Kilkenny City ready to rock as Masters Basketball takes centre stage

Three packed days of basketball action are in store as Kilkenny plays host to the eighth annual Kilkenny Masters tournament this weekend.

Thirty-six teams in men’s and women’s competitions in over-40s and 50s categories will take part in this prestigious event, travelling from all corners of Ireland including Cork, Kerry, Mayo, Dublin, Offaly, Cavan, Kildare, Galway, Limerick, Laois, Wexford, Waterford and, of course, Kilkenny. Adding an international flavour, three teams from England will also be in attendance, representing Rossendale, Bristol and London.

More than 400 players and officials will be involved across the weekend, combining competitive basketball with the equally important social side of the tournament — highlighted by the traditional Saturday night social gathering in Paris Texas. The event is a wonderful showcase of the value of health, wellbeing, and lifelong participation in sport, proving that the love of the game doesn’t fade with age.

The tournament tips off on Friday evening in O’Loughlin Gaels, with games beginning at 7.20pm. The Kilkenny Ladies 40s, Marble City Mayfairs, will face neighbours Portlaoise Panthers. That clash will be followed by the Kilkenny Men’s 40s, who will go up against newcomers North Munster. Mayor of Kilkenny, Cllr John Coonan will be on hand to officially open the tournament and to welcome all the athletes and spectators.

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Saturday sees the tournament burst into full swing, with matches running from 9am to 5pm across the O’Loughlin Gaels, Loreto and Presentation School halls. Notable standout fixtures taking place are at 9.10am in Presentation, when the Kilkenny Ladies 50s team will take part for the first time. Then it’s the turn of the Kilkenny Men’s Over 50s straight after.

The finals will be held across the same venues on Sunday. Gunning for three-in-a-row are Leixlip Masters (previously LT UTD) in the Lar Murphy Memorial Cup and also Mustangs for the Seamus Walsh Cup. Who will challenge them for the crown?

Basketball fans are also encouraged to attend a special Wheelchair Basketball Exhibition, featuring players from the South East Swifts, in the Loreto at 12.50pm on Sunday. This is a fantastic opportunity to see wheelchair basketball in action and admire the skill and teamwork of Pat O’Neill and his squad, who competed in the National Cup final in January.

The Kilkenny Stars Basketball Club will be providing catering at each venue throughout the weekend, with all proceeds going towards their under-14 girls and boys trip to Barcelona.

Admission is free, with all welcome to come along and enjoy the action. For full fixtures and updates, see kilkennymasters.ie.

The Kilkenny Masters Committee thanked their supporters, sponsors and all who helped make this event possible.