75th Anniversary of Cork County Basketball

As many might be aware basketball in Ireland only came to the country after the second world war, when the armed forces of the U.S.A. teams visited the country. With basketball being played in our own defence force, invitational games were organised to welcome our visitors. Following these visits and hopes from the decision makers in both the defence and government that Ireland would compete in the 1948 Olympic games that were being held in London, the Amateur Basketball Association of Ireland was founded in 1945. With the Defence forces in Cork eager to set up a County Board so that some of the personnel in the County would be available for selection for the Olympics two civilian clubs were set up, one the Weevils and the other one of our well-known clubs Neptune which happened in 1947. In the following year (1948) the County board was established with teams from the City, County and the Defence forces participating in a league, championship and exhibition games.
To begin our 75th anniversary celebrations we are running the Cork Super League Championships for the first time in approximately 35 years. This year we have two entrants, so, it is a straight final between Energywise Neptune and UCC Demons. The game will take place on Friday September 15th at 8 p.m. at the Neptune Stadium. Many thanks to Neptune Basketball Club for the use of the stadium on the night. The takings on the night will be used as part of the fundraising for the under 14 trip to Barcelona next year. To celebrate the seven clubs who participated in our inaugural year, we are asking all our clubs to come together to launch our leagues on our 75th anniversary. We are asking clubs to provide two club members in full playing strip to represent their clubs on the night so we can celebrate and promote basketball in Cork through our own social media channels and the local press. We are hoping for a big turnout for the game which will be the first competitive game of the season for Energywise Neptun and UCC Demons. Entry on the night is €5 for over 15’s and €2 for under 15’s . No presale tickets are available and entry is strictly by payment at the door.
As clubs are also aware we are having a 75th anniversary raffle where the Board have put up the prize and the Clubs keep 100% of what they sell. Tickets will be €5 each and a book will contain ten tickets. Look out for more details on the website and social media for the raffle and our other 75th anniversary events during the year.
Source on history details: Neptune Basketball, Gods by the lee, My Basketball Memories – Jim O’ Donoghue.