Ian Lynch appointed as head coach of the Ireland U18 women's national team

Ian Lynch has been appointed as the new head coach of Ireland’s U18 women’s national team, which will participate in next summer's FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket. 

Lynch is currently the head coach of Dublin Raiders men’s team in the BIDL and the DMBB Division 1. He previously served as head coach of Swords Thunder in Domino’s Women’s Division One, and most recently was part of the coaching staff at Griffith College Éanna, helping them secure the 2023/24 Men’s Super League title.

Internationally, Ian is currently the head coach of the Ireland U15 girls team, recently guiding them to second place at the Four Nations tournament. He has also served as assistant coach for three FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket squads and has been a longstanding contributor to the Basketball Ireland Academy, working across the U14, U17, and now the U15 girls Leinster Regional Programme.

 Ian Lynch at the U20 Men's National League Plate final between Belfast Star and Griffith College Éanna in 2023

"I’m incredibly honoured and proud to accept the role of Head Coach for the Irish U18 Women's basketball team. It’s a privilege to work with such talented young athletes and represent our country on the international stage. I’m committed to building a team culture rooted in hard work, resilience, and unity — and I can’t wait to get started."

- Ian Lynch, Ireland U18 Women's National Team Head Coach 

Deirdre Brennan, Chair of the Elite Performance Committee, added: "The Elite Performance Committee is delighted to appoint Ian Lynch as Head Coach of the Ireland U18 Women's national team. Ian has been working towards this for a few years by taking every opportunity to learn and refine his coaching craft by operating as an assistant coach at several U16 Women’s FIBA Youth EuroBasket's as well as contributing to Basketball Ireland academies; he has earned this. We congratulate him and look forward to supporting him in his new leadership role."