INTERNATIONAL competition beckons for former Tralee Imperials Basketball coach, Liam Culloty,  who has just been appointed assistant coach of the U18 Ireland Ladies basketball team.

“I was delighted to get selected first of all. The international standard is a huge step up, but it should be a great challenge,” said Liam, son of Michael Culloty, who enjoyed success as a basketball coach with Moyderwell school and others in the past.

Liam had been the coach of Tralee Imperials for five years and in that time picked up two national championships with the club.

“It will be great to see other teams and great players and it’s a chance to push myself as a coach. I’m really looking forward to it,” said Liam.

Over last week, Liam oversaw trials for the U18 team that will represent Ireland in the European Championships. Courtney Ryan from Mounthawk was the only girl from Tralee who attended the trials. The panel for the Ireland U18 ladies basketball team will be announced next Tuesday.

“Courtney was on the U16 team two years ago so, she’ll be hoping that she is selected on the panel as well,” said Liam.

“Basketball in Ireland is in pretty good shape. Last year’s U18 finished 11th in the European Championships so hopefully we can break into the top ten. There’s a lot of brilliant coaching being done around the country, between schools and clubs. For women, it’s the third most played sport in Ireland,” he said.