NABC rename U20 Women's National Cup in honour of the late Ken Clarke

The National Area Boards Committee (NABC) is renaming the U20 Women’s National Cup to the “Ken Clarke U20 Women's National Cup”, in memory of the late Ken Clarke, who passed away in September.

The announcement comes ahead of the Ken Clarke U20 Women's National Cup final between Tralee Magic and East Cavan Eagles, which takes place on Bank Holiday Monday at the National Basketball Arena.

Clarke had a high involvement in different aspects of basketball in Ireland including many years as Chairperson of Dublin Men’s Basketball Board, held numerous positions on different National League Committee’s, the DMBB rep on the NABC and gave decades of work for his beloved Killester Basketball Club.

Chair of the NABC, Jason Thornton, said: “The entire National Area Boards Committee wished to acknowledge the impact that Ken Clarke had on basketball in this country and putting his name to the U20 Women’s National Cup is a fitting tribute to both him and his family. He put years of voluntary work into our sport and we’re overjoyed to have his name honoured within Basketball Ireland.”

Michelle Clarke, Ken’s daughter and Irish international, said;

“Our family is incredibly proud that the U20 Women’s National Cup will carry Dad’s name. He gave decades of his time to basketball, always focused on helping the sport grow and thrive across the country. He believed in fairness, collaboration, and putting players first—regardless of club or county. To see his legacy recognised in this way means the world to us.”

President of Basketball Ireland, Margaret Miley, added: “Ken is a great loss to our basketball family and this move by the NABC to rename the U20 Women’s National Cup in his honour is a welcome one. He gave so much of his time volunteering for our game and this is a fitting tribute.”

The Ken Clarke U20 Women's National Cup final between Tralee Magic face East Cavan Eagles tips off at 2pm and tickets are available to purchase here.