Cork Basketball: Jim O'Donoghue elected board president

The election of the Neptune stalwart Jim O’Donoghue as President of the Cork Basketball Board was celebrated at the recent Cork derby Men’s Super League clash between Neptune and UCC Demons.

Speaking on behalf of the Cork board chairman Willie McCarthy spoke of his delight in welcoming the Neptune stalwart.

“I am looking forward to getting assistance from a man of his experience who for many years served on the board as chairman and fixture secretary,” McCarthy said.

To mark the occasion McCarthy was presented with a token from the board as both sets of fans gave him a standing ovation.

Jim has been a member of Neptune Basketball Club for 78 years following his brothers Donal and Leo to the northside club.

He filled every position in the club, where he was secretary for 16 years, and more recently he wrote a book called Gods by the Lee about his memories of Neptune.

Growing up on Great William O’Brien Street which is close to the Neptune stadium his father and mother Dan and Bridie encouraged him to get involved with his beloved club.

Jim married his wife Monica in 1966 and they were blessed with three daughters Niamh, Leanne, Aoife and one son Cormac.

In the book, he recalled the early days at Neptune.

I was there in 1947 with my late brothers Donal and Leo when they formed a team from the local community.

“At that time all basketball games were played at Collins Barracks, Naval Base Haulbowline and at Rockgrove the main headquarters of the FCA in Cork.” 

HIGHLIGHT

When you have been involved in basketball as long as Jim has been there has to be one memory that stands out.

“Looking back I think the game we played against Klosturmburg of Vienna in a European game back in 1995 was one for the records.

“The Austrian team had four professionals and after losing by 15 points in the first leg at home we managed to get within two points only to eventually lose out by four points on aggregate.” 

Jim is now in his 87th year and still is one of the main people involved with the club bingo, weekly on Tuesday evenings.

In a fitting tribute, the present club chairman Tom O’Sullivan spoke about Jim’s contribution over many years to the club.

“People like Jim O’Donoghue are a one-off as he has given his entire life as a volunteer to our club and I think it’s fitting he is taking up the position of President in the Cork County Board where his experience will be great for the sport in this city."