As the reigning All-Ireland U-14 Schools Basketball champions, Presentation Castleisland girls were granted an automatic invitation to represent Ireland at the inaugural International Schools Federation (ISF) World Schools U-15 Basketball Cup in Zadar, Croatia in March 2020.
Preparations Underway
Over the last few months preparations for the competition have been underway. Training sessions after school and at weekends ensure that these girls will do themselves, their school and their country proud.
Alongside getting their game plan right the challenge of funding the trip had to be addressed also. Great credit is due to the efforts of all the parents who got together to form a fundraising committee. Given the community spirit in Castleisland, the girls and their families were very hopeful of financial support which would make the cost burden easier to manage.
A Night at the Dogs
That has indeed come to pass and next Saturday, February 22nd is the culmination of these fundraising efforts with plans for a night at the dogs in Tralee.
“We’re extremely grateful to all our sponsors and all who have supported this initiative,” said Pres Principal Katherina Broderick.
Momentous and Exciting Trip
“I would like to thank Tracey Dooley and Karen O’Connor our teachers who are accompanying the girls to Croatia – as school coach and PE teacher, John Enright is unable to travel on this occasion.
“Finally, I wish the team and their coaches, Karen O’Connor and Tracey Hartnett every success as they embark on this momentous and exciting trip.
“It is just reward for the commitment of the girls to basketball in Presentation Castleisland, which is the most successful school in Ireland with 27 All-Ireland titles to its credit,” said Ms. Broderick.
It is under the coaching and guidance of Mr. Enright that this remarkable tally of wins has been amassed from the 1980s to today.
