Spotlight Her series shortlisted at Irish Sport Industry Awards

Basketball Ireland's content series Spotlight Her in collaboration with The Sideline Live, focusing on the journey of seven Irish female players to the highest level of college basketball in the United States and their experiences, has been announced as  a finalist in the 'Best Use of Communications platforms in Sport & Physical Activity' category of the upcoming Irish Sport Industry Awards, hosted by the Federation of Irish Sport. 

The content series, produced and captured by host of The Sideline Live Podcast Orla Keeling, followed the experiences of seven Irish female basketball players from six counties, across six unversities during the most recent NCAA season.

Participants included Grace Prenter, who was part of the Univeristy of Texas programme that reached the Final Four at the NCAA Tournament in her freshman year, Oklahoma University's Emma Tolan from Cavan who featured prominently in their journey to the Sweet 16, as well as Limerick's Gandy Malou-Mamel, who is on the roster of the most decorated basketball programme in the collegiate women's game, UCONN Huskies. There is also amazing insight from Kilkenny's Lucy Coogan, who just finished her final season at Caldwell Univeristy, as well as Donegal's Maria Kealy and Cork's Amy Duggan. You can listen back to the podcast series in one playlist here.

Basketball Ireland is proud to announce that our content series Spotlight Her, focusing on the journey of seven Irish female players to the highest level of college basketball in the United States and their experiences, is a finalist in the Irish Sport Industry Awards' "Best Use… pic.twitter.com/fefWrhv0ww

— Basketball Ireland (@BballIrl) May 8, 2026

Orla Keeling, host of The Sideline Live Podcast, said: "I’m thrilled to see the series nominated for an award. Now more than ever we need positive role models for young people. The 7 girls highlighted in the series are part of the new wave of young players driving Irish basketball to new heights like never before and cementing Ireland’s place on the basketball world map. It’s a testament to their journey, perseverance and achievements.

I’d like to thank Louise O’Loughlin and Paul Carr for the opportunity, to Robbie Fahy for his help, and Basketball Ireland & Sport Ireland for their support."

The nomination continues strong recognition for Basketball Ireland at the Federation of Irish Sport's Irish Sport Industry Awards in recent years. The launch of basketballireland.tv and digital scoresheet with Joymo and NBN23 respectively saw us win the 'Best Use of Communications platforms in Sport & Physical Activity' award three years ago, while in 2025 our SOCIA-Ball programme took home the 'Best Initiative to Promote Women in Sport & Physical Activity' award. Basketball Ireland was also shortlisted for the NGB of the Year in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Speaking following the announcement of the shortlist, Basketball Ireland's Women in Sport Lead, Louise O'Loughlin, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be nominated for this prestigious award in recognition of the SpotLight Her programme in collaboration with The Sideline Live. This nomination is a testament to the passion and commitment behind the initiative, and I’d like to acknowledge the incredible contributions of Orla Keeling of The Sideline Live, Robbie Fahy, Basketball Ireland's Digital Media Manager, and Paul Carr who have been key to the success of the programme.”

Basketball Ireland CEO John Feehan commented: "I'm really pleased to see the hard work that's gone into Spotlight Her being recognised at the Irish Sport Industry Awards. The series shines a light on the dedication, ambition and talent of not only the young women featured, but all Irish basketball players working tirelessly to achieve their goals. It also serves as an educational piece for the next generation of players aiming to follow in their footsteps, while highlighting our ongoing committment to the growth and promotion of women's basketball at grassroots, recreational and the elite level. My thanks go to Orla (Keeling) who brought it all together, our Women In Sport Lead Louise (O'Loughlin), Robbie (Fahy) and Paul (Carr) for ensuring its delivery. 

More information on The Sideline Live: 

The Sideline Live was created in February 2020, and has developed into a popular podcast and social media platform. The purpose of the platform is to bridge the gap between traditional and athlete focused content and to highlight individuals and sports currently flying under the radar in mainstream media.
The Sideline Live Podcast brings you closer to the world of sport through in-depth conversations with athletes, coaches, and experts. From high-performance insights to the untold stories, host Orla Keeling dives into the moments that shape successful careers, coaches and teams.