Underage players and coaches recognised at 2025 International Caps Ceremony

Basketball Ireland welcomed players, staff, family and friends to the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel on Sunday 31st August for the 2025 International Caps Ceremony, as those who represented their country throughout the year were presented with their official caps.

Representatives from the Ireland U16, U18 and U20 teams that competed at the FIBA Youth EuroBasket in July and August were present, as were the U17 men’s and women’s teams who played in the Four Nations in Cardiff in June.

Basketball Ireland President Margaret Miley presented the caps to the players, while there was a keynote address from Ireland men's captain Sean Flood.

The underage players of the year at each age category were also announced:

U16 Women Player of the Year – Jean Aherne
U16 Men Player of the Year - Aidan McGrath
U18 Women Player of the Year - Sophie Staunton
U18 Men Player of the Year - Adam Charles
U20 Women Player of the Year - Izzy Sullivan
U20 Men Player of the Year - Aivaras Uosis

Speaking at the ceremony Basketball Ireland President, Margaret Miley, said: "I’d like take this opportunity to thank the coaches and staff of our international teams. They have dedicated so much time, effort and energy over the last year - both on and off the court - to prepare the players for this summer’s FIBA Youth EuroBasket and our Academy teams for the Four Nations.

I’d also like to acknowledge the team sponsors, who made an invaluable contribution to all our underage teams.

It's really wonderful to be in a room with so much up-and-coming talent and each player has given so much to represent Ireland and I look forward to seeing what the future brings for you all.

She added: “The International Caps Ceremony represents an major milestone in a players’ journey. I cannot stress enough the importance of the support network behind each and every player to get them to this point - family, friends, international, school and club coaches, backroom staff and volunteers. I would like to thank everyone for their time and sacrifice, along with their unwavering support of the players, you’ve all played a vital role in getting them here.” 

Players and families can access individual high-resolution photos here