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 every Friday. 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 the first year the club 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’ team 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.

Both the Club and the league have developed over the years. Dunshaughlin Rockets now fields 13 teams playing in the NEBB from U12 to Senior teams. The Club runs an academy starting with our Dribblers (5 to 7 years) and our Rookies (7 to 10 years) and the Club was delighted in 2024 under the guidance of Barbara Larkin to introduce an Inclusion team. The NEBB league now has 11 clubs and operates in Meath, Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Westmeath. There are two clubs fielding National League teams which indicates how the league has progress over the years.

The Rockets Club has enjoyed great success over recent years with teams competing at a high level across the league and more teams than ever making it to the Top 4 finals at the end of the season. In 2025 the Rockets Senior Ladies had an amazing season winning the League and the Top 4’s for the first time.
The Club is able to field all its teams under the guidance of over 16 coaches and these volunteers along with many other volunteers in the Club is what makes it all possible.

If you would like to volunteer for the club in any capacity, don’t be afraid to reach out!