Men’s Super League champions UCC Demons will play under the PV Gen banner once again next season following a media gathering at the Mardyke Arena.
PV Gen are getting involved in Irish basketball on a higher scale this season and managing director Laura McCardle is keenly looking forward to the team up.
“From the minute I got to know Joe Garvin in business and on a personal level he really educated me on the sport of basketball as where I live in Monaghan it is all about GAA,” McCardle said.
“I was pleasantly surprised on how Blue Demons have conducted their business and to have a partnership with UCC shows the respect they are held in on Leeside.”
Demons coach Danny O’Mahony ironically works for PV Gen. McCardle recalled how they managed to hire him.
“We had a job available and when we saw what Danny could bring to the table we offered him the role and it goes without saying that he is an integral link between the club and ourselves which is crucial for the partnership to work.”
Fellow director and co-founder Joe Garvin – who has already directed some local sponsorship for the Cork County basketball board – spoke of what he hopes will happen in the coming years.
“The playing side is great but presently we have a number of members working for the company in different roles and I think that’s important that we build on this because there is life after basketball,” said Garvin.
Garvin went on to reminisce about the 1980’s when basketball was at the peak of its popularity.
“I am taking a line from the club chairman Michael O’Leary, when Britvic came on board in the early eighties there was little options as we were in a deep recession and it was either dole or emigrate.
“What I really want to achieve is tying into the community and for our company to offer apprenticeships to the younger members of the club as the sporting side will take care of itself,” added Garvin.
Meanwhile, Mardyke Arena CEO, Christine Moloney, welcomed guests and spoke of the long-lasting 20-plus year partnership between the Mardyke and Blue Demons.
“The Mardyke Arena UCC is proud to continue its partnership with UCC Blue Demons, establishing the Arena as the home of basketball on Mardyke Walk.
“This long-standing collaboration reflects a shared commitment to supporting community sport in Cork city, providing inclusive access, and nurturing local talent.
“Together, we are delivering on UCC’s goals for community impact, engagement, and the promotion of healthy, active lifestyles,” Moloney said.
It was also announced that Demons will have three new professionals next season with former Americans Elijah Tillman playing in Bahrain and Patrick Robinson signing to play in the BBL.
Tala Fam and James Beckom return and David Lehane and James Hannigan will co-captain the team with Danny O’Mahony staying on as head coach.
