Ireland U16 squads set to participate in The Dussman Trophy 2024

Jul 12 2024

Ireland’s U16 squads are back in action this weekend as they travel to Luxembourg to participate in The Dussman Trophy.

It’s the 9^th year in succession that Irish teams at this grade have used the competition as a stepping stone towards the FIBA European Championship. The invitational tournament takes place over three days, featuring Ireland, Portugal, Netherlands and hosts Luxembourg.

‘Irish teams have had great success in this competition through the years and it’s been a fantastic preparation tournament for both the men’s and women’s teams for FIBA Youth EuroBasket in the past,” said Ireland U16 men’s head coach Paul Kelleher. “The last men’s team to win the Dussman in 2019 had players such as CJ Fulton, David Lehane, Rapolus Buiyvidas, James Connaire, who have progressed to be great players at senior level. This group is looking forward to the next three days to see where we are following a very tough camp in Limerick.”

Kelleher’s squad enter the tournament following a strong Four Nations performance at the National Basketball Arena, culminating in victories over Scotland and Wales and a narrow loss against a very strong England side. Ireland will face three games against the Netherlands on Friday, Luxembourg on Saturday and Portugal on Sunday. 

Ireland U16 women’s team roll into the competition with a similar Four Nations record to their male counterparts, having accounted for Wales and Scotland, but suffered defeat to England in March. Paul O’Brien’s team thrilled the National Basketball Arena crowd with some of it’s play during the Four Nations and the head coach will want his roster to continue that form during a packed schedule.

Aoibheann Donnelly in action during the Four Nations tournament against England. 

Hosts Luxembourg and the Netherlands will be in the same group as one another in FIBA Youth EuroBasket, so expect both coaches to keep their cards close to their chest in that encounter. Portugal are on Ireland’s side of the draw in that compeition too, so they could meet in the latter stages this Autumn. 

All games are available to stream on the Luxembourg Basketball official website here.