Underage head coaches reappointed for 2022 European Championships

Continuing their tenures as Ireland head coaches are; Andy Gill (Ireland U16 Girls head coach), Pat Price (Ireland U16 Boys head coach), Tommy O'Mahony (Ireland U18 Girls head coach), and Paul Kelleher (Ireland U18 Boys head coach). Also continuing in his role is Gareth O'Reilly, who was appointed as Ireland U17 boys development head coach immediately prior to the Covid-19 outbreak. The Ireland U17 girls development head coach position is currently vacant, with an appointment to be announced in the near future.

Speaking on the work of these head coaches was Tim Rice, head of the Basketball Ireland Elite Performance Committee (EPC):

"We are all looking forward to seeing these seasoned coaches lead their teams into their 2022 European campaigns. Their passion for Irish basketball is undeniable and we appreciate the work they've done, especially given the challenge of the pandemic."

We also heard from each of the head coaches as they set their sights on next summer's European Championships:

Andy Gill, Ireland U16 Girls head coach -

"This is my 9th year of involvement with the U16 women and my 8th as head coach. My enthusiasm for the role has never wavered and I consider it an honour to coach such motivated athletes. We have had a tough 18 months and we are all looking forward to being able to develop a team capable of competing and winning at international level. Coaches and players alike are raring to go, and we begin the process of selection this weekend."

Pat Price, Ireland U16 Boys head coach -

"I'm excited to be back on the court with the international program this weekend. Very happy for the players who once again have the opportunity to represent the country at European Championships. I’ve been very fortunate to have Trish Nolan and Thomas Walsh on staff throughout the past few years, and we’re absolutely delighted to be joined by Coach Jimmy Diggins for our next campaign."

Tommy O'Mahony, Ireland U18 Girls head coach -

"I'm delighted to get the opportunity to coach an Irish team once again. I feel it a privilege to be involved and will be doing my utmost to make sure the team is fully prepared for games they face."

Paul Kelleher, Ireland U18 Boys head coach -

"It’s always great to be back. We’d like to think we are moving forward and evolving each year. COVID put a halt to that, but it was great to compete last summer. We hope now we can have a full program. We’ve a lot of work to catch up on and it’s exciting that we get to that again."

Gareth O'Reilly, Ireland U17 Boys development head coach -

"I’m really looking forward to leading the U17 programme this coming year. Myself and the rest of the coaching staff are excited to meet the players this coming weekend at our talent identification session. It is a tremendous honour to play for your country and for these players the ultimate goal will be to wear the green jersey during the European Championships in 2023. In order to achieve this it will take a lot of hard work and determination, I hope to play a small part in helping each of these players achieve their potential over the course of this year."