Emer Howard appointed Ireland U16 Men's Head Coach

Basketball Ireland's Elite Performance Committtee (EPC) has appointed Emer Howard as Ireland U16 men's head coach for the 2024/25 international season. 

Howard is a former Irish international who featured at every age level during her career. She played for four years at NCCA Division 1 programme Fordham University, spending two seasons as a team captain, before going on to play professionially in the BBL.

As a coach - she was most recently involved as an assistant coach on the Ireland U18 men's team as they recorded a 5-3 record and a historic 11th place finish at FIBA Youth EuroBasket 2024. Previously she has been an assistant coach on the Ireland U20 women's team during their FIBA Youth EuroBasket campaign in 2017, as well as coaching underage basketball at clubs including Tolka Rovers, Drogheda Wolves and Swords BC over the last 15 years. 

Basketball Ireland's Elite Performance Committee (EPC) have appointed Emer Howard to the position of Ireland U16 Men's Head Coach for the 2024/25 season! 🔋

Welcome, @emerology 🤝#Greenmeansgo ☘️ | #IrishBasketball

— Basketball Ireland (@BballIrl) September 11, 2024

"Thanks to the Elite Performance Commitee for the opportunity to lead the Ireland U16 men’s programme to next summer’s FIBA Youth EuroBasket," said Howard following her announcement. "There is nothing more special than wearing the Ireland jersey and I look forward to building a team (of players and staff) that is equally as proud and as hungry to perform at its best for our country."

She replaces Paul Kelleher as head coach after he decided to step away from underage international coaching after two decades earlier this month. His team achieved a 17th place finish with a 3-4 record at the most recent FIBA Youth EuroBasket in August.

Chairperson of the Elite Performance Committee (EPC) Deirdre Brennan added: "We are thrilled to appoint Emer to her first national team head coaching position. She was excellent during the selection process and was able to evidence significant learnings from her previous experiences as assistant coach on national team programmes and in particular the Ireland U18 men's programme this past year. We are excited to see how she brings all her knowledge and expertise to elevate our young talent and prepare them for FIBA Youth EuroBasket in 2025."