The Ultimate Guide to Basketball in Ireland: Grassroots to the National Team

Posted on February 9, 2023 at 9:04 am.

With roots that date back the early 20th century, basketball has developed into a popular and quickly expanding sport in Ireland.

The game now has a thriving community of players, coaches, and supporters and has made a name for itself in Irish sports.

The history of basketball in Ireland will be examined in greater detail in this blog, along with its development as a competitive sport and the nation’s present basketball landscape.

We’ll look into the history of basketball in Ireland and the individuals that helped mold it into what it is now, from the grassroots level to the national squad.

As proud Official Retail Partners of Basketball Ireland, we’re heavily invested in the game and are committed to bringing you all the best advice and products we can.

You might be here because you wanted to buy a basketball, well this blog will tell you how to buy the right size basketball for you?

Keep reading to learn more.

The Early Days of Basketball in Ireland

he early years of basketball in Ireland may be dated to the late 19th and early 20th century, when American and British soldiers stationed there first brought the sport to the nation.

Despite a delayed start, basketball quickly became popular among young people in Ireland, and in the 1920s and 1930s the first leagues and matches were set up.

Basketball was mostly played in schools, churches, and other public places at this period.

Despite its growing popularity, basketball in Ireland faced a number of obstacles in its early years, including a lack of funding, equipment, and facilities.

Nonetheless, the sport’s passion and enthusiasm remained strong, and dedicated players and coaches worked hard to overcome these obstacles and lay a solid foundation for the sport in the country.

Basketball had become a firmly established part of Irish culture by the mid-twentieth century, and the sport continued to grow and evolve.

It grew from strength to strength as more leagues, clubs, and training programs were established, as well as the emergence of new, talented players and coaches.

Despite these advancements, the sport remained largely amateur, and it wasn’t until the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries that basketball in Ireland began to take on a more professional and competitive form, with the formation of a national league and the Irish national team.

If you’re new to the game, this Ultimate Guide to a Basketball Court might help you understand it better?

The Grassroots to the National Team

Basketball in Ireland has had a long and exciting journey from grassroots to national team.

Since its humble beginnings as a recreational pastime, the sport has grown and evolved into a competitive and organized entity, with leagues, clubs, and training programs that have helped young players develop their skills and encouraged them to pursue their dreams of playing at the highest level.

The establishment of a national league, which provided a platform for the best players in the country to showcase their skills and compete against one another, was a key milestone in this journey.

Basketball in Ireland took on a more professional character with the formation of the league, and the sport began to attract more media attention as well as support from fans and corporate sponsors.

This, in turn, resulted in increased investment and resources, such as the creation of new facilities, equipment, and training programs.

The formation of the national team, which brought together the best players in the country and gave them the opportunity to represent Ireland on the international stage, was another significant step in the growth of basketball in Ireland.

The national team has become a source of pride and inspiration for the Irish basketball community over the years, and has helped to raise the sport’s profile in the country.

Despite these gains, basketball in Ireland continues to face numerous challenges, including a lack of funding, resources, and facilities.

At Intersport Elverys, we hope we can help make the future stronger because we believe the structures are being put in place for a bright future.

Current State of Basketball in Ireland

Basketball in Ireland is currently experiencing rapid growth and development, with a vibrant and passionate community of players, coaches, and fans.

Basketball Ireland is doing huge work to nurture and grow the game.

Since its inception, the sport has come a long way, and it now has a thriving professional league, well-equipped facilities, and a national team that competes at the highest level.

Basketball’s popularity in Ireland grows year after year, attracting new fans and players and inspiring young people to pick up the sport and pursue their dreams of becoming a basketball player.

Basketball in Ireland is well positioned for continued growth and success in the years ahead, thanks to a strong emphasis on grassroots programs, training, and development.

Ever wondered how High a Basketball Hoop is? Check it out here.

Notable Players and Coaches in Ireland

You might not think it, but basketball in Ireland has produced its fair share of top players and coaches over the years, particularly given the size of the sport in the country.

However, there has only been one Irish-born player to play in the NBA – Tullamore native Pat Burke.

Burke had a decent career, playing 62 games with Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns.

Other notable players and coaches from the past and present include:

Current NBA prospect Aidan Harris Igiehon (pictured, centre)
Former Mayo GAA and Ballina star Liam McHale (pictured, left)
Colin O’Reilly
Tom O’Sullivan
Stephen McCarthy
Tom Wilkinson
Kieran Donaghy (pictured, right)
Mark Keenan
Paddy Kelly
Michael Bree
Conor Grace

Conclusion

Basketball in Ireland has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a recreational sport.

It’s also poised for continued success, from grassroots programs to the national team, and the future looks brighter than ever.

Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, the future of basketball in Ireland is exciting, and the next chapter of its history will undoubtedly be filled with even more excitement and success.

You might be here because you wanted to buy a basketball, well this blog will tell you how to buy the right size basketball for you?

Or why not check out our full basketball range HERE or below.

Ireland V England Mascot Competition with Intersport Elverys, Official Sports Retail Partner of Irish Rugby

Posted on February 7, 2023 at 2:52 pm.

Written by Intersport Elverys

Win a Mascot Place for Ireland v England in the Guinness Six Nations on St Patricks Weekend 🏉

As Official Sports Retail Partners to IrishRugby Intersport Elverys are giving one lucky fan (aged 7-12) the chance to be a Mascot at the Ireland v England Guinness Six Nations game on March 18th 2022.

The winner will receive a full match kit & tickets to the game. One for the mascot and two adult tickets. 🙌

To enter simply enter your details below. Closing Date is February { Blank }

Best of Luck!

Our Top Tech Neck Treatment Exercises

Posted on February 7, 2023 at 1:17 pm.

Written by Ger Flanagan

Now you know what tech neck is, it’s time to learn some simple treatment exercises that could work wonders.

If you haven’t read our previous blog explaining what tech neck is, it’s basically a pesky product of the digital age that causes a pain in the neck, shoulders and back.

With us all glued to our phones, tablets or computer screens, staring in an unnatural neck position causes the issue.

It’s crucial to develop good posture habits and regularly do tech neck treatment exercises to assist reduce these symptoms.

In this blog, we’ll look at some useful exercises for preventing tech neck and reducing its discomfort.

The importance of proper posture

Technical neck can be prevented and treated with proper posture. Incorrect posture can increase the strain on the neck, shoulders, and back, resulting in soreness and muscle aches.

In addition to lowering the chance of getting tech neck, maintaining proper posture also helps to improve general body alignment and lowers the likelihood of experiencing other aches and pains.

Maintaining proper posture entails maintaining a neutral spine, relaxed shoulders, and a level head.

When utilizing technological gadgets, it’s crucial to maintain an upright posture and keep the device at eye level rather than hunching forward and straining the neck.

Simple Neck Stretches to relieve tension

Incorporating proper posture into your daily habits can help reduce the risk of tech neck and improve overall well-being.

Regular breaks from screen time and practicing good posture can help keep the neck, shoulders, and back healthy and pain-free.

The strain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back can be greatly reduced by stretching.

Here are some quick neck stretches you can perform whenever and anywhere to assist with your neck pain:

NECK TILT

Tilt your head gently to the right while holding the position for 15 to 30 seconds. On the left, repeat.

SHOULDER SHRUG

Raise your shoulders toward your ears and hold for 5 to 10 seconds to perform a shoulder shrug. Repeat a number of times.

CHIN TUCK

Put your chin in a tuck position and hold for 15 to 30 seconds.

EAR-TO-SHOULDER STRETCH

Gently tilt your head toward one shoulder and hold for 15 to 30 seconds to perform an ear-to-shoulder stretch. On the opposite side, repeat.

Stretching should always be done slowly and softly without ever forcing your neck into an awkward posture.

Regular stretching can help increase flexibility and lessen pain in the upper back, shoulders, and neck.

Strengthening Exercises for neck and upper back

In addition to stretching, strengthening the neck and upper back muscles can help improve posture and relieve tech neck pain. Here are a few simple exercises you can do to target these areas:

NECK RETRACTION

Sit or stand with your shoulders relaxed and pull your chin back, bringing your neck towards your spine. Hold for 5-10 seconds and repeat several times.

SHOULDER BLADE SQUEEZE

Sit or stand with your arms relaxed at your sides. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and hold for 5-10 seconds. Repeat several times.

UPPER BACK EXTENSION

Stand with your arms crossed over your chest. Gently arch your back and hold for 5-10 seconds. Repeat several times.

SCAPULAR PUSH-UPS

Start on your hands and knees with your hands placed under your shoulders. Slowly lower and lift your body, keeping your shoulder blades squeezed together. Repeat several times.

It’s important to start with a few repetitions and gradually increase as your muscles become stronger.

Strengthening these areas can help improve posture and reduce the risk of developing tech neck.

Stretches for the Shoulders and Upper Back

Stretching the shoulders and upper back can help relieve tension and improve posture, which can in turn help reduce the risk of tech neck.

Here are a few simple stretches to target these areas:

SHOULDER ROLL

Sit or stand with your shoulders relaxed and gently roll them forward, up, and backwards several times.

ARM CROSS

Stand or sit with your arms crossed in front of your chest. Hold for 15-30 seconds, then repeat with your arms behind your back.

CHEST STRETCH

Stand in a doorway and place your arm on the doorframe at shoulder height.

Step forward with the opposite foot and hold for 15-30 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

UPPER BACK STRETCH

Sit with your legs extended in front of you and reach forward, placing your hands on the ground. Hold for 15-30 seconds.

Incorporating these Exercises into your Daily Routine

Your everyday routine can benefit from including neck, shoulder, and upper back exercises to avoid tech neck and to relieve stress.

Here are some pointers to get you going:

SET A REMINDER

Set a reminder on your phone or schedule a specific time each day to do your exercises can hold you to account

MAKE IT A HABIT

Consistency is key, so make your exercises a regular part of your daily routine.

MIX IT UP

Include a combination of stretching and strengthening exercises to target all areas.

START SMALL

Start with a few repetitions and gradually increase as your muscles become stronger.

TAKE BREAKS

Regularly take breaks from screen time and use that time to stretch and move your body.

You can relieve stress and discomfort, avoid tech neck, and improve posture and general well-being by including these exercises into your everyday routine.

Tips for Avoiding Tech Neck in the future?

In addition to including neck, shoulder, and upper back workouts in your regimen, there are several guidelines you can adhere to going forward to prevent tech neck:

ADJUST YOUR WORKSTATION

Make sure your computer screen is at eye level and your keyboard and mouse are positioned comfortably.

TAKE REGULAR BREAKS

Step away from your screen every hour to move your body and stretch your neck, shoulders, and upper back.

USE GOOD POSTURE

Sit up straight, keep your shoulders relaxed, and avoid slouching or hunching over your screen.

PRACTICE MINDFULNESS

Be mindful of your posture and check in with yourself throughout the day to make sure you’re not holding tension in your neck, shoulders, and upper back.

LIMIT SCREEN TIME

Reduce the amount of time you spend in front of screens and engage in physical activity regularly to help counteract the effects of tech neck.

CONCLUSION

Tech neck is a growing problem, but one we could all face in the future.

So knowing what to do if it happens is never a bad thing, even if it doesn’t occur.

Following the above tips will surely help you. But remember, it’s always really important to consult a doctor or specialist for a proper diagnosis and rehab plan.

The Irish Association of Physical Therapists is always a good place to start.

Before you go, why not check out our website for more great content or products from all the best brands!

What is Tech Neck and How to get rid of it?

Posted on February 7, 2023 at 9:42 am.

Written by Ger Flanagan

Tech neck, or text neck, is not a new phenomenon but something people are definitely suffering more from in recent years.

The issue of tech neck, which is caused by straining muscles when using phones, tablets, and laptops and causes discomfort, stiffness, and pain in the neck and shoulders, is getting worse.

It can have serious consequences in the long run if left untreated, too.

In this blog we’re going to give you the run down on all things tech neck; how to treat it, identify it and prevent it in the future!

Sounds like a pain…or sorry, plan!

Can tech neck be corrected?

A survey by Deloitte, found that over a third of people check their phones at least 50 times a day!

Not to mention that very high level of digital access people now have to screens.

The rise in remote working has also contributed to this.

SO basically, people are holding their neck still and/or in an uncomfortable crouched position, leading to pains, stiffness and injury.

Tech neck, or forward head posture.

The risk of abnormal wear and tear of the cervical discs, reduced blood flow, strain on the tendons and ligaments, and inflammation and exhaustion of the shoulder, neck, and upper back muscles can all be increased by holding these positions for extended periods of time and by repetitive movements between mobile devices.

However, as painful as it can be, tech neck is treatable and quite easily too.

What are the symptoms of tech neck?

Pain is the most obvious symptom.

The curvature or bending of the spine at the base of the neck, which she defines as a sure symptom of a chronic misalignment, may be noticed by people in their forties or fifties.

Other signs of tech neck include:

Headaches
Upper back stiffness
issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort or dysfunction in the jaw muscles and joints
Numbness or tingling in the hands
Instability in the hands
A rotator cuff injury

As soon as indications and symptoms occur, it is advicsed to see a doctor, starting with your primary care physician and possibly a specialized physician and physical therapist who are skilled in posture and spine health.

The sooner the issue is resolved, the less likely it is that more significant issues will develop.

Tech neck may cause permanent health issues including disc damage or arthritis if it is not corrected.

How can I get rid of tech neck?

You’ll be happy to hear that it can be quite easy to ease the pain and get rid of tech neck.

The best and most proven method is to get up, pain the phone or tablet down and do some stretching or movement exercises.

It’s recommended every 30 minutes or so if you’re sitting down at an office desk for prolonged periods.

Our other Top Tips include:

1. Put your laptop, screen or phone to eye level

Instead of lowering your head to the level of the phone, raise it closer to eye level.

Use a height-adjustable phone stand if you’re at your desk to avoid constantly moving your head between your phone and monitors.

2. Try a standing desk

This can be expensive but think about it as a long-term investment in your health!

A standing desk, or one with a walking treadmill underneath, will ensure you are moving and looking at a screen at eye level during those long hours at work. It may be much cheaper in the long run.

3. Chin Tucks

Start by sitting or standing up straight. Draw your head back straight, creating the appearance of a double chin.

By maintaining this posture, you counteract the negative effects of always staring forward (as you may do while looking at a screen).

He cautions against leaning back when doing this; maintain a parallel line between your chin and the floor. Release after five seconds of holding.

Repeat.

4. Try a Recliner

Get a chair that reclines and has excellent lumbar support, and when working, lean back as much as is comfortable.

The neck muscles won’t be under as much strain as a result of that. By performing the following, you can determine if you are leaning back sufficiently: First, your neck should incline backward if you were to nod off in that position. In contrast, if you place your hand behind your neck and lean forward, you’ll notice that your neck muscles tighten up.

They’ll soften and relax as you lean back.

5. The Cobra Pose

With your head pointing downward, begin by lying on your stomach on the ground. With only a bare minimum of assistance from your hands, raise your head and upper torso off the ground.

For 15 to 30 seconds, hold. In contrast to the position that results in “tech neck,” it expands the back and neck and works as a counterbalance.

6. Keep it cool

Applying ice for the first 48 to 72 hours will help ease discomfort and reduce swelling when your neck is uncomfortable and stiff.

After that, turn to warmth to aid in the healing and stretching of your muscles and tendons by using a heating pad, hot compresses, or a warm bath.

7. See a specialist

Seeing a doctor or physio is always a good idea and they can provide you with medicines and pain relief if it’s needed.

8. Check Spine Alignment

Stand with your back to a wall and in a natural state without forcing anything.

If your head is natural upright and close to the wall, then you are ok.

However, if you’re finding that your head is leaning forward, then it’s a sure sign of tech neck.

Checking regularly can make sure you don’t find yourself in a bad posture.

9. Keep Rolling

If you’re feeling tight or stiff, there’s nothing a good roll of the shoulder won’t hep you with.
Don’t overdo it, of course, but a regular movement of your shoulders in a backward motion and up towards your ears is a great stretch and can be done in seconds.

Conclusion

This blog is part of an upcoming series that we will be creating on getting back to basics with your fitness and movement in 2023.

We hope you enjoyed it and keep and eye out for more.

Or check out our website for some fantastic running, training or Home Gym Products.

How to choose the correct Basketball ball size

Posted on January 27, 2023 at 3:22 pm.

Written by Ger Flanagan

A basketball ball comes in all shapes and sizes and each one is designed with a different player in mind.

In this blog we are going to go through the different basketball balls that suit the various ages and genders of players.

Plus, we’ll differentiate balls for both indoor and outdoor basketball.

Intersport Elverys is proud Retail Partners with Basketball Ireland and we have a huge range of top products and advice for you to check out.

Basketball Ball Factors to consider

Age and gender are the two most important factors when it comes to the correct basketball ball size.

Whether you are some one is playing indoor and outdoor also matters.

As we have discussed in our blog, How High is a Basketball Hoop, getting the right size for your child is really important to allow them play to their full potential.

First, age and gender are taken into account when the NBA (National Basketball Association) recommends basketball players.

To ensure a perfect match between a player and the ball they use, these suggestions are based on the average height and hand size of the individual.

First, age and gender are taken into account when the NBA (National Basketball Association) recommends basketball players.

To ensure a perfect match between a player and the ball they use, these suggestions are based on the average height and hand size of the individual.

Basketball Ball Sizes: Age & Gender

Children

A size 3 ball would be ideal for children between the ages of 4-6.

However, a size 5 ball is suggested for older children, between the ages of 7 and 10.

Children typically have smaller hands, therefore it seems natural that their ball would be smaller as well so they could play more easily and with a better grip.

Larger balls might frustrate kids by making it challenging for them to master fundamental basketball drills.

Basketball might be more entertaining and slightly simpler to grasp for younger children with a smaller, more appropriate ball.

Teenagers – Seniors (Male)

The suggested size is a size 7 for males and older, teenage boys (12 and older).

According to the National Basketball Association (NBA), a size 7 basketball is the recommended size for males, based once more on the comfort and grip of an average-sized hand.

You can’t go wrong with this Molten Outdoor Size 7 Bastketball for some casual play.

Teenagers – Seniors (Female)

And lastly, a size 6 basketball is advised for women and girls 12 years of age and older.

Because women’s hands are often smaller than men’s, size 6 basketballs are made to assist women perform better.

The official basketball size for women, according to the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), is a size 6.

Basketball Indoor and Outdoor Balls

Some people aren’t aware that there are such a thing as indoor and outdoor basketballs.

The key difference is the material, with a hard more durable surfaced basketballs designed for outdoor use.

Indoor Basketball

Basketballs used indoors are made of full-grain leather.

The concrete surface of an outdoor court can cause the leather to wear away, which would ultimately impair the ball’s grip, hence leather basketballs should only be used indoors.

Despite being pricey, full grain leather basketballs are ideal for an indoor court since the leather offers a stronger grip and feel.

Before a game, indoor basketballs need to be used a few times so they may get soft and comfortable to hold.

Outdoor Basketball

Rubber is used instead of leather to make outdoor basketballs because it can adapt to a concrete outdoor court’s rougher surface better.

Basketballs for outdoor use don’t need to be broken in due of their rubber construction. Rubber basketballs typically rebound more forcefully than indoor basketballs.

The better choice for beginners is a basketball made of rubber and composite material (leather and plastic). The cost of using an outdoor court is FREE, and these balls are intended to last on uneven surfaces.

Outdoor basketballs are always the ideal choice because they are more economical and provide more bounce, whether you want to play for fun or for exercise.

Conclusion

If you want to learn more about the game, then why not check out our blog on the Ultimate Guide to Basketball Courts?

Or else, check out our fantastic range of top basketball balls below.

Win Home Gym Equipment & Gear worth €5000! | Intersport Elverys

Posted on January 26, 2023 at 2:00 pm.

Written by Intersport Elverys

This January, Intersport Elverys is giving you the chance to win some brand new Home Gym Equipment and Gear worth an incredible €5000.

Choose from our range of leading brands such as NordicTrack and ProForm plus gym gear that suits you and your workout activity.

And to make this prize even better, our team will deliver, assemble and demonstrate the equipment in your home!

Complete the entry form below to enter. Join our training community HERE with useful advice and tips across all categories.

Shop the latest in home gym equipment & gear at Elverys.ie

*Terms and conditions apply (read below).

**Full Terms and Conditions available here.**