Walsh declared new National League manager
By Hayden Moore
TEMPLEOGUE Basketball Club’s John Walsh has been ratified as the new National League manager by Basketball Ireland.
Walsh has enjoyed 40 years with the Reds both in a playing capacity and in a number of other posts including secretary, chairperson and coach.
New national league manager John Walsh
“I’ve been involved 30-40 years in basketball and it’ll be good to have some sort of input in the organisation of the leagues,” Walsh told The Echo.
“There is a massive amount of interest in basketball in Ireland and particularly with children, there’s been a large uptake in the sport over the last few years.
“So, there is huge potential there and we have the ability to ensure basketball can thrive for the next few years.
“I always had it in the back of my mind to work within the sport, and there’s very few paid positions that are full-time as well.
“Sheena Hubbard is leaving the position, so Basketball Ireland were taking in applications.
“I guess I just felt like I ticked a lot of the boxes, so I applied and I’m looking forward to it now.”
In his role as National League manager, Walsh will oversee the running of the Super League and National League when they start back up in September.
Before that, he will be focusing on the upcoming European Championships and Dublin Masters Tournament.
Over the last seven years, Walsh has been assistant coach to Mark Keenan with Griffith College Templeogue’s Men’s Super League outfit.
During that time, the team has won the Super League and the Champions Trophy, while scooping three National Cups.
Due to a conflict of interest, Walsh will be stepping down from his coaching role in Templeogue before he starts as National League manager for Basketball Ireland on June 21.
