**** PRESS RELEASE **** - Jan 18th - 11.12am
DART PLAYERS REPAIRED AND READY TO RESUME REGULAR SERVICE
DART are hoping to boast a clean bill of health again after a tough couple of weeks with injuries. Arnaud Dahi's groin injury showed no ill reaction to Sundays cup semi-final and he has began to train with the team again although not completing the full session. Dahi hopes to play on Saturday against Jordnstown and be back to full fitness for the cup final next Sunday. John Behan has fully recovered from the hip injury that kept him from practicing last week and Tamas Varga has also fully recovered from back spasms. Finally Robbie Clarke's heel injury is “much improved” according to the player after suffering much discomfort running up to last weekends game.
Jordanstown will be looking to get their second win at home this season after knocking off On Point Hoops up there just before Christmas for their first win of the year. The much improved play of veteran Gareth McGuire along with the big scoring of Brian Nieman and Adrian Gross makes them a dangerous opposition at any stage of the year. Dart Killester will have to resist the temptation of looking ahead to the cup and pull out a win against the league newcomers.
Mark Keenan mentioned his worry of complacency “It's always a worry when you have a big game the next week that the guys will not give this one their full attention. We've spoken about it and in fairness we've taken the year so far at one game at a time and we have to come out strong against Jordanstown in their home gym.”
The players of the team also asked to thank all the fans and club members who came out to support the team in their game in Tallaght on Sunday. It was great to see so many familiar faces in the crowd and no doubt it contributed to the strong performance put out that day.
DART play Jordanstown in the University of Ulster at 7p.m.
**** PRESS RELEASE **** Fri 4th Jan - 15.58pm
DART LOOK TO CONTINUE FINE RUN
DART KILLESTER's men will look to get their 9th win in a row on Saturday night against Southside rivals On Point Hoops.
They will have to do so without a number of players with Arnaud Dahi and John Behan both definitely out for Saturday night with injuries sustained on Wednesday. Dahi has a groin strain that has put him a serious doubt for next Sundays cup game against Hoops. He hopes to still make it back for the game but time will tell. Behan damaged a muscle above his hip but is expected to be able to train by next week and recover in time for the game. Thomas Varga is also a doubt with a recurring back injury that left the Hungarian unable to train on Thursday. Hopefully all three can make a full recovery soon.
Hoops will play again without Bryce May who is out with an ankle injury. New signing Taylor Lay will deputize again for Hoops.
Mark Keenan emphasized the importance of keeping the winning run going “We need to keep our momentum going coming up to the cup game. Hoops are a very strong team and we know the next couple of games are going to be tough”
DART play On Point Hoops at 8pm on Saturday the 5th in the Irish Wheelchair Association, Clontarf. Come down and Support the lads!!
**** PRESS RELEASE **** NOV 2nd - 11.34am
DART TO EXCERCISE DEMONS IN THE OBLATES
Dart Killester will look to get back to winning ways on Saturday night when they entertain the young and explosive UCC Demons. The Demons squad is one stacked with young flair and talent and will be a tough test for Dart. They have began their season with three wins and one loss, coming back last week from 17 points down in the fourth quarter to get the win. This will be an exciting match up between the two teams who met in the league semi finals last year in what turned out to be a thrilling encounter.
Dart Killester's Arnaud Dahi sat out practice this week with a virus but is expected to practice by the end of the week and be fit to play on Saturday night. Dart have no other major injury concerns to speak of. Michael Goj and Michael Bonaparte are both looking back to full fitness after short layoffs which bodes well for the home side. This is a big game for Dart as they have lost two consecutive games and will look to add to the win column this week.
Mark Keenan spoke to the website saying "The last two losses were disappointing, particularly the manner of the defeats. The lads have been working extra hard in training this week and hopefully we can get some momentum going against UCC"
The game takes place in the Oblate Hall in Inchicore on Saturday at 8p.m. All support is greatly appreciated
**** PRESS RELEASE **** OCT 25th - 22.40pm
DART LOOK TO GET BACK ON TRACK AGAINST HOOPS
Dart Killester face On Point Hoops on Saturday night in a hugely important battle. Dart are at 2 wins and 1 loss while hoops are the reverse getting their first win last week to offset two defeats to start out. This is a classic "six pointer" with the opportunity to open a gap between the two clubs or to finish the weekend on level terms depending on the result.
Dart Killester are excited to boast a fully fit squad for the first time this season with no injusy concerns of note. Michael Bonapartes sprained ankle is still not fully healed but has improved to the point where he could get a full week of training under his belt. Michael Goj
also was impressive in training after missing some time last week.
Dart Killester will have to slow down the free scoring Hoops, in particular Justin Reed and the hot handed Ian O Boyle. Mark Keenan recognised the need to play well defensively in Saturdays game "Hoops have a lot of offensive talent so we must work hard to slow them down. The guys put in a good weeks training after last weeks disappointing loss last week so I'm looking for us to get back to the standards we normally expect."
On Point Hoops will have a familiar face on the sideline in Martin McGetrick. Martin was the Assistant Coach to Killester in the 2005/2006 season and we would like to wish Martin success in his new role with the team. This game promises to be an exciting one so please come and support your Dart Killester at 8.30 p.m. in the National Basketball Arena in
Tallaght.
**** PRESS RELEASE **** Oct 18th - 12.17pm
DART KILLESTER ATTEMPT TO SHINE Vs STAR
Dart Killester’s Men will travel to face Star of the Sea on Saturday night in their second away fixture of the season. Star began strong with a win against University of Ulster and then had a tough loss away to Demons last week. This will be a big test for the unbeaten Dart Killester side with Star possessing a wealth of young talent to go along with their accomplished professional players.
Dart Killester have been bolstered this week with the return to full practice of Dara McKeown. Dara has been working hard to get back to training and with a few more weeks under his belt should be back to full fitness. On a slightly worrying note for Dart, Professional Michael Bonaparte missed practice due to a sprained ankle he picked up in the Neptune game but is hoped to be fit for practice on Thursday night and then the game by the weeks end.
On a separate note Michael Goj has had to return to Poland for personal reasons but he is hopeful to return for Saturday’s game. Killester Basketball Club would like to extend its full support for Michael and the Goj family at this time.
Star of the Sea boast a fully fit squad apart from the loss of the enigmatic young Chris Smye who is out with an ankle injury incurred in their first game.
Dart’s head coach Mark Keenan recognised the importance of the game stating, "It's important we try and keep our run going and keep pace with DCU Saints and try to put a gap between ourselves and the others. Star will be tough especially at home as we saw in pre-season when we split the two friendlies we played. Hopefully if we work hard in training and play as we know we can we can get the win."
We wish the men’s team all the best and keep an eye out at the weekend for the results and reports from the games.
**** PRESS RELEASE **** Oct 11th – 4.03pm
DART’S MEN TO ENTERTAIN AN OLD FOE / FRIEND IN NEPTUNE
Dart Killester Men welcome Neptune basketball club back to the IWA in Clontarf on Saturday at 8pm. This venue has witnessed some epic encounters in years past, deciding league championships and cup thrillers. Of late it seems the DART men have had the slight advantage over their old rival taking both of last years games comfortably enough in the end , also more recently in a preseason game nicking a 6 point win.
Neptune will be a tough task though as they will be looking to have a much better season this year than last. A club of Neptune’s stature is expected to compete year in and year out so a lot of the guys such as guard Gary Walsh will be out to prove a point. Also the return Irish International Kieran O’Brien back to the IWA is sure to whet the appetite of many.
Good news on the injury front for the DART KILLESTER men, no new injuries to report. Although Dara McKeown is still unavailable, he has started to participate in practice. Still being held out of the physical work, he is not far off being ready. The club are being cautious as they hope to have him ready for the U20 National Cup game Sunday week.
Patrick Kelly and Tomas Varga seem to be back to 100% after the niggling injuries they picked up in preseason, both participated full in practice.
John Behan suffered from a 24hr virus but will be back in training and says he will be 100% for the game.
Reigning “Coach of the year” Mark Keenan took time out to speak to the website and told us “ The guys have practiced hard all week and are really looking forward to getting out on court. It’s a long break between games having played last Thursday but hopefully we will benefit from it as we had a lot of things to correct from the UCD win. “
“Practice is intense which will only serve us well for the season in terms of preparation, we have a number of young guys playing hard earning court time and we have our veteran guys who still have the desire for superleague that a rookie would have, it’s a great combination and I consider myself lucky to get to work with these guys week in week out. “
The men of DART are hoping to continue there good form and start to the season on the weekend with another win to move to 2-0.
Come down to show your support for DART KILLESTER Men’s team at 8.00pm in IWA, Clontarf.
**** PRESS REALESE **** OCT 4th - 1.27pm
OPENING NIGHT - CHAMP'S LOOKING FOR BRIGHT START
So tonight Thursday 4th of October is D-Day for the Nivea For Men’s Superleague reigning champions. The defense of the league title begins when DART KILLESTER men travel across the city to Southside rival’s UCD Marian.
After beginning last year with high hopes, the young men from UCD struggled through injury and coaching set backs to not quite fulfill their own expectations. This being a new season has given the UCD lad’s new hope and with the experience of last year behind them they are hoping to make an impact this season. They will face the toughest test they could, playing the reigning champions DART KILLESTER and also it being a Dublin derby should add some spice to the affair.
Tonight’s game will see the debut of new signing Amoud Dahi the 6-7’ centre from Old Dominion University. Coach Keenan speaking of the new arrival who practiced for the first time with the team last night “I hope Amoud can gel quickly with the rest of the lad’s as he unfortunately is a little behind in team preparation. He looks sharp though and has a lot of ability, we hope he can strike a good relationship with his fellow pro Michael Bonaparte who played very well on the weekend”.
DART’s coach Mark Keenan was speaking about last weekend’s preparation saying “I really think the past weekend was a huge benefit to all the lads, with so many new faces it was good for the guys to get to know each other while really helping with the sharpness on offense and defense as a team. We still have a long way to go but were on the right track”.
Coach Keenan added about the game Vs UCD that “Although we picked up a few niggling injuries last weekend, Patrick Kelly and Tomas Varga are recovering well and looks like will be fully fit for tonight’s game against Marian.”
Dart Killester are still without Dara McKeown who was hopeful to be back for the opening game as he is eager to get his first Superleague campaign under way. Unfortunately he didn’t quite make it for tonight’s game and is targeting the home game on the 13th vs. Neptune to make his debut.
On a positive note for the champ’s John Behan is back to full fitness after a year out with what was a career threatening back injury. John took time out to speak to the Killester website saying “I’m absolutely delighted to just be back playing and now to have the opportunity to be playing Superleague basketball is unreal. The preseason games went well for me personally as well as for the team but this is a different animal altogether. A competitive game! The pressure! I’m excited! I just can’t wait to get out there!”
The game tonight tip’s off at 8pm in UCD’s sports hall, come out and show your support for the DART KILLESTER team and hopefully get this season off to a good start.
PRESEASON WEEKEND, SUCCESS FOR THE MEN
DART KILLESTER's Mens National League Team had a good weekend finishing
with 3 wins and no losses. The weekend kicked off with a game against
Neptune and old friend/foe Kieran O'Brien. Neptune started the
stronger of the two teams opening up an early lead with some strong
inside play on thier part. KILLESTER slowly got the travel out of
their legs however and began to chip away at the deficit led by the
hard working Jonathan Grennell.
In the second quarter Neptune again reestablished themselves and pulled away again to a double digit lead. Inside Michael Bonaparte and Jermaine Turner began to make their
presence felt on defence and got some great scores of their own on the
other end. At the half KILLESTER were down by 7.
The third quarter saw a much improved performance from the travelling side limiting Neptunes chances with strong defence and getting good scores on the break. John
Behan and Michael Goj both hit three pointers in a run that saw
DART KILLESTER move back on to level terms. Tomas Varga played some tough
defence against Neptunes bosman to keep him quiet and made a couple of
jump shots himself as the momentum began to turn.
The start of the fourth quarter was a tight affair with neither team wanting to lose
the game. Robbie Clarke orchestrated things on the offensive end as he
had done all game and found some holes in the defence to locate the
two inside men. DART had a lead of 4 with 5 minutes left and
Paddy Kelly showed the form that had him voted MVP of the playoffs
last year getting some great steals and finishing strongly at the
other end. DART KILLESTER managed to hang on to a 6 point lead in the end
to win the game.
The next game for DART KILLESTER was against Blue Demons that evening.
Again Killester started the slower of the two and Demons raced out to
a lead. Once again the defensive performance improved keeping it close
throughout the first quarter.
Michael Bonaparte made his presence felt in the second quarter slashing to the basket with reckless abandon. Some great team basketball ensued and some excellent passing moves saw KILLESTER make a run at the end of the quarter with scores from
Turner, Behan Kelly and Goj.
In the third quarter DART KILLESTER picked up where they left off and managed to maintain their lead. Robbie Clarke was cruising up the court against the pressure with the guile of a
veteran while Ed Randolph seemed to have the legs of the younger
Clarke playing some great defence and running the floor. Grennell's all
round contribution was understated as always and another bright point for the KILLESTER team was they were able to give John Lambert his first fun out for the team. KILLESTER eventually held on to win by 15.
The final game of the weekend was against Limerick Lions after a late
night drive from Cork. Paddy Kelly and Tomas Varga sat out the game
after they picked up knocks the night before while Jerome Westbrooks
was welcomed back to the squad.
Limerick boasted a strong squad of Irish and proffesional players and took an early lead through some KILLESTER mistakes. Michael Goj came out firing and hit a string of
early shots to keep DART within striking distance. Michael Bonaparte put in some great work on the glass and got his rewards with some powerful scores.
Jonathan Grennell led the second quarter rallying charge playing some smothering defence on his opposing guard even playing through a bloody nose reminiscent of a scene from the battlefield as opposed to the basketball court. The play began to open up and John Behan hit 3 threes after some excellent ball movement against the tough Limerick zone.
The second half saw KILLESTER hold a small lead as perhaps fatigue began to play a factor. Jerome Westbrooks came in to give the team an energy boost getting key rebounds and playing hard nosed defence. Michael Goj was scoring well as was Mr. Bonaparte with Robbie Clarke racking up assists on the break.
The game was very tight at the end with Limerick having posession with 10 seconds and down three. Ed Randolph made a key defensive play and they missed a tough shot to tie the game and KILLESTER escaped with a win.
Overall the games went very well for Killester and were a great
preperation for this weeks first game against UCD. Mark Keenan said "I
was happy with how we played all weekend, particularly how we worked
hard on defence. The two guys picked up knocks but should be fine for
Thursday."
Killester play UCD Marian in UCD at 8pm this Thursday the 4th October.
DART ON PRESEASON TRACK TO CORK
DART KILLESTER Men’s National League team head off this weekend to play in
a pre season tournament in Cork as their final preparation for the much anticipated 2007 - 2008 NIVEA FOR MEN Superleague season. Their first stop will see them face Neptune at 1pm in their home venue and facing UCC Demons later in the day in a rematch of last years closely contested league playoff semi-finals. DART KILLESTER are delighted to be almost back to full strength with captain Jonathan Grennell, Tomas Varga, Michael Goj and John Lambert all returning to the team after missing last weeks defeat to star through work commitments and injury. Unfortunately Dara McKeown is still a little away from full fitness but is hopeful to return to the team before the first league game. Also Jermaine Turner joins the team as special guest for the weekend as the team is waiting on the arrival of Cote d’Ivoire born Amoud Dahi. The boys have been working hard in training and are looking forward to getting down to business and playing some games. The final game is on
Sunday against Limerick Lions in Limerick giving three tough games that should help the squad get ready.
Don't forget your DART KILLESTER kick off their new season out in UCD next
Thursday with further details to follow. KEEP WATCHING….
Lets get behind the team and start the league title defence off with a win.
NEW SIGNING'S FOR DART KILLESTER'S MEN
Mark Keenan has completed the signings of 6-6 power forward Michael Bonaparte from the College of the Ozarks in Missouri and Amoud Dahi a 6-7 centre from Old Dominion University in Virginia.
Bonaparte is an NAIA D2 two time All American and holds a Grenada passport while Dahi was one of the leading lights for the D1 Old Dominion. He was born in the Ivory Coast.
Fresh from last seasons Northern Conference and Nivea for Men Superleague victories, Keenan is delighted with his new signings. "It was touch and go whether we would get them. They were the guy's we wanted and we are delighted that Michael and Amoud have committed themselves to DART KILLESTER and come to Ireland.
Keenan will be without Damien Sealy who has retired after an illustrious club and International career while Isaac Westbrooks will be playing in Spain and Keith Anderson is spending a year at a basketball academy in the Canary Islands.
The DART KILLESTER coach will have John Behan back after a year out due to injury and study while under 20 international Dara McKeown (son of former St Vincent's and Ireland point guard Eoin) has signed from Swords.
Keenan has also signed an Hungarian Tamas Varga who works for American Airlines in Sandyford in Dublin. Tamas played for four years in the United States in College and will be a tremendous addition to a squad that also includes Michael Goj from Poland.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
I have been following the Irish basketball league since I left, and I have to say Killester has built itself into a powerhouse team with an extremely strong tradition. I’m also proud to say that I am a part of the Killester Family. The time I spent with Killester basketball club was probably two of the most enjoyable years throughout my 6 year career. Even though I moved on to play in the Dominican Republic I believe that I built my foundation and learned what overseas basketball was all about in Dublin. Every time I read about how well the team is doing and see pictures of players like Issac (who was a kid last time I saw him), Paddy, and Jonathan, it makes me feel good because I know I played a part in them growing up and getting better. They were the class of their league when they were under 21, and it seems not much has changed. Please tell them all hello from me, and I promise to do a better job of keeping in touch. It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of the Killester Tradition
Anyways, Always thinking of you guys,
And wishing you the best,
Damon Shoultz
Jim O'Kelly Golf Classic
The inaugural Jim O'Kelly Golf Classic took place last Friday, 24th August at Black Bush Golf Club. On a beautiful sunny day, over 100 of Jim's friends got together to enjoy a game of golf, remember their late friend and raise money for charity.
Jim's untimely death from cancer in January 2006 was a devastating blow to all his friends in Killester Basketball Club. He was a popular and well respected member of the Killester team who won 3 National Leagues in a row back in the 70s.
The Classic was a huge success as everyone enjoyed a challenging course on the best day that Summer 2007 has given us. It was fitting that the inaugural Jim O' Kelly Golf Classic was won by a team entered by one of Jim's friends and team mates from his Killester days. Martin Grennell's team was captained by Jimmy Penrose and they won with a fine score of 92 points.
Apart from gathering lots of Jim's friends together the Classic raised over €5,000 which Jim's wife Siobhan, will donate to cancer research.
BUSY FEW DAYS FOR MARK KEENAN
It has been a busy few days for DART KILLESTER head coach Mark Keenan. Apart from the preparations for Irelands European Championship qualifiers he also had the little matter of two games for the NIVEA FOR MEN Superleague Champions against two American colleges, Marymount University and Misericordia.
On Friday Mark used a young squad and just lost out to Marymount in the final quarter of a hotly contested game 64-55.
It was back to winning ways for DART KILLESTER the following day as Keenan’s side beat Misericordia 58-48.
Mark then had to make a quick dash to Tallaght to fulfill his role as assistant coach to the Irish men’s side that went down to Switzerland.
2 Friendly Games
Dart Killester
V
Marymount University Washington DC
Friday 24th @ 7.30pm
in St. Davids Secondary School,
Artane, Dublin
Dart Killester
V
College Miseracordia Dallas, PA
Saturday 25th @ 3pm
in St. Davids Secondary School,
Artane, Dublin
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