Irish basketballers suffer defeats

Ireland’s men and women’s international basketball teams both suffered defeats today in their European Championship matches against Slovakia and Sweden respectively.

The men came away from a tense battle against the much fancied Slovakians with just a three point loss, while the women were disappointed to go down 87-62 to a strong Swedish team.

The Irish men had travelled to Bratislava hoping to claim their third win in eight days after victories against Malta and Switzerland.

"This group now comes down to the second half of the tournament next year, and we’re really only four points off qualifying,” said Irish men's coach Gerry Fitzpatrick.

Earlier in the day the women had a disappointing start to their European Championships against Sweden in Sodertalje.

The Swedes really turned the screw in the third quarter and were much superior on the inside and were quicker all around the court. A big team, they were simply too powerful for the Irish. Eventually winning 87-62.