Ireland’s leading women basketball players are returning to international competition after seven years.

They will take part in the Women’s European Championships of Small Countries next year.

The decision was made by the Women's Senior Clubs Committee, made up of representatives from the 18 participating clubs in the National League.

“It’s clear there was a massive demand to give our best senior players the opportunity to represent their country again,” said Women’s National League commissioner Matthew Hall.

Pathway

“The invitation to compete in Division

C

in

Europe

is an ideal pathway back to where we want to be. This time, we’ll have to use the self-funded model to get there but with the right support, our players can dream again of playing basketball for

Ireland

, ” he said.

The European Championships of Small Countries is due to take place next July with a host nation to be announced in November. Ireland are one of 18 Division C nations eligible to take part.

Committee chairperson Bríd Kenny said: “We’ll be setting up the framework for this to succeed. This will include selection of a management and coaching team as well as drawing on the resources of Basketball Ireland in terms of technical and fundraising support.”

Ireland last competed on the international stage in 2009.

Of the last squad to compete in Division B of the EuroBasket qualifiers, five are still playing in the National League.