Clubs

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NEBL - ROLL OF HONOUR

NEBL - LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

NEBBL - LEAGUE WINNERS

Ladies Men
Killinkere (4) 2001/02, 2003/04, 2004/05, 2005/06 Athboy Cobras (3) 2005/06, 2006/07, 2011/12
Muckno Lakers (3) 2008/09,2010/11,2011/12 Killinkere (2) 1991/92, 1992/93
Athboy Cobras (1) 2009/10 Cavan Utd (1) 2008/09
Muckno Lakers (1) 2007/08
Mullingar Dragons (1) 2010/11

** Compiled from available records

NEBL TOP 4 WINNERS

LADIES Men
Killinkere (4) 2001/02,2002/03,2003/04,2006/07 Athboy Cobras (3) 2005/06,2006/07, 2011/12
Muckno Lakers (3) 2008/09, 2010/11, 2011/12 Mullingar Dragons (1) 2010/11
Athboy Cobras (1) 2009/10 Cavan Utd (1) 2008/09
Cootehill (1) 2005/06 Dundalk Ravens (1) 2007/08
Killinkere (1) 1992/93

** Compiled from available records

NorthEastBasketballLeague

Section 1 - Club News & Information
Section 2 - NEBL Senior Men & Ladies
Section 3 - NEBL Junior Section
Section 4 - Our Club - In Spotlight
Section 5 - Archives - NEBL A Brief History

NEBL - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - 2012

There was a good attendance at the AGM of the NEBL on Wednesday 11th April 2012 in the River Front Hotel, Virginia. However, a number of clubs failed to send a representative. NERA was represented at the meeting by Brendan Markey (Chairman), Michael Mc Grath (Appointments Officer) and Paul O'Hanlon (Development Officer)

Summary of meeting-

The board agreed to the proposal of joining the senior and juvenile boards as one. Motion now to be put to the juvenile board.
Board on good financial footing
League now to be known as NEBL
The Introduction of player ID cards was adopted
Score sheets to be forwarded within 7 working days. A soft copy (scanned) can be forwarded in advance to cover any delay in posting. Penalties to remain the same
Change of NEBL registration from Dec 31st to open season was defeated
NE area geographical boundaries to remain the same
Clear gum-shields only allowed
New draft document for the running of the league completed
Referees to be at venue 20min before a game
Athboy Cobras (Men) and Muckno Lakers (Ladies) wished the best of luck in the All-Ireland National Intermediate Tournaments.
Chairman - Brendan Mc Coy
Secretary - Tony Ayres
Treasurer - Paul Sheridan
Registrar - TBA
NERA website thanked for promoting the NEBL
Outgoing executive members thanked for their work and effort given to the NEBL

TO ALL CLUBS - PLAYERS - COACHES - REFEREES

The NEBBL board wish to remind everyone that the use of alcohol by any player,coach, referees or supporter at any venue in the NEBL league is not permitted. The reason behind this is due to insurance companies refusing to cover any person injured at a basketball match.

From now on the clubs will be responsible for any people attending their games, i.e their players, coaches and supporters.

Referee's are well within their right to ask a player(s) to leave the court if they feel that the player(s) have been drinking.

Drinking outside a venue is not permitted by the owners / committees of most venues, so we ask that all clubs adhere to this rule.

NEBL committee.

Team & Referee Uniform Rules

1. All uniforms must be numbered correctly as per FIBA RULES. 4-15, 20-25, 30-35, 40-45 & 50-55. Any number other than these should not be on the court.

2. Under Armour & Sleeves. These MUST be the same colour as the uniform, ie Uniform Black - Under gear Black, Gear Yellow - Sleeves Yellow.

3. Matching Tops and Shirts, Clubs should make sure that the correct Top & Shirts are been worn by players.

NOTE: IT IS NOT AT THE REFEREE'S DISCRESION TO ALLOW PLAYERS TO PLAY WITH THESE ITEMS BEEN INCORRECT AND THEY MUST ASK PLAYERS TO STEP OFF COURT IF THE UNIFORM IS INCORRECT.
ALSO REFEREE'S SHOULD BE PROPERLY TOGGED OUT, BLACK RUNNERS, BLACK PANTS AND GREY TOP, UNDER ARMOUR LONG SLEEVE'S IS NOT PART OF THE UNIFORM.

GREAT PRAISE FOR HOSTING CLUBS

When it comes to basketball finals often the hosting clubs are the forgotten people. However, all hosting clubs for the Juvenile finals came in for great praise. Streete are well use to hosting juvenile finals and have an excellent set up to cater for everyone.

At the last minute, Killinkere lost their venue in Virginia, through double booking and we all headed to Ballyjamesduff. Where is Ballyjamesduff I asked? What's in it?, he asked. Well only a brand new, state of the art gym with remote control scoreboard. Even with a last minute change of venue everything ran smoothly.

And last but not least Kilsaran Dynamites pulled out all the stops last Sunday in Dundalk. Great team introductions, great music,great crowds... great everything... I thoroughly enjoyed the occasion and "you should have been there" is what I told everyone I met! Well done all and thanks for your great effort in hosting these exciting tournaments.

Oh I didn't mention the referees... now did I?..... well done to all the NERA officials... some of whom were refereeing at the juvenile finals for the first time.

NEBL SENIOR MEN & LADIES

NERA MPV WINNERS 2011/12

NERA TOP 4 MPV WINNERS 2011/12

T4 MPV 2011/12 - EVALDES SUDVIUS (COBRAS)

T4 MPV 2011/12 - ANGELA LENNON (LAKERS)

Top 4 Carrick -on-Shannon 2011/12

DUNDALK RAVENS V SAVI BC

GUEST PLAYER DARREN MC GOVERN AT THE NAIC

NORTH EAST MEN'S TEAM AT THE NAIC

NORTH EAST LADIES TEAM AT THE NAIC

Final NEBL Ladies League Table

Team

1. Lakers (11-1) 34pts (Castleblayney)

2. Cobras (11-1) 34pts (Athboy)

3. Torpedo (7-5) 25pts (Longford)

4 Dynamites (6-6) 24pts (Kilsaran)

5. Drogheda (5-7) 22pts (Kilsaran)

6.Cavan BC (2-10) 13pts (Cavan)

7. Killinkere (0-12) 12pts (Killinkere)

***
Torpedo 1 point deducted.

IT'S AN NEBL SLAM DUNK..!!

DRAGONS V COBRAS

Final NEBL Mens League Table

Team

1. Cobras (14-2) 43pts (Athboy)

2. Cougars (11-5) 38pts (Carrick-on-Shannon)

3. SAVI BC (9-7) 34pts (Oldcastle)

4.Torpedo (9-7) 34pts (Longford)

5. Titans (5-11) 26pts (Kilnaleck)

6. Ravens (7-9) 25pts (Dundalk)

7.Devils (3-13) 22pts (Mullingar)

8. Killinkere (2-14) 20pts (Killinkere)

9.Mullingar Dragons Demoted due to Registration

Cobra deducted 1 point.
Dragons demoted from T4 due to late registration
Ravens deducted 3 points.

Savi BC promoted to Top 4

DRAGONS V TITANS

PADHRAIG MC EVOY - KILLINKERE BC

RAVENS V KILLINKERE BC

DRAGONS V TITANS

NEBL JUNIOR LEAGUE

AOIFE MAGUIRE RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD

Congratulations to Aoife Maguire (Killinkere BC) who was selected as the recipient of a National Award as U/14 All-Ireland Club Championship 2011/12 -

PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT

Her award will be presented at an awards ceremony in the National Basketball Arena.

Aoife picked up the MPV award in the AICC final and has since led her Virginia College Schools team to All- Ireland glory. This is a just reward not only for Aoife but all associated with Killinkere BC, especially the club's coaches, who have put in great development work at underage level over many years. Congrats Aoife from the North East Basketball community

Carrick Rockets U16 Team NEBL League and Top 4 Champions

CARRICK ROCKETS U/16 LEAGUE & T4 WINNERS

T4 MPV - SEAN MARRON

Junior NEBL League Champions 2011/12

U/14 Girls - Killinkere BC
U/14 Boys - Castleblayney
U/16 Girls - Castleblayney
U/16 Boys - Carrick Rockets
U/18 Girls - Castleblayney
U/18 Boys - Longford Falcons

Top 4 Winners

U/14 Girls - Killinkere BC
U/14 Boys - Streete Warrior
U/16 Girls - Killinkere BC
U/16 Boys - Carrick Rockets
U/18 Girls - Longford Falcons
U/18 Boys - Longford Falcons

NERA AICC Awards

Following a very successful AICC weekend we have made up our own awards for some of the participating players.

Our TTA (Twin Threat Award) goes to Streete Warriors Jonathan Hurley and Ferghal Lynch both of whom hit an impressive16pts in the Division 3 final against Sligo All-Stars.

The IWSYA (I will show you Award) goes to Nadine Rice, Castleblayney who was not recalled to the U/16 Irish panel after Christmas. Nadine hit 23pts in the Division 2 final. When Nadine is not playing she is usually found camped in Our Lady's Gym performing table official duty or simply shooting the basketball

BPA (Bravest Players Award) - In Carrick Rockets final game NE MPV Sean Marron chipped in with 18pts despite playing with a badly injured knee. Stephen O'Hanlon got injured in the NE final, was removed to the Louth Co. Hospital and ended up with his arm in a sling. The sling was removed last weekend as he chipped in with 5 valuable points despite only being able to dribble and shoot with his left hand. Carrick Rockets overcame Donegal Town by a basket to claim 3rd place in the Boys U/16 Div 2.

And pride of place goes to Killinkere's Aoife Maguire who was awarded the Div 1 MPV. Aoife is a quiet, unassuming player who seems to be around forever. She quietly goes about her business on the court with no fuss or fanfare and is a joy to both referee and watch playing.

These players are the future of the NEBL and the future is looking very, very good!

Well done to all the coaches for the season long effort you all put in and for putting NE basketball on the national basketball map.

CARRICK ROCKETS U/16 BOYS

CASTLEBLAYNEY U-16 GIRLS

STREETE WARRIORS U-14 BOYS

KILLINKERE U/14 Girls do NE proud in AICC

MVP-Aoife Maguire

Last weekend Killinkere U/14 girls became the first team from the North East to reach a Division 1 final. Every player played their part over the weekend in what was a great achievement for the club. The girls had great support from families and other club members over the weekend which lifted the girls when they most needed it.
Panel: Aisling Rock, Leah Kelly Flynn, Catherine Dolan, Aoife Maguire, Ailisa Mc Enroe, Eirinn Lynch, Amy Tobin, Hollie Gillick, Chloe Mc Elhinny, Alison Mc Gearty, Kara O' Rourke, Ellie Smith, Niamh O' Donoghue, Clara Lynch & Aimee Cunniffe.
MVP - Aoife Maguire, Killinkere. Aoife's weekend points tally was 65pts with 24 V Metoers and 21pts V Moycullen.
Pool Game results -
Killinkere 39-19 Tullamore
Killinkere 45-38 Meteors
D1 SF-
Killinkere 35-Brunell 29
D1 - Final
Killinkere 33-35 Moycullen

Finally, well done to all the clubs who represented the North East in their AICC age groups.

Submitted by Bernard Sheridan.

KILLINKERE U/14 GIRLS

ATHBOY COBRAS LADIES

ATHBOY COBRAS MEN

CLUB SPOTLIGHT - ATHBOY COBRAS LADIES

Name: Athboy Cobras are based in the Trim / Athboy area of Co. Meath and were established in 1995.

Crest: Cobras with the "o" depicting a basketball.

Venue: Aura, Trim.

Colours: Black / White

Teams: Senior Ladies

Star Player: Mary Foley

Coach: Tony Ayres

Local Rivals: Longford Torpedo

Honours: League Winners: 2009/10, Top 4 Winners: 2009/10

League position: 2011/12 - 2nd (13-1)

Other: The club have had no juvenile section since 2009/10 due to a shortage of volunteers.

Review 2011/12 season: Cobras Ladies had a terrific season losing only one game and missing out on the championship on scoring difference only. That one loss at home to the Lakers basically cost them the title as it gave their great rivals a 14pt scoring advantage and even though Cobras won in Our Lady's they were still relying on the Lakers to slip up which never happened. They lost Jenny Healy through injury and if truth was told they never really recovered from this. Our prediction for the Top 4 final was; " Mary Foley to lead her Cobras through the eye of a hurricane to claim Top 4 honours". Well they they were staying ahead of the hurricane at 13pts up with eleven minutes to go. However Coach Smyth's fury blew the hurricane up once again, as the Lakers stormed through in the final few minutes to claim T4 honours in what everyone described as "The game of the tournament". So its another barren season for Cobras and their aim now has to be not to let the Lakers claim 3-in-row honours.

ATHBOY COBRAS MEN

Colours: White / black red

Teams: Senior Men

Star Player: Eamon Brady

Local Rivals: Longford Torpedo

Honours: League Winners: 2005/06, 2006/07, 2011/12. Top 4 - 2005/06, 2006/07, 2011/12

Other: Played in the Dublin League in the 2007/08 season as well as the NEBL.

Season Review 2011/12: CHAMPIONS! Cobras men powered their way to their first championship since the 2006/07 season. They did it with two games to spare and without doubt were the most consistent team in the NEBL. Cobras have a strong panel of players with an inside/outside game, a lightening fast break and rebounding strength. We predicted the Brady/Mc Sweeney double act would win them the Top 4 but it was Evaldes Sudvius who upped his game to claim the Top 4 MPV award. If Cobras can retain all their players they will start the 2012/13 season as the team to beat for championship honours.

CLUB SPOTLIGHT - ATHBOY COBRAS MEN

KILLINKERE SENIOR MEN

THE FUTURE - KILLINKERE GIRLS U/14 NEBL DOUBLE WINNERS

CLUB SPOTLIGHT - KILLINKERE MENS BC

Name: Established in 1987 Killinkere Basketball Club are one of the oldest franchises in the NEBL and one of the founding teams. The name represents the location where the team plays its home games with players coming from the surrounding area and Virginia.

Crest: Basketball passing through a hoop with the name of the club.

Venue: Killinkere Leisure Centre

Colours: Blue / White

Teams: Senior Men, U/12, U/14, U/16, U/18

Star Player: Sean Brady

Coach: Bernard Sheridan (Player/Coach)

Referees: Paul Sheridan, Bernard Sheridan, Sean Brady, Martin Flynn, Brian O' Reilly, Laura Smith (NERA)

Local Rivals: SAVI BC

Honours: Men's Div 1 League Winners 1992/93

League Position 2011/12: 8th (2-14)

Other: How many clubs can boast an active membership of 130 players? Killinkere initially entered a Development League with Men's and Ladies teams. Within two years the men's team gained promotion to Division 2 and subsequently Division 1. Two of the original members are still playing- Padhraig Mc Evoy and Frank Comey. The club have affiliated itself with Virginia College providing the college with players, coaching, referees, table officials and good sound advice. As far as we are concerned, this is the future (Separate article on such mergers to follow). Killinkere have a good club structure in every sense of the word. As far as underage development is concerned, the club are in a very good place at the moment.

Review 2011/12 season: Killinkere Men's 2-14 record does not do justice to the magnificent effort put in by the players in all of their games. Some of their players are not getting any younger and don't mention 3rd Quarters to any of the team or supporters, because in most of their NEBL games they simply did not turn up for this period, so much so that it became almost a 'mental block' and one that opposing teams used to their advantage. Having said all that no team gets it easy in the Leisure Centre and the introduction of skillful young players and fresh legs must have been a welcome relief for the stalwarts. The late great Liverpool FC manager Bill Shankley once said, "Football is not a matter or life and death, its much more important." Killinkere men would balk at such a statement. They fulfilled every league game this season and never once gave a walkover. They play for the love of the game and may the best team win..... and that's the way it should be!

Contact: www.killinkerebc.com / facebook

HE'S STILL GOT GAME! ...MARTIN FLYNN SOARS TO THE HOOP.

YOUNG GUN!... STAR PLAYER SEAN BRADY

CLUB SPOTLIGHT - KILLINKERE LADIES BC

Colours: Blue / White

Teams: Senior Ladies, U/12, U/14, U/16

Star Player: Diane Henry

Coach: Bernard Sheridan

Local Rivals: Cavan BC

League Position 2011/12: 7th (0-12)

Honours: League Winners: 2000/01, 2002/03, 2003/04, 2006/07. T4 Winners: 2006/07

Other: In 1996 the Ladies had two teams in the League. Over the years the club have had plenty of underage success with their current U/14 Girls team reaching this seasons Div 1 AICC Final. U/13 All-Ireland Community Games Champions 2010/11.

Review 2011/12 season: Killinkere Ladies ended the 2010/11 season on a fairly positive note. The club's situation was something similar to the men's current situation, with a number of exciting young players coming on to the senior team. However, it would appear that these players headed off to college and all of a sudden the landscape changed and coach Bernard Sheridan was back to square one. So the 2011/12 season was always going to be difficult for Killinkere BC. It got more difficult when injuries came along, especially to experienced player Diane Henry. Did they moan or give up? No. The club simply got on with playing all their games. A 0-12 record is one that no team wants, but we are assured that Brian O' Reilly has given Bernard the dreaded 'vote of confidence'! Killinkere have some great underage female talent in the club, but like a lot of current GAA clubs the question is how can they hold on to them? With most unlikely to gain employment locally or even nationally, I am sure the player drain question is one the club would love to find a solution to. Killinkere Ladies have outlived a lot of other teams in the NEBL and the NEBL would be a far poorer place without them.

Contact: www.killinkerebc.com / Facebook

CLUB SPOTLIGHT - DUNDALK RAVENS

Name: The name is a tale of two Dundalk's............. Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland and Dundalk, Baltimore County, Maryland, USA, where the local NFL team are called the Baltimore Ravens thus Dundalk, Ireland adopted the name Dundalk Ravens.... Confused? The club was founded in 2007 by Fu Faapito with the motto " No one cherry picks at da Ravens nest"

Crest: As well as adopting the name Ravens the club also adopted the Baltimore Ravens crest. A "D" imprinted or tattooed on a ravens head with the club name underneath.

Venue: Dundalk SC

Colours: Silver / Black

Teams: Senior Men

Star Player: Darren Mc Govern

Coach: Darren Mc Govern (Player/coach)

Referees: John Rafferty / Darren Mc Govern (NERA)

Honours: T4 Winners 2007/08

League Position 2011/12: 6th (7-9)

Other: It is one of the great mysteries of our time that such a large town as Dundalk doesn't have a thriving basketball club. Team Tivioli played National League in the early 80's under coach Brendan Mc Coy with Americans like Ed Randolph on the roster. However that was the town's last forage in the big leagues and since then the town has shown general apathy to the hard court game. In 2007 Fu Faapito put an excellent club structure in place however one man can't do it all and once again the underage club fizzled out as Fu headed off to play American Football. The current Ravens senior men are basically run by Darren Mc Govern and he's from Monaghan town. He also coaches the local college team (DKIT). If he moves on then the town are probably back to square one. What's even more mystifying is that the areas satellite towns: Newry, Castleblayney, Carrickmacross, Kilsaran and Drogheda all have thriving basketball clubs. In normal circumstances these clubs should be constantly feeding good quality players into a National League franchise based in Dundalk. But don't put your money on it happening too soon!

Review 2011/12 season: Ravens lost a number of players in the off season and as a result started poorly losing four of their first five games. When their roster finally settled down they had a mid-season revival with six wins and only one loss and all of a sudden they had the T4 in their sights. Wins over both Cobras and SAVI BC (away) showed that with a full panel the Ravens can compete with any team in the NEBL. However, two successive losses to SAVI BC and Torpedo burst their bubble and as a result their season petered out with a mere whimper, resulting in them not fulfilling their last two fixtures. Ravens main problem is that they don't know who they are going to have from season to season. They also failed to fill the coaching position that they advertised for, but their main problem like some other NEBL teams, is that they have no solid club structure or underage set up in place and as a result will, in all probability, continue to underachieve. Ravens need to return to playing by their motto as too many teams cherry picked from their nest this season!

Contact: darrenmcgovern5@gmail.com

CLUB SPOTLIGHT - CARRICK COUGARS

Club: The club was only formed in 2009 with a mixture of Irish, Polish and Lithuanian players. Cougars played their first season (2009/10) in the North West region but found the travelling too much so they transferred to the NEBL the following season.

Venue: Carrick on Shannon sports complex

Colours: Black/Gold

Teams: Senior Men & Senior Ladies (Shannonside Area League)

Star Player: Marcin Kalisz

Coach: Maureen Mc Keon

Local Rivals: Longford Torpedo

Other: The club will host the 2011/12 NEBL Top 4 Tournament.

League Position 2011/12: 2nd (11-5)

Review 2011/12 season: At their end of season review any team that finishes 2nd in the highly competitive men's NEBL can look back with a lot of satisfaction. Before the season began the Cougars lost three of their starting five players. They picked up a few new players and all told made a very good run at league honours. They have a nearly 100% home record ,with only one home defeat in the last two years. This season they lost three games in a row at a crucial time to Dragons, SAVI BC and Cobras which effectively ended their title chances. That one loss believe it or not was to their T4 opponents SAVI BC. One feels that the Cougars are destined to pick up a title sooner rather than later and if all the stars are aligned and with a home record second to none, then it could or should in all probability be this weekend.

Contact: aido08@rocketmail.com

SECURITAS LONGFORD TORPEDO

FOLEY'S LONGFORD TORPEDO

CLUB SPOTLIGHT - SECURITAS LONGFORD TORPEDO

Name: It is not known where the the name Torpedo originated which is hardly surprising since the club is in existence since 1973. The club have won league and Top four honours but have not graced the winners podium in the past seven years.

Crest: The crest consists of a elaborated gold triangle with a bouncing basketball making up the "O" in Torpedo. The crest is completed with the location of the club.

Sponsor: Securitas

Venue: Keenagh SC, Longford

Colour: Saffron

Men's Teams: Senior

Star Player: Ray Baxter

Coach: Hugh O' Kane

Referees: Hugh O'Kane / Emmett Brennan (NERA)

Local Rivals: Athboy Cobras / Longford Falcons

Other: The club hold a pre-season tournament every year with local and overseas participants. Torpedo men won the tournament last year defeating Manchester Rebels in the final. The 2012 tournament will take place on the 29th/30th September.

League position 2011/12: 4th (9-7)

Review 2011/12 season: We feel that Torpedo's description of their season as "disappointing" requires more scrutiny. Their 9-7 record is not actually as bad as it seems, with their main losses coming against the teams above them. If there was relegation in the NEBL it would not bother the Torpedo men, but unfortunately they also fall short of the top two teams. Like their ladies they can beat the 'best of the rest'. Their home form this season was very good but they are coming up short on their road trips. Torpedo tend to travel understrength and tired legs at the end of close road games are costing them wins and ultimately a chance of winning the big prize. Only two cups are given out each year in the NEBL, so picking up one is not easy and also, as in most sports, the winners tend to be the most dedicated. Torpedo are a good tournament team and we believe if they are to pick up a trophy the T4 tournament will most likely be the one, but they will have to BELIEVE "now is their time" if they are to bring the T4 prize back to Longford.

Contact: Securitas Longford / Facebook
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CLUB SPOTLIGHT- FOLEYS LONGFORD TORPEDO

Sponsor: Foleys

Colours: Dark Blue/Sky Blue

Teams: Senior Ladies

Star Player: Edel Cadam

Coach: Mel Mc Gerr

Local Rivals: Falcons/Cobras

League position 2011/12: 3rd (7-5)

Other: In 2009/10 as hosting club Longford Torpedo lost the T4 final 58-48 to Athboy Cobras.

Review 2011/12 season: Torpedo Ladies managed to hold on to third position just ahead of both the Dynamites and Drogheda, both of whom improved immensely this season. Torpedo ladies did not unduly trouble the top two and there is a sense that they are falling back into the pack rather than upping their game and challenging the stranglehold that both the Lakers and Cobras appear to have over the league. Their 7-5 record is just OK and a first ever defeat to the Dynamites should set some alarm bells ringing. We can keep repeating that the talent and coaching is there but is the commitment? Will enter the T4 as underdogs but if that talent finally surfaces and the big two underperform then they could just turn out to be the surprise team of the tournament.

Contact: Foleys longford Torpedo Basketball Club/Facebook

KILSARAN DYNAMITES SENIOR LADIES

CLUB SPOTLIGHT - KILSARAN DYNAMITES (LOUTH)

Name: Kilsaran has been a basketball outpost since the 1970's under the astute coaching of local NS teacher Terry Doherty. When Terry moved into retirement he was adamant that the game would continue to flourish in the area and the Dynamites have certainly fulfilled his wishes.

Crest: The crest is dominated with the club colours purple, and the club name Dynamites. An exploding basketball and seven falling stars and one shooting star are in the background.

Venue: Dundalk SC ( Dromiskin / Dunleer)

Colours: Purple ( White / Black)

Teams: Ladies- Senior, U/18, U/16, U/14, U/12, U/10
Boys - U/14, U/10

Star Player: Orla Brennan

Coach: Brendan Mc Coy (Orla Brennan, Kathy O' Neill, Kate O' Byrne, Barbara Conroy)

Local Rivals: Drogheda BC / Muckno Lakers

Referees: Sinead O' Hagan, Laura Mc Nally, Laura Keenan (NERA)

Other: In the summer the club will travel to Barcelona to participate in the Toreno Basketball Cup for U/16 girls. They have also applied to host the end of season NEBBL All-Star Game.

League position 2011/12 - 4th (5-7)

Review 2011/12 season: 2011/12 was a season of first's for the Louth based club. The first time they defeated Longford Torpedo and the first time they have qualified for the Top 4. Throw in a tigerish 50-49 local derby win over Drogheda BC and the Dynamites probably don't want the season to end. The fact that the Drogheda win was delivered without the presence of star player Orla Brennan is significant both for the team and coach Brendan Mc Coy. Mc Coy now knows that if his 'go to' player is missing then others like Emma Kearney, Kathy O' Neill and the live wire Sinead O' Hagan will step up and can deliver the scores needed for a win. The club is on a sound footing with an excellent parents committee and with every juvenile team having a good, experienced coach. However the trick is to hold onto these players when they head off to college. Dynamites appear to have all the bases covered and no doubt they have a plan in place to counteract the college player drain. Next up for the senior ladies are the two times NEBL Champions Muckno Lakers in the T4 tournament. The Dynamites are in bonus territory by getting to the 'big dance' in Carrick-on Shannon and will need a hugh performance if they are to dethrown their near neighbours.

Contact: www.dynamites.ie / Facebook-kilsaran-dynamites

Name - The parish of Muckno (Castleblayney/Oram) is in the diocese of Clogher and is located on the shore of the magnificent Lough Muckno and so the local basketball team became known as MUCKNO LAKERS.

Crest - The main image on the crest is Lakers with a basketball and muckno in the background. The year the club was founded 2007 is included in the crest.

Venue: Our Lady's, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan

Colours: Navy Blue / Sky Blue

Teams: Senior Ladies

Star Player: Amanda Casey

Coach: Annette Ni Thuathail (Player/Coach)

Local Rivals: Dundalk Dynamites

Referee: Dotie Dulska (NERA)

Other: Although the Men's team no longer play in the NEBL, Castleblayney native and past player Ronan Hobbs still runs a 1 day tournament in July during the 'MUCKNO MANIA' festival at Our Lady's gym. North Star, Derry were the 2011 winners defeating Dundalk Ravens in the final.

Roll of Honour:
NEEBL Men's League Champions 2007/08
NEBBL Ladies League Champions - 2008/09
NEBBL Ladies T4 Winners 2008/09
NEBBL Ladies League Champions 2010/11
NEBBL Ladies T4 Winners 2010/11
NEBBL Ladies League Champions 20011/12
NEBBL Ladies T4 Winners 2011/12

League position 2011/12:
1st - League Winners. (11-1)

Review 2011/12 season -
The Lakers have been so consistent over the last few years that losing a game can be deemed a mini crisis. This consistency has propelled them to championship and Top 4 honours and if you want to win a championship they have become 'the team to beat'. Their 11-1 record speaks for itself and although their fiercest rivals Cobras matched it, they still missed out on the title. Annette Ni Thuathail performs a solid job in the point guard position but its the Casey/Lennon combination that opponents find hard to shut down. Casey in the post and Lennon on the fast break or shooting the 3. Angela Lennon must also be top of the league for steals, two of which sealed a vital win against Drogheda. With a solid team roster most of whom were nurtured by Coach Smyth at Our Lady's, the Lakers girls proved that they were the best team in the league this year and as a result they get to hang another championship banner from the rafters of Our Lady's.

Club Spotlight - BLACKWATER STEELERS (Donagh)

If one googles www.likeplace.ie under Donagh, Monaghan one is told "Sorry! No one has yet rated 'Quality of life' in Donagh, Monaghan". Whatever about rating the quality of life one does not have to google anything to know about the quality of basketball teams that the area is currently producing.

Blackwater Steelers (the Monaghan Blackwater river runs through the area) are based in the Emyvale area of north Monaghan. Donagh basketball club as it was previously known, was founded in August 2008, when two teams were entered in the Ulster League. As the interest and enthusiasm quickly spread the club blossomed and four years later the club have six junior teams from U/12 to U/18 competing in the Ulster League. Four younger teams take part in non- competitive blitzes throughout Ulster.

In total Blackwater Steelers now have 170 members playing basketball weekly. They play their home games in St. Macartan's, Monaghan and have effectively become a feeder club for all the local Monaghan schools. The club recently announced Emyvale based company SILVERHILL FOODS LTD as their new sponsor. This weekend the club hope to add to their list of honors having previously won five underage league and cup doubles, as well as having success at the National Community Games finals. Also, the club is now able to hold onto the players they have coached and nurtured. Previous to this such players would sign up with Tyrone Towers, Dungannon or simply stop playing. This Sunday, three of the six teams they have entered this year, will travel to the Antrim Forum for the Ulster finals. Success does not come without a good committee and good coaching. With an excellent committee and coaches such as Tom O' Connor, Enda O' Brien and Delma Mulligan, all who have played at a high level, the future certainly looks bright for this young and up and coming club. For more information go to www.facebook.com - Donagh-basketball-club.

Blackwater Steelers home games are refereed by NERA officials and the club have played a big part in giving match experience and encouragement to our Intro referees, which our association greatly appreciates.

NERA would like to wish Blackwater Steelers the 'Best of Luck' on Sunday. Bring the cups home.....!!

Club Spotlight - If your club would like to be covered under our CLUB SPOTLIGHT, please email details to-
neranewsletter@gmail.com

NEBL - A Brief History

The Cavan Area Board was formed in 1986 for Basketball in the Cavan, Monaghan, North Meath, North Longford, Leitrim & Westmeath areas. Clubs involved in the early years of the area board were Cavan Town, Cootehill, Oldcastle, Mullahoran, Mohill, Longford, Carrickmacross, Killinkere, Warrenstown College and Bruskey. The referees association was known as the Mid-West Officials Association (MWOA) Some of the earlier referees were Michael Mc Grath (Cavan), Mick Murphy (Longford), Vinnie Forde (Longford), Paul Sheridan, Bernard Sheridan (Killinkere), John Barry (Longford), Graham Williams (Moyne), Pat Coldrick (Oldcastle), Seamus Smith (Oldcastle), Frank Geelan (Boyle), Francis Durkin (Ballahadreen), Harry Lyons (Killinkere) and Tom Brennan (Athlone).

Over the years teams from Dundalk, Castleblayney, Moyne and Granard played in the league. In later years Wilkinstown, Athboy, Athlone, Streete and Kilsaran increased the area covered by the board.The Juvenile section was formed in 2003 and expanded rapidly catering for age groups U-14, U-16, U-18 boys & girls. Clubs initially involved were Killinkere, Wilkinstown, Athboy, Longford, Mohill, Athlone, Colmcilles, Oldcastle, Ballinamore and Carrickmacross. New referees came on the scene such as Kathleen Byrne, Fiona Murray, Ann and Eithne Kierans, Brendan Corrigan, Eric Mc Govern and Paul Rice (All Dundalk/Drogheda). Referees in the Dundalk / Drogheda area were affiliated at this time to the North Leinster Referees Association.

During this period the league was affectionately known as "The Cavan League". In 2006, the name was changed from the Cavan Area Board to the North East Basketball League (NEBBL). The name change reflected the growth in the number of clubs participating in competitions and the operational area of the new board. In 2011 the local Referee Association changed their name from North East Officials Association (NEOA) to North East Referees Association (NERA). In 2012 the name of the league was changed from NEBBL to NEBL.

Some of the teams that have graced the league in the past - Ardee, Navan Yellow Furze, Team Harp (Cavan),Oasis Eagles (Carrickmacross),Team Tivioli, Windmill Warriors, Pa's All-Stars, 4 Lanterns, Dames (all Dundalk), Magheracloone Metros, Royal School, Cavan, Carlanstown Tigers, Drumgoon, Simonstown Knights, Cavan Utd, Drogheda Bullets, Trim and Clonguish Jets.