Ciarán O'Sullivan on how Ballincollig Basketball Club pulled off a historic double

What a season it was for basketball coach Ciaran O’Sullivan as he guided his hometown club Ballincollig to a Super League and Cup double.

He had previously led them to a Super League title in 2023 but this campaign underlined his reputation as one of the best young coaches in the country. He was unsurprisingly picked as the Men’s Super League Coach of the Year and beyond the trophies, he has that vital knack of improving all the players in his squad.

“This year meant everything to me, as I've been lucky to win trophies before, but doing the double with Ballincollig, my own club where I grew up and learned to play the game from my dad Francis as a kid. It was on another level.

“We won the Super League in 2023, so to add to that, proved we weren’t just a flash in the pan. We have been consistently a good team over our first five seasons in the Super League. However, this one feels more special because it's us local lads, the community and the journey we've been on together." 

Especially as they were knocked out early in the playoffs in 2025.

Last season, we learned a lot about toughness and consistency. 

"We had good moments but dropped too many games we should have won. This year we focused hard on being difficult to beat with better defensive habits, holding leads, and making sure everyone bought into the little things. 

"All the players bought in and my assistant coach Matt Hall was exceptional at implementing the tactical changes we needed week to week."

The Village’s success was built on very solid foundations. This time last year, they had already sorted their overseas recruitment, a key aspect to Irish basketball. Daniel O’Sullivan and Ciaran spearheaded it, with help from Colin Murray, Francis and Kieran O'Sullivan. 

The signing of Americans Latrell Jossell and Latavious Mitchell, along with English native Josh Steel, gave them the best professional combo in the country.

"We started the recruitment process, pretty early, April time. I explained the type and style of players I was looking for. 

"Daniel O'Sullivan did the majority of the grunt work, Colin Murray was very helpful as well with his contacts all over Europe and the USA. My dad and uncle Kieran are never too far away either. 

CHARACTER

"Character was huge for us and they were no big complicated process, just honest conversations about what we were trying to build and how these players would help our Irish players. Having consistent outside shooting and decision-making was key for us so with Latrell Jossel and Josh Steel being 40% three-point shooters over their careers was a very positive sign. 

"We needed size and rebounding on the interior so there were a few options but we leaned on Latavious Mitchell because not only was he a formidable rebounder, but he could handle the ball and make great reads as a big man.

“We had a tight group that genuinely cared about each other and respected the club. Also, the importance of staying level and not getting too high after big wins or too low after losses. We needed real depth if we wanted to compete over a 29-game season and we leaned on the whole squad this year."

He appreciates it all comes from a strong core of club members, as they did tireless work behind the scenes to make sure that everything was in place for the team.

“I know there are lots of people that help behind the scenes and a massive thanks to everyone as we feel that every one of those people were part of our success. However, the players bought in from day one. 

Team manager TJ McMahon was a problem-solver all season. 

"Matt Hall was excellent all season. His experience and expertise gave me and the lads a huge boost throughout the year. 

"To the committee and the volunteers who do so much unseen work, hall setup, gear, transport, fundraising, it didn’t go unnoticed. A special thanks to our families who put up with the long hours and weekends away and our supporters were brilliant, as the noise in MTU this year was unbelievable. Our two finals in the National Basketball Arena were amazing with so many of our supporters making the effort to get there."

Now that the celebrations are over, the preparation for the new campaign has already commenced.