THE BLITZ EXPERIENCE
Pat Hartnett
Who ever would have imagined thirty years ago that the Blitz would grow to its present success. Last year, for the first time, we had reserve teams, but with over 200 games over 5 days, beginning at 8 a.m. and continuing until 10 at night, it is not possible to increase the number of games.
This year is extra special for a number of reasons, namely, it is Millennium year and St. Mary's celebrate 30 years of basketball in Castleisland. It will be special for many other reasons as it is a place where people meet and reflect on times past, and that brings me to my earliest memory of the Blitz.
When living in Church Street we were entered in the Novice Competition. Our Captain, Team Manager and Coach was Danno Dennehy. As Michael O'Donoghue was the only team member with a bit of experience Danno's tactics were, and I can remember it clearly,....."pass the ball to Michael" as of course he was the only among us who had a remote chance of scoring. Well, we didn't win the competition but we enjoyed the experience. That was all of 22 years ago, to the best of my knowledge.
Over the years many sporting greats have played in the Blitz and that is another reason why it is special, as the barriers that exsist in other organisations come down and everyone can mix and enjoy themselves.
Basketball in general is not in the increase nationwide at this time, mainly because there is too much emphasis on the American game by the powers that be, ... namely two Americans and two Bosnians being allowed to play in the Premier League. This allows just one Irish player with a realistic chance of making the first five. That is what is wrong in basketbal. While the system is good in America it is doing nothing for the local players and it is also putting huge pressure on the clubs to raise the necessary finance. The IBA should come and have a look at our system, which is based on enjoyment first and not on being on top and winning at all costs. Of course we need finance to fund the Blitz and we cannot thank our local sponsors enough, they have stuck by us year after year.
As PRO, I invite you to come and enjoy our games, particularly our underage games which are as entertaining and exciting as any of the Senior games, and believe me there is nothing more exciting that watching 10 players on court at 8 a.m. giving it their all. I would like to thank the many people who give their time over the five days, but the organising begins back in October, led by the man himself, Tournament Director Donal O'Connor, whose knowledge and experience is priceless in the organising of this event.
Finally, I invite you to come and enjoy the Blitz and for the first time callers the experience will be worthwhile and unforgettable.
HAPPY MILLENNIUM Pat Hartnett, PRO
Pat Hartnett wrote this article for the year 2000 blitz program.