Ireland has been chosen to host the 2020 FIBA Men's European Championship for Small Countries, with the tournament be held at the University of Limerick.
The announcement comes off the back of the successful hosting of the Under 18 and Senior Women’s European Championships by Basketball Ireland in 2017 and 2018 and also coincides with the organisation’s 75th anniversary which falls in 2020.
The Irish Senior Men’s team have competed well in this competition before, finishing in third place in 2018 in San Marino, and it is hoped that next year will see even more success for Mark Keenan’s charges as they showcase the best of Irish basketball on home ground.
Speaking about the news, President of the FIBA Small Countries Committee and CEO of Basketball Ireland Bernard O'Byrne stated: "I am delighted that we will have a FIBA Championship as a centre piece of our 75th anniversary celebrations.
"I am confident that the basketball community in the southwest will strongly support this event and I also call on the business community to assist us with the remaining funding requirements."
Ireland Senior Men’s head coach Mark Keenan added he is "absolutely delighted" with the announcement.
"Playing at home for Ireland in front of your home crowd will certainly add that extra bit of motivation for everyone involved. I’m sure this news will drive the players forward to want to be involved and make the final team selection."
The Ireland Senior Women’s team meanwhile will be in action in their 2020 FIBA Women’s European Championship for Small Countries in Cyprus.
