The Board of Basketball NI and the wider basketball community word like to send their heart felt condolences to the family, friends, teammates and coaches of David Durkan.
David had a unbelievable talent for basketball which was highlighted throughout his young playing career.
In January 2012 David led St. Mary’s CBGS, Belfast, to their first Schools All-Ireland U19B Schools Cup Final. Putting in an MVP performance scoring 40 points against St. Conleths claiming the Schools Cup in Dublin at the National Basketball Arena!
He is most famously known for winning the first,
and only, The ESPN Courtside Collective Slam Dunk contest were he scored 10’s across the board, as his final dunk saw him jump over two of he’s St Mary’s Team mates to raise the roof off of UU Sports Complex.
A member of Lisburn City Basketball Club, now Phoenix Basketball Club, he had recent been involved in some coaching and mentoring of players.
BNI Vice Chair, Marc Mulholland, who had coached David in St Mary’s CBGS, had this to say about him, “David had a smile that could light up any arena he played in or room he walked into. His talents on the court were matched by his work ethic and his humble approach to learning and playing the game he loved.
His talents off the court were equally matched. He had a huge heart and concern for people around him. Working to help people in his local community through his friends over at the Foodstock in West Belfast.
We will remember him as a fantastic person, player, teammate and friend to many and as a co founder of the Jaffa Cake time-out. Our thoughts and prayers go to his mum Mary , brother Stephen, his wider family, friends and team mates . May he rest in peace.”
Durkan David died suddenly 16th April 2023. Beloved son of Mary and the late Les, much loved brother of Stephen.
David’s remains will arrive at St Teresa’s Church on Thursday for 11am Requiem Mass followed by burial at Milltown Cemetery. Deeply regretted by his loving family circle. House strictly private. Family Flowers only . Donations in lieu to Foodstock c/o Healy Brothers Funeral Directors 56 Andersonstown Road Belfast BT11 9AN Tel: 028 90309333.
Photos The Courtside Collective
