Mark Keenan reappointed Ireland men's head coach

Ireland men's head coach Mark Keenan has agreed a new deal to remain in his role for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Pre-Qualifying campaign, which begins with an away tie against Kosovo next month.

Keenan has been at the helm since 2019. In 2021, he delivered a first piece of silverware for an Irish senior men's team since 1994 when he led his side to victory in the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries.

He then guided Ireland to a 4-6 record during FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Pre-Qualifying, securing home and away wins over Cyprus and Luxembourg.

He previously had a four-year spell as assistant coach under Jay Laaranga and Greg Gurr.

As a player, Keenan captained Ireland to victory in the Promotions Cup in 1994, while he remains head coach of Templeogue in the InsureMyVan.ie Super League.

"I’m absolutely delighted to be back," he said Keenan. "We weren’t ready as a staff to let it go at this stage. I still have great enthusiasm about the programme and I felt that continuity and progression are very important during this next cycle."

Ireland have been drawn in Group A of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Pre-Qualifiers, alongside Switzerland, Kosovo and Azerbaijan. The top team in the group will progress to the next phase, along with the best ranked second placed team across all three groups.

Keenan will take his squad to Prishtina for the opening game with Kosovo on Thursday 22 February, before welcoming Switzerland to the National Basketball Arena three days later.