Jasper the star name as Team Britvic players re-unite for the first time in over 40 years as a team

Tue, 04 Feb, 2025 - 12:03

John Coughlan

The 1980's were a golden era for basketball in Cork and Ireland.

And for the players of Blue Demons Basketball Club, who represented them and played under the Team Britvic banner, last Sunday, at the Mardyke Arena was a special day for all concerned.

Dave Crowley and Jim Dineen pictured at the UCC Demons 40th reunion of Team Britvic in the Mardyke. Picture Chani Anderson

Their re-union attendance included Americans Jasper McElroy, Bob Stephens and Lennie McMillan, who were rubbing shoulders with teammates that stretched back to over 40 years.

In the case of McElroy, who was the fans faithful when basketball reached a new level it was time to reflect on his wonderful memories over five seasons in this country.

“I have never forgotten my time in this city and the great people at Blue Demons who always treated me with so much respect and yes it was serious basketball when I played here in the eighties,” McElroy said.

Barry Deasy, Christine Moloney and Gordon Kearney pictured at the UCC Demons 40th reunion of Team Britvic in the Mardyke. Picture Chani Anderson

In the company of his wife Tracy Jasper looked totally in awe when chatting with his former teammates.

“It’s great to see the lads again and I will take this day to my grave as I have at last fulfilled something I wanted to do for many years.”

Has Jasper seen many changes on leeside?

Brian Morey, James Hession, Richard O’Connell and Seanie Murphy pictured at the UCC Demons 40th reunion of Team Britvic in the Mardyke. Picture Chani Anderson

“The city has totally changed but I think in the eighties it was incredible to think there was a deep recession in Cork but it didn’t stop the fans thronging the Parochial Hall or the Neptune stadium,” added Jasper.

Bob Stephens also looked a happy camper as he will always be remembered for the part he played in that famous Federation Cup winning team of 1982.

Indeed Bob played with all three Cork clubs Demons, Neptune and North Mon and hasn’t lost his great personality.

“It was a bit of a struggle to make it here but I am might glad I did as this is a day to savour for all of us,” Bob said.

Now residing in Atlanta Bob had a great professional career and was without doubt the best rebounder ever witnessed in this country.

“When I arrived in Ireland it was a new experience but looking back I think it was the people that made it comfortable for all the professionals playing in Cork,” added Stephens.

David McGrath and Tony Foley pictured at the UCC Demons 40th reunion of Team Britvic in the Mardyke. Picture Chani Anderson

After lunch the players made their way to the Mardyke Arena where they were introduced to the crowd at the UCC Demons and Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig Super League clash.

Kieran Hearty, Denis Caffrey and Ger O’Donovan pictured at the UCC Demons 40th reunion of Team Britvic in the Mardyke. Picture Chani Anderson

It was also time for the families of absent friends as since that famous Federation Cup win Peter Coughlan (coach) represented by son, Shane, and brother Paudie, represented by wife Deirdre, both sadly passed away in the space of 48 hours in 2018.

Tadgh O’Leary, who was part of the National winning team of 1983/1984 was represented by his daughter Lilly.

Gerry Wheeler and Diarmuid Looney pictured at the UCC Demons 40th reunion of Team Britvic in the Mardyke. Picture Chani Anderson

Gerry Wheeler, who was integral part of Blue Demons over many years travelled from Canada for this unique gathering and he was also thrilled to catch up with former friends.

“A great day for basketball and for me personally to be with a great group of people who I soldiered with for many years is for the scrap book of fond memories,” Wheeler said.