Shiela Gillick

Sheila has been a stalwart of Irish basketball for many years...

Hall of Fame induction

2024

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International Player

1973, 1974

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National Cup Wins

1972, 1975

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Clubs associated with

St Louis School, Corinthians BC,

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Sheila Gillick is a transcendent figure in Irish basketball, leaving an indelible mark on all facets of the game she encountered.

Her relationship with basketball began in 1961 in the St. Louis School in Rathmines Co. Dublin. Gillick’s fledgling career coincided with a very successful period for the Dublin 8 school. She would go on to win an All-Ireland Schools Final, multiple Leinster Championships and represent Ireland at the European Schools Games during her six year stay.

Gillick transferred that success into her club career with Corinthians BC, where she was a key cog in a fantastic side that picked up international honours in 1971, as well as All-Ireland titles in 1972 and 1975. Not only willing to contribute on the court, Sheila got involved in coaching while still playing, taking on teams in Ballyroan BC and Corinthians BC, helping to teach the next generation of women’s basketball players. 

It was during this period that Gillick was selected to be part of the first Irish women’s basketball team in 1973, defeating Scotland in an exhibition game before creating history while competing at the 1974 FIBA European Championships in Poland. She was among the members to be recognised on the 50^th anniversary of that achievement at the National Basketball Arena in November 2023.

Her impact on the sport can also be seen in her later work. She successfully brought basketball to Muckross Park College at the beginning of 1990, coaching their senior team to an All-Ireland title in the process. At the same time she was serving on the Dublin Ladies Basketball Board, becoming instrumental in the training of many administrators who are still part of the game today. 

Gillick later moved into national administration, serving as General Secretary of Basketball Ireland and on several appeals committees, before becoming President of Basketball Ireland.

Those who know Sheila and who have worked with her on any committee will know of her dedication, commitment and her love of basketball in Ireland.