NE Knights at 31st Eurobasket International Tournament Spain 2025
Again this year the U16 and U18 North East Knights squads travelled to the Eurobasket tournament in Lloret de Mar during the first week in July.
The hard work which began last September paid off with a wonderful week of basketball and shared memories for the 55 strong group of 46 players along with a support team of 9 coaches and managers.
The initial training sessions began in September 2024 with the final trials taking place in late December. This was followed by a programme of team training, whole group sharpening sessions and team building in preparation for the trip to the EuroBasket 2025 international basketball tournament on the Costa Brava in Spain.
The 31st EuroBasket tournament, which ran from 29th June - 5th July 2024, involved over 60 teams from 16 different countries
This is an account of the week’s events in pictures
Day 0: Saturday, 28th June - the journey
On Saturday morning members of the North East Knights U16 and U18 squads and their coaches and managers met in Dublin Airport to begin their journey to the 6-day Eurobasket 2025 basketball tournament in Lloret de Mar. It was a long day’s trip involving a 7 hour stopover in Madrid airport - in order to secure the best value in flights for the whole group.
The group flew from Madrid to Barcelona with Aer Iberia arriving there at 8.20pm local time before boarding the bus to their accommodation in the Hotel Cleopatra Spa. Unfortunately there was a further delay at the airport in Barcelona as one of the player’s check in luggage didn’t arrive but eventually the final part of the journey was complete and everyone could settle into their rooms in blocks 2 and 3 of the hotel.
Day 1: Sunday, 29th June - First Day of Games
All four of the teams were in action on the courts on the first day, with 4 games in total. Following the long day’s travel the previous day there wasn’t much of a chance to relax before taking to the court for the opening game of the tournament at 12pm. This honour fell to the U16 Girls who met team Njardvik from Iceland. After a slow start from the Knights team the game did not go their way and the Icelandic team were convincing 78-61 winners.
Tournament schedule days 1-4
After some lunch it was the turn of the Uu18 boys who happily secured a very good win against an Italian side, Fermignano MBA.
That evening’s games took place on the outdoor court with the U18 Girls in action in the sunshine at 7pm and the U16 Boys under floodlights at 10.15pm that night. Again, the U18 girls had a tough opening encounter W(Open) against a team from another Italian club BF Livorno.
After a brisk walk back to the hotel for some dinner it was back to the El Moli outdoor court for the U16 Boy’s opening game against Q FC Martinenc from Barcelona. The boys put in a very impressive performance under the lights to emerge convincing winners of the encounter, so a happy band of players and supporters made its way back to the hotel for bedtime.
Day 2: Monday 30th June - Games & Opening Ceremony
While the U16 Girls had a rest day, all of the other teams were in action on day 2. This time it was the turn of the U16 boys to play in the sunshine at the El Moli outdoor court. The boys came up against a strong Turkish team from Teşvikiye and the result didn’t go their way - playing in the heat of the midday sun outdoors as well as contending with some injury setbacks didn’t help. The U18 boys and girls teams were in action indoors that afternoon and the U18 boys had another good win against Sambervespa from Italy.
Happy Birthday Fionn
While the result for the U18 Girls against a Portuguese team from Brandoense wasn’t a win the team felt much happier with its performance as the players had adjusted better to the conditions.
After a relaxing evening for all the teams and a chance to explore Lloret de Mar a little, the group was back in El Moli at 10.15pm that night for the official opening ceremony. The Irish flag was carried for the group by Donal Smyth, captain of the U18 boys team while the other teams were represented by their captains Sean Mrna(U16 Boys), Deborah Oyeleye(U16 Girls) and Alice Rowley(U18 Girls)
North East Knights players 2025 at the Opening Ceremony
Day 3: Tuesday 1st July - More games & Team Meals
All teams were back in action with the U16 Boys starting the day with a game v Sambervespa which they won. The U16 Girls were happy to register a win against Magi Hands(Turkey) while the U18 Girls also achieved a win against Oroquieta from Madrid. The U18 Boys continued their line of wins by a score of 74-58 against the Magic Hands(Turkey) M07/08(U18) team.
That evening the U16 teams got an opportunity to dress up so for their team meals – made possible by generous sponsorship received from DIGI Labels, IGWT Love Foods and O’Reilly Hoofcare as well as some private donations
Day 4: Wednesday, 2nd July
Another busy afternoon and evening for everyone with games at 5.30pm, 7pm, 8.45pm and 10.15pm. Although the earlier part of the day was game free the teams focused on being prepared for their games later in the day by relaxing and trying to keep cool.
First up were the U18 Girls who took on Team 79 from Poland at 5.30pm. After an extremely close encounter the girls were very unlucky to lose by 4 points in the end.
The U16 Girls faced a local team, Bailalo Rocky from Girona at 7pm coming away with a second convincing win.
Next up at 20.45pm were the U18 boys against a Serbian team, Sinerji ASK, which proved too strong for the Knights squad winning by 6points. However the results from the precious 3 games were enough to see the boys top the group and qualify for the final on Friday with the winners from the second group.
Once again the u16 boys had to wait until 10.15pm to play their game, this time against a team from the Italian Sports Academy and also lost out by 6 points.
Day 5: Thursday 3 July - Group games conclude and U18s dine out.
While the U18 boys had a rest day, but still needed to wait for the outcome of other games in their group, the other 3 teams were all on court again. First up at 10.30am were the U18 Girls who faced French side Nice B.A.O. This was an extremely close game the whole way through but it was not to be the Knight’s day. The sides were level going into the last quarter but the Nice team edged the win by a single point in the end.
The second game of the morning saw the U16 boys in action against the Magic Hands(Turkey) club’s M09(U16) team. This time the Knights team came out on the right side of another close encounter on a final score of 56-53. The result also meant that the boys had finished runners up in their group as the placings were determined by the results from the games as teams had already played 5 games each in this age category.
For most of the teams the remainder of the day was spent relaxing at the pool(nobody being too anxious to go to the beach due to the high temperatures) - and even the U16 girls who had to keep themselves prepared for another 10.15pm game, managed to keep cool as well.
The two u18 squads took advantage of the free evening to go for their team meals before everyone headed back to the hall for the final group stage game between the Knights u16 Girls and the W09 team from Teşvikiye (Turkey). A convincing win for the girls was enough to see them qualify for the next day’s 1 V 2 final in their W09 category.
Results from other games through the day meant the U18 boys had also qualified for the 1 V 2 final in the M07/08 group. So a happy group of players and mentors returned to the Hotel Cleopatra for the last full night in Lloret d Mar.
Day 6: Friday 4th July -Finals Day & Closing Ceremony
First up were the U18 Boys who faced an Italian academy team –Metauro – in the M07/08 final at 2.30pm. The Italian team got off to an extremely fast start with the score at the end of the first quarter 10-29 in Metauro’s favour. The players recovered some ground in the second quarter to reduce the margin to 14 points and a half time score of 29-43(19-14 for Q2). However the Italians pulled away again in the in the third quarter to with the score at 32-57, and Metauro emerged as 65-49 winners at the final whistle.
Despite the disappointment of the final it was a great achievement to finish runners up in a group of 10 teams and the players and coaches can be proud of the high standard of basketball played throughout the tournament.
With little time to catch their breath it was a brisk walk from the Pompeu Fabre to El Moli for the W09(U16) Girls’ Final in which the NE Knights team was facing Icelandic team Njardvik - the side which had defeated them by 17 points in the teams’ first encounter at the start of the week.
This was a long and nail biting affair from start to eventual finish - with an official start time of 4.45pm the final whistle didn’t blow until after 7pm!
Termed the ‘go big or go home’ final by the Knights’ coaching team, a change of tactics at the start of the game saw the Knights players take the Icelandic squad by surprise and the girls were ahead by 14 points to 7 after 6 minutes of play. But this was a strong Icelandic team so by the end of the quarter there was only a single point between the teams with Knights on 15 and Njardvik on 14. The second quarter was another very close affair with strong defensive work and the sides finished level on a score of 25-25.
By the end of the third quarter the Knights girls had edged in front again with the score now 39-35 and the defensive work of the girls from the North East helping to reduce the threat of Njardvik’s most influential player wearing ‘0’.
But the nerves of everyone watching(both in the hall or joining via livestream) were sorely tested in the fourth quarter as the two teams were basket for basket. With only 10 seconds left the Knights were ahead by a single point, 51-50, but following a time out by Njardvik, one of their players was awarded two free throws, scoring 1, which left the two teams deadlocked on 51-51 at the end of regular time. So extra time beckoned…………………
Happily the Knights players seemed to have a bit more left to give during the five minutes of extra time and took a one basket lead after 23 seconds. With 28.6 seconds left there were just 3 points between the teams when Njardvik took its final time out. This time though saw a crucial interception of a pass by the Knights defence and the win was secured - topped off by an added basket on the buzzer to leave a final score of 68-63.
With Angelo working extra hard on providing livestream coverage of the game so parents back home could watch it is likely that many many nerves were shattered by the time that game was finally over!
A very happy group of Knights players, coaches and managers made their way back to the hotel where the management were generous enough to allow the u16 Girls jump in the pool as a celebration!
U16 Girls Pool Splash Celebration
AWARDS & CLOSING CEREMONY
There wasn’t much time to spare before the Awards & Closing Ceremony, so after a quick dinner it was back to El Moli again where the Knights contingent enjoyed every moment of the celebrations of a week filled with basketball, new experiences, personal development - with new friendships formed and old ones renewed. Happily the on court rivalry with the Icelandic girls team didn’t spill over on to some off court friendships which had grown during the week.
Saturday 5th July - Home again
By the time everyone returned to the hotel there wasn’t really time for anything other than packing and checking out as the bus to take everyone to Barcelona airport was scheduled for 1.45am. So it was a takeaway breakfast and then off to the bus stop. The direct flight home was with Vueling at 5.50am and the group arrived back in Dublin a little after 7.30am, when tired players were re-united with their families.
Ready for off
Sponsors
The NEBB Knights are indebted to the following sponsors for their financial support of the 2025 trip:
IGWT, the love food company, MonaghanO'Reilly Hoofcare, Virginia
DIGI Labels, Mullingar & Dublin
North East Knights Sponsors 2025
Coaches and Managers
A huge thanks to those who volunteered their time and expertise to make it possible. As well as coaching/managing the teams in preparation for and during the tournament members of the group looked after designing and sourcing the teamwear and backpacks, booked and sorted the flights itinerary for the whole group and looked after accommodation and other logistical details needed for a project like this – thank you Tony, Brian, Tom, Sally, Damien, Sinead, Jessica, Debbie, Clare and Ursula.
A fond farewell to Eurobasket 2025
Players and Parents
A huge thank you to everyone involved with the North East Knights since the trials began last September – players committing to training and parents making sure they got there - all that work has led to what was an amazing week for the U16 and U18 players - It couldn't have been done without all of you.
This year coaches and managers were particularly proud of the number of compliments paid to the whole group by tournament organisers and hotel staff for the respect shown to other players as well as officials and staff. The Knights players were fantastic ambassadors for their families and clubs and the whole North East region.
North East Knights group at the Closing Ceremony
And finally – a huge thank you to everyone involved in organising and running the tournament for their hard work, friendliness, enthusiasm and all-round helpfulness – Giusseppe, Veronica, Andrea, Anita, Eric and Leo Basket to name but a few!
With over 60 teams from 14 countries to coordinate with fixtures, referees etc it is a mammoth task, but the spirit of camaraderie between the staff and participants helps to make the EuroBasket experience so enjoyable to be part of offering players and everyone involved a wonderful opportunity.
If you would like to find out any more about the NE Knights teams please contact: knights@nebb.ie
EBIT Eurobasket Tournament 2025
NEBB players head to Spain with North East Knights
The big day has arrived for basketball players in the North East who are travelling to Spain to represent their region at an international basketball tournament there, as part of the North East Basketball Board’s (NEBB)’s development programme.
U16 & U18 NE Knights squads at the Carrickdale Hotel prior to their trip to Eurobasket 2025 in Spain
The U16 and U18 Girls and Boys North East Knights squads will travel to the Costa Brava in Spain to participate in the EUROBASKET BASKETBALL FESTIVAL 2025 along with teams from across Europe. A total of 46 players from eleven clubs in Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, and Westmeath are involved in the squads.
The players will travel with their team mates to take part in a week-long festival of basketball, as well as have the opportunity to experience the culture and scenery of the area. The teams will play over the course of six days from 29th June to 4th July, facing opposition from Spain, France, Sweden, Iceland, and Britain to name but a few. Whilst in Lloret de Mar the teams will be accommodated in a central hotel and, in their limited free time, will have the opportunity to enjoy the range of social activities of the tournament as well as visit the beach and enjoy the sunshine.
A nine-person team of coaches, managers, and other personnel from six clubs in Cavan, Louth, Meath, and Westmeath will be supporting the players – they are Sinéad and Jessica Byrne(Streete Warriors), Tony Ayres(Navan Cougars), Tom Smyth(Navan Cougars/Drogheda Wolves), Debbie Kelly and Damien Keogh(East Coast Cavaliers), Sally Dunne(Boyne Warriors) and Brian and Clare O’Reilly(Cavan Lakers)
NE Knights U16 & U18 Coaches & Managers
Introductory training and trials for the four teams began last September with final team selections taking place at the end of December. Since then, the players, along with their coaching and management teams have been meeting up for regular training sessions and challenge games. This has taken players to halls in Athboy, Carrickmacross, Castleblayney, Mullagh and Multyfarnham, reflecting the huge geographical spread of clubs in the North East Area Basketball Board. All squads have also had challenge games in preparation for the trip.
There are of course many expenses connected with taking teams to an international basketball tournament, including team kits, kit bags, ‘walk out gear’, medical kits etc. Whilst a lot of fundraising has been undertaken by the players and their clubs the trip would not be possible without the financial support of sponsors for which the NEBB is very grateful. The committee would like to acknowledge the financial support of O’Reilly Hoofcare in Cavan, IGWT in Monaghan and MLS, Mullingar as well as all those who have contributed financially to the venture who don’t want any public recognition.
A week before travelling the players enjoyed a team building weekend in the Carrickdale Hotel outside Dundalk where they were presented with their team gear and kit bags.
The aim of the Knights U16 and U18 squads is to allow basketball players in the region an opportunity to experience basketball on an international level. Participating in international tournaments also allows coaches the opportunity to develop their coaching skills through working with regional teams and coaching abroad. The collaboration between coaches, managers and other support personnel from different clubs has proven extremely positive.
Most international trips have yielded some silverware with various teams winning tournament finals over the years. This year’s U16 and U18 squads have been working hard for the EuroBasket tournament, but no matter what the outcome on the court, this trip will be an experience of a lifetime for this enthusiastic squad of players and mentors. The regional squads have been a great experience for everyone so far - building basketball skills and good relationships in the North East region.
Some images from the evening team building activities at the Carrickdale:
ENDS
NE KNIGHTS U16 & U18 Training 2024/25
The NEBB Knights will hold introductory training sessions for U16/18 players on Saturday 21st and Sunday, 22nd September in Mullagh Sports Hall.
The Knights teams are the regional teams of the North East Area Board and are composed of players from clubs throughout Cavan, Meath, Monaghan, Louth and Streete. The coaches/managers are all volunteers from the North East clubs. For a number of years the U16 and U18 teams have been offering players and coaches the opportunity to experience basketball at an international European level, and to grow and develop their own skills in the process - as well as enjoying the social aspect of getting to know others throughout the region. The teams are open to all eligible players registered with clubs in the NEBB and resident in Ireland.
Last summer the teams travelled to the Eurobasket tournament in Lloret de Mar, Spain in the first week in July. You can see some of the highlights from that trip here. The coaches hope to be able to take some groups abroad again this year - the number will depend on the availability of coaches and managers to travel with the players as well as sugfficent number of players able to commit to the training programme.
U16 Boys training will take place on Saturday, 21st September:
5pm to 8pm: U 16 Boys (Players born 2009/10)
Training for the other groups will take place on Sunday, 22nd September:
9.30am to 12.25pm: U16 Girls (Players born 2009/10)
12.30pm - 3.25pm : U18 Boys(Players born 2007/08)
3.30 pm to 6.30pm: U18 Girls(Players born 2007/08)
If there are any players who wish to attend this year’s training and future trials they should complete and submit this NE Knights Registration Form before Thursday,19th September. Places are limited.
If players are interested in participating but are unable to attend the first session the form should still be submitted before the first session.
Players attending training should bring a ball, drink, gum shields and €5 for hall hire. Players should not wear club gear please.
Further training and team trials for the U16s/18s will take place on Saturday/Sunday 2nd/3rd November, 30th Nov/1st Dec and 14th/15th December.
COACHES/MANAGERS:
The number of teams selected will depend on having enough coaches/managers prepared to take on the roles. If there are any coaches/volunteers who wish to help out with any of the Knights squads, or if you want to find out any more information, please contact knights@nebb.ie
NE Knights at 30th Eurobasket International Tournament Spain 2024
Again this year the U16 and U18 North East Knights squads travelled to the Eurobasket tournament in Lloret de Mar during the first week in July.
The hard work which began eight months ago paid off with a wonderful week of basketball and shared memories for the 54 strong group of 43 players along with a support team of 11 coaches and managers.
The initial training sessions began in November 2023 with the final trials taking place in late December. This was followed by a programme of team trainings, whole group sharpening sessions and team building in preparation for the trip to the EuroBasket 2024 international basketball tournament on the Costa Brava in Spain.
The 30th EuroBasket tournament, which ran from 30th June - 6th July 2024, was the biggest one yet with over 60 teams from 18 different countries
This is an account of the week’s events in pictures
Day 0: Saturday, 29th June - the journey
On Saturday afternoon, members of the North East Knights U16 and U18 squads,and their coaches and managers met in Dublin Airport to begin their journey to the 6-day Eurobasket 2024 basketball tournament in Lloret de Mar. Relieved that the flight hadn’t been cancelled, the group flew from Dublin to Barcelona with Aer Lingus arriving at 10.20pm local time before boarding the bus to their accommodation in the Astoria Park Hotel.
Day 1: Sunday, 30th June - Exploring & First Day of Games
All four of the teams were in action on the courts on the first day, with 4 games in total. So following a relaxing morning exploring the local area, the U16 and U18 boys had games at the same time at 4pm, playing teams from France and Italy, while both the U16 and U18 girls were in action later at 10.15pm against teams from other clubs in France and Italy.
Due to the combination of ages in the girls’ teams participating in the tournament, the NE Knights U16 and U18 girls were competing in different pools of the W07/08 category. When the U18 Girls were playing in the hall in El Moli at 22.15 on Sunday night, the U16 girls played on an outdoor court at the same venue. While the U18 boys got off to a winning start against their Italian opponents the other teams came up against extremely good teams but learned a lot during their games supported by the rest of the group.
U16 Girls cheering on U16 Boys
Day 2: Monday, 1st July - Games continue
Another very busy day, with 3 teams in action again and wins on court for the U16 Girls against a Turkish team from the Magic Hands club and the U16 boys against another Turkish side, Cnd Basketbol. The U18 boys took on Son Cotoner from Majorca. Players had some limited opportunities to avail of the rooftop pool at the hotel.
Day 3: Tuesday 2nd July - More games & Team Meals
The U18 Girls had an early start with a 9am game against French side, Nice Basket Association Ouest, and were cheered on to a win with enthusiastic support from the rest of the group. As all teams had the rest of the day free it was an opportunity for some teams to spend the afternoon at the beach while others relaxed at the hotel pool. That evening most teams got an opportunity to dress up so for their team meals – made possible by generous sponsorship received from DIGI Labels, Willie Bermingham Chimney Cleaning Services and O’Reilly Hoofcare as well as some private donations.
U18 Girls on way to game
Day 4: Wednesday, 3rd July
Another busy afternoon and evening for everyone with games at 4pm, 5.30pm, 7pm and 8.45pm followed by the official Opening Ceremony at 10.15pm.
The U16 Boys took on the MO8 team from Son Cotoner, and the U16 Girls faced the eventual winners of the W07/08 category from Bermingham. While the U16 girls didn’t win the game their superb defensive play held the older squad to its lowest score of the tournament with only 8 points separating the teams at the final whistle. The U18 boys faced a very strong team from the Bahamas – Blazer Elite - while the U18 Girls had a good win against an Israeli team – Hapoel Kaubab BC.
The day’s events finished with the official tournament opening ceremony, a celebration of all the nations and cultures participating in the 30th Eurobasket tournament in Lloret de Mar.
Opening Ceremony National Anthem
Day 5: Thursday 4th July - Semi Finals Day
U16 Girls Free throws in SF - Aoibhe
U16 Girls Free throws in SF - Isabella
This was semi-finals day with all teams in action. While the U16 and U18 boys were facing different teams from their own groups the U16 and U18 Girls each faced teams the other had played in their pools. The Bermingham 1000BC also proved too strong for the U18 Girls, but the U16 Girls had a win against the Nice Basket team to qualify for the 5V6 final the following day.
It was the turn of the U18 boys to have their team meal in the Italian restaurant beside our hotel while the rest of the group availed of the late opening hours of the hotel pool.
Day 6: Friday 5th July -Finals Day
This was finals day, and the action began at 9am when the U16 girls played the same Israeli team, Hapoel Kaubab BC, which the U18 Girls had played in the group stages – this game produced one of the most exciting finishes of the tournament with the Knights girls winning by a single point having been behind for the whole game. This left them with a 5th place finish overall in the W07/08 category – no small achievement as this group included U17 and U18 teams as well.
U16 Girls at final whistle
Later that day the U18 Girls faced Fréjus Var Basket(FVB) on the El Moli outdoor court but the French girls again proved too strong on the day.
The U18 Boys faced an Italian team – Cestistica Savonese – in the M06 1 V 2 final and, after a tough battle early on, came out worthy winners to finish the tournament as M06 Champions.
U18 Boys at final whistle
Then it was across to the Pompeu Fabra A hall for the U16 Boys M08 3 V 4 final with Turkish team, Magic Hands. Ultimately the Knights squad was defeated but not without playing some exciting fast paced basketball cheered on by the rest of the group.
AWARDS & CLOSING CEREMONY
The tournament ended later that evening with the Awards & Closing Ceremony and, along with all the other teams, the Knights contingent enjoyed every moment of the celebrations of a week filled with basketball, personal development and new friendships formed with old ones renewed.
Saturday 6th July - Home again
Happily the return flight with Aer Lingus also survived the industrial action so after a 6am breakfast it was off to Barcelona airport for the trip home and the group arrived back in Dublin a little after 1pm, when tired players were re-united with their families.
Thank You
Of course, the whole trip could not have happened without the help and assistance of a large group of people giving their time, effort and money to make it a success.
Sponsors
The NEBB Knights are indebted to the following sponsors for the financial support of the 2024 trip:
Willie Bermingham Chimney Cleaning Services
O'Reilly Hoofcare, Virginia
DIGI Labels, Mullingar & Dublin
Coaches and Managers
A huge thanks to those who volunteered their time and expertise to make it possible. As well as coaching/managing the teams in preparation for and during the tournament members of the group looked after designing and sourcing the teamwear and backpacks, booked and sorted the flights itinerary for the whole group and looked after accommodation and other logistical details needed for a project like this – thank you Tony, Brian, Tom, Stephen, Sally, Damien, Sinead, Jessica, Debbie, Caroline, Ursula and Clare.
A special word of thanks to Feargal Smyth for helping with the team building day in the Carrickdale Hotel.
Coaches & Managers 2024
Players and Parents
To everyone involved with the North East Knights since the trials began last November – players committing to training and parents making sure they got there - all that work has led to what was an amazing week for the U16 and U18 players - It couldn't have been done without all of you.
And finally – a huge thank you to everyone involved in organising and running the tournament for their hard work, friendliness, enthusiasm and all-round helpfulness – Giusseppe, Veronica, Andrea, Anita, Eric and Leo Basket to name but a few! With over 60 teams from 18 countries to coordinate with fixtures, referees etc it was a mammoth task, but the spirit of camaraderie between the staff and participants helps to make the EuroBasket experience so enjoyable to be part of.
Eurobasket 2024 Week 2 Lloret de Mar Players, Coaches, Volunteers and Staff
Thank you.
NE Knights Team Building
Some scenes from the morning team building session in the Carrickdale
North East Knights head for Spain
North East Knights head to Spain
Next week is a big one for basketball players in the North East who are travelling to Spain to represent their region at an international basketball tournament there, as part of the North East Basketball Board’s (NEBB)’s development programme.
The U16 and U18 Girls and Boys North East Knights squads will travel to the Costa Brava in Spain to participate in the EUROBASKET BASKETBALL FESTIVAL 2024 along with teams from across Europe. A total of 44 players from eleven clubs in Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, and Westmeath are involved in the squads.
The players will travel to the seaside town of Lloret de Mar with their team mates to take part in a week-long festival of basketball, as well as have the opportunity to experience the culture and scenery of the area. The teams will play over the course of 7 days from 29th June to 5th July, facing opposition from Spain, France, Sweden, Iceland, and Britain to name but a few. Whilst in Lloret de Mar the teams will be accommodated in a central hotel and, in their limited free time, will have the opportunity to enjoy the range of social activities of the tournament as well as visit the beach and enjoy the sunshine.
An eleven-person team of coaches, managers, and other personnel from five clubs in Cavan, Louth, Meath, and Westmeath will be supporting the players - these include Stephen McArdle(Blackwater Steelers), Brian O’Reilly & Clare O’Reilly(Cavan Lakers), Debbie Kelly and Damien Keogh(East Coast Cavaliers), Tony Ayres, Tom Smyth, Sally Dunne, Caroline Bermingham and Ursula Thompson(Navan Cougars) and Jessica & Sinead Byrne(Streete Warriors)
The team managers and coaches are looking forward to the players and themselves experiencing basketball at European level and having the opportunity to play and watch teams from some of the strongest basketball nations in the world. The whole experience should be a significant building block for the development of basketball in the North East.
Introductory training and trials for the four teams began last November with final team selections taking place in January. Since then, the players, along with their coaching and management teams having been meeting up for regular training sessions and challenge games in halls across the huge geographical spread of clubs in the North East Area Basketball Board.
There are of course many expenses connected with a trip of this nature including team kits, kit bags, ‘walk out gear’, medical kits etc. Whilst a lot of fundraising has been undertaken by the players and their clubs the trip would not be possible without the financial support of sponsors for which the NEBB is very grateful. The committee would like to acknowledge the financial support of O’Reilly Hoofcare, Co Cavan, Willie Bermingham Chimney Cleaning Services, Co Meath and DIG Labels, who are the main sponsors of this year’s trip.
Last weekend players enjoyed a team building stay in the Carrickdale Hotel outside Dundalk where they were presented with their team gear and kit bags and participated in a variety of group activities. A team building workout was led by Feargal Smyth.
Team Building Activities
The North East Basketball Board (NEBB) is the official Area Board of the North East, as recognised by Basketball Ireland, and is responsible for the development and promotion of basketball in Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, Meath & Westmeath. The Board runs leagues for juvenile teams from U12 up to U18 as well as senior men’s and ladies’ leagues.
The North East Knights have been working with players in the region since 2014 and travelled with squads on an annual basis up until the Covid-19 pandemic prevented any trip in 2020. Over the years teams have competed at international tournaments in Scotland, Hungary, Poland, and Spain.
The aim of the Knights U16 and U18 squads is to allow basketball players in the region an opportunity to experience basketball on an international level. They also allow coaches the opportunity to develop their coaching skills through working with regional teams and coaching at international tournaments. The collaboration between coaches, managers and other support personnel from different clubs has proven extremely positive.
North East Knights coaches also work with U14 Boys and Girls development teams as well as providing skills development sessions for U12 players from NEBB clubs.
This year’s U16 and u18 squads have been working hard for the EuroBasket tournament, but no matter what the outcome on the court, this trip will be an experience of a lifetime for this enthusiastic squad of players and mentors. The regional squads have been a great experience for everyone so far - building basketball skills and good relationships in the North East region.
Best of luck to everyone involved.
League Play Offs and Cup, Plate and Shield Tournaments 2024
As the 2023/24 leagues draw to a close the next few weeks will see clubs from the North East region vie for titles in the playoffs for the leagues which were played in ‘Pool’ formats this season. Finals in the U12 Boys B, U14 Girls B, U16 Boys B and U18 Boys take place on Saturday, 16th March in two venues - U12 Boys B and U18 Boys in Virginia in the morning, with the U14 Girls B and U16 Boys B in Monaghan in the afternoon.
The full schedule for the day is as follows:
Virginia College :
11am: U12 Boys B - East Cavan Eagles Falcons V Dunshaughlin Rockets
12.30pm: U18 Boys - Dundalk Ravens V East Cavan Eagles
St Macartan's
3pm: U14 Girls B - East Cavan Eagles Falcons V Dynamites
4.30pm: U16 Boys B - Muckno Lakers V Blackwater Steelers
Wishing the best of luck to all the teams involved for a great day’s basketball.
The following weekend the attention turns to the end of season tournaments with a total of 5 tournaments in different venues across the region - with the U16s on Saturday, 23rd March and the U14s on Sunday 24th
U16 Boys Cup & Plate: Colaiste na hInse,Laytown
U16 Girl's Cup & Plate: St Macartan's, Monaghan
U14 Boys & Girls - Cup: Ballymakenny College, Drogheda;
U14 Boys & Girls Plate: Multyfarnham Hall
U14 Boys & Girls Shield: Our Lady's SS, Castleblayney
U12s will take to the courts on Saturday, 6th April in Cavan and Dunshaughlin with the U18s the following day on Sunday 7th in Carrickmacross in Dromiskin.
The final weekend of tournaments will feature the senior teams with the men’s Cup and Plate and the ladies’ Cup taking place across two days in Virginia.
You can find the full schedule for all the play offs and end of season tournaments here
NEBB End of Season Tournaments 2024
U16/18 NEBB Knights Training 2023/24
The NEBB Knights will hold introductory training sessions and preliminary trials for U16/18 players on Sunday, 5th November in Mullagh Sports Hall . The Knights teams are the regional teams of the North East Area Board and are open to all eligible players registered with clubs in the NEBB.
The NEBB Knights will hold introductory training sessions and preliminary trials for U16/18 players on Sunday, 5th November in Mullagh Sports Hall
The Knights teams are the regional teams of the North East Area Board and are composed of players from clubs throughout Cavan, Meath, Monaghan, Louth and Streete. The coaches/managers are all volunteers from the North East clubs. For a number of years the U16 and U18 teams have been offering players and coaches the opportunity to experience basketball at an international European level, and to grow and develop their own skills in the process - as well as enjoying the social aspect of getting to know others throughout the region. The teams are open to all eligible players registered with clubs in the NEBB and resident in Ireland.
Last summer the teams travelled to the Eurobasket tournament in Lloret de Mar, Spain in the first week in July. You can see some of the highlights from that trip here. The coaches hope to be able to take some groups abroad again this year - the number will depend on the availability of coaches and managers to travel with the players
Preliminary training and trials for U16 and U18 players will take place on Sunday 5th November:
U16 training will take place in the morning:
9.30am -11.30am: U 16 Boys (Players born 2008/09)
11.45am to 1.45pm: U16 Girls (Players born 2008/09)
with U18s in the afternoon
2.15pm - 4.15pm : U18 Girls(Players born 2006/07)
4.30 pm to 6.30pm: U18 Boys(Players born 2006/07)
If there are any players who wish to attend this year’s trials they should complete and submit this NE Knights Registration Form before attending.
If players are interested in participating but are unable to attend the first session the form should still be submitted before Sunday.
Players attending training should bring a ball, drink, gum shields and €5 for hall hire. Players should not wear club gear please.
Further training and team trials for the U16s/18s will take place on Sunday 3rd and 17th of December.
COACHES/MANAGERS:
The number of teams selected will depend on having enough coaches/managers prepared to take on the roles. If there are any coaches/volunteers who wish to help out with any of the Knights squads, or if you want to find out any more information, please contact knights@nebb.ie
North East Knights in Lloret De Mar 2023
It’s been a long road to EuroBasket 2023 for the U16 & 18 Knights squads - having had to call off the planned trip in 2020 due to Covid, it had been 4 years since NE Knights last had the opportunity to travel to an international tournament.
But it finally happened again and the hard work which began many months ago paid off with a wonderful week of basketball and shared memories for the 46 strong group of players as well as the support team of coaches and managers.
The initial training sessions began in December 2022 with the final trials taking place in early February. This was followed by a programme of team training sessions, whole group sharpening sessions and team building, all culminating in the trip to the EuroBasket 2023 international basketball tournament on the Costa Brava in Spain.
The 29th EuroBasket tournament, which ran from 2nd - 8th July 2023, was host to almost 1300 players/coaches/managers from 42 different clubs representing 16 countries. Five venues were used, and 387 games were played.
This is just a short account of the NE Knights week.
Day 0: Sunday, 2nd July
On Sunday evening, members of the North East Knights U16 and U18 squads and their coaches and managers met in Dublin Airport to begin their journey to the 6-day Eurobasket 2023 basketball tournament in Lloret de Mar. The group flew from Dublin to Barcelona with Vueling arriving at 1.40am local time.
Following a one and a half hour wait at the baggage carousel the group could finally board the bus to their accommodation in the Hotel Cleopatra, which they finally reached around 4am.
Day 1: Monday, 3rd July
All four of the teams were in action on the courts on the first day, with 5 games in total - the first at 12 noon and the final game at 10.15pm that night – with teams from France, Switzerland, Spain and Turkey providing the opposition. The U16 boys had a particularly busy day with games at 12pm and again at 4. Not much time to enjoy the pool facilities back at the hotel, other than for a few snatched moments here and there.
Day 2: Tuesday, 4th July
Another very busy day, with all teams in action again and wins on court for all 4 teams - the U18 Girls travelled to Blanes to take on Nice, the U16 Girls played Liverpool, the U16 boys played Turkish side, Çengelköy Basketbol, and the U18 boys took on the San Marino national squad.
The opening ceremony on Tuesday night at ‘El ‘Moli’ allowed the Knights to show their national pride. The flag was carried for the Irish group by the U18 boys captain, John Fry
Day 3: Wednesday 5th July
This was another long day, with all teams in action again and the U16 boys having a second day with two games to play. Both U18 teams were in action in the late 10.15pm slot - the U18 girls taking on a high-quality French team – Francheville - in Pompeu Fabra were enthusiastically supported by the U16 girls squad, while across in El Moli the U16 boys cheered on the U18 boys team. During the day players got some limited opportunities to avail of the hotel pool.
Day 4: Thursday, 6th July
Another very busy day for some teams - the U18 boys had two games within a few hours of each other but it was a ‘free’ day for both the U18 Girls and U16 boys. After the U16 girls and U18 boys’ games there was an opportunity for all squads to spend a few hours at the beach before dinner.
Although the food in our hotel was very good some players stopped off for pizza, burgers and fries on their way back to the hotel.
Thursday evening was relaxed as no team had an evening game and players were happy to enjoy the facilities at the hotel, including a music session by the pool.
Day 5: Friday 7th July
This was play off and finals day and saw most teams in action with some silverware being won as follows:
U18 Girls: W05/06 Final: Runners - Up
U16 Girls: W07 3rd Place Play Off: Winners
The U16 boys lost out in their 3rd place playoff to finish 4th overall in the M07/08, but this was the biggest group in the tournament with 11 teams in total, the Knights team having finished runner up in its pool of 6.
Thanks to some sponsorship all teams had the opportunity to celebrate during some free time before the awards/closing ceremony.
Both girls’ teams chose to celebrate with pizza - the U16 girls dining in a restaurant highly recommended by our Italian tournament organisers. The U18 girls chose the same restaurant but opted for take away, as there was still some shopping to be done!
The tournament ended later that evening with the Awards & Closing Ceremony and it is fair to say that the Knights contingent enjoyed every last moment of the celebrations with lots of photographs taken with each other and their new friends.
Day 6: Saturday – Coming home.
And then it was time to leave – an early morning flight meant that nobody felt it worthwhile going to bed before our 3.30am bus trip to the airport, but the time passed quickly with packing to be done!!!
Despite our early arrival at the airport and uncomplicated check in we still found ourselves running for the boarding gate - but happily everyone made it and we arrived back in Dublin ahead of time, landing in the airport at 9.30am, where players were re-united with their families.
Thank You
Of course, the whole trip could not have happened without the help and assistance of a large group of people giving their time, effort and money to make it a success.
Sponsors
The NEBB Knights are indebted to the following sponsors for the financial support of the 2023 trip:
O'Reilly Hoofcare, Virginia
MLS, Mullingar
Coaches and Managers
A huge thanks to those who volunteered their time and expertise to make it possible. As well as coaching/managing the teams in preparation for and during the tournament members of the group looked after designing and sourcing the stylish teamwear and backpacks, booked and sorted the flights itinerary for the whole group and looked after accommodation and other logistical details needed for a project like this – thank you Tony, Brian, Michael, Brendan, Sinead, Jessica, Tom, Orla, Ursula and Clare.
A special word of thanks to Kevin and Geraldine McElhinney for helping with our team building day in the Carrickdale as well as taking the photographs that day.
Players and Parents
To everyone involved with the North East Knights since the trials began last December – players committing to training and parents making sure they got there - all that work has led to what was an amazing week for the u16 and u18 players - It couldn't have been done without all of you.
And finally – a huge thank you to everyone involved in organising and running the tournament for their hard work, friendliness, enthusiasm and all-round helpfulness – Giusseppe, Veronica, Andrea, Anita, Eric and Leo Basket to name but a few! With 55 teams from 16 countries and 42 different clubs to coordinate with fixtures, referees etc it was a mammoth task, but the spirit of camaraderie between the staff and participants helps to make the EuroBasket experience so enjoyable to be part of.
Thank you.
North East Knights Head to Spain
The big day has arrived for basketball players in the North East who are travelling to Spain to represent their region at an international basketball tournament there, as part of the North East Basketball Board’s (NEBB)’s development programme.
The big day has arrived for basketball players in the North East who are travelling to Spain to represent their region at an international basketball tournament there, as part of the North East Basketball Board’s (NEBB)’s development programme.
The U16 and U18 Girls and Boys North East Knights squads will travel to the Costa Brava in Spain to participate in the EUROBASKET BASKETBALL FESTIVAL 2023 along with teams from across Europe. A total of 46 players from all twelve clubs in Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, and Westmeath are involved in the squads.
The players will travel to the seaside town of Lloret de Mar with their teammates to take part in a week-long festival of basketball, as well as have the opportunity to experience the culture and scenery of the area. The teams will play over the course of 5 days from 3rd to 7th July, facing opposition from England, France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey to name but a few.
Whilst in Lloret de Mar the teams will be accommodated in a central hotel and, in their limited free time, will have the opportunity to enjoy the range of social activities of the tournament as well as visit the beach and enjoy the sunshine.
An eight-person team of coaches, managers, and other personnel from six different clubs in Cavan, Louth, Meath, and Westmeath will be supporting the players.
The team managers and coaches are looking forward to the players and themselves experiencing basketball at European level and having the opportunity to play and watch teams from some of the strongest basketball nations in the world. The whole experience should be a significant building block for the development of basketball in the North East.
Introductory training and trials for the four teams began last December with final team selections taking place in early February. Since then, the players, along with their coaching and management teams having been meeting up for regular training sessions and challenge games. This has taken players to halls in Athboy, Carrickmacross, Dromiskin, Dunshaughlin, Mullagh, Multyfarnham and Streete, reflecting the huge geographical spread of clubs in the North East Area Basketball Board.
Last weekend players enjoyed a team building weekend in the Carrickdale Hotel outside Dundalk where they were presented with their team gear and kit bags. The day began with the players being put through their paces in some team building exercises by Kevin McElhinney from Mac’s Fitness, Virginia.
There are of course many expenses connected with a trip of this nature including team kits, kit bags, ‘walk out gear’, medical kits etc. Whilst a lot of fundraising has been undertaken by the players and their clubs the trip would not be possible without the financial support of sponsors for which the NEBB is very grateful.
The teams were delighted to be joined on the day by representatives of sponsors, MLS, Mullingar and O’Reilly Hoofcare, Virginia.
The North East Basketball Board (NEBB) is the official Area Board of the North East, as recognised by Basketball Ireland, and is responsible for the development and promotion of basketball in Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, Meath & Westmeath.
The Board runs leagues for juvenile teams from U12 up to U18 as well as senior men’s and ladies’ leagues.
The North East Knights have been working with players in the region since 2014 and travelled with squads on an annual basis up until the Covid-19 pandemic prevented any trip in 2020. Over the years teams have competed at international tournaments in Hungary, Poland, and Spain.
The North East Knights have been working with players in the region since 2014 and travelled with squads on an annual basis up until the Covid-19 pandemic prevented any trip in 2020. Over the years teams have competed at international tournaments in Hungary, Poland, and Spain.
The aim of the Knights U16 and U18 squads is to allow basketball players in the region an opportunity to experience basketball at an international level. They also allow coaches the opportunity to develop their coaching skills through working with regional teams and coaching at international tournaments. The collaboration between coaches, managers and other support personnel from different clubs has proven extremely positive.
The U14 Boys and Girls Knights development teams are currently preparing to represent the North East at a regional tournament in Longford later this summer. The Knights have also worked with U12 groups this year providing skills development sessions for players from NEBB clubs during April and May - this season saw a number of former NE Knights players involved in coaching teams themselves. The group looks forward to expanding its development programme in the future.
Most international trips have yielded some silverware with various teams winning tournament finals over the years. This year’s U16 and u18 squads have been working hard for the EuroBasket tournament, but no matter what the outcome on the court, this trip will be an experience of a lifetime for this enthusiastic squad of players and mentors. The regional squads have been a great experience for everyone so far - building basketball skills and good relationships in the North East region.
Basketball in the North East should continue to thrive into the future.
North East Knights Prepare for Spain
North East Knights prepare for Spain
The North East Knights U16 and U18 girls and boys teams are making final preparations for their trip to the Eurobasket Tournament 2023 in Lloret de Mar, Spain. These are some images from their FIBA 3 v 3 tournament in Streete Hall on 9th June.
The Eurobasket international tournament is taking place the first week in July.
North East Knights girls following a challenge game with the Longford Phoenix U17 girls team.