President’s Message Dear Members
Gerry Kelly President
As the season draws to a very successful close so does my 4 year term as President of Basketball Ireland. My sincere thanks to everyone for all your advice, help and support throughout the 4 years genuinely it has been very much appreciated. To all Members of Basketball Ireland thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve and represent our Sport as your President. It has been an experience and honour I will treasure for ever. Sincere best wishes to Teresa Walsh on her election to BI President. I hope Teresa enjoys her tenure as much as I have. During my 4 years in office I had the pleaseure of working with 2 very dedicated BI Board Chairpersons Paul Meany and Jackie Dunne. Both worked tirelessly with their respective Board members in developing our Sport. The leadership they have shown is commendable. The legacy of Jackie’s work is to be seen in the Governance and Compliance structures she is leaving for her successor. There are many hurdles ahead for our Sport following the launch of the new 10 year Strategic Plan. It is ambitious, it is creative, it’s aspirational and I look forward to its positive implementation as our Sport continues to grow. The Board and Council working with our Secretary General, Bernard O’Byrne I have no doubt will work tirelessly in insuring its success. 7
To Bernard, Deirdre, the Office Team and the Development Officers my sincere thanks. My work as President would not have been possible without your advise and support. The year under review has, to say the least, been very challenging for the Basketball Ireland Council. As you know the Council is responsible for the implementation and running of our Sport on the ground. Throughout the year your Representatives on the BI Council have worked tirelessly in delivering on the aims and objectives of the respective sectors of our Sport. The Basketball Ireland Operational Agreement signed in 2010 sets out the Role of the Board and Council of Basketball Ireland. The journey on its full implementation is well advanced. The National Draw, which enables all participating Clubs and Teams to raise substantial funds was again a huge success. This initiative is without doubt going to grow in seasons to come. As Basketball Ireland’s domestic season comes to a close, we can all recall countless memorable moments across the country. Congratulations to UCC Demons on retaining their League Trophy and to Templeogue on their incredible Cup victory over Swords Thunder. What would have happened if Isaac Westbrooks last second 3 pointer had dropped. It was a weekend which also witnessed Glanmire defeat Killester in the Women’s Cup Final. In a hugely successful season for Glanmire, the club also won another League Trophy. Congratulations also to UCC Demons and Meteors who this season both celebrated their 50th Anniversary. Congratulations to our Senior Mens and Women’s