Aiden O'Shea linked with basketball return ahead of Mayo clubs' entry to new national league

THREE Dublin teams, two from Mayo, and one each from Antrim, Westmeath, Cavan and Leitrim will make up the new developmental senior men’s basketball league.

The new league has been split into two conferences and teams will play each other just once, with the top four going through to compete for cup and shield titles.

Mayo Meteors and Merry Monk Ballina, who are in Conference 1, will also be taking part in the LLR League, while Meteors have entered a team in the National Intermediate Cup.

It will be a busy season for basketball in Mayo but the decision to move up a grade by both Mayo Meteors and Merry Monk Ballina is an indication of the determination of these teams to play at a higher level, and this new developmental league – with three Dublin teams (Ongar Chasers, Tolka Rovers and Dublin Raiders) taking part – will certainly be a new challenge for both clubs.

The new league, which will see both teams play eight games, will also present some financial challenges and both clubs have been fortunate to enjoy the support of some good home crowds while competing in the LLR league last season.

Ballina Braves have secured the sponsorship of Merry Monk Ballina for the coming season and they have expressed their gratitude to proprietor, Joe Lavelle, who has sponsored basketball before when they team were playing in the Super League back in 2000s.

Mr. Lavelle is also very involved in boxing and has sponsored numerous tournaments over the years, and continues to sponsor a number of local sporting clubs in Ballina.

“We are very grateful to Joe for coming on board as the sponsor of our team that will be competing in the newly national league as well as the LLR league, and it is much appreciated by the club,” said Ballina Braves chairman Kevin McHale.

Mr. McHale added that there is a great buzz in the club with anticipation for the new season and new league, while the club has also developed an Under 18 team that acquitted itself very well at the recent Neptune Tournament in Cork.

Meanwhile, Mayo Meteors coach Terry Kennedy said the club is looking forward to the challenge of the new national league, which is a stepping stone to going into Division 1 of the National League next season.

“It will be putting a lot of financial pressure on the club but we are lining up a sponsor, which will be announced shortly,” said the Mayo Meteors coach.

Kennedy has also been recruiting some new players to the club and has spoken to Mayo footballer Aidan O’Shea, who did a stint with EJ All Stars Sligo, while Ethan Gibbons, who plays with Castlebar Mitchels, is another talented basketball player who could be lining out for Meteors this season.

Added Kennedy: “Aidan and Ethan are certainly interested and we are hoping to bring on some of the young players this season. The club is really looking forward to another busy season with teams in both leagues as well as entering the national intermediate cup.

“It’s all about learning and developing. The talent is there for sure and the only way to improve is keeping playing at a higher level. It’ where we want to be.”

Merry Monk Ballina and Mayo Meteors will clash just once in the league, and it will be in the final round. Ballina will have home advantage for the game.

The fixtures, which won’t commence until November, for Team Merry Monk Ballina and Mayo Meteors are as follows:

Round 1: Merry Monk v Ongar Chasers, Mayo Meteors v Athlone

Round 2: Tolka Rover v Mayo Meteors, Athlone v Merry Monk

Round 3: Merry Monk Ballina v Tolka Rovers, Mayo Meteors v Phoenix Rockets

Round 4: Carrick Cruisers v Merry Monk, East Cavan Eagles v Mayo Meteors

Round 5: Ongar Chasers v Mayo Meteors, Merry Monk Ballina free

Round 6: Merry Monk v East Cavan Eagles, Mayo Meteors v Dublin Raiders

Round 7: Phoenix Rockets v Merry Monk Ballina, Mayo Meteors v Carrick Cruisers

Round 8: Dublin Raiders v Merry Monk Ballina, Mayo Meteors free

Round 9: Merry Monk Ballina v Mayo Meteors