Basketball News and previews: Unless a last-minute financial recovery package can be put together, the Tolka Rovers men's team will be pulled from this year's Superleague.
They have already postponed three matches and look set to slip away, for this year at least, without recording a victory. "Due to a lack of finances it is possible that we will not be able to continue this season," said Rovers PRO John Shevlin.
They did not receive the required funding for the season from Tolka Rovers football club, leading to a sponsorship committee being set up to seek a named sponsor for the first time.
So far, they have failed to negotiate a sufficient deal to keep them afloat. Two weeks ago they were forced to release their two Americans, Jermaine Turner and Kenny McFarland, along with coach Martin McGettrick. Kevin Mulligan took charge of the team in the interim.
Americans are the crux of the financial strain for all the Superleague clubs, as they are paid professionals. The suggestion that Rovers continue without any Americans, and promote several Irish players from their side in Division One was suggested, but eventually discarded.
A club executive met last Tuesday night and an annoucement is expected today. If Rovers opt out it will force Basketball Ireland to increase the scrutiny of the financial position of applicants to the league. Ballina Braves have already applied for entry into the Superleague for next season.
Meanwhile, there is another lull in matches this weekend as the Junior Cup takes centre stage. There is one match taking place tomorrow night as Waterford host Limerick. It's a prime opportunity for Waterford to register just their second victory against the mid-table Shannonsiders.
The women's Superleague resumes this weekend, with St Paul's playing Drimnagh. Glanmire and Tolka Rovers will meet twice in the next week, as they are also drawn against each other in the cup on the December 6th.
THIS WEEK'S FIXTURES
SATURDAY: Men's Superleague: Waterford v Limerick, WIT, 7.30. Women's Superleague: Wildcats v Meteors, Mercy, 7.30; St Paul's v Drimnagh, Presentation, 8.0; Glanmire v Tolka Rovers, Little Island, 7.30.
TUESDAY: Men's Superleague: Killester v UCD Marian, IWA, 8.0; Killarney Lakers v UCC Demons, INEC, 8.30.
WEDNESDAY: Men's Superleague: Star of the Sea v Tolka Rovers, Jordanstown 8.15; Tralee Tigers v Neptune, Tralee, 8.30.
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