Rebel Wheelers create history by becoming the first Irish team to play in the Eurocup qualifiers

There's a definite air of excitement at Rebel Wheelers Wheelchair Basketball Club of late, as there is new urgency and sense of purpose to training sessions after they recently lifted their sixth national cup title in a row.

The Rebel Wheelers Wheelchair Basketball team are heading off to Sardinia in Italy, tomorrow, to take part in a qualification tournament to play in the IWBF (International Wheelchair Basketball Federation) Eurocup competition next year. 

The Wheelers are making history by being the first Irish club team to ever compete at the Eurocup qualifiers and this is a seismic moment for Irish wheelchair basketball.

The IWBF Eurocup competition is one of Europe's most prestigious basketball club tournaments. 

Clubs qualify for this competition based on their performance in their national league in the previous season. 

As a six time Irish national league and cup champion, there's no doubt about Rebel Wheelers' credentials.

Committing to an event like this was no easy task for an amateur club, however, the time is right as they are ready to take on European elite sides after dominating the Irish scene for them last number of years.

This journey is possible thanks to the club's generous sponsors, HC21, CT1 and Astra Construction, along with the trojan fundraising and administrative work undertaken by club members. 

Most importantly, however, the team is ready after a record-breaking six national cup wins, and on April 12,they won their sixth league title which means the team has a wealth of experience and skill to take with them. 

That unbeaten momentum will carry them to the next level and add to that the fact that most of the Rebel Wheelers squad have featured on the Irish national senior and U23 teams, so international experience is certainly not lacking.

Rebel Wheelers hopes are high and coach Alan Dineen, like everyone, is really excited and looking forward to the event.

“We’re looking forward to representing our club and Ireland as the first wheelchair basketball team from the country to enter in the Eurocup,” Alan said.

“The learnings will be great and we’re looking forward to bringing ourselves up another level to compete with some of Europe’s best. 

"This will also give myself an opportunity to learn and pit my skills against the best coaches in Europe, so it will be a great experience to the players and myself.

“This is the first step into Rebel Wheelers future as it’s marks the start of hopefully a very bright future, not alone for the club, but for Irish wheelchair basketball,” Dineen added.

Conor Coughlan, who has been one of the best players in the country for the last number of years hopes to be scouted at the tournament by some of the top teams in Europe with the aim of getting a professional contract.

“We will start our Eurocup qualifier campaign on May 2nd in Sardinia and all the players are ready excited, however, we know if will play to our full potential we can be a match for any team,” Conor said.

“I know the challenge that we will be facing and the games will be a massive step up from what we are used to at home, but I think we had to make the step this year. 

"We will be playing teams from England, Italy, Turkey and Netherlands, with a lot of international players in their squads and most of them will be playing with full time professional outfits.

"This will give us a real chance to gauge ourselves against the cream of Europe in which we are all very excited about, however, I think we have nothing to fear as we are a very good team ourselves.

“Personally, I have got some offers from professional teams in Europe and it’s gives me an opportunity to play live in front of some other scouts from different teams before I will make a decision where I will play next season,” Coughlan added.

Jack Quinn is another player with plenty of experience with the Wheelers and with the senior Irish team and has been a vital part of his team’s success for the last number of years.

“This all came about after we had a meeting in the club last summer and everyone committed to the project,” Jack said.

“Everyone came on board with the idea and we all knew how difficult the fundraising was going to be, but when our team manager booked our flights and hotel our dream become a reality especially after all our hard work.

“All our games will be streamed live on DINAMO TV - www.youtube.com/@dinamosassaritv for our all our supporters to keep up to date with our progress in the tournament,” Quinn concluded.