Fitzpatrick appointed new Irish coach

Gerry Fitzpatrick has been appointed head coach of the Irish senior men's basketball team following the decision of Bill Dooley to return to the United States in August.

Fitzpatrick has been Dooley's assistant coach throughout the qualifying and semi-final stages of the European Championships.

Irish Basketball Association chief executive Debbie Massey said: "We are all very sad to be saying goodbye to Bill who has made history with the team by reaching the European Championship semi-finals for the first time, but we always knew he would be returning to his native America on completion of his two-year contract.

"We are very pleased Gerry has agreed to bring the team through the next five games at this stage of the campaign which take place in November 2002 and January 2003."

Dooley will take up a position as Head Coach at Delaware Valley College on his return to America.

The IBA is currently conducting what it calls a 'root-and-branch review' of the sport in Ireland and will publish a five-year strategic plan in October.