Kilkenny Stars Basketball Club is one of Kilkenny’s great sporting success stories — a club built on passion, perseverance, and community spirit. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the club emerged from what remained of a once-thriving basketball scene in Kilkenny City.

1980s – 1990s
BASKETBALL THRIVES IN KILKENNY

Several clubs are active across the city and county. The Kilkenny & Southeast Area board is formed in 1985 and Basketball flourishes. Over time, however, many of these clubs faded away due to a shortage of volunteers and the absence of a sustainable support structure and promotion of the game.

Early 2000’s
KEEPING THE GAME ALIVE

Determined not to let the sport disappear, volunteers from the remaining clubs came together to form a single youth section known as Club Kilkenny. Operating out of St. Canice’s Hall once a week, a small but dedicated group of volunteers kept basketball alive for the children who remained involved. Numbers were modest — often too small to field teams in competitive leagues — but the passion for the game never disappeared.

Mid 2000’s
A NEW SPARK

Everything changed when basketball enthusiast Wayne Edwards brought his young children to the club. Wayne, along with several coaches who would later become central figures in Kilkenny Stars, began helping out in St. Canice’s Hall. Soon after, the opening of The Watershed in Kilkenny provided a fresh opportunity and a new home for the sport to grow.

The group launched a simple but ambitious initiative: “Basketball for All” every Friday night at The Watershed. The response exceeded all expectations. Interest grew rapidly, and before long, more parents and volunteers were needed to support the increasing numbers. Over the following years, the club expanded steadily, attracting more players, coaches, and volunteers. An elected committee was formed to oversee the day-to-day running of what had become a fast-growing and ambitious club.

2011
A NEW IDENTITY IS BORN

By the 2010/2011 season, it was clear the club had evolved far beyond its humble beginnings in St. Canice’s Hall. A decision was made to rebrand and officially launch a new identity that reflected this remarkable transformation. In 2011, Kilkenny Stars Basketball Club was officially launched by then-Mayor Martin Brett during the club’s end-of-season celebrations.

2020 – 2022
THE COVID YEARS

Basketball was hit hard by the Covid 19 pandemic with a total shut down of indoor sporting activities. The club and it’s players lost a lot of time between 2020 – 2020 with repeated lockdowns. The club attempted outdoor meet ups at the Waterbarracks and the outdoor courts at Loreto Secondary School when restrictions allowed. 

In 2023/24 the club had 18 competitive teams, alongside a hugely popular — and very energetic — Academy programme catering for the club’s youngest “Little Stars” up to Under-10 level. The club was also delighted to relaunch its Inclusive Basketball programme following the pandemic. Led by volunteer coaches with expertise in additional needs education and support, these sessions ensure every child has the opportunity to enjoy basketball in a welcoming, supportive, and fun environment.

2024 – 2025
ADULT TEAMS ARE FORMED

The 2024/25 season marked a truly historic chapter for Kilkenny Stars. For the first time ever, the club introduced Senior Ladies and Ladies BIDL teams, representing a major milestone in the development of women’s basketball within the organisation. In another landmark moment, Kilkenny men’s club Amber merged with Kilkenny Stars, creating a senior men’s section. The introduction of senior basketball created a pathway for juvenile players to continue playing in the club after they turn 18.

Collectively, club teams accounted for more than 50 training hours every week, alongside countless games and competitions throughout the season.

2025 – 2026
HISTORY IS MADE

The 2025/26 season was the most successful in the club’s history, filled with countless memorable moments and achievements. The standout highlight was undoubtedly the U18 Girls bringing home both the club’s — and the county’s — first ever Basketball All-Ireland title.

OUR MISSION

The mission of Kilkenny Stars is to provide children and adults with the opportunity to learn, develop, and excel in basketball within a positive, inclusive, and challenging environment. The club places a strong emphasis not only on competition and skill development, but also on fun, friendship, fitness, and lifelong participation in sport.

Today, Kilkenny Stars is far more than a basketball club — it is a thriving community. It is a place where young people build confidence, stay active, form lifelong friendships, and learn the values of teamwork, dedication, and resilience.

On the court, the club has enjoyed tremendous success, winning numerous league and championship titles across the South East and Midlands regions. Kilkenny Stars players have also represented the club at national level through the All-Ireland Club Championships, National Cup competitions, BIPPS, Basketball Ireland Regional and Provincial Academies, and at Irish international level.

The club’s continued growth is powered by an extraordinary volunteer network. Heading into recent seasons, more than 50 dedicated volunteers have helped ensure the club’s ongoing success and future development. Every volunteer is Garda Vetted, while coaches complete Basketball Ireland-certified training and coaching courses. The club proudly adheres to Basketball Ireland’s Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct, ensuring child welfare and protection remain top priorities.

Club membership has now grown to more than 400  — a remarkable achievement considering the club’s modest beginnings. The club’s long-term vision is even bigger: to secure a permanent home of its own — a dedicated base for the entire Kilkenny Stars Basketball Club family. Work towards achieving that dream is already underway, driven by the same spirit of determination, community, and passion that brought the club back to life all those years ago.