Neptune's Paul Barrett appointed as chairperson of National Basketball Referees Association (NBRA)

Neptune's Paul Barrett has been appointed as independent chairperson of the National Basketball Referees Association (NBRA), taking over from Jim Dudley who has stepped down after three years in the role.

Barrett has an extensive background in basketball administration, he was chairperson of Neptune Basketball Club from 2012 to 2020. 

He also served as chairperson of the Organisation of National League Clubs (ONLC) and the Men’s National League Committee (MNCC), before formation of the National League Committee (NLC) in 2023. 

Barrett served as inaugural chairperson of the NLC and was a National League Commissioner, before stepping down from both roles in 2024.

Speaking about his new position as independent chairperson of NBRA, Barrett said he was delighted to take up his new position.

"It’s an honour to be appointed as independent chair of our National Basketball Referees Association," Barrett said.

"I’d like to praise the work done by Jim Dudley since the formation of the NBRA in 2022. 

"I look forward to working with my fellow committee members on NBRA, the Local Area Boards and Basketball Ireland to help deliver what is set out in Basketball Ireland’s Strategic Plan. 

"We shall keep striving to increase the number of referees. in tandem with promoting referee development for those already involved in the game.” 

Paul Dempsey, Basketball Ireland’s Training and Performance Manager added that he was delighted with the appointment of Barrett.

“We are thrilled to welcome Paul Barrett to the NBRA team as the independent chairperson. 

"Paul brings a wealth of experience and leadership, and we look forward to collaborating with him in this next chapter. 

"At the same time, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Jim Dudley for his exceptional service and contributions to the role over the last three years."

Meanwhile, Basketball Ireland’s have appointed Thomas Garlepp as head coach of the Irish senior women’s team, replacing James Weldon.

The 40-year-old Australian has signed a three-year agreement and his first game in charge will be the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2029 Pre-Qualifying game against Iceland at the National Basketball Arena on November 11th. 

It is followed by away games against Azerbaijan and Switzerland, on November 14th and 17th respectively.

Garlepp – who recently led Australia to a bronze medal at the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup in Czechia as head coach – brings a strong reputation in player development during his five years with the Australian Basketball Federation, picking up FIBA Asia Cup gold at the U16 level as head coach in 2023 and 2025, and gold at U18 level as assistant coach in 2022.

He combined his role at the Australian Basketball Federation with a head coaching position with Sydney-based North Bears in Australia’s NBL One East this season, where he helped the team to a championship.