ireland’s Basketball Team Faces a Reality Check Against Olympic Powerhouse France
Ireland‘s women’s basketball team suffered a crushing 125-24 defeat against Olympic silver medalists France in their FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025 qualifier on Thursday. The loss, while expected given France’s world-class ranking and roster, highlights the critically important gap in talent and experience between Ireland and the top teams in international basketball.
“We came up against a juggernaut tonight unfortunately,” said Ireland head coach James Weldon after the game. “they were just exceptionally good, but our team kept playing and that’s all you can ask. it’s just very much on the night a huge gulf in class and they showed why they almost won the gold medal in the Olympics.”
The French team, boasting eight players from the squad that narrowly lost to the USA in last year’s Olympic final, dominated from the outset. They raced to a 37-7 lead by the end of the first quarter, showcasing their offensive firepower and suffocating defense.
“France certainly showed their class throughout, racing to a 37-7 lead by the end of the first quarter,” the match report noted.
While Ireland’s Claire Melia and Hazel Finn managed to score a few points in the opening quarter, they were largely outmatched. France’s scoring was spread evenly across the roster, with Valeriane Ayayi leading the charge with eight points and three rebounds.
the second quarter saw a brief resurgence from Ireland, with Michelle Clarke and Melia adding to the scoreboard. However,France continued to build their lead,reaching 64-16 by halftime. Their three-point shooting proved particularly effective, with Mamignan Toure and Janelle Salaun sinking crucial shots.
The third quarter was a continuation of France’s dominance. They opened with a 21-point run, leaving Ireland struggling to keep pace. Despite Ireland’s best efforts, the French team maintained their relentless pressure, extending their lead to 98-18 by the end of the third quarter.
The final quarter saw France maintain their high tempo,with Leila Lacan sinking a long-range three-pointer that seemed to seal the victory. However, Ireland’s Áine O’Connor and Sorcha Tiernan managed to score late baskets, providing a glimmer of hope for the future.
Despite the lopsided score, Ireland’s head coach remained optimistic. “But look we have to regroup, we’ve got a big game on Sunday in the National Basketball Arena, it’s a sold out arena and we’ve got to take pride and go play with pride on Sunday,” Weldon said.
Looking Ahead: Building for the Future
While the loss to France was a stark reminder of the challenges facing Irish basketball, it also presents an opportunity for growth and development.
Hear are some key takeaways for Ireland’s team and the wider basketball community:
Focus on Development: Investing in youth development programs and creating a strong pipeline of talented players is crucial for long-term success.
International Exposure: Participating in international tournaments and amiable matches against top-ranked teams provides invaluable experience and helps players develop their skills against elite competition.
Building a Strong Foundation: Developing a strong domestic league and creating a competitive habitat for players to hone their skills is essential.
Embracing the Challenge: While the gap between ireland and the world’s best teams is significant, the team should embrace the challenge and strive to improve with each game.
The Irish women’s basketball team has a long way to go before they can compete with the likes of France on a consistent basis. However, with dedication, hard work, and a commitment to development, they can continue to make progress and build a brighter future for Irish basketball.
The Bigger Picture: Women’s Basketball in the US
The Irish team’s experience against France highlights a broader trend in women’s basketball: the growing gap between the top teams and the rest of the world.
The US women’s national team, widely considered the best in the world, has dominated international competition for decades. However, other countries, such as France, Australia, and Spain, are rapidly closing the gap.
This trend has several implications for the future of women’s basketball:
Increased Competition: The rise of strong international teams will make the competition for Olympic gold and other major titles more exciting and unpredictable.
Global Growth: The popularity of women’s basketball is growing worldwide, with more countries investing in their programs and developing talented players.* Inspiration for Young Athletes: the success of international teams can inspire young girls around the world to take up basketball and pursue their athletic dreams.
The irish team’s journey, while marked by a challenging loss, serves as a reminder of the exciting potential of women’s basketball on a global scale.
Ireland’s Basketball Dreams: A Reality Check Against France
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news. We’re joined today by [Future Expert Name], who brings valuable insight into the world of basketball. Ireland’s women’s team suffered a tough loss against Olympic silver medalists France. what can we learn from this match?
[Future Expert Name]: Thanks for having me.This match was a stark reminder of the ever-growing gap between the top teams in women’s basketball and the rest. While Ireland is making progress, as demonstrated by thier recent EuroBasket qualification, facing established powerhouses like France exposes the areas needing improvement.
Time.news Editor: The scoreline was heavily in France’s favor. were there any particular aspects of the France team’s performance that stood out?
[Future Expert Name]: Absolutely. France’s dominance stemmed from several key factors. Firstly, their experience—having eight players from the team that almost won gold in the Olympics—gave them a notable edge. They played with a fluidity and tactical awareness that Ireland, with a younger squad, is still developing.
Time.news Editor: Let’s talk about Ireland’s future. What areas shoudl they focus on to bridge the gap?
[Future Expert Name]: This is a turning point for Irish basketball.Focusing on youth development is crucial. Creating strong grassroots programs and nurturing young talent will lay the foundation for future success. Also, international exposure is vital. Competing against top teams regularly, even in kind matches, can accelerate a team’s growth.
Time.news Editor: We often see this “development cycle” in sports. What about the domestic league in Ireland? Does it play a part?
[Future Expert Name]: Absolutely.A strong domestic league provides a platform for players to hone their skills, compete consistently, and develop a deep understanding of the game. This helps pave the way for international success.
Time.news Editor: This seemingly lopsided match also brings to light the broader context of women’s basketball. The US team has dominated world competitions for years, but we’re seeing a shift. What’s driving this change?
[Future Expert Name]: There’s a global surge in women’s basketball. Countries like France, Australia, and Spain are investing heavily in their programs, producing talented athletes, and developing competitive strategies.This is incredibly exciting for the sport—it’s creating a more balanced and unpredictable landscape.
Time.news Editor: We’ve had a fascinating discussion. Any final thoughts on what the future holds for women’s basketball, especially for Ireland?
[Future Expert Name]: The future is bright! With dedicated efforts in player development, increased international exposure, and a strong domestic league, Irish women’s basketball can continue to grow and make its mark on the world stage. This match against France, while resulting in defeat, served as a valuable learning experience that will undoubtedly shape Ireland’s journey in the years to come.