By Sean Moriarty

The sporting community in Killarney is united in its support for one local girl who will play for Ireland in the U16 European Basketball Challengers next month.

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS: Leah McMahon pictured with her St Paul's Basketball Club team mates ahead of next month's FIBA U16 Women's European Challengers 2021 which takes place in Piestany Slovakia. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan.

Leah McMahon (15), who is looking forward to the trip, has also been named as the squad’s vice-captain.

“This is great,” her father Karl told the Killarney Advertiser. “Sport is her life and she gives it everything.”

The FIBA U16 Women's European Challengers gets underway in Slovakia on August 9 but underage basketballers are expected to cover their own travel expenses for international competitions.

As a result, several clubs from other disciplines have rowed in behind the St Paul’s star and have organised a range of fundraisers to help her get to the Piestany-based event.

On Wednesday night, Killarney Celtic made a contribution to her travelling expenses.

“Leah played for the club and for Kerry. The McMahon’s have a long tradition of involvement with Killarney Celtic,” club PRO, Pat Harnett, said. “One code supporting one of their own playing a different sport.”

The McMahon family is also steeped in Dr Croke’s GAA Club history. Her older brother Cian plays for the club and was a member of the All-Ireland Kerry minor team that lost last Sunday’s 2020 final to Derry.

Dr Croke’s GAA Club will host a bake sale, organised by St Paul’s Basketball Club, to raise funds for Leah's trip to Slovakia. It will take place tomorrow (Saturday) between 10am-12pm at the Dr Croke’s clubhouse off Lewis Road.

“Everyone is getting behind the fundraiser,” Karl added. “It just shows how proud each club is of her achievements.”