BASKETBALL: It's been a productive week for the Irish Basketball Association as they received a grant of €392,833 from the Irish Sports Council, an increase of over €18,000 from last year.
The grant will be invested in the administrative side of the association, which has a long-term goal of appointing seven regional development officers. However, all levels, from international down to the juvenile ranks can expect to benefit.
"I would see it as an acknowledgement from the sports council," said Basketball Ireland chief executive Debbie Massey, who added that while sponsorship from the ESB comes to an end next year the association is optimistic new sponsorship can be found.
"What has surprised us is that we have already had some unsolicited interest regarding new sponsors," she said.
Elsewhere, the attention stays fixed on the Superleague this weekend, with several crunch matches taking place in the Northern Conference as three teams battle it out for the final play-off spot.
St Vincent's, at home to UCD Marian, are on form after recent victories over Shamrock Rovers and Tralee Tigers. Since the release of Eric Brown, Mike Trimmer has been called back to the squad and continues to play under appeal. The appeal was delayed while an objective appeals committee was set up under the Superleague Men's Board.
After three successive victories, Star of the Sea will be expected to continue their winning run against Shamrock Rovers on Saturday night. Ewan McGratten took a knock to his hip against St Vincent's this week, but will be fit to play at the weekend, while Pat Campolieta struggles to shake off the 'flu.
In the Southern Conference, Limerick will be mindful of the National Cup the weekend after next, so Randy Fletcher's hamstring may be rested for their match against the UCC Demons.
The women's Superleague resumes this weekend, with Glanmire on the road to Waterford on Saturday night.
FRIDAY: Men's Superleague: Neptune v Killarney Lakers, Neptune, 8.30.
SATURDAY: Men's Superleague: Limerick v UCC Demons, UL Arena, 7.30; Tralee Tigers v Waterford, Tralee SC, 8.0. Women's Superleague: Wildcats v Glanmire, Mercy, 7.30; Meteors v University of Limerick, Naomh Olaf, 7.45; St Paul's v Killester, Presentation, 7.30.
SUNDAY: Men's Superleague: Shamrock Rovers v Star of the Sea, ESB Arena, 3.0; St Vincent's v UCD Marian, St Vincent's, 3.30. Woman's Superleague: Drimnagh Dynamos v Tolka Rovers, Oblate Hall, 3.30.
