Notice of upcoming election of Directors to the Board of Basketball Ireland 2026

Following a nomination period for the upcoming vacant spaces on the Basketball Ireland Board of Directors, three nominations have been received to fill the two vacancies on the Board. 

The validated nominees are:

Seamas Donnelly:

Background: 

Seamas Donnelly is Professor and Head of Medicine at Trinity College Dublin.  He most recently won the Domino's Women's Super League with Trinity Meteors, while previously he was named underage Women’s Coach of the Year at the Basketball Ireland Annual Awards in 2023.  He has coached at national, provincial and club level over recent years.

He previously played national league basketball with Galway Democrats and with North Mon in the Cork Leagues.  He has held the position of Chairperson of the Board of Basketball Ireland for the last two years and currently serves as Chairperson of the Hall of Fame Committee and as medical advisor to Basketball Ireland.

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Susie Johnston:

Background: 

Susan has served on the Basketball Ireland Board since 2021, playing a key role in shaping the organisation's strategic plan. As a management consultant at Deloitte, she draws on her past experience as a research scientist to advise global clients across the pharmaceutical and public sectors. Susan is an expert in developing innovative strategies, designing effective operating models, and driving implementation of large-scale programs.

Beyond her professional achievements, Susan is a lifelong basketball devotee with extensive involvement as a player, coach, table official, and former board member for Basketball Northern Ireland.

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Joe Naughton: 

Background:

Joe has been actively involved in basketball in Galway since the early 1980s, contributing in a wide range of roles including player, coach, referee, and administrator. As a coach, he led Keltic Ladies in Division 2 of the National League over a four-year period. In addition, he has coached multiple teams within Galway and have been closely involved in the development of schools basketball.

From an administrative perspective, Mr. Naughton has served on the Galway Area Basketball Board for over forty years, up to 2021, holding several key roles including Treasurer, Fixtures Secretary, and Chairperson. During this period, he also sat as a member of the National Area Basketball Committee (NABC). Joe is currently serving as a National League Game Commissioner and since 2008, has held the position of National Referees Appointments Officer, appointing referees to National League and Cup competitions, as well as other national events. 

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Please Note:

The vote will take place at the AGM of Basketball Ireland on Saturday 23rd May 2026 at 11 o’clock at the Osprey Hotel in Naas, Co. Kildare.

Members entitled and intending to vote must produce evidence of their nomination to vote on behalf of a particular Voting Member to BI staff.

Ideally, this should be done before the date of the meeting, but alternatively between 10:00 and 10:45 on the day of the meeting to allow for the timely start of the meeting.