @ Rolls Royce Tournament in Derby, England
1995/96 | Isle of Man Senior Men and Women visit Moycullen
1998/99 | U13 Boys @ Tournoi Henri Seux in Ardres, France
1999/00 | U13 Boys @ Tournoi Henri Seux in Ardres, France
| U13 Boys and Girls @ Basketball Wien Easter Tournament in Vienna, Austria
2000/01 | U13 Boys @ Tournoi Henri Seux in Ardres, France
| U15 and U17 Boys @ tournament in Ghent, Belgium
| Quinnipiac University, (D1 from Connecticut, USA) play Moycullen Senior Men
2001/02 | U13 Boys @ Tournoi Henri Seux in Ardres, France
| U15 Boys and Girls @ tournament hosted by T71, Dudelange in Luxembourg
2002/03 | U13 Boys @ Tournoi Henri Seux in Ardres, France
2003/04 | U13 Boys @ Tournoi Henri Seux in Ardres, France
| U15 Girls @ tournament hosted by T71, Dudelange in Luxembourg
2004/05 | U12 Boys at PACE tournament in Brittany, France
| U13 Boys @ Tournoi Henri Seux in Ardres, France
| U16 Boys and Girls @ “Badem” tournament in Zilina, Slovakia
2005/06 | U13 Boys @ Tournoi Henri Seux in Ardres, France
| U16 Boys and Girls @ “Badem” tournament in Zilina, Slovakia
| OKK Belgrade from Serbia, Swords & Irish U16 team visit Moycullen for an U17 Invitational T’ment
2006/07 | U13 Boys @ Tournoi Henri Seux in Ardres, France
| U14 Boys and U15 Girls @ “Badem” tournament in Zilina, Slovakia
2007/08 | U13 Boys @ Tournoi Henri Seux in Ardres, France
| U20 Men (Tournament Winners), U18 Boys and U16 Girls @ “Badem” tournament in Zilina, Slovakia
| U13 Girls @ tournament hosted by T71, Dudelange in Luxembourg
| Krvavec from Slovenia visit Moycullen for a series of friendly games (underage & senior men)
2008/09 | U13 Boys @ Tournoi Henri Seux in Ardres, France
| U14 Boys, U18 Girls and Senior Men play tournament/games in Kielce, Poland
2009/10 | U13 Boys @ Tournoi Henri Seux in Ardres, France
2010/11 | U13 Boys @ Tournoi Henri Seux in Ardres, France
2011/12 | U13 Boys @ Tournoi Henri Seux in Ardres, France
| U14 girls @ tournament in Gothenburg, Sweden
2012/13 | U13 Boys @ Tournoi Henri Seux in Ardres, France
| U14 girls @ tournament in Gothenburg, Sweden
2013/14 | U13 Boys @ Tournoi Henri Seux in Ardres, France
| Krvavec from Slovenia visit Moycullen for a series of friendly games (underage & senior men)
| U16 Girls @ tournament in Scotland
2014/15 | U13 Boys @ Tournoi Henri Seux in Ardres, France
| U17 Boys @ tournament hosted by Krvavec in Cerklje, Slovenia
2015/16 | Duquesne University (D1 from Pennsylvania, USA) play Galway selection
| U13 Boys @ Tournoi Henri Seux in Ardres, France
| U14 Girls play a series of friendlies in Badalona, Spain
| U18 Boys play a series of friendlies in Badalona, Spain

Photo: Ardres, France 1999

Photo: U’14 Girls in Luxembourg 2002

Photo: Size matchup problems in France for Moycullen U’13 Boys in 2013

Photo: Michael Dowd (on right) V Goettingen of Germany in Vienna 2000

Photo: Moycullen and the Ivory Coast Teams in France 2008

Photo: Girls U’15 in Slovakia 2006

Photo: John Cunningham and Michelle Hurney on the Ferry to France with the U’13 Boys in 2000

Photo: U’13 Boys on route to France in 2001

Photo: U’16 Boys in Slovakia 2006

Photo: Local TV interviewing Cian Nihill in Luxembourg 2002

Photo: U’15 Girls head to Luxembourg in 2004

SENIOR NATIONAL COMPETITION COACHES AND PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS

| Coach | Player
1996/97- | Gerry Nihill |
1997/98- | John Cunningham (player coach) |
1998/99- | John Cunningham (player coach) |
1999/00- | Joe Coughlan |
2000/01- | Doughlas Collins |
2001/02- | Doughlas Collins |
2002/03- | Joe Couglan | Fergus Intemann (Cal-Davis, D2 USA)
| Nollaig Cunningham |
2003/04- | Ciaran Murphy | Adrian Walsh (Canada)
2004/05- | Gerry Nihill | Adrian Walsh (Canada)
2005/06- | Gerry Nihill | Aaron Sansoni(Australia)
2006/07- | Gerry Nihill | Adrian Walsh (Canada)
2007/08- | Zbigniew Mardon |
2008/09- | Zbigniew Mardon |
2009/10- | Enda Byrt | Simon Harris (NC State, D1 USA)
|  | Nate Fritsch (Bentley, D2 USA)
|  | Puff Summers (Davidson, D1 USA)
2010/11- | Enda Byrt | Mason Ambler (Coker, D2 USA)
2011/12- | Gerald Lyons | Luke Enos (Black Hills State, NAIA, USA)
2012/13- | Salva Camps | Pat Sullivan (Hamilton College, D3 USA)
2013/14- | Salva Camps | Mike Callaghan (Wesleyan, D3 USA)
2014/15- | Salva Camps |
2015/16- | Nollaig Cunningham | Andy Burns (Villars Basket, Switzerland)
|  | Raheem Lemons (Central State, D2 USA)

Photo: Fergus Intemann

Photo: Adrian Walsh

Photo: Aaron Santoni

Photo: Simon Harris

Photo: Nate Fritch

Photo: Puff Summers

Photo: Mason Ambler

Photo: Luke Enos

Photo: Patrick Sullivan

Photo: Mike Callaghan

Photo: Raheem Lemons

Photo: Andy Burns

Moycullen Basketball - Team Awards and Achievements

1966 - 2016

*National Championships/Notable Awards highlighted in BOLD

* Competitions are shown in italics

NATIONAL |  | LOCAL
Seaon | Award/ Achievement | Season | Award/ Achievement
1966/67 | Club Formed |  |
1968/69 |  | 1968/69 | Galway Senior League:
|  |  | Men’s Div 2 Finalists
|  |  | Ladies Div 2 Finalists
|  |  | Men’s Div 3 Finalists
1969/70 |  | 1969/70 | Galway Senior League:
|  |  | Men’s Div 3 Winners
|  |  | Ladies Div 2 Finalists
1970/71 |  | 1970/71 | Galway Senior League:
|  |  | Mens City League Winners
1980/81 |  | 1980/81 | Galway Senior League:
|  |  | Men’s County Plate Winners
1982/83 |  | 1982/83 | Galway Senior League:
|  |  | Men’s Div 2 Winners
1986/87 | Dropped out of competition |  |
1989/90 | Re-entered Senior competition and | 1989/90 | Galway Senior League:
| Youth section formed |  | Mens Div 2 Winners
1990/91 |  | 1990/91 | First Community Games entry
1991/92 |  | 1991/92 | Galway Senior League:
|  |  | Men’s Div 2 Winners
1992/93 | National Community Games: | 1992/93 | Moycullen Invitational T’ment:
| U16 Boys 4th place |  | Men’s Winners
| Connacht Community Games: |  | Galway Community Games:
| U16 Boys Winners |  | U16 Boys Winners
1993/94 |  | 1993/94 | Galway Community Games:
|  |  | U16 Girls Winners
|  |  | U16 Boys Finalists
|  |  | U13 Girls Winners
1994/95 | Ennistymon Invitiation T'ment | 1994/95 | Galway Community Games:
| Men’s Winners |  | U16 Girls Winners
| Cork County Board T’ment: |  | U13 Girls Winners
| U17 “Billy Kelly” Boys Quarter Finalists |  |
1995/96 | Ennistymon Invitiational T'ment: | 1995/96 | Galway Senior League:
| Men’s Finalists |  | Men’s Div 1 Runners Up
| Ballinrobe Invitiational T'ment: |  | Galway Senior Cup:
| Men’s Finalists |  | Men’s Finalists
| U19 National Cup: |  | Galway Community Games:
| Mens 'B' Semi - Finalists |  | U16 Boys Winners
| Longford Invitational T'ment: |  | U13 Boys Winners
| U17 Boys Winners |  |
| Maree Invitational T'ment: |  |
| U15 Girls Winners |  |
| Youth Connacht League launched

NATIONAL |  | LOCAL
1996/97 | Basketball Ireland Award: | 1996/97 | Galway Senior Cup:
| Club of the Year |  | Men’s Winners
| National Community Games: |  | Galway Senior League:
| U16 Girls Winners |  | Men’s Div 1 Runners Up
| National League: |  | Galway Youth Leagues Founded
| Men’s Intermediate Entry |  | Galway Youth League:
| National Inter-Area T’ment: |  | U13 Boys Winners
| Men’s Semi Finalists |  | U11 Boys Winners
| Ennistymon Invitational T'ment: |  | Galway Community Games:
| Men’s Winners |  | U16 Boys Winners
| Gort Invitational T'ment: |  | U16 Girls Winners
| Men’sFinalists |  | U13 Boys Winners
| National Cup: |  |
| U19 Mens 'B' Semi – Finalists |  |
| Club Invitational T’ment – NUIG: |  |
| U19 Men’s Finalist |  |
| European Challenge – Limerick: |  |
| U19 Ladies Winners |  |
| U19 Men’s Semi - Finalists |  |
| Carrigaline Invitational T'ment: |  |
| U17 Girls Winners |  |
| Castlebar Invitational T'ment: |  |
| U16 Girls Winners |  |
| National Inter Area T’ment: |  |
| U17 Boys Semi Finalists |  |
| Connacht Community Games: |  |
| U16 Girls Winners |  |
1997/98 | Ballinrobe Invitational T'ment: | 1997/98 | Galway Senior League:
| Men’s Winners |  | Men’s Div 1 Winners
| Castleisland Christmas Blitz: |  | Galway Senior Cup:
| U11 Boys Winners |  | Men’s Winners
| National Community Games: |  | Galway Youth League:
| U16 Girls 3rd place |  | U15 Boys Winners
| Connacht Community Games: |  | U11 Boys Winners
| U16 Girls Winners |  | U11 Girls Winners
| Moycullen website launched |  | Galway Community Games:
|  |  | U16 Girls Winners
|  |  | U13 Boys Winners
1998/99 | National League: | 1998/99 | Galway Senior League:
| Div 1 Men’s Entry |  | Men’s Div 1 Winners
| Mens Semi Finalists |  | Galway Senior Cup:
| Ennistymon Invitational T'ment: |  | Men’s Winners
| Men’s Winners |  | Galway Youth League:
| Sligo Invitational T'ment: |  | U13 Boys Winners
| U17 Boys Winners |  | U11 Boys Winners
| St Colms Invitational T'ment: |  | Galway Community Games:
| U17 Girls Winners |  | U13 Boys Winners
| Moycullen Invitational T'ment: |  |
| U11 Girls Winners |  |
| National Community Games: |  |
| U13 Boys Finalists |  |
| Connacht Community Games:
| U13 Boys Winners

NATIONAL |  | LOCAL |
1990/00 | Basketball Ireland Award: | 1990/00 | Galway Senior League:
| Club of the Year |  | Men’s Div. 1 Winners
| All Ireland Club Championship: |  | Galway Senior Cup:
| Men’s Winners |  | Men’s Winners
| National Regional Cup |  | Galway Community Games:
| U19 Girls Winners |  | U16 Boys Winners
| National Community Games: |  | U13 Boys Winners
| U13 Boys Winners |  |
| National League: |  |
| Men’s Div. 1 Runners Up |  |
| National Regional Cup: |  |
| U19 Boys Runners Up |  |
| National Community Games: |  |
| U16 Boys 4th place |  |
| Connacht Community Games: |  |
| U16 Boys Winners |  |
| U13 Boys Winners |  |
2000/01 | All Ireland Club Championship: | 2000/01 | Galway Senior League:
| Men’s Connacht Winners |  | Men’s Div 1 Winners
| Cork County Board T’ment: |  | Galway Youth League:
| U12 Boys Winners |  | U13 Boys Winners
| U15 Boys I’mediate Winners |  | Galway Community Games:
|  |  | U16 Boys Winners
|  |  | U13 Boys Winners
2001/02 | Cork County Board T’ment: | 2001/02 | Galway Senior League:
| U15 Boys Winners |  | Men’s Div 1 Winners
| U15 Boys I’mediate Winners |  | Galway Community Games:
| Moycullen Invitational T'ment |  | U16 Boys Winners
| U15 Boys Winners |  |
| Ballina Invitational T'ment |  |
| U15 Boys Winners |  |
| Oranmore Invitational T'ment |  |
| U14 Boys Winners |  |
2002/03 | Galway Bay FM Award: | 2002/03 | Galway Senior League:
| Indoor Sports Club of Year |  | Men’s Div 1 Winners
| National League: |  | Galway Youth League:
| Men’s Div 1 Runners Up |  | U15 Boys Winners
| Cork County Board T’ment: |  | U15 Girls Plate Winners
| U17 “Billy Kelly” Boys Finalists |  | U14 Girls Plate Winners
| U15 Boys I’mediate Winners |  |
| U15 Boys Winners |  |
| Longford Invitational T'ment: |  |
| U17 Boys Finalists |  |
| Tralee Invitational T'ment: |  |
| U16 Girls Winners |  |
2003/04 | All Ireland Club Championship: | 2003/04 | Galway Senior League:
| Men’s Finalists |  | Men’s Div 1 Winners
| Cork County Board T’ment: |  | Galway Senior Cup:
| U17 “Billy Kelly” Boys Finalists |  | Men’s Winners
| Longford Invitational T'ment |  | Galway Youth League:
| U17 Boys Winners |  | U16 Boys Winners
2004/05 | National League: | 2004/05 | Galway Senior Cup:
| Men’s Ireland Conf. Winners |  | Men’s Winners
| Men’s Div. 1 Finalists |  | Ladies Winners
| Maree Invitational T'ment: |  | Galway Youth League:
| U18 Boys Winners |  | U16 Girls Runners Up
| Cork County Board T’ment: |  | U14 Girls Runners Up
| U17 “Billy Kelly” Boys Finalists |  | Galway Youth Cup:
| U17 Boys I’mediate Winners |  | U16 Boys Cup Finalists
|  |  | U16 Girls Cup Finalists
|  |  | U15 Boys Cup Winners
|  |  | U14 Girls Cup Finalists
2005/06 |  | 2005/06 | Galway Senior Cup:
|  |  | Men’s Winners
|  |  | Galway Youth League:
|  |  | U12 Boys Winners
2006/07 | National League: | 2006/07 | Galway Senior Cup:
| Men’s Div 1 Finalists |  | Men’s Winners
| Cork County Board T’ment: |  | Galway Youth League:
| U14 Boys Winners |  | U14 Boys Winners
| U12 Boys Finalists |  | U14 Girls Plate Winners
|  |  | U13 Boys Winners
|  |  | U12 Boys Winners
2007/08 | National Cup | 2007/08 |
| U20 Men’s Winners |  |
| National League: |  |
| Men’s Div 1 Semi Finalists |  |
| Cork County Board T’ment: |  |
| U17 “Billy Kelly” Boys Semi |  |
| U13 Boys Winners |  |
| Sligo Invitational T'ment: |  |
| U12 Boys Winners |  |
2008/09 | National Cup | 2008/09 | Galway Senior League:
| Div 1 Men’s Winners |  | Ladies Div. 1 Winners
| National League: |  | Galway Community Games:
| Men’s Div 1 Semi Finalists |  | U13 Boys Winners
| National Cup: |  | U13 Girls Winners
| U18 Boys Shield Winners |  |
| Cork County Board T’ment: |  |
| U14 Boys Winners |  |
| National Community Games: |  |
| U13 Boys 3rd place |  |
| Connacht Community Games: |  |
| U13 Boys Winners |  |
2009/10 | National League: | 2009/10 | Galway Youth League:
| Superleague Entry |  | U13 Girls Winners
| Galway Bay FM Award: |  | Galway Community Games:
| Basketball Club of Year |  | U13 Girls Winners
| Basketball Ireland Award: |  |
| Best Supported in Superleague |  |
| National Community Games: |  |
| U13 Girls Finalists |  |
| Connacht Community Games: |  |
| U13 Girls Winners |  |
2010/11 | All Ireland Club Championships: | 2010/11 | Galway Youth League:
| U16 Boys Winners |  | U16 Boys Winners
| National Community Games: |  | U15 Boys Winners
| U16 Boys Winners |  | U14 Girls Winners
| Cork County Board T’ment: |  | U13 Girls Winners
| U17 Boys Finalists |  | Galway Youth Cup:
| U16 Boys Winners |  | U16 Boys Winners
| U15 Boys Finalists |  | U15 Boys Winners
| Longford Invitational T'ment: |  | U14 Boys Winners
| U17 Boys Winners |  | Galway Community Games:
| National Community Games: |  | U16 Boys Winners
| U13 Girls Finalists |  | U13 Girls Winners
| Connacht Community Games: |  |
| U16 Boys Winners |  |
| U13 Girls Winners |  |
2011/12 | All Ireland Club Championships: | 2011/12 | Galway Senior League:
| U14 Girls Winners |  | Men’s Div 1 Winners
| U16 Boys 3rd Place |  | Galway Senior Cup:
| Limerick Invitational T'ment: |  | Men’s Winners
| U14 Girls Winners |  | Ladies Runners Up
| National Community Games: |  | Galway Youth League:
| U16 Girls Finalists |  | U15 Girls Winners
| U11 Mixed Finalists |  | U14 Girls Winners
| Connacht Community Games: |  | Galway Community Games:
| U16 Girls Winners |  | U16 Girls Winners
| U11 Mixed Winners |  | U11 Mixed Winners
2012/13 | Basketball Ireland Award: | 2012/13 | Galway Youth League:
| Club of the Year |  | U16 Boys Winners
| National Cup: |  | U16 Girls Winners
| U18 Boys Finalists |  | U15 Girls Winners
| Cork County Board T’ment: |  | U14 Boys Winners
| U18 Boys Finalists |  | U14 Girls Winners
| U16 Boys Winners |  | U13 Boys Winners
| U12 Boys Runners Up |  | U12 Boys Winners
| Limerick Invitational T'ment: |  | Galway Community Games:
| U16 Boys Winners |  | U14 Girls Winners
| All Ireland Club Championships: |  | U13 Boys Winners
| U16 Boys Div 2 Winners |  |
| U14 Girls Div 3 Winners |  |
| National Community Games: |  |
| U13 Boys 3rd Place |  |
| Connacht Community Games: |  |
| U13 Boys Winners |  |
2013/14 | All Ireland Club Championships: | 2013/14 | Galway Youth League:
| U16 Girls Winners |  | U17 Boys Winners
| National Community Games: |  | U17 Girls Winners
| U13 Boys Winners |  | U16 Girls Winners
| All Ireland Club Championships: |  | U15 Girls Winners
| U14 Boys Runners Up |  | U15 Boys Winners
| National Cup: |  | U14 Boys Winners
| U18 Boys Shield Finalists |  | U14 Girls Winners
| Cork County Board T’ment: |  | U13 Boys Winners
| U17 “Billy Kelly” Boys Semi |  | Galway Youth Cup:
| U13 Boys Winners |  | U14 Boys Winners
| Connacht Community Games: |  | U14 Girls Winners
| U13 Boys Winners |  | Galway Community Games:
|  |  | U13 Boys Winners
2014/15 | National League: | 2014/15 | Galway Youth League:
| Men’s Div 1 Winners |  | U18 Boys Winners
| National Cup: |  | U17 Boys Winners
| U20 Men’s Winners |  | U16 Boys Winners
| Cork County Board T’ment: |  | U15 Boys Winners
| U17 Boys “Billy Kelly” Winners |  | U14 Boys Winners
| National Community Games: |  | Galway Youth Cup:
| U16 Boys Winners |  | U14 Boys Winners
| All Ireland Club Championships: |  | Galway Community Games:
| U14 Boys Winners |  | U16 Boys Winners
| National Cup: |  |
| Men’s Div 1 Finalists |  |
| U18 Men’s Semi Finalists |  |
| U18 Girls Shield Finalists |  |
| All Ireland Club Championships: |  |
| U16 Boys Div 2 Runners Up |  |
| Cork County Board T’ment: |  |
| U20 Men’s Finalists |  |
| U18 Men’s Semi Finalists |  |
| U14 Boys Winners |  |
| “Emmett Neville” T’ment: |  |
| U14 Boys Winners |  |
| Connacht Community Games: |  |
| U16 Boys Winners |  |
2015/16 | Galway Bay FM Award: | 2015/16 | Galway Senior League:
| Sports Club of Year |  | Men’s Div 1 Winners
| National Cup: |  | Galway Youth League:
| U20 Men’s Semi Finalists |  | U16 Boys Winners
| U18 Men’s Finalists |  | U15 Boys Winners
| U18 Women’s Shield Winners |  | U15 Girls B Winners
| National Community Games: |  | U12 Girls “Fr Manning” 3x3 Winners
| U16 Boys Runners Up |  | Galway Community Games:
| U13 Girls 3rd place |  | U16 Boys Winners
| Connacht Community Games: |  | U13 Girls Winners
| U16 Boys Winners |  |
| U13 Girls Winners

Document Outline

Book Cover

History Of Moycullen Basketball Club

Contents

Introduction

Foreward

Cumann Cispheile Mhaigh Cuilinn

The Early Years, 1966 -1977

The Revival and Rebound, 1978 - 1988

Expansion and Ambition, 1988 - 2008

The Super League Era 2009-2016

Memories and Individual Reflections

The Blitz

Blitz Hall of Fame

It said in the Papers

Honours and Achievements