A little bit of history…

We thought you might like to know a little about the history of Dunshaughlin Rockets Basketball Club!

Fourteen years ago in 2004 a girls basketball club was set up in Dunshaughlin by Caroline Bedford and Mary Fitzmaurice with a total of 35 girls registered. Training was held on Fridays from 3.45 to 6.30.

The club entered the North Eastern League in September 2004 with 3 teams at under 12, 14 and 16 level and Caroline and Mary coached all 3 teams together. Their first club kit was acquired by Mary & Caroline, not because they loved the colours but because another club cancelled an order and they were able to get their full kit at half price!! The girls and their coaches held a cake sale, which raised 400 euros and were able to buy a second kit.

In 2004 there were no regular matches for under 12s. Tournaments were held at 6 week intervals in certain venues and about 4 teams invited. Each team would play the other over the day and if halls allowed, the players would play cross court into the small baskets. In our first year we had a very strong under 12s team, unbeaten at all these tournaments.

In early 2006 Mary Fitzmaurice decided to run fun weekly basketball session for boys to see if the interest was there to start a mixed club. There was and in September 2006 one boys teams was put into the league. It became clear that much more help was needed if the club was to grow. In 2007 with Mary Whelan as coach to the older boys and Martin and Maeve Kennedy on board as helpers Dunshaughlin Basketball club became a fully mixed club and took on the name of Rockets.

Last season we had a total of 13 coaches and assistant coaches training 109 children as well as 4/5 other committee members organising matches, booking referees and halls etc.

New committee members and coaches are always welcome. We would love to hear from you.