The Leeside legends series: Cooney was a basketball Demon in a classic era

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He then went on to captain the Ireland U18 team in the European Championship whilst also gaining senior caps in that season.

This had an immediate effect on the sport as crowds flocked to see the games at the Parochial Hall as people queued for up to two hours before tip-off.

In 1982 Blue Demons became the first team to win the British and Irish Federation Cup and again Cooney was at his best right through this championship.

The following season the cash strapped club were relegated to Division 2, but Cooney remained on as coach and in 1995 they became the first Division 2 club to win the National Cup.

When it came to Americans Cooney reflected on the brilliance of Jasper McElroy as he was a hero at Demons during the golden era of the 80s and his former teammates William 'Mono’ McCarthy, Gerry Wheeler and Joe Coughlan also came in for special mention.

FACTFILE:

John Cooney began his basketball career with Iona Boys Club in 1965 at Blarney Street.
Cooney scored 42 points for Ireland in 1970 in an U15 International when they defeated Wales 60-34.
John played at U16, Minor and Senior with Cork in one season.
Cooney coached Demons to win the National League in 1989, a year after his retirement.
John coached the North Mon to win the National League in 1993 and the National Cup in 1995.
The Mon became the first Division 2 team to win the coveted cup and promotion in the one season.
