Dublin Lions and Oblate set for National League
BOTH Abbey Seals Dublin Lions in Clondalkin and Drimnagh side, Oblate BC, are among five new additions to the MissQuote.ie Women’s National Basketball League Division One line-up ahead of the new 2022/23 season.
Lions will be fielding a team at this level of women’s basketball for the first time and they will be led by the club’s former Men’s Super League and Division One coach, Rob White.
“We, as a club, are delighted to be accepted into the MissQuote.ie Division One,” said White.
“It’s a big step for our club and another goal achieved. We have a very good young group, who are very excited to compete with the highest level in the country.
“Our sponsors Abbey Seals have had a massive part to play in this and we would like to thank them for their involvement,” he added.
Oblate Basketball Club will, meanwhile return to the upper echelons of Irish women’s basketball for the first time since 2016/17.
Oblate Basketball Club will be fielding a team in Division One of the Women’s National League
The club made its presence felt during that period, winning the Division One National Cup in 2013 and a Division One League Play-off two years later.
Their women’s team scooped a Dublin treble in regional competition last season and head coach, Terry Staunton is now looking forward to this latest challenge for which the likes of Samantha Massey and Ellie Thornton are sure to figure strongly.
“We’re a young team, I’d say the average age is 24,” Staunton pointed out.
“I just want the girls themselves to play at the highest level possible for them. We did well in the Dublin League last season and this just seemed like the natural progression.
“For me, it’s about giving the younger underage players at our club something to aspire to.
“The club have a good fan base and a nice hall and we’re looking forward to a great atmosphere at Oblate Hall next season.
“We’re not going into the league with a particular target. We want to be competitive and see where that takes us,” he said.
