Posted on 3 November, 2008

Kilsyth Basketball General Manager Grant Wallace opened the ceremony by outlining Hugh’s involvement with Kilsyth Basketball while preaching the importance of celebrating the rich history of the Kilsyth & Mountain District Basketball Association. 

“It is appropriate Hugh’s name will forever be remembered here as we celebrate his contribution to all levels and areas of the sport; from domestic junior team coaching, the various team managing roles, working and dealings with all levels of local administration from junior domestic committees, Cobras Championship committees, the Executive of Kilsyth Basketball, the Board of Kilsyth Basketball and representing Kilsyth Basketball on State and National committees and Forums”

“You read any US College basketball program media guide or visit any AFL change room or cricket pavilion and past efforts by players, coaches, administrators and office bearers are well publicized and celebrated.  Basketball Victoria and Basketball Australia are getting better at it with their respective Halls of Fame, but we as associations need to proudly celebrate the many wonderful achievements and efforts of our wonderful people,” he said.

Kilsyth Basketball Chairman Jeff Hunter echoed the words of Grant Wallace describing Hugh as a tireless contributor to the Association.  “I made a promise to the family at Hugh’s funeral in April, that we would remember the contribution Hugh made to the Association.  Today we rename Kilsyth Court 1, Hugh McMenamin Court,” he said.

Before unveiling the plaque to commemorate Hugh’s contribution and memory, his wife Jan McMenamin, thanked the Association for bestowing this honour on the family.  “Hugh was so passionate about Kilsyth Basketball and we are so proud to have his name forever remembered here through the Hugh McMenamin Court,” she said.

As of Sunday 1 November 2008, Kilsyth Court 1 will be forever known as Hugh McMenamin Court.  Hugh’s memory and contribution to the success of the Association will be remembered through this honour.

Hugh McMenamin Bio

Hugh was a father figure of Kilsyth Basketball involved at all levels.  Originally as an under 10’s domestic coach of his daughter’s Maroondah Magic Basketball Club team and then administrator with the Kilsyth Cobras Representative teams (1993-1996), he was then elected Vice President of the Kilsyth & Mountain District Basketball Association (K&MDBA) in April 1996 and most recently elected in February 2006 as a Board member of Eastern Sports Development Ltd.

Hugh was the Kilsyth Cobras delegate with the South East Australia Basketball League (SEABL) from 1996 until 2001 when he became a SEABL Board member and then duly elected Chairman which he held to his passing.

He has served on various Boards, Committees and Forums with Basketball Victoria and Basketball Australia and has been employed by the facility management and development arm of Basketball Victoria (Basketball Stadiums Victoria Ltd) since 2002.