Cork basketball trio Paul Kelleher, Ciaran O’Sullivan and Colin O’Reilly accept coaching roles with Michael Bree's Ireland

Basketball Ireland can confirm the appointment of three assistant coaches and team manager to Michael Bree’s Ireland senior men’s backroom team ahead of the Jysk Summer Series against Norway on Saturday, July 26th at the National Basketball Arena.

Cork trio Paul Kelleher, Ciaran O’Sullivan and Colin O’Reilly have accepted coaching roles in the programme and will take charge for the friendly game against Norway, as Bree completes his FIBA World Cup qualifying commitments with Denmark. 

They will be assisted as Team Manager by Shane O’Meara.

“I’m delighted with the coaching staff I’ve been able to assemble,” said Bree. 

“Each person is going to bring a unique skill set and personality to the group, but most importantly - a vast experience in Irish basketball both as players and coaches. 

"Putting together a staff to represent your country is a privilege and I know that Paul, Ciaran, Colin and Shane will work tirelessly to give our players the best platform possible to succeed in the Jysk Summer Series in two weeks, but also in preparation for our opening FIBA EuroBasket 2029 qualifiers in November.” 

Kelleher – who has spent the last two decades coaching at all levels of Irish basketball, along with stints in the Domino’s Men’s Super League, most recently as head coach of Cork’s Energywise Ireland Neptune during the 2023/24 season – will act as lead coach for the Jysk Summer Series. 

Former Irish international Ciaran O’Sullivan was recently named as head coach of Ballincollig BC for a second time, having previously led the team to a Domino’s Men’s Super League title in 2023.

He was also named Coach of the Year in that season. 

O’Sullivan also has international experience on the bench, serving as an assistant coach for the Ireland U18 men’s team in 2018/19 and as head coach of the U17 programme twice between 2017 and 2024. 

Colin O’Reilly is currently the Ireland senior women’s 3x3 head coach, leading them in the FIBA 3x3 Women’s World Series for the last two seasons. 

His CV includes spells as head coach with the Ireland senior men, as well as UCC Demons, Energywise Ireland Neptune and Flexachem KCYMS in the Domino’s Men’s Super League and and Cheshire Phoenix in the British Basketball League.

In addition to those coaching appointments, EJ Sligo All-Stars head coach Shane O’Meara is coming on board as Team Manager. 

O’Meara has been at the helm of EJ Sligo All-Stars since 2021, leading them to promotion back to the Domino’s Men’s Super League and a Pat Duffy Cup semi-final berth during his tenure.