John L’Heureux of Old Town, who last season completed an outstanding college basketball career at Franklin Pierce, has taken his talents to Ireland.

L’Heureux has signed a contract to play professional basketball for Garvey’s of Tralee, a member of the 12-team Super Budweiser League, Ireland’s top division.

The 6-foot-8, 260-pounder was working at Stillwater Lumber in Old Town when he received the offer last week.

“It took me about two seconds to decide ,” L’Heureux said.

L’Heureux will earn $300 per week plus bonuses and will receive a rent-free apartment, meals, and use of a car as part of the deal.

“Right now, I just want the experience,” L’Heureux told Franklin Pierce Sports Information Director Chris O’Donnell. “I’m getting paid to do something I love to do. Hopefully, I can eventually get to a higher-paying, higher-profile league.”

Lance Cramer, who sponsors a semi-pro team L’Heureux played on this summer in Portsmouth, N.H., helped place L’Heureux with Garvey’s, which was in need of a center.

Only two Americans are allowed on each Super Budweiser League team. L’Heureux, a two-time All-New England Collegaite Conference all-star, will play with Roscoe Patterson, a graduate of American International College who played in Ireland last season.

The Irish season begins next month and runs through March.

Last winter, L’Heureux averaged 12.2 points and a league-leading 10.4 rebounds for the Ravens, setting a Franklin Pierce single-season rebounding record. He plans to finish his degree work in sports and leisure management next summer.