The Boyne Warriors Basketball Club has just completed their inaugural season which included some remarkable achievements leaving them with high hopes for the future.

“Boyne Warriors was born out of the growing demand for basketball in the Drogheda and wider Boyne Valley area” said club Chairperson Gar Mac Críosta who expressed great pride in how far the club has come since its establishment in July 2024.

The season’s final weekend saw an intense showdown as the Senior Women narrowly lost in the North East Basketball Cup final to league winners Dunshaughlin Rockets. The game showcased the grit and determination of the Warriors team and community.

Despite trailing by 16 points going into the fourth quarter, the team regrouped and clawed back to within seven points in the dying moments of the game. Although they couldn’t quite close the gap, their performance was a testament to their resilience and potential. Coach Bobby Okusaga praised the team’s efforts and growth, expressing optimism for future seasons.

The club was established to address the demand for basketball for young players in Drogheda and wider Boyne valley. Boyne Warriors set out to provide basketball opportunities for all, recognising the importance of engaging children at a young age.

The success of neighbouring clubs—such as Dundalk Ravens, who celebrated an U20 Men’s National Cup win in January 2025, Carrick Cruisers first mens’ National League season and East Cavan Eagles Ladies, who secured promotion to Superleague with an undefeated season including this weekends Division 1 playoff win —all illustrate the rising interest, growth and standard of basketball in the region.

Boyne Warriors exceeded expectations in their first season, fielding teams across all age groups and achieving notable milestones. Four teams reached the Top Fours of the North East Basketball leagues: U14 Girls, U20 Men, Senior Men, and Senior Women.

The U14 Girls advanced to the All-Ireland Club Championship Premier Division semi-final, while U18 Boys and Girls competed in National Cup competitions. Additionally, U20 Men and Senior Men gained valuable experience in the National League and Basketball Ireland Development League (BIDL), playing competitive games nationwide.

Chairperson Gar Mac Críosta thanked players, coaches, committee members, parents, supporters, and sponsors for their contributions to this successful debut season. He highlighted the club’s depth of basketball knowledge as a key asset for future growth.

Notable figures include U14 Girls coach Maeve Coleman, who has coached at Ireland's highest level and earned recognition as National League Coach of the Month last year with East Cavan Eagles Ladies. Senior Women’s player Elaine Scally also brings extensive experience as a former international player with multiple National League titles; she was recently appointed as U14 Ireland Girls head coach. 

Looking ahead to next season, Boyne Warriors will focus on building strong foundations in the 25/26 season. One area of focus is addressing the drop-off in sports participation among 14-18-year-old girls identified by Sport Ireland. The club is committed to supporting initiatives like HerMoves Matter to inspire teenage girls to stay active.

This year also saw additional activities such as a Halloween camp, skills workshops, and collaboration with St. Joseph’s Secondary School to establish their first-ever girls' basketball team. The club made history by helping them compete in their inaugural schools’ competition. Boyne Warriors also supported Sportability Day alongside LLSP and aims to continue promoting sport inclusion programs.

As preparations begin for their end-of-season event on Sunday, April 27th, Boyne Warriors are looking forward to giving their hardworking players, coaches, and committee members some well-deserved rest while gearing up for another exciting year ahead. If you are interested in joining Boyne Warriors as a player, coach, volunteer or sponsor please contact them at boynewarriors@gmail.com.