About a month ago, I started to hear about a big event that was coming to Galway in early November. I wasn’t sure whether to take it too serious or if I would even have the chance to see it, but Friday night I got a chance to witness Masters Basketball in Galway and it did not disappoint.
Men, above age 40, and women, above age 35, travel from all over the world. There were teams from Scotland, New York, France, and of course Ireland. I got to see some 60 and older action where the local Galway team, led by Joe Coughlan, lost to a very good Scottish team. One team even brought in former NBA player Charles Smith as a ringer so I had the opportunity to meet him. (Interesting guy, definitely worth a google search)
At the root of it, Masters Basketball is done for all the right reasons. Teams have been together for decades and it was easy to see the friendship and family aspect among them. Guys take a break from their busy lives to travel and reunite with long lost friends. Although the games get very competitive, all the teams are friendly with each other and go out for drinks after games.
It was extremely refreshing to see Masters Basketball and everything that came with it. Joe says I have an open invite to play on the Galway team once I’m of age, so that’s something to look forward to. I’ll have to see how my body is feeling at 60 years old, but I hope I’m able to get out there and show the same competitiveness and love for the game that I saw on Friday.
