O’Byrne pleads for calm at Friday move for finals

BASKETBALL Ireland’s chief executive Bernard O’Byrne has appealed to its clubs “not to go to war” over the Superleague National Cup finals’ move to a Friday night.

The governing body changed a 25-year tradition of playing the finals on a Sunday evening after securing a three-year TV deal with Setanta.

However, with the ladies final fixed for 7.15pm on Friday, February 3, followed by the men’s final between UCC Demons and UL Eagles at 9.15pm, it has added huge logistical problems for the Munster clubs.

“At the last count, we had about 200 emails from around the country that were positive and congratulated us, with the exception of Demons and UL,” O’Byrne said last night.

“We’re appealing to the two clubs, and will be talking to them in private, to take the long view. This is a great thing for Irish basketball and we will talk in next few days. There is no need to go to war over this.

“There will be some pain in the initial move but you have to address realities. If it was a one-year deal I could understand but this is a three-year deal and puts basketball on a platform. It was a huge disappointment to be dumped by the national broadcaster but that’s what we’re dealing with.”

Byrne plans to introduce a variety of incentives to attract a crowd to the games.

“We had a two-hour meeting today discussing all the initiatives we are going to role out. While I accept UL have a small following, Demons have a huge following and over the next few days we will talk to both clubs and resolve the issue together.

“The cup final is an attractive feature and will attract people to come up to Dublin and make a weekend out of it. People that don’t usually go to basketball games.”

He is hoping Friday nights will become basketball nights in the Irish sporting psyche.

“The move to Friday nights should mean a wider audience and will attract more participants, fans and sponsors. One of the problems with Sunday was we were going against major sports.

“Two years ago Liverpool were playing Manchester United at the same time as the finals so we have to be realistic. Friday can become basketball nights.”