Fr Matthew’s basketball club launch an objection after National Cup defeat

FR MATHEW’S have lodged an objection to Basketball Ireland following their 72-64 loss to Killester in the National Cup in Dublin last weekend.

Matthew’s appeal is based on the belief that Killester’s Mimi Clarke was ineligible. Clarke resides in Dubai and plays recreational basketball, but a rule in the Basketball Ireland National Cup Competitions Regulations 2.3.1 could give the governing body something to mull over.

The regulation states:

"All clubs competing in the above competition must be a registered member of Basketball Ireland and players should be registered with BI under the team registration team.

"Players leaving the jurisdiction of Basketball Ireland to play basketball may not return to play in National Competition in the current season."

Clarke has been residing in Dubai for the past three years, but on each occasion when returning home at this time of the year has donned the Killester colours.

Speaking to The Echo, Killester coach Karl Kilbride believes his club haven’t broken any rules.

“Mimi has played over the last three years with us and we know no rules that were broken on any occasions and we are not bothered what objection Fr Mathew’s are lodging against us,” said Kilbride.

However, Fr Mathew’s chairman Diarmuid Nolan believes the rule is clear.

“In our opinion Killester have broken a rule and in my book it’s now up to the relevant body to deal with the objection we have put forward,” said Nolan.

Ironically, these sides clash again in the Women’s Super League on Saturday with a scheduled 5pm tip-off at Fr Mathew’s Arena.