John Kennedy Memorial Tournament

One last thank you! 🙌

We’re proud to announce that this year’s John Kennedy Memorial Tournament raised £1,883.08 for 🌟

Huge appreciation to the table officials (led by Malachy Kearney) and referees (led by Jacob Byrne) for giving up their time throughout the day.

And to our amazing sponsors, thank you for ensuring the tournament ran at no extra cost to participating clubs.

🌟 People Playbook
🌟 Carson McDowell
🌟 Used Cars NI
🌟 Kennedy Business Finance

Until next year 💙🏀

The teams!

Huge thanks to all the teams who joined us on the day. We’re so appreciative of the coaches, parents and players who gave up their Saturday to support our fundraiser for 🙌

Our donation link is still live if you’d like to contribute, you’ll find it in our bio. 🔗

Your 2026 John Kennedy Memorial Tournament MVP, Shane Kelly🏆

Shane played a pivotal role in his sides win against St Vincent’s in the final and throughout the tournament demonstrated composure, skill and athleticism 👏

Shane is pictured with Simon Kennedy, tournament organiser and Phoenix BC U18 head coach, alongside Simon’s two sons, John and James, who both play on the Phoenix squad.

Follow the link in our bio to donate to in memory of John Kennedy 💙

Huge congratulations to our 2026 John Kennedy Memorial Tournament winners 🙌

The final game of the day did not disappoint with Drogheda clawing back a 14 point deficit to take the tournament win.

Well done to the boys and their coaches for a brilliant display of basketball and determination right to the final whistle.

Yesterday was an opportunity for teams to come together, play great basketball, and support an important cause all in memory of John Kennedy 🌟

There’s still time to donate via the link in our bio 💙

That’s us!

What a way to end the day with an incredible final between Drogheda Wolves and St Vincent’s 🏀

Huge comeback from and brought a brilliant standard of basketball to the day overall.

We’re extremely to all players, coaches and families who made the journey to play today 🙌

Group stages complete!

Heading into semi-finals now with the final starting at 3pm 🙌

Get down and watch if you can 🌟💙

We’re getting started at 10am tomorrow morning!

Group 1 - Hosts Phoenix Basketball Club will take on Queen’s Basketball Club

Group 2 - St Vincent’s Basketball Club will take on Belfast Star Basketball Club

Come down and watch throughout the day if you can, all support welcome 🙌

Link to donate: https://www.justgiving.com/page/simon-kennedy-3?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=WA&utm_campaign=020&utm_content=link_in_bio

Looking back at 2025 tournament winners, Swords Thunder 👏

We’re looking forward to seeing who takes the title tomorrow.

All support welcome 💙

Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/simon-kennedy-3?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=WA&utm_campaign=020&utm_content=link_in_bio

This tournament honours John Kennedy, a core member of St Gall’s Basketball Club and Naomh Gall CLG, a player and coach who loved to give back to the community.

John sadly passed away due to a heart attack over 30 years ago during a match in Andersonstown Leisure Centre, and his son Simon has kept his memory alive through a now annual youth basketball event, which raised £3,400 last year for NI Chest Heart & Stroke.

This year’s tournament once again supports NICHS, with thanks to sponsors Kennedy Business Finance, People Playbook, Used Cars NI and Carson McDowell.

We’re looking forward to catching up and watching some great basketball with everyone at Newforge tomorrow. 🏀

Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/simon-kennedy-3?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=WA&utm_campaign=020&utm_content=link_in_bio