Ireland look abroad as kit deal boosts finances

Irish basketball has taken its first tentative steps towards a return to senior international action.

Basketball Ireland yesterday announced a deal with leisurewear suppliers Macron for the international programmes. The deal ensures eight underage international teams will continue to participate over the next three years.

The U16 boys’ and girls’ teams will play abroad this year while the other six teams will travel to games over the next 18 months as a result of the financial support from Macron.

Ireland’s senior men’s side almost won promotion to Division A of the EuroBasket in 2005 but the sport has suffered from the economic recession and in 2010, with a funding deficit of €1.2m, Basketball Ireland withdrew the international sides from competition.

Yesterday’s positive news follows on from a SuperLeague select side’s victory over a British Basketball League selection earlier this year and there are plans to send a Women’s SuperLeague select side to Luxembourg in May.

“It is an excellent partnership for Basketball Ireland and a vote of confidence in the positive direction that the sport continues to take in Ireland,” said Basketball Ireland secretary general Bernard O’Byrne.

“It is the perfect time to announce the deal as our international teams that are preparing for the European Championships enter the final stages of their training programmes. We look forward to seeing them play this summer against some of the best in Europe, kitted out in Macron gear.”