Athlone Basketball Club men's team prepares for National League return
Arcadia Athlone Retail Park has announced a new two-year sponsorship of Athlone Men’s Basketball Club, supporting the club as it continues its progress and looks ahead to the 2026/27 National League season.
With a proud history stretching back decades, Athlone Men’s Basketball Club is entering an exciting chapter with the club approaching 40 years since its last National League appearance, and the club has said, in the wake of the sponsorship announcement, that there is “renewed optimism” around the sport in Athlone as it continues to develop players and teams at underage and adult level.
Joining the National League has involved the addition of professional players from overseas and continued investment in developing a competitive squad. The club said that the “ambition and direction” of the club will provide a strong pathway for future success, while maintaining the “proud tradition and history” that has made Athlone basketball an important part of the local sporting community.
Arcadia Athlone Retail Park said it is “delighted” to be on board as a sponsor for the next two years and to support the club as it embarks on this next stage of its journey.
Fiachra McLoughlin, Director of Arcadia Athlone Retail Park, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Athlone Men’s Basketball Club with this two-year sponsorship. The club has a great history in Athlone and it is fantastic to see the progress being made and the strong pathway that is now in place for the future.”
“With new professional players coming into the squad and a clear ambition to continue developing, there is a real sense of excitement around the club. We are delighted to play our part in supporting the team and the wider club community. It is also a particularly exciting and ambitious step. I understand it is nearly 40 years since Athlone’s last National League appearance. We look forward to seeing what the new season brings and wish the players, coaches and everyone involved with the club every success.”
The new National League season gets underway with Cup action in the first week of October, which will offer supporters an opportunity to see the club’s new-look squad in action.
Athlone Basketball Club chairperson Sinead Gaffey said: “On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to extend sincere thanks to Arcadia Athlone for their belief in our vision and their generous support. This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for the club. Just as importantly, we are thrilled to welcome Men’s National League Basketball back to our club.
“This is a significant milestone for the club and one that simply would not have been possible without the countless hours given by our committee members, coaches, and supporters on a voluntary basis. Without their passion, commitment and hard work, our club simply could not function. We are incredibly proud to see Men’s National League Basketball return to Athlone and we can’t wait to see our players represent the club at this level once again.”
Athlone’s National League Men’s Coach David Keogh said: “As a team we are extremely grateful to Arcadia Athlone Retail Park for this two-year sponsorship and for the confidence they have shown in the club. It is a great opportunity for us to work with a strong local partner as we continue to build on the progress made in the Men’s Under-20 National League and in the Basketball Ireland Development League in recent years.
“We are looking forward to the new season, to welcoming our new professional players, and to continuing the development of the strong emerging talent in the club. We are very grateful for Arcadia’s support and look forward to a successful season ahead.”
The club added that the partnership reflects Arcadia Retail Park’s continued commitment to supporting local organisations, community initiatives and local sport.