Tralee Imperials Club News
Irish teams
Congratulations to Dáire Kennelly and Leeroy Odiahi who have been selected on the Irish u18 Men’s team. Their Garvey’s Tralee Warriors team mate Rap Buivydas was also selected meaning one quarter of the squad will be from the town of Tralee - a fantastic achievement. They will represent Ireland at this year’s FIBA U18 Men’s European Championship Division B in Oradea, Romania from July 26th to August 4th. The boys will be bag packing in Garvey’s SuperValu over the coming weeks as well as selling raffle tickets for a draw with prizes including a signed Warriors jersey worn by Kieran Donaghy in the Superleague final and two Warriors season passes. Please support our boys in their European dream.
Kerry teams
The Kerry u14 and u16 girls played on Sunday May 19th in the 3 County tournaments in Moyderwell and Mounthawk gyms. In the u14 girls, each county had 2 teams. Having beaten Dublin team 1 earlier on in the season to win the Dublin tournament, Kerry team 1 faced the same opposition in a thrilling final in Mounthawk with the visitors pulling away in the last quarter to win by 10 points. Tralee Imperials were represented by Mary Moore and Niamh Collins who acquitted themselves well on the day. Kerry team 2 faced Dublin team 2 in the other group final and lost out in another thrilling final by 4 points. Tralee Imperials were represented here by Jane Akinrinlade and Cara Gannon who both played very well on the day. The girls will now head Leeside to take on both Cork and Dublin again on June 16th. The u14 teams were coached by Tommy O’Connor and Niamh Collins.
The u16 girls took on the Rebel County team 1 in their final in Mounthawk gym and had a fantastic victory also. This team remains unbeaten this season. Our Tralee Imperials representatives were Lara Flynn and Ciara Rath. Coaches were Trish Philips and Martin Conway.
These tournaments have given the girls a fantastic opportunity to continue developing their basketball by playing over the summer months. Best wishes to the girls and coaches going forward.
Club AGM
Our AGM took place in the Rose Hotel on Thursday 16th May. Chairperson John Dowling reflected on the highlights of the 2018/2019 season including the Jr. NBA, the team achievements in the KABB cup, plate and league competitions, the u16 trip to Spain, the Christmas basketball marathon, and club representatives on Superleague, county and national teams. He thanked all players, parents, coaches and team managers for their hard work and dedication throughout the season. Martin Conway was also acknowledged for his work as our PRO as he leaves our executive and will continue his role as treasurer on KABB’s executive for the coming season. The following officers were elected on the night for the 2019/2020 season: Chairperson - John Dowling, Vice Chairperson - Helen Pierse, Secretary - Niamh Collins, Treasurer - Veronica O’Hanlon, Fixtures Secreteary - Noreen Rusk, Children’s Officer - Mary Gardiner, PRO - Sarah Dinan, Coaching Co-ordinator - Jimmy Diggins.
Coaches/Team Managers
The new executive will be getting to task straight away recruiting coaches and team managers for next year. The club endeavors to support all our coaches especially new coaches. Last year we brought in Youth and Coaching Development Officer, Darragh O’Hanlon, to work with our coaches and teams throughout the season and we hope to continue similar initiatives in the future. If you are interested in getting involved in coaching at Academy, Juvenile or Senior level please let us know. Before the new season gets underway can all current coaches and team managers please forward copies of their Garda Vetting and Safe Guarding 1 Certificate to our club secretary Niamh (imperialsbc@gmail.com) so we can update our system. If either need renewing you can follow links on our club website www.traleeimperials.ie for the relevant sites. If coaches have Basketball Ireland coaching courses completed you can also forward these to Niamh. Thank you for your cooperation.
Fundraising
The executive hope to run an event next season to raise much needed funds for the club. All ideas welcome as to what kind of event we should have and how we could make it a success so get brainstorming!
Trials
Details of trials for each age group will be in our club notes/social media/website in August.
Best Wishes
Good luck to everyone sitting their Junior and Leaving Certificate.
Wedding Bells
Finally, a special mention goes to our Chairperson, John Dowling, who marries the lovely Ursula O’Keeffe next month. Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness from all in Tralee Imperials BC.
