One of our founder members and Executive Chairman Jim Dineen was honored tonight at the 2016 Cork Indoor Sports Awards. Jim received the award for basketball after his life long commitment to the game and to Blue Demons. Jim received the award in the presence of Cork City Lord Mayor Cllr. Chris O’Leary and the President of the Cork Indoor Sports Association, Mr. Peter Dennehy.

Jim Dineen was a founding member of Blue Demons Basketball Club in February 1966. Little did he know then, he was committing a lifetime to Basketball.

From that beginning, Blue Demons has grown to become a major force, both on the court and in administration, in Irish Basketball. Through all this time, Jim has been the ultimate driving force and central figure in the many changes which have occurred in Cork and Irish Basketball.

Jim was central to Blue Demons first National Senior League title in 1973 and now heads Blue Demons, as the leading Club in National senior titles won, with 22 to-date.

Jim has led Blue Demons to notable firsts in Irish Basketball

  • First winners of National League title
  • First, and only, Irish team to win the British and Irish Federation Cup.
  • First Team to win the Treble of Irish Basketball trophies
  • Followed, by the first to go unbeaten in a season, winning all three trophies again.
  • The association between Blue Demons and UCC, together with the Mardyke Arena, marked a new departure for Basketball clubs in Cork and nationally.

Jim has also contributed at National Administration level.

Jim has been a long time member of the Men’s National League Board.

As a member of this Board, Jim has seen the re-emergence of Irish Men’s Senior team on the International stage.

An Ireland select team traveled to China for the 2014 EurAsia games, back boned by Blue Demons players, Coach and Management.

An Ireland selection, playing as Team Hibernia, competed in the 2014/15 Euroleague games, and the Full Ireland team will, this Summer, compete in the European Small Nations Tournament.

More importantly, Jim has led our club to our 50th Anniversary this year with our recent celebration and book launch.

Through his time with Demons, and Cork Basketball, Jim has been an influence for all that is good in Sport.

Generous with his time and advice, he has been a leading light in Cork Basketball and in Cork Sport.

Congratulations to Jim and his Family! We thank you for everything.