MICHAEL Hayden’s infectious attitude to learn and be challenged is one of the reasons the Bantry teen has already played international basketball for Ireland, explains his coach Pat Curran.

‘He wants to learn,’ says Curran, who has played a key role in Michael’s rise from Bantry Basketball Club to international level.

In June, Michael (14) won four international caps when he played for Ireland at the Four Nations U14 Tournament in Glasgow – it’s a weekend he’ll never forget.

‘It was a great experience,’ he says.

‘We got to play against England, and they were tall, fast and strong. The stadium was packed and so loud. It was class to play in front of a crowd like that.’

After getting the taste for the big time, Michael wants more, but he knows the work involved to reach that level.

‘It took a lot of work to get there,’ he says, explaining his journey from the Cork development squad to the Cork squad, and then to the Irish set-up.

Michael Hayden with his coach Pat Curran.

Before Michael this summer, the last time a West Cork teenager played basketball for Ireland at underage international level was in 2008 – Alan Keane is another Bantry link, representing the Ireland U16s 17 years ago.

To recognise his achievement, Michael was presented with a Paudie Palmer Youth Sports Star award at the Celtic Ross Hotel. His coach, Pat Curran, was among the supporters to make the trip to Rosscarbery. A quick look back through the West Cork Sports Star Awards previous winners shows Pat himself won a monthly award in 2004, and he’s thrilled to see Michael put Bantry basketball on the map.

‘I've been coaching Michael since he was seven years old and continue to do so, and he has a huge future with basketball,’ Pat explains.

‘He puts in hours of work outside of training sessions, wants to be challenged, and is great at making his teammates better.’

Success has followed Michael, too. In the past few years, he has helped Bantry Basketball Club win the Cork A League twice, at both U13 and U14 levels. Last season, he played a key role as Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí U14 boys won the county schools’ championship and went on to the All-Ireland title.

‘Basketball is huge in Bantry now, both with the boys and the girls,’ says Michael.

‘I loved the sport from the moment I started. I love the skills, and there’s just so much to it.’

In recent weeks, Emily O’Neill, also of Bantry Basketball Club, was selected on the initial Ireland U16 women’s squad as preparation began for FIBA Youth EuroBasket 2026. More positive news for Bantry basketball.

After already playing for Ireland, he wants more. Remember the name: Michael Hayden.