24-04-2025
Mark Keenan to step down as Ireland men's basketball head coach after six years
Ireland men's basketball head coach Mark Keenan is stepping down after six years in the role.
The decision occurred after Keenan, Basketball Ireland CEO John Feehan and Deirdre Brennan, Chairperson of the Elite Performance Committee (EPC), all agreed it was time for change.
Speaking about the decision to leave, Keenan said: 'I've thoroughly enjoyed my time as Ireland head coach, it's been a great honour to lead my national team. It's now time to pass on the torch to the next head coach to build on what we've achieved over the last six years.'
Keenan was appointed in 2019 and led Ireland to silverware including the 2021 FIBA European Championship for Small Countries.
That success helped propel the boys in green into the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Pre-Qualifiers, where they claimed home and away victories against Cyprus and Luxembourg.
Keenan subsequently led the side to the World Cup 2027 Pre-Qualifiers. This was the first time an Irish side competed at World Cup level.
Ireland came agonisingly close to advancing to the next round, with impressive victories over Azerbaijan (twice) and a home victory against Kosovo.
Keenan stated: 'There have been so many highs, including winning the 2021 FIBA European Championship for Small Countries in Dublin. Leading our return to FIBA EuroBasket Pre-Qualifiers was a big task, but one I and the rest of my coaching staff relished, picking up four wins over Cyprus and Luxembourg, who were both ranked higher than us."
He added: 'Our two home wins last November during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Pre-Qualifiers and the atmosphere at those games will also live long in the memory and we came so close to advancing to the next stage of qualifying, with three wins overall."
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