Coach has eyes on medal for Ireland

IRELAND may have lost their first two basketball games in their respective groups at the ESB Arena yesterday, but head coach Anne Marie Whelan is confident they can come away with medals.

In the men’s competition, the Ireland 3 team went under by a mere four points to tournament favourites, Kuwait, (35-39) while the Ireland 4 team also lost by a similar margin to France (22-26).

“We are still hopeful we can come away with a medal but, if not, it is the participation at the end of the day and the enjoyment of it that is really important,” said Whelan. “At the moment, Kazakhstan and Kuwait appear to be the favourites. They are a tough bunch, but I have every confidence in my athletes. They are going to go out and enjoy themselves and really put their hearts and souls into it and do themselves and their country proud.”