Blog

Ballina Braves Basketball Club

About us

Welcome to Ballina Braves Basketball Club, located in Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland. We are dedicated to promoting the sport of basketball and providing a positive and inclusive environment for players of all ages and skill levels.

Our Teams

Never been much a sports guy, but there is always been a significant aspect of sports that relates to me as a photographer. Every athlete out there has a mission and that’s to win. An unstoppable Force, trained for years to become the best.

As a photographer we all train every day. To get better at what we do. Our passion, our goal, with razor sharp vision we move forward for the win.

Most importantly of all. We have all have great team members, friends and role models. People that keep us moving.

Our passion keeps us reaching for the Beyond!

Under 8s

Under 10s

Under 11s

Under 12s

Under 13s

Under 14s

Under 16s

Under 18s

Under 20s

Senior's

Club History

National Success

Founded in Ballina, Co. Mayo, Ballina Basketball has a rich legacy in Irish basketball. The team rose to prominence with its first major victory in 1991, winning the National Senior Basketball Cup by defeating Cork’s Burgerland in a landmark match. This victory, achieved at Neptune Stadium, put Ballina on the map, especially notable for a Mayo team prevailing against strong Cork-based opponents. The squad, driven by the iconic McHale brothers and guided by coach Terry Kennedy, quickly became known for their tenacity and home-court advantage at the Killala sports hall, where passionate local fans often exceeded its 900-seat capacity to support the team.

The club’s success continued in 1996 when they secured another National Cup win at the National Basketball Arena in Dublin. Ballina’s achievements underscored the growing popularity of basketball in the area and set the foundation for a strong local basketball culture, inspiring future generations. Ballina continued their national achievements by winning 5 national Division 1 league titles since winning the cup in 96.

Today, Ballina Basketball remains actively involved in competitive leagues, including the North-Eastern Junior League and the Sunshine Conference, continuing to nurture talent and support basketball's growth in Mayo and beyond.

Creating new stories

As Ballina Basketball steps back onto the national stage, we are energized and inspired to share new stories in Irish basketball history. Our club has a proud legacy of fierce competition and unforgettable victories, and now, as we rejoin the upper echelons of the sport, our players and community alike are ready to embrace this new chapter. Competing at the highest level is about more than just winning; it’s about representing Ballina with pride, unity, and determination.

This season, our goal is to showcase our dedication, training, and talent in every game. We look forward to creating moments that will inspire our youth teams and bring the community together. With a fresh roster and unwavering support from our fans, Ballina Basketball is ready to rise to the challenge once again, and we’re excited to bring home new victories.

Senior Team Sponsors - Merry Monk Bar and restaurant

Ballina Basketball extends heartfelt thanks to our main sponsor, The Merry Monk Bar & Restaurant. Their support has been invaluable in helping our team compete at the highest level, develop local talent, and bring exciting games to our community. With The Merry Monk’s backing, we’re able to focus on excellence both on and off the court, and we are proud to be partnered with a local business that shares our commitment to community and teamwork. Thank you to The Merry Monk for being such an essential part of our journey—together, we look forward to a successful season!