Squad update for Ireland U16 men ahead of FIBA European Championship

Ireland U16 men's head coach Dr. Mike Lynch has been forced into a late change to his squad for the FIBA European Championship after Titans BC guard Luke Herrick picked up a knee injury during their recent friendly with Bulgaria. 

Charles Marcoullier comes in to replace him and will join up with the squad ahead of the tournament. Marcoullier was part of the Ireland squad that picked up the Four Nations title at the National Basketball Arena in April. 

“Luke has been an integral part of our team and has invested and dedicated himself to playing and representing his country," said coach Lynch. "As a team we support each other and we know how difficult this must be for both Luke and his family. His teammates, the coaches and management wish Luke a speedy recovery. We have now called up our reserve point guard Charles Marcoullier who will join us at our last training camp this weekend in Dublin."

Lynch has also announced his captains for the tournament. Dylan O'Rourke of Neptune BC and Limerick Lions' Darragh Horkan will fill the role. Horkan is the sole returning player from last year's FIBA U16 Men's European Championship squad, with O'Rourke displaying excellent leadership skills throughout the Four Nations and Dussman Trophy. 

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“It's always an honour to represent your country but being named a captain is an even bigger honour," said O'Rourke. 

Horkan added: "I was part of the Ireland U16 team last year. That experience has given me a taste of what to expect at this year. Being selected as captain is a huge honour for me. It's a great privilege that I'm really looking forward to."

Ireland's opening game at the FIBA European Championship in Romania is against Czech Republic on August 4th.