Aoibheann Donnelly
Aoibheann has been selected for her third Irish program in a row after captaining the U16 Women’s team last year. In the tournament in Turkey, Aoibheann led in both scoring (14.9 per game, placing her 11th among all players) and rebounding (5.7) for the team. She featured for the Phoenix National League team last season, playing significant minutes and contributing at both ends of the floor. Aoibheann is a product of Belfast Star and continues their fine tradition of producing national team athletes. An exceptional athlete and defender, she has added an outside threat to her game, shooting 37.5% from the 3-point line in the European Championships. She continues to be a great ambassador for women’s basketball in Northern Ireland, and we wish her every success for the upcoming European Championships in Vilnius/Alytus from July 4th to 13th.
Hannah Cassin
Hannah, from Queens BC, has been selected for Paul O’Brien’s U16 Women’s team, which will be competing in the European Championships in Istanbul from August 20th–29th. Hannah was a member of the Team NI U15 Women’s team that defeated Wales twice last July, showcasing her outstanding athletic ability and gutsy defensive prowess in those closely contested games. Coached by Team NI U17 Women’s coach Paddy McGaharan at OLSPCK, Hannah is also captain of the Down U16 football team and a member of Carryduff GAA. The BNI community will be fully behind her as she embarks on her national team journey.
Hannah’s mother would also like to acknowledge the support received for training and other expenses:
“Thank you to you and your team for the support with the applications — Hannah received a training award from the GLL Foundation and £300 from the Mary Peters Fund.”
Andy Gill, BNI Performance Pathway Co-Ordinator and former national team coach who is currently Head Coach of the Ireland U17 Women’s Academy, commented:
“Both Aoibheann and Hannah are fantastic young women with skills and attributes worthy of national team selection. I know how hard the journey is and the hours of dedication required from both the players and their parents and supporters. Aoibheann has extensive experience in national team play and will be an important component of Tommy’s U18 team. Hannah is at the start of her national team journey, but I am sure that with the support around her, she will be a great asset to Paul’s team.”