BANTRY Basketball Club’s reputation as a hotspot for local basketball talent has received another boost – rising star Emily O’Neill has been selected for the Ireland U16 women’s national team.

This is an incredible achievement given that Emily is still only at U14 level. Her inclusion places her among the top young players in the country and highlights both her individual dedication and the supportive environment fostered within the club.

At Basketball Ireland academy level, Bantry has been represented in outstanding numbers. In the U14 girls’ academy, the club is celebrating the selection of Anna Harrington, Ciara O’Sullivan, Emily O’Neill, Emma O’Connor, Fia Russell, Kacey O’Sullivan, Layla Rose Kingston Fitzgerald, Mary Keohane, Meghan O’Neill and Suzanna Mae Kingston Fitzgerald.

The U14 boys’ academy also features Bantry representation, with Bobby Murnane, Frank O’Callaghan, Oskar Ustjanowski and Tomas Deasy all rewarded for their commitment and performances.

The U15 Basketball Ireland academies were equally successful for the club. The girls’ academy squad includes Emily Conlon, Emily O’Neill, Kacey Cotter and Kate O’Sullivan, while the boys’ academy selections went to Charlie Downey, Donnacha Cronin Murphy, Harry Curran and Michael Hayden.

Bantry talent will also be on show at the BIPPS Inter-Provincial Tournament later this month. The U15 girls’ South team includes Emily Conlon, Emily O’Neill, Kacey Cotter and Kate O’Sullivan, while on the boys’ side both Charlie Downey and Michael Hayden will wear the South jersey in Galway.

A club spokesperson said the wave of recognition reflects the hard work of players, coaches and families alike.

‘We are incredibly proud of every one of our players who have received selections. It is a testament to their dedication and passion for basketball, and it also highlights the strength of our club and the bright future of the sport in Bantry.’

With so many young athletes achieving recognition at the highest levels, Bantry Basketball Club continues to cement its reputation as one of the most exciting breeding grounds of talent in the region.