Waterford's Wildcats Basketball Club celebrated at City Hall
Pictured at the Mayoral Reception for Waterford Senior Wildcats Women's Basketball Team, with Mayor of Waterford Cllr Jason Murphy. All Photos: Joe Evans
The Wildcats Basketball Club were given fantastic recognition for their recent big victory by the Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Jason Murphy.
Mayor Cllr Murphy welcomed the talented athletes at an official reception in City Hall on The Mall.
Photographer Joe Evans was there to capture the joyous occasion where the players and their coaches were hailed for their hard work and dedication to the sport.
For years now, the club has made the Déise proud, being one of the leading women's basketball teams in Ireland. The club is renowned for fostering the talents of young players and giving them the guidance and support to be great athletes.
At the Mayoral Reception, Mayor Murphy paid a warm tribute to the club for their decades of sporting excellence.
He began: "It is a pleasure to be here this evening to recognise the outstanding success of the Wildcats Basketball Club.
"Since it was founded in 1983, Wildcats have been a proud representative of Waterford in national basketball competitions.
"From the beginning, the club has shown commitment, resilience and talent, and this season was no exception."
Mayor Murphy presented a scroll to Wildcats Captain Helena Rohan on behalf of the team at City Hall to commend their achievement in winning the Regular Season League.
Mayor Murphy noted the hard work the team put into competing at the Super League, the highest level of Irish women's basketball.
He said: "From September to April, they played week in, week out, travelling the length and breadth of this country for both home and away fixtures. That level of consistency and dedication is no small thing."
Mayor Murphy called this season "historic", as the team won their first senior title in 24 years.
He said their win marked both "a major milestone and a moment of joy not just for the players and the coaches but for the entire community".
He continued: "The club is incredibly proud of the team and what they achieved.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank STS, the club's local sponsor, for their continued support. Their backing plays a vital role in supporting women's sport here in Waterford, and their commitment deserves recognition."
Mayor Murphy went on to recognise head coach Gillian Hayes, assistant coaches Tommy O'Mahoney and Trish Nolan and team captain Helena Rohan for their hard work.
He then thanked all the players for their great success.
