Basketball Northern Ireland would like to wish the very best of luck to everyone representing Ireland at the FIBA European Masters Championships in Athens over the next 10 days.
We are especially proud to recognise our Basketball NI representatives:
- 🏀 Andrew Dolliver – Player, Men’s 50+ Team
- 🏀 Robert McMurran – Player, Men’s 50+ Team
- 🏀 Aidan McGahan – Player, Men’s 60+ Team
- 🏀 Darren O’Neill – Coach, Men’s 45+ Team
- 🏀 Aoibhin O’Neill – Team Manager, Men’s 45+ Team
- 🏀 Niall McDermott – Coach, Men’s 60+ Team
A special congratulations goes to Andrew Dolliver and Aidan McGahan, who will all proudly pull on the Ireland jersey once again and add to their international caps and congratulations to Robert McMurran earning his first Cap.
Andrew has enjoyed an outstanding playing career with Queen’s Basketball in both the National League and Basketball Northern Ireland’s Premier League. Today he continues to give back to the game as an underage coach with Queen’s Basketball, helping to develop the next generation of players.
Robert McMurran represented both Belfast Star and Queen’s Basketball at National League level and has been a familiar face across Basketball Northern Ireland for many years. He has now been rewarded with the opportunity to represent Ireland on the international stage.
Aidan McGahan has made an exceptional contribution to sport throughout his lifetime. A former Super League player during the golden era of Irish basketball with Tyrone Basketball Club, Aidan has also given countless hours to the game as a coach, referee and volunteer. Away from basketball he has also been heavily involved in Gaelic games, making him one of the most respected sporting figures in the Tyrone community. His continued involvement with Tyrone Towers Basketball Club is a testament to his lifelong commitment to developing sport.
Their continued commitment to the game and the opportunity to represent Ireland on the international stage is a fantastic achievement and one that inspires the next generation of players.
Leading Ireland’s Men’s 45+ team is Darren O’Neill, whose coaching résumé speaks for itself. Darren has enjoyed success with some of Ireland’s leading clubs, including St Gall’s, Belfast Star, Killester, UCD Marian and DCU Saints. He guided Belfast Star to the 1997/98 Super League title, returned for another successful spell between 2016 and 2020, and has coached both the Irish Senior Men’s National Team and Ireland Under-20 Men. His appointment as Head Coach of Ireland’s inaugural Men’s 45+ Masters team is another fitting milestone in an outstanding coaching career.
Supporting the team is Aoibhin O’Neill, who takes on the role of Team Manager. Having grown up immersed in basketball, Aoibhin has contributed to the game as both a player, qualified referee and table official, and now plays a vital role ensuring everything behind the scenes runs smoothly for the Irish team.
Completing Basketball NI’s representation is Niall McDermott, who leads Ireland’s Men’s 60+ team. Originally from Derry and a proud North Star Basketball Club member, Niall has enjoyed success across Irish basketball, most recently leading Limerick Eagles to Division One Coach of the Year honours, a Southern Conference title and National Cup success. His experience also includes coaching Basketball Ireland’s Under-16 Girls National Team at FIBA European Championships, as well as previous experience within FIMBA Masters competition.
From everyone at Basketball Northern Ireland, we wish Team Ireland every success in Athens.
We hope you all enjoy the experience and make us proud! 🇮🇪☘️🏀
For a full schedule of events follow @basketballirelandmasters on instagram!