Play ‘GAA would not be good for me’ – DCU Mercy’s new US recruit Bailey Greenberg
DCU Mercy's Bailey Greenberg at the National League launch and sponsorship announcement. The men's top flight was renamed the InsureMyVan.ie Super League while the women's competition was renamed MissQuote.ie Super League. Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
DCU Mercy’s new American recruit Bailey Greenberg follows in her father’s footsteps by coming to Ireland to play basketball.
Dad Chip Greenberg befriended Liam McHale playing for Ballina in 1980s, and such was the Mayo legend’s influence at the time, the American even followed him onto the pitch.
“I know he played Gaelic football back in the States too when he went back, but he lost his four front teeth,” his daughter recalled at the MissQuote.ie Super League launch.
As a result of her father’s misfortune, Bailey does not plan to take up football while she’s over here.
“No, that’s way too physical. Even over here (on the court) it’s like really physical. So heck no, Gaelic football would not be good for me,” she insists.
“Like we had a friendly last night and I was like ‘oh my gosh.’ It really wasn’t friendly until afterwards.”
Despite a more robust approach on the court and the changeable weather, the Digital Marketing student is relishing the chance to play in the league.
“I love Ireland and I’ve been here once before and it was really, really cool, but I was a little scared to come because of the rain and the cold. I’m more of a sunshine type of person,” she says.
“But I’m really excited to be here. It’s a great opportunity and my dad knows a bunch of people here so it’s more comfortable.
“My family on my dad’s side is from county Mayo. I forget the exact two cities, he said, where my great grandma and grandpa were from but, yeah, out that way. I gotta make a trip out west.”
Coach Mark Ingle has recruited Americans Greenberg and Alarie Mayze as he seeks to retain the league title after the sport’s 18-month hiatus.
“We didn’t do that (win the title). We gotta do it ourselves. We’re hoping for a really good season. The girls are really nice and Mark is awesome,” Bailey says.
Ingle has been coaching with the Dublin ladies and Raheny GAA during basketball’s Covid-enforced break, which stole the chance to kick on from last season’s league win.
“It would have been great. We would have had the same exact squad had we been able to play,” he says ahead of his side’s opening game against WIT Wildcats on Saturday.
“Now it’s kind of a newer squad. A couple have left in past few months so we’ve two different Americans now. It’s a kind of a new challenge again.”
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