Ballintubber native Irene Wallace (Hoban), who brought home a World Masters Over 40s bronze medal while competing for Ireland at the FIBA MaxiBasketball World Championships, held in Switzerland.

Masterclass as Mayo woman takes home world bronze medal

Published: Wed 16 Jul 2025, 9:47 AM

Last updated: Wed 16 Jul 2025, 9:52 AM

Masters basketball has become a world sport and competing at the highest level lately were a number of Mayo players, who represented their country at the FIBA Maxi Basketball World Championships in Switzerland.

There were five Irish teams competing at the championships, and it was some achievement by two women’s teams to bring home silver and bronze, the Over 45s losing out in the final to Brazil, while the Overs 40s, with Ballintubber native Irene Hoban playing a key role for her team, being defeated in the semi-final to eventual winners Italy, but taking the bronze medal by beating Mexico 55-45.

A regular on the Irish Masters team, Irene was part of the Irish Over 40 women’s team who brought home a bronze medal – a wonderful achievement for Irene, who plays her basketball with Kilkenny.

Her sister, Anita, who teaches at St. Gerald’s College, Castlebar, coaches the Ballintubber Under 16 girls team.

It was clear from the group results the Irish woman were destined for a podium place as they clocked up some massive scores, beating Brazil 88-28 and hitting over the ton against Columbia, also accounting for Chile 55-34.

They went on to beat Estonia to reach the semi-final but lost to Italy 73-48, beating Mexico 55-45 to claim the bronze.

Herman Heyl from Castlebar, and a former Under 19 A All-Ireland Schools Cup winner with St. Gerald’s College, who plays his basketball with Mayo Meteors, put in some strong performances as Ireland emerging as clear winners in their groups to reach the last 16 in the Under 40 men's competition.

Mayo Meteors player Herman Heyl, who was part of the Irish Under 40 Men’s team who competed in the Masters World Masters Championships in Switzerland.

They had a big win over Costa Rica to reach the quarterfinal but were denied a place in the semi-final by a very strong German team. However, they finished a creditable sixth place overall.

Anthony McHale was once again in action for the Over 65 team, who played some great basketball in the group stage, with McHale a big scoring threat in all their games.

Ireland beat Germany (58-53) and Puerta Rice (43-38) but lost out narrowly (49-50) to Italy in the final group game. Ireland beat Chile in their first knockout game but lost their second game, which was also against Chile.

They ended their tournament on a high with a win over Poland in their classification game.