The country’s only Connacht Superleague club has claimed that it may collapse due to a restructuring of the national league.
Ballina’s Team Merry Monk, the first basketball club in Ireland to play high-profile GAA players, is being forced into the southern conference of the league for the 2007/08 season and says that it faces financial ruin.
Ballina were Northern Conference champions in 2005/06 and finished runners-up in the Superleague last season, beaten in the final by Killester.
Former Irish international basketballer and Mayo GAA star Liam McHale feels the decision by the Superleague authorities puts the whole ethos of basketball in doubt.
‘This is a body blow to the best supported team in the country. Ballina is unique in that it consistently has full houses for Superleague games. What happens the fans now?’ he said.
‘Basketball Ireland has an obligation to develop the game of basketball at all levels nationwide. This decision discriminates against the true spirit of basketball on the ground and disenfranchises all aspiring basketball players.’
The decision made by the Superleague Management Board (SLMB) adds an additional 1,000 miles in trips for the North Mayo club and puts them together with teams from Kerry, Cork and Limerick. The extra cost associated with this would be a serious blow to the club.
Since their reincorporation into the Superleague in 2003, they have played in the Northern Conference against teams from Dublin and Belfast enjoying home crowds of 1,000 a night.
Coach Terry Kennedy broke the news to club captain and Mayo midfielder Ronan McGarrity.
‘It is a sad day for basketball in the West. Ronan has been through a lot over the last few months and his goal was to be fit for the opening game of the basketball season,’ Terry said.
‘This restructuring of the league has put all our work into serious doubt and we’re all deeply hurt and feel betrayed by the basketball association.’
The club has competed in national men’s competitions for over 30 years. During their long history they have won several national trophies including two national cups.
Team Merry Monk lodged an appeal with Basketball Ireland but their fate will not be known for at least at least two weeks.
Club officials said they were given no explanation for the decision and they are reeling.
‘It is a serious blow for basketball in the west and Merry Monk have been a beacon for the development of the game in Connacht. We feel the decision and the manner in which it has been made is paramount to constructive dismissal from the league,’ a member said yesterday.
According to the Irish Examiner, Basketball Ireland bosses have said that a full consultative system was in place before this decision was reached.
