Loss of DCU Mercy throws shadow over launch of new season

DCU Mercy had won women’s league titles and national cups but like Dundalk in the League of Ireland, their demise shows how even the ‘biggest’ can come a cropper.

NEW SEASON: Guranabraher Credit Union Brunell's Jordan Vasquez at the National Basketball Arena for National League launch. Pic: ©INPHO/James Crombie

Tuesday afternoon at the National Basketball Arena and the place is a riot of colour, smiles and flash photography as players and coaches converge from across the length and breadth of the country for the annual launch of the men’s and women’s leagues.

The sense of renewal that comes with this time of year permeates the very boards and beams of the arena itself given it will soon be redeveloped from jaded venue into state-of-the-art stadium courtesy of a €38m redevelopment.