Liam McHale

A Ballina lifer he lifted the cup for Ballina in 1991. Possibly the best Irish Player of all time. Liam possesed a sweet jump shot and a variety of strong inside moves and he was a match for any American . As part of the Famous McHale Clan he helped put Ballina Co. Mayo on the basketball map.

Mark Keeenan

Mark played his whole career at St. Vincent's as a solid point guard. Mark had good court vision a solid handle and was an exceptional three point shooter. Mark is also Ireland's most capped player. He has now turned his hand to coaching after being an assistant with Tolka Rovers hes now coaching the Irish Under 20 mens team.

Mario Ellie

 

 

 

He may have only played one season here but any player with three NBA ring's deserves a mention.Playing for Killester in the 1986/87 season he averaged 35.9 ppg. He won the cup MVP with a 41 point performance in the Finals. He didnt stay long but wouldnt you trade a cold rainy Dublin evening for the NBA finals

Anthony Jenkins

The most talented player to come here.He played at Clemson Uni. in the ACC, home to Duke and North Carolina (he actually played against Michael Jordan). In his senior year he outshone team mates Horace and Harvey Grant averaging 18 ppg and made the ACC allstar team . He got invites to NBA camps but ended up playing for Blue Demons in 1987. Jenk's was an amazing three point shooter and passer.He moved to Notre Dame and took the role of player/coach where he went on to win four consecutive Sprite cups

The Obliate Hall, Inchicore

Who says this sections only for players? The true home of Irish Basketball. It held the cup and international matches before Neptune Stadium and the Arena were built. To this day its still most players favorite court.The Oblates has seen many fine moments and players and was reopened two years ago after a fire nearly destroyed it.

Susan Moran

Undoubably the best Female Irish Player of all time. Susan from Tullamore in Co. Offally left Ireland to play at D1 University St. Josephs in Philadelphia USA. Susan had the best college career any Irish player has ever, had and she picked up numerous awards along the way. Susan was the Atlantic 10 and Big 5 rookie of the year in 1999. Susan was selected to the Atlantic ten and big 5 first team in 200 and 2001. In 2002 Susan was the Atlantic Ten player of the year and the conferences leading scorer with 22.6. she was also and honerable mention All American. Susan left St. Joe's as their all time leading scorer (2,340 points). Susan was the first Irish player to be drafteed to the WNBA and she played for the New York Liberty. Throughout this time Susan was also starring for the Irish womens team in her. Susan has now retired from playing basketball and she is currently coaching at St. Joe's.

 

Pat Burke

Pat is the only Irish born player ever to play in the NBA. Pat was born in Dublin but emigrated to Florida with his parents while still a child. Pat went on to attend college at Auburn University where he was named to the Associated Press All-SEC Honorable Mention team in 1996-97 as a senior. After graduation Pat began his career in European Basketball playing five years in Greece where he captured both Greek and Euroleague titles with Panathanikos.During this time Pat was widely recognised as one of the best inside players playing in Europe. Pat was then drafted by the Orlando Magic wheere he spent a successful season before returning to Europe. Pat eneded up in Spain where he helped lead Real Madrid to a Spanish ACB Championship. Pat has now returned to the NBA and is currently playing for the Phoenix suns. Pat recently represented Ireland with the Senior Mens team where he was almost led them to the Finals of the European Championships. A strong athletic big man who is a ferocious defender Pat surprised many players with a soft tough around the basket and a good range on his shot all the way out to the three point line. Pat will be remembered as Irelands greatest ever basketball player.

Dave Cullen

Dave Cullen grew up in the Befast in Northern Ireland. Dave started playing basketball at a young age and went on to play Superleague Basketball for Star of the Sea and also represented the Northern Ireland Colleges squad at the BUSA game's. David was as active in basketball matters off the court and was hiugely active with the Queens Basketball club who have gone on to be hugely successfull. David most important work is that which he has carried out with the Peace Players International foundation and it is for this he is a deserving member of the hall of fame. Peace Players International is a worldwide organisation that brings togther communities seperated by conflict through the medium of sport namely basketball. Dave grew up in a Catholic family during the height of the troubles in the 1970's . Despite this Dave didnt let himself succombe to prejudice, instead he steped forward determeined to end the hatred between the communities in Northen Ireland and not let the next generation grow up with the same resentment twards their neighbours. For his work and leadership Dave along with Trevor Ringland was awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award by Samuel L. Jackson at the ESPN awards in 2007.

Cork Hall Basketball of Fame

 

 

 

 

1973 Blue Demons

The Demons Team that won the first National League in 1973 contained storied players like Seanie Murphy ( father of Dave ) Peter Coughlan ( father of Shane ) and Andy Houlihan.

Corks first Americans

Demons had Dave Beckom Univ. of Colorado and Wayne ' Rat' Williams University of Pittsburgh. Wayne was the first player in Ireland that could hang in the air . He was awesome and only really had to step it up in 1 game which was the BIBF cup against the English grand slam champions Solent Stars who had 7 Americans. Demons lost by a point but Wayne put on an amazing show that night.

Neptune were playing Div 2 and had Pete Stickland who was back up guard to Wayne Williams at Univ. of Pittsburgh. Pete on to become top class coach and now coaches at Costal Carolina University in the US

Lennie McMillan came to Cork in 1982 to play with Demons . He came from Univ. of Pittsburgh and shot the lights out . He also had the quickest hands I ever saw. Lennie was also a defensive specialist and shut down opponents. Actually played for Neptune. North Mon, and St. Vincent's Cork winning national titles with every club. When Lennie arrived in Ireland he actually thought he was in Poland and his first question was how far away was the Russian border. Lennie is still going strong playing for Shamrock hoops

Tom Wilkinson

Tom Wilkinson started his career with Neptune and joined Demons when Neptune left the league. Captained Demons to Double in 1981. Rejoined Neptune the following year ( rumoured that he was first Irish player to be paid ) and Captained Neptune to Double in 1984/85. Winner of countless titles and went on to Captain his country.

Iona B.C.

Iona were one of the best underage clubs in Ireland in the sixties and seventies winning almost 30 All Ireland Titles . Players who played with Iona were John Cooney , Timmy McCarthy, Seanie Murphy and countless others. Iona were the first Irish club to enter a European Championship finishing third in the un19 in 1973 with Dommie Dalton receiving an allstar five award.

Seanie Murphy

Seanie started underage with Iona transferred to Demons where he still coaches the Nursery. Seanie was a great point guard won numerous titles as player and coach. First man to play, captain, manage and coach Ireland.

Gurranabraher Hall

Built to hold 1500 people crowds of 3000+ often crammed into this venue.This hall has witnessed some incredible games through the years , such as Cork v Kerry County Team battles in the 60s and 70s, Major Extra Size International tourney, Neptune international, Epics between Demons and Neptune at all levels culminising in Basketballs Glory Decade of the 80s when it was the place to be seen.

Demons of the 80S

Demons won 3 leagues, 3 top 4s, 1 cup , finished runnerup in the league 5 times and won The BIBF Cup in 1982/83 beating Team Solripe of Scotland who had an all american starting 5 in the final.

Neptune of the 80s / early 90s

8 League titles , 2 cups, 2 top fours. Enough said.

Neptune Stadium

The arrival of the Stadium gave basketball a superb new venue for tv. Brought basketball in Ireland to a whole new level.

Timmy McCarthy

Great player with Demons in the 80s. Could shoot, rebound, play defense control the game and a leader of his team. Went on to Captain and Coach Ireland.

Tom o Sullivan

Probably best Irish 3point shooter ever to play. Was vital in Neptunes glory era.

Jasper McElroy

6 Seasons with Demons 1 with the Mon. Anybody who was lucky enough to see him will tell you he was arguably the best ever to play here.

Ray Smith

3 Seasons Neptune , he is the reason there would be an argument.