The Galway Masters Basketball Association is celebrating a significant achievement following the success of their recent international basketball tournament, which raised an impressive €4,525 for the Galway Mountain Rescue Team. The money was collected through the tournament’s gala dinner raffle and further donations, including the auction of a voucher for dinner, bed & breakfast, kindly donated by Ashford Castle and purchased by the Grealish family from The King's Head.
Founded in 2011, the Galway Masters Basketball Association promotes master’s basketball and hosts an international tournament in Galway city every year. The tournament has grown immensely since its inaugural event in 2011 and now attracts teams from across the globe.
The Galway Masters prides itself on delivering a top-tier tournament that puts an equal emphasis on both the competitive and social aspects of basketball. The event has become a key fixture on the basketball calendar, and the association’s commitment to supporting local and national charities each year has made a lasting impact.
“We are delighted to announce that this year’s tournament raised €4,525 for the Galway Mountain Rescue Team,” said James Hanley from the Galway Masters Basketball Association. “As a not-for-profit organisation, our goal is to use the funds raised from our event to support causes that make a real difference. The Galway Mountain Rescue Team’s efforts are truly invaluable, and we are proud to contribute to their ongoing work.”
This marks the latest chapter in a history of charity support by the Galway Masters. Previous beneficiaries of the tournament’s charitable fundraising include The Alzheimer’s Society, Autism Services, Wheelchair Basketball, Suicide Prevention, Breast Cancer Research, Galway Hospice Foundation, Aoife’s Clown Doctors and Croi, among others. The tournament’s Gala Dinner raffle, a key fundraising event, has been integral to supporting these causes over the years.
The Galway Mountain Rescue Team, formed in the 1970s, provides an essential emergency service, operating 24/7, 365 days a year across the upland and mountainous areas of Galway and Clare, covering 9,295 square kilometres. The team is made up of over 30 dedicated volunteer members, each of whom gives their time to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those who enjoy the rugged terrain of Ireland's West.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Galway Masters for their support,” said Mick Casserly from Galway Mountain Rescue. “The funds raised will go a long way in helping us maintain our operations and continue to provide our critical service to the community.”
Looking ahead, the 2025 tournament is set to return later this year for its 12th edition, with organisers already excited about the possibilities for future charity partnerships and the continued growth of the event. The event receives fantastic support from Galway City Council and several local businesses, without whose assistance the event would not be viable.
The Galway Masters Basketball Association, dedicated to fostering a love for the sport, continues to prove that the power of community and sport can make a tangible difference to those in need. As the tournament grows, so does the association’s positive impact on the Galway community and beyond.
For more information on the Galway Masters Basketball Association and the upcoming 2025 tournament, visit www.galwaymasters.ie
