Ireland U17 MNT crowned Four Nations champions

Ireland's Justice Iheme was named Four Nations MVP as our U17 MNT were crowned Four Nations champions following two days of action in Scotland. The Ireland U17 WNT also had an excellent weekend, finishing second in the competition which features England, Scotland and Wales. 

Ireland U17 MNT opened up their tournament with a 77-64 win over England. Trailing 55-53 heading into the final quarter, they outscored their opponents 24-9 down the stretch to give head coach Ciaran Kiveney a brilliant start to the weekend. Iheme took over the game down the stretch, notching 13 of his 19 points in that 10-minute spell. Karl Walsh - who was later named to the tournament all-star team -  and Elliot Kristiansen also reached double figures. 

 Karl Walsh (13) and Justice Iheme presented as part of the Four Nations All-Star team at the end of the tournament. 

Scotland proved an altogether tougher task, as Ireland went down 97-81 in their second game. Ireland's undoing came from their perimeter shooting along with Scotland's prowess on the boards. The Scots picked up seven additional second chance opportunites on the offensive end and Ireland just went cold (4/18) from three-point range, with their opponents hitting 11 of their 31 attempts. Ireland did rotate their squad for this game, with Justice Iheme and Karl Walsh both sitting out, allowing the coaching staff to look at the extended squad more closely. 

Ireland needed a bounce-back game against Wales and they duly delivered. Iheme returned to the lineup and went off for 20 points, while Adam McCormack contributed 17 and Daniel Lawlor 11 points in an 85-48 success that propelled them to the top of the standings thanks to England's 93-85 win over Scotland. 

A narrow 44-39 defeat against England put Ireland U17 WNT on the back foot heading into game two against Wales, but the team showed grit and a strong mentality that will have pleased first year head coach Andrius Gerve immensely. Ireland were much to strong for Wales in their remaining game, running out 89-14 winners at Playsport Arena. Nada Amaki Ayornu topped the boxscore with 20 points, while Omey Mcardle, Erin Boyce, Rachel Frain and Julie O'Connor all reached double figures in a fantastic team performance. 

 Shekinah Djoussa presented with her award as a member of the Four Nations 2026 All-Star team. 

Ireland started positively in their final game, with a 21-8 first quarter against the Scots and never looked back en route to a 67-52 win. Shekinah Djoussa was dominant on both ends, registering 27 points, nine rebounds (of which five were offensive boards), four steals and two blocks. Emer Purtill and Laura Byrne also showed up well, with the latter finishing with a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds.