All-Ireland Super League Champions 2019-20
CHAMPIONI!!!
After a season that combined multiple major injuries, incredible last-second wins, a superb array of talent, plus sheer guts and determination, Belfast Star have been crowned all-Ireland Super League Champions for 2019-20.
Throughout the past season, Saturday evenings in La Salle have seen full houses delight in the exploits of seasoned campaigners like Club Captain Conor Johnston and the exciting blend of emerging young talent that has delivered basketball of the very highest order – plus a well-deserved 100% home league record to boot.
Pictured above: Press coverage of our title win; And below: Head Coach Adrian Fulton, centre, and Assistants Javan Dupree & Danny Fulton; plus Team Captain Conor Johnston with wife Susie and daughter Grace.
After a season that combined multiple major injuries, incredible last-second wins, a superb array of talent, plus sheer guts and determination, Belfast Star have been crowned all-Ireland Super League Champions for 2019-20.
Throughout the past season, Saturday evenings in La Salle have seen full houses delight in the exploits of seasoned campaigners like Club Captain Conor Johnston and the exciting blend of emerging young talent that has delivered basketball of the very highest order – plus a well-deserved 100% home league record to boot.
Pictured above: Press coverage of our title win; And below: Head Coach Adrian Fulton, centre, and Assistants Javan Dupree & Danny Fulton; plus Team Captain Conor Johnston with wife Susie and daughter Grace.
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Pictured: Back Row L-R: Joanne O'Neill, Club Secretary; Danny Fulton, Asst Coach; CJ Fulton; Aidan Quinn; Liam Pettigrew; Keelan Cairns; Dominic Lynn; Javan Dupree, Asst Coach; Adrian Fulton, Head Coach; Bill McCotter; FRONT ROW: Jack Summersgill; Adam Ryan; David Jallow; Conor Johnston, Club Captain; Delaney Blaylock; Sean Quinn; Conor McDonnell; Conor Quinn. Missing is Conor Ryan.
Our latest Irish International player enjoys a great year
Coach Adrian Fulton congratulates Darragh Ferguson on his Irish selection and performances.
Congratulations to our very own Aidan Quinn and Keelan Cairns, part of the Irish Senior Men team who won bronze at the FIBA European Championship. Well done guys.
Now available - our 50th Anniversary book
We're very pleased to now offer our new 50th Anniversary Book for sale, cost £15.
At 140 pages, and with a glowing introduction from the Lord Mayor of Belfast, the book is a warm and insightful look at the birth and growth of this famous club.
The book contains many memories, team photographs and laughs. It details a complete list of American players who served with Star, as well as the names of all the Star players who gained international honours for Ireland.
The book is available from Danny Fulton:
Email: dannygfulton@gmail.com
or call 028 9083 6659.
At 140 pages, and with a glowing introduction from the Lord Mayor of Belfast, the book is a warm and insightful look at the birth and growth of this famous club.
The book contains many memories, team photographs and laughs. It details a complete list of American players who served with Star, as well as the names of all the Star players who gained international honours for Ireland.
The book is available from Danny Fulton:
Email: dannygfulton@gmail.com
or call 028 9083 6659.
Our u18s win Heffernan Tournament in Cork
Happy boys and tired coaches in the background. Congratulations to the U18 Boys who won the Michael Heffernan pre-season tournament in Cork.
Our u14 boys on take on Ireland's best in Tralee tournament
Congrats to Darragh Ferguson - winner of a Mary Peters 'Mask Out to Help Out' campaign
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Congratulations to Darragh Ferguson on his recent award from the Mary Peters Trust's “Mask Out to Help Out” Campaign to assist his ongoing training with the Ireland U18 Basketball team. Belfast Star is delighted to support this campaign which provides opportunities for young people in sport at this difficult time.
You can support talented young athletes like Darragh by donating £10 for which you'll receive a limited edition MPT snood - an ideal Christmas present and so handy as we move into the winter months! Find out more at https://marypeterstrust.org/index.php/mask-out-to-help-out/
You can support talented young athletes like Darragh by donating £10 for which you'll receive a limited edition MPT snood - an ideal Christmas present and so handy as we move into the winter months! Find out more at https://marypeterstrust.org/index.php/mask-out-to-help-out/
Conor McDonnell captains Ireland u16s and CJ Fulton continues the family tradition
It was a huge honour for Star's Conor McDonnell (back row, extreme right) to be appointed captain of the Ireland u16 team recently. And we're also delighted the to see that Christopher Fulton (front row, second left) follows in his dad Adrian's footsteps by representing his country at Point Guard. Well done guys.
Awards Night
It was a packed house in Fortwilliam Golf Club for the Star Awards Gala. After such a winning season for all our underage teams, it was hugely difficult to pick out the creme de la creme. But our wily coaches eventually dished out awards to the MIPs and MVPs on each team.
And there was a special award for our sponsored teams in the Belfast Marathon who raided mony for both the club and the Community Search and Rescue service in memory of the late Michael Cullen, a former member of Belfast Star. A great night was had by all.
And there was a special award for our sponsored teams in the Belfast Marathon who raided mony for both the club and the Community Search and Rescue service in memory of the late Michael Cullen, a former member of Belfast Star. A great night was had by all.
Big turnout for Awards Night 2017
Lots of Winners at our 2016 Awards Night
All Ireland League begins with win over Limerick Eagles
Star got a flying start to the 2016-17 season thanks to a hard fought win over visitors Limerick Eagles. See match report here.
Above: (back row) Fearghal Toner, Greg Womack, Paddy Mullan, Liam Pettigrew, Keelan Cairns, Ruaidhri Milligan, Dominic Lynn, Fionntan O'Connor, Will Hopper. (front row) Eric Benedick, Sean Quinn, Paddy McGaharan, Coach Darren O'Neill, Conor Johnston, Adam Ryan, Conor McElroy.
Above: (back row) Fearghal Toner, Greg Womack, Paddy Mullan, Liam Pettigrew, Keelan Cairns, Ruaidhri Milligan, Dominic Lynn, Fionntan O'Connor, Will Hopper. (front row) Eric Benedick, Sean Quinn, Paddy McGaharan, Coach Darren O'Neill, Conor Johnston, Adam Ryan, Conor McElroy.
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The Quinn twins head off to play College basketball in the StatesWe send best wishes to Conor and Aidan Quinn as they head off to embark on a four-year scholarship at an American university.
The teenagers, who starred for us, St Malachy's and Ireland at every age level, will attend Mayville State University in North Dakota. Good luck guys. We will all miss your many talents. |
Our three Wise Men say Happy Christmas to all
Coaches Paul McCotter, Gerard Ryan and Adrian Fulton get in the festive mood
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Four wins out of four for Star's underage teams on Cup Final Sunday
For the first time ever, Star recorded four Cup Wins in four finals in Antrim Forum on Sunday 29 March - a most fitting way to end our 50th anniversary Year.
And we were delighted to see Ricky Taylor, above, turn out to support all our young players before he jets home to the US this week. Ricky - who last week earned an All-Ireland Premier League All Star award - is pictured alongside our youngest All Star, Indial Alvarado of our cup-winning u12 team. |
All Ireland u20 Final -
Loss marks end of an era for all-conquering team
Despite a 70-60 loss to Moycullen, this Star team will proudly look back on one of the truly great recent achievements of Irish underage basketball with many of this squad having already collected FIVE All-Ireland Winning medals or more as they progressed as a team from u12 onwards.
This is an excellent record of achievement for the players and also for the committed and passionate commitment of coaches Adrian Fulton and Phil Molloy. Everyone involved in this fantastic journey down through the years should be extremely proud of their achievements along the way.
Loss marks end of an era for all-conquering team
Despite a 70-60 loss to Moycullen, this Star team will proudly look back on one of the truly great recent achievements of Irish underage basketball with many of this squad having already collected FIVE All-Ireland Winning medals or more as they progressed as a team from u12 onwards.
This is an excellent record of achievement for the players and also for the committed and passionate commitment of coaches Adrian Fulton and Phil Molloy. Everyone involved in this fantastic journey down through the years should be extremely proud of their achievements along the way.
Keelan Cairns named as on court captain for our 2015-16 All Ireland Premier League side |
Shawn and Sasha jet in from the States |
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Belfast Star are delighted to announce two new American players for the coming 2015-16 season.
First up is Shawn Vanzant (above left) a point guard who is a product of the acclaimed Mid-West Butler College, where he played under Brad Stevens, now head coach of the Boston Celtics. Shawn spent the past two years playing in Canada and before that he traded his talents in Finland. Our other US import is Sasha Seymore, (above right) a 6'6” player from North Carolina who is attending Queen's University. Sasha is currently recovering from a cruciate injury and is still a few weeks away from full fitness. |
Launch of our 50th Anniversary Book at Belfast Castle: Wednesday 24 June 2015
It was a night to remember, to reflect, but also to look forward, we as we launched '50 Years of loving the Game' in Belfast Castle on a balmy summer evening.
The evening was hosted by former Belfast star player and now BBC presenter Thomas Kane and was attended by players past and present - plus 'their other halves, the real driving force behind the Star club over the years as Thomas wittedly put it.
We were also delighted to welcome Chairman of Basketball Northern Ireland Sean Moyes and Commissioner Danny O'Connor. Many thanks to the management and staff of Belfast Castle for their excelent hospitality.
The evening was hosted by former Belfast star player and now BBC presenter Thomas Kane and was attended by players past and present - plus 'their other halves, the real driving force behind the Star club over the years as Thomas wittedly put it.
We were also delighted to welcome Chairman of Basketball Northern Ireland Sean Moyes and Commissioner Danny O'Connor. Many thanks to the management and staff of Belfast Castle for their excelent hospitality.
Chairman Bill McCotter with David Kelly, Belfast Telegraph
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u16 Coach Brian McCreanor & Premier League player Paddy Mullan
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International players Connor McCann & Liam Pettigrew
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Josie and Bill McCotter
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JD & Jennifer and Marion & Ronnie
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Maura Fulton, Jennifer Dupree, Josie McCotter and Geralding Smye
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Michelle, Tricia & Marion
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Danny O'Connor and Bill McCotter
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BNI Chairman Sean Moyes & Raymond O'Neill
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David Kelly & Danny Fulton
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Barney Ball with Seamus McCann
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Ronnie Whiteside - with jersey AND medal (looking for a starter's spot next season)
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JD, RW, DF and B McC.
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The way we 'wear' - Ronnie and the guys show off some classic shirts
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Raymond & Tricia
Ricky tops his Player of the Month Award with All-Star success Ricky Taylor: Great season for Star
Congratulations to our US import Ricky Taylor, left, on picking up a well deserved All Ireland Premier League All Star Award. Ricky, who finished as the highest scorer across all of Ireland also picked up one of the prestigious Player of the Month awards during his season in Ireland
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The BBC's Thomas Kane keeps the craic going
Our latest trio of Internationals
Isaac Byrne, Josh Briers and Connor McCann who spent the late summer playing for the Irish u16 Team in Macedonia
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2014-15 Another year of success for our teams
It was another fantastic season for the club, particularly with the Junior teams - our u12, u14, u16 & u18 teams all won at their respective Basketball NI playoff competitions held again at the Antrim Forum, a truly incredible achievement. And the U14s were agonisingly pipped at the post in the All-Ireland finals held in Cork, losing by a single basket to a talented Moycullen side. However, the u16s avenged this defeat by beating Moycullen to finish 5th in the All-Ireland playoffs, narrowly missing out on a top-four berth by a point, though giving eventual champions Neptune as good a game as they got over the Play-off weekend.
2013 - year of record successes for our teams
We never like to blow our own trumpet - too much. But the past season has been one of remarkable success for Belfast Star Basketball club. So much so in fact, that we emerged winners in every Basketball NI competition we entered. For the record, that's: u12, u14, u16, u16B, Men's Division 1 & Men's Premier.
At a national level, we won the u18 All-Ireland as well as the UCC Demons u19 Invitational Tournament and the Dublin-based Tolka Rovers u15 Basketball Tournament. Here's hoping for the same in the new season.
At a national level, we won the u18 All-Ireland as well as the UCC Demons u19 Invitational Tournament and the Dublin-based Tolka Rovers u15 Basketball Tournament. Here's hoping for the same in the new season.
Shining Stars at the 2013-2014 Awards Night
Once again, players, parents and friends gathered for our Awards Night where our coaches had the unenviable task of picking some winners to round off the 2013-14 season. Flick through the pictures above to see who picked up the Belfast Star Oscars this year.
Prestigious accolade for Conor Quinn:
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Liam goes large
Making his home Premier League debut at the start of the 2013-14 season, Star's Liam Pettigrew goes high over the Moycullen defence.
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Several Star players earn Irish call-upsCongratulations are due to a number of our players who have been called up to the Irish National teams and development squads in 2013.
At u15 level both Josh Briers and Connor McCann made it to the final squad. At u16 level, Adam Ryan (below) has had a busy summer starring for Ireland in the European championships in Bosnia-Herzegovinia. Meanwhile, Conor Quinn, Aidan Quinn and Liam Pettigrew all earned caps at u18. 
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Paul helps launch the new Basketball Ireland season 2013-14
Paul Dick, 3rd left, was flying the flag for Belfast Star at the formal launch of the new season at the National Basketball Stadium in Dublin
Star welcomes new American import Frank OtisWe extend a very warm Belfast welcome to our latest US signing Frank Otis. Frank - nicknamed “Mook” - is a 6'6" forward from Oakland CA.
He finished his two-year career at Weber State in 2013 and was quick to select an overseas stint with Belfast Star. Frank appeared in 49 career games with the Wildcats and had a career average of 8.0 points and 5.5 rebounds, while shooting 63.9 percent from the field. One of Weber's team captains, Frank led the Wildcats with four double-doubles during his final year and was named to the Collegeinsider.com All-Tournament Team. We wish Frank every success during his time with Star. 
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Big turnout at Star Awards nightDouble Paralympic gold medalist Michael McKillop (above) was the guest speaker at our end of year bash in Cliftonville Bowling Club in June 2013.
A packed house of players and parents heard all our coaches speak eloquently - and often very humorously - about the stars and characters on their teams before Michael presented the awards. Adrian Fulton named Irish Junior Coach of the YearThere were well-deserved honours for one of the stalwarts of Belfast Star recently at the National Basketball Arena in Dublin as Adrian Fulton (above left) picked up the award for Men's Underage Coach of the Year.
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'Stars' of the future
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Major coup for Star as Spanish coach appointed
Jose Berracol brings vast European experience
Belfast Star have signalled their intentions for the year ahead with the signing of former Barcelona Assistant Coach Jose Maria Berrocal.
As well as his time with Barcelona, Jose Maria also has experience coaching in the top Men’s Leagues right throughout Europe. Welcoming Jose's appointment, Adrian Fulton said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for all the players in Star, from U12 right through to Senior. It is also a great boost to Irish basketball." |
Barcelona: Heading to our 50th Anniversary Celebrations Next Year
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Disappointment for Irish basketball fans as Barcelona postpone tripBelfast Star's players and fans - as well as those of Neptune and Marian too - will be disappointed with the news that European kingpins Barcelona have had to postpone their proposed trip to Belfast to play in the Tayto Invitational Basketball Tournament (27-29 September).
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Busy summer for Adam Ryan with Irish u16 teamAdam Ryan (fifth from left) has had a very busy summer representing Ireland at the European championships in Bosnia where he was fourth highest scorer in the Irish squad and made a name for himself in the competition with his excellent 3-point shooting.
Playing alongside Adam in the Irish team was his St Malachy's team-mate Odhran Eastwood (fourth from right). The Irish lads finished 18th overall and notched up wins over Bulgaria and Norway along the way. |
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Packed house at Belfast Star Awards Night 2013
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After an incredibly successful year where all our teams won all the Basketball NI competitions that they entered, our coaches had the unenviable task of picking some award winners to round off the season.
It was a tough job - and the coaches' decisions were largely agreed upon :) Adrian Fulton, above, was compere for the night in Cliftonville Bowling Club. Guest speaker was Paralympic Double Gold Medallist Michael McKillop who gave an inspiring motivational talk before he presented the prizes alongside all the coaches for each team. Team Awards U12, U14, U16 Development and U16 League and Cup Winners. U18 National Cup Champions. Division 1 Champions Premier League Champions. Premier League playoff winners. |
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Individual Awards
U12 Most Valuable Player of the Year: CJ Fulton U12 Most Improved Player of the Year: Ronan O'Neill U14: Most Valuable Player of the Year: John Smye U14: Most Improved Player of the Year: Eoin Nagle U16 Development: Most Valuable Player of Year: Sean McParland U16 Most Improved Player of the Year: Paul Owens U16 Most Valuable Player of the Year: Adam Ryan U16 Most Improved Player of the Year: Luke Brady U18 Most Valuable Player of the Year ( NIALL GRANT AWARD): Aidan Quinn U18 Most Improved Player of the Year: Liam PettigrewInternational Awards U18 International Player of the Year: Conor Quinn U18 Internationals Conor and Aidan Quinn, Liam Pettigrew U16 International: Adam Ryan U14 International Squad: Josh Briers, Connor McCann, Isaac Byrne |
All Star/MVP Awards
U12 All Star 5: Conor Ryan, MVP Final: Conor Ryan U14 All Star 5: John Smye, MVP Final: John Smye U16 All Star 5: Adam Ryan, MVP Final: Adam Ryan International Awards U16 International: Adam Ryan U14 International Squad: Josh Briers, Connor McCann, Isaac Byrne U18 International Player of the Year: Conor Quinn U18 Internationals Conor and Aidan Quinn, Liam Pettigrew |
Memorable trip to Cyprus for Star players with St Malachy'sEaster 2013 was a memorable time for many of our u16 players who - having won the national league title with St Malachy's in 2012 - were accorded the honour of representing Ireland at the World Schools Championships in Cyrus. The guys were drawn in a very tough group that included well-fancied teams like China & Serbia. The team fell to those two giants but recorded a great win over the Netherlands.
Good friends - the Irish and Netherlands teams get together after the game
Taking time out beside the pool in Cyprus: Oisin Kerlin, John Largy, Sean Quinn & Rónán Ó Fríl
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Annual fundraiser at Whitehead Golf ClubCongratulations are due to Club Secretary Danny Fulton who once again staged a very successful golf fundraiser at Whitehead. Not only was a total of over £2,000 pounds raised - he managed to organise a rain-free day too.
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- "I've got a theory that if you give 100 percent all of the time,
- somehow things will work out in the end.
Larry Bird
Belfast Star Basketball Club: Registered Charity No 893848-3-3