Scannell savours return to Irish action after 14-year absence

Ireland's defeat to France in the Women’s EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers was comprehensive and not unexpected, but for Jessica Scannell, returning to the international scene after a 14-year absence was a special moment.

Ranked 80th in the world, Ireland were always going to be up against it against Israel (49th in the standings), Latvia (26th) and world number seven side France in their group, and fell to a 100-48 defeat to the French at the weekend.

The hosts began strong and trailed by just a point at the end of the first quarter at the National Basketball Arena, but France simply moved through the gears with a statement victory in the opening group game.

Scannell, who finished with 14 points to her name, was a leading performer for Ireland in what was her first Irish appearance since 2009.

Now plying her trade with Geelong United in the second tier of professional Australian Women’s basketball, her inclusion in head coach James Weldon’s squad raised some eyebrows.

Having joined Glanmire aged eight, she quickly became known in basketball circles as a serious talent.

In 2007 she became the first player to win U18, U20 and Super League National Cups in the same season, before she departed for the United States, enjoying a successful college basketball career at Iowa College.

Scannell played year professionally in Nottingham and while she appeared for club and country prior to her UK switch, the move to Australia seemed to close the international chapter in her story.

However with the season running March to August and having kept in touch with coach Weldon, her Under-18 Irish coach, she has returned to the fold.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport’s Greg Allen after the heavy defeat to France, Scannell outlined why it was such a memorable night