Cunningham ready to lead new professional era for Ballina Braves

To be appointed captain of Ballina Braves in their first season back in the National League, as Mark Cunningham fittingly described, is a ‘huge honour’.

The 20-year-old has lit up courts locally and around the country, whether it is in Ballina Sports Centre for Ballina Braves or bringing home national silverware with his club or St Muredach’s College, the rising star is glad to be following in the footsteps of his father and assistant coach Derek in leading his club onto the courts upon their return to the national stage.

“My dad was the captain before, so it was great to be asked by someone else and be recognised for all the hard work we've put in the last few years,” Cunningham told the Western People.

Between winning the BIDL Plate with the Braves last year and the under-19 ‘B’’ Cup and league crowns with St Muredach’s in 2024, basketball in Ballina firmly is back on the map.

“Yeah, it's been really good now. The double with the Muredach’s was the big kicker now. Kind of put Ballina basketball back on the Irish scale a bit.

“The friends I made the last few years, one of my best mates now is from Ballinrobe, I would have never known him before playing club.

“Just so many different dynamics, different ages, we've got under 20s, lads in college, secondary school, parents.

“It's just great to have different kind of thing from your normal life and just bond to these people.” 

Cunningham has also been very impressed with the new head coach Paul Barrett.

“I love Paul. I played with Paul the first year we started back up. We won the local league. Paul was similar to me. When he was 20 or 21, in his second year over here, he was asked to be captain, so I think he kind of seemed that a bit in me when he was asking me.

“I was really honoured now. I honestly didn't think I would be asked to be captain, but I was very glad now he did. He's great. He's pushing us hard the last eight or nine weeks.

“I think he knows we're capable of and what we should be able to do this year and he believes in everyone. They're giving young lads chances. He's a good guy.” 

Playing in Division 2 of the National League allows teams to sign a maximum of two professional, and Ballina have brought in former Limerick Celtic and Tipp Talons guard Miles Felletti.

A conversation with a former Tipp teammate Matthew McHale saw the 27-year-old Scottish international jump at the opportunity to join an exciting side. 

“This is a historic club with, you know, a storied past in the National League and Super League,” said Felletti. “So for them to bring someone like myself in, you know, I think I can be a great addition to the team and to the community as a whole. So yeah, very excited to get going.” 

“My girlfriend's also from Ireland so she's in Limerick so for me I think it was a no-brainer coming back to Ireland, be close to her but also, you know, Ballina gave me an incredible offer.

Felletti added: “Since I've got here, the guys have been, you know, hawking on at me about how great it used to be here. I've done a bit of research, and I've watched some cup finals on YouTube now.

“I've heard a lot of stories so far, and I'm just hoping we can kind of continue with that trend.” 

From the training sessions alone, he can see the potential Braves have. While he says there will be ‘up and downs’ this season over what is a ‘big step up’, Felletti believes the mental strength of the side will see them overcome the challenges.

“I think these guys are in a great growth mindset, and I think we're going to achieve a lot of great things with them.” Mark Cunningham has also seen the standard at which Felletti plays and prepares as a professional.

“I was working out with him there on my own, probably one of best workouts I've ever done. Just the standard of drills he's doing and when he's there for the 40 minutes, hour working out, that’s all you're doing.

“There's no messing, just competing with each other, trying to make each other get better and he pushes you. And if you're doing something wrong, he lets you know. He's not out to hit you, he's just trying to help you get better and that's his job.”