Ireland set to put on show
The squad went down 63-57 to the American ‘Victory Scholars’ last weekend in Dublin, proving a valuable step towards June’s FIBA European Championships for small countries in Gibraltar. It was the first senior women’s international since the enforced axeing of the programme in 2009. Crucially, though, the programme is being funded by the players themselves to a large degree.
“It’s great to be back and that’s the first thing,” reflected Ireland’s head coach, Mark Scannell. “We wanted to play the Victory Scholars because we knew we were going to get good matches. We trained hard before the game and maybe left a little of ourselves on the practise court, but we’ve two games left to try and get the win.”
Scannell got 12 players on the floor with 10 scoring and 15 points coming from the bench, including a couple of baskets from Brunell’s Amy Waters in the third quarter..
A sizable crowd helped the Irish side reel in a deficit. Áine McKenna came up with a big triple and some quick transition opened things up for Aoife McDermott, Casey Grace and Michelle Clarke.
Added Scannell: “People will see how challenging these games are going to be. They want to win as much as we do and they have eight or nine top American Division One college players. They way they move and shoot the ball is great preparation for us and a treat to watch for the fans. It’s about trying to gel the team now. We’ll be a little further down the road when we play them again in Cork and Waterford next week.”
Scannell’s squad for June is largely self-funded and the prep games will help finance the Euro expedition. In another initiative, they have asked all basketball clubs and corporates to become part of the programme with €100 donations.
“The girls themselves are also going to look at some sponsorship through their corporate and third level contacts,” added Scannell.
“We are indebted to all the clubs who have helped get behind our efforts with game promotion and free gyms. The Mardyke Arena has been brilliant, allowing our players access to such a facility and giving us the gym for our initial trial and for some training weekends,” he added.
“We are representing all our clubs and blazing a new trail at senior level for all the young players in each club to aspire to. Bring international basketball around the country has been a humbling and very rewarding experience for all of us. We really hope we can put on a great show in Waterford and Cork this weekend.”
Ireland v Victory Scholars, Mercy, Waterford, 6pm
Ireland vs Victory Scholars, Parochial Hall, Cork, 2pm
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