WP_UOMSPO_AUAWARDS_030519_258
19
July
2019
|
15:18
Europe/London
Manchester graduate brothers target 2020 Olympic selection
Two brothers, who have both graduated from The University of Manchester, are aiming to build on their world-leading rankings in basketball by being selected for the Irish 2020/2024 Olympic team.
Twins Cian and Tadhg Hickey, 23, from County Donegal in Ireland, are both LLB Law students graduating from The University of Manchester this summer. The brothers are also Sport Scholarship students who have been described as ‘the heart and soul’ of the University Basketball Club carrying out a range of officer roles as well as voluntary coaching in the community.
In the 5 vs 5 traditional format of basketball they have represented Ireland at under 18 and the UK Select under 23 squads at International level, whilst attending one of the best academies in England - Myerscough College. They have both played top flight Men’s Basketball in England, securing the prestigious BUCS Division 1 title earlier this month. Now the siblings have set their sights on the Olympics.
Tadhg said of their Olympic selection target: “As we continue to achieve international success and recognition throughout the 3x3 community, we compete against the best in the world and our sights are now set on the FIBA 3x3 professional tour and Olympic selection. As the only team in the world made up of three brothers, Séamus Hickey being our final teammate, we are excited to show what we can do.”
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As we continue to achieve international success and recognition throughout the 3x3 community, we compete against the best in the world and our sights are now set on the FIBA 3x3 professional tour and Olympic selection. As the only team in the world made up of three brothers, Séamus Hickey being our final teammate, we are excited to show what we can do
Tadhg Hickey
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The past 12 months have seen the Hickey twins travel across the globe whilst balancing their studies competing against NBA and professional standard players, winning titles and gaining increasing profile-currently ranked the number one team in Ireland. After success in Holland and Germany they are targeting 2020 and 2024 Olympic selection.
Speaking about his time at the University Cian said: “Manchester has been amazing and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed our time at the University representing PURPLE&PROUD. We have balanced our academic studies, work and sporting goals while self-funding our 3x3 ventures thus far. As we push forward as international athletes and aspire for Olympic selection, we are seeking sponsorship that will allow us the opportunity to play in higher profile tournaments more consistently throughout the world.”
Cian and Tadhg were speakers at the Future Champions Breakfast Event held earlier this year, and were jointly awarded the prestigious Sports Man of the year accolades at the annual Sports Awards.