Galway prepares to host one of its most spirited and socially minded sporting fixtures, the Galway Masters International Basketball Tournament 2025, running from 31st October to 2nd November at the Kingfisher Club in the University of Galway.
Now in its 13th year, the tournament has established itself as a highlight on the master’s basketball calendar with 49 teams participating in six age categories ranging from over 40’s to over 65’s for both men and women.
This year’s event sees the highest number of international teams visiting the tournament with representation from the USA, Canada, Estonia, Croatia, France, Italy, Spain, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland.
The organisers are delighted to welcome so many international visitors to the city and are grateful for the continued support of their main sponsor, Galway City Council. The tournament also receives support from Failte Ireland/Galway Convention Bureau and several local businesses.
This year, the organisers have selected a cause close to many hearts as Pancreatic Cancer Ireland has been chosen as the nominated charity for 2025.
‘We were delighted to be nominated by the Galway Masters’ says Niall Rochford ,co-founder of Pancreatic Cancer Ireland. ‘We are a relatively new charity, founded by individuals directly impacted by the disease. We operate entirely on a voluntary basis and the funds and awareness generated by the Galway Masters will help us greatly as we continue to grow the charity’.
Niall is embarking on a 12 day, 250km walk from Cork to Cong, Co. Mayo in memory of his late wife, Stella, who tragically passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2022, just eight weeks following her shock diagnosis.
Galway Masters organisers, Mike Lydon, James Hanley & Mike Murray will join Niall for part of his walk through Galway on the 7th November taking the opportunity to present him with a cheque from the tournament weekend.
If you would like to follow Niall’s progress or donate to the Cork2Cong walk, all details can be found on www.pancreaticcancerireland.ie/cork2cong
The Galway Masters Basketball Association was founded in 2011 by a small group of local basketball players and enthusiasts who set out to promote “masters” basketball locally, nationally & internationally.
What began as a one-day event with 12 teams and 22 matches has grown steadily every year.
This wide reach underscores the event’s dual ambition; to provide serious competition on the court, and to strengthen friendships and networks off it. As organisers often put it, the social side is just as important as the scoreboard!
With 49 teams participating, the weekend promises intense competition on the court across all age groups. However, beyond the matches, social events including a gala dinner for 400 attendees, with guest of honour the Mayor of Galway City, Cllr. Mike Cubbard, and charity raffle are pillars of the tournament structure.
‘I have seen first-hand how this tournament has grown in the last thirteen years’ said Mayor Cubbard. ‘We are delighted that Galway City Council are in a position to support the event and with so many overseas visitors coming to our city, it benefits the local economy greatly’.
Spectators and supporters are welcome to attend games, helping to bring extra energy and visibility to the courts and to the cause.
For full tournament information and game schedule, visit www.galwaymasters.ie
