The Irish Basketball community is in mourning following the passing of youngster Garreth Blount.
The 22-year old passed away after a brave battle against cancer and will be fondly remembered by teammates, friends and family.
Garreth is the younger brother of Basketball star Jordan who plays for Neptune and Ireland. Their father Gary Sr was a respected coach and referee and passed away in 2020.
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Despite his illness Blount was still involved in Basketball right up to his passing. He was present as part of the Glanmire BC that played in the Intermediate Cup final last weekend.
Basketball Ireland confirmed the youngsters passing on Friday. A statement read,
"Everyone at Basketball Ireland would like to extend our deepest condolences to Jordan and the Blount family on the passing of Garreth Blount. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."
Garreth Blount played underage with Ballincollig and was also a teacher and coach. He had also worked in England and Spain. Blount was always generous with his time and he regularly ran camps for disadvantaged people and coaching in schools.
Upon the onset of Blount's diagnosis his family set up a GoFundMe page in November 2022 in an attempt to prolong Garreth's life. In a december interview with the Irish Examiner his brother Jordan said,
"Possibly the only regret I have in my life or career is that I wasn’t there by my dad’s side when he passed away two years ago. When Garreth was diagnosed, it was about creating a situation whereby I could still do everything I wanted to on a basketball floor yet also be there for my family.”
The GoFundMe link can be found here.
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