International

Jul 18 2026

Four wins in four days for Ireland at International Youth Invitational

Portugal and Luxembourg travelled to Limerick to compete against Ireland’s U16 WNT, U18 MNT and U18 WNT at the UL Arena this week, with Ireland picking up four wins over four days. These three squads will be representing Ireland at the FIBA Youth EuroBasket’s this summer.

Aoibheann Donnelly starred for Ireland’s U18 WNT, scoring 32 points over two games, while Mark Burns stepped up for the U18 MNT by scoring 28 against Portugal. Aoife Courtney was the tournaments leading scorer, bagging 43 points, while her U16 WNT teammate Naiya Taylor came in close second with 39.

The U18 WNT started their week strong, with a commanding win over Luxembourg which saw Meabh Purtill secure a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds. Aoibheann Donnelly topped the scoring charts in the second contest against Luxembourg, scoring 17 points in a 67-52 win for Ireland. Laura Buckley also dropped 12 points in both games, guiding the Ireland U18 WNT to a flawless tournament.

The U16 WNT played all four days of the tournament, playing both Portugal and Luxembourg twice. Ireland suffered two tough losses against Portugal to start the week, but recovered well with a 14-point win over Luxembourg on day three. Four players recorded double digit scores, with Naiya Taylor going 100% for three-pointers. In their final contest, Ireland led by three at half-time but a strong third quarter comeback gave Luxembourg an 11-point win.

Ireland’s U18 MNT were fifty seconds away from beating Portugal in their opener of the tournament, but Joao Prado’s bucket in the final minute gave Portugal the victory, 64-65. Ireland picked themselves up and came away 61-50 winners on day two, with Aivaras Buzas and Kieran Quinn combining for 25 points.