Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí has had an outstanding basketball season, with a record number of 16 teams entered, including a wheelchair basketball team for the first time. The school’s top boys teams will now join the girls, and play in the highest grade of Irish Basketball next season after securing promotion from the B grade to the A grade by virtue of their National Cup Final appearances, while the second teams will also play up a grade in the B leagues.
The senior boys and under 16 boys teams both made it to the Basketball Ireland Schools National Cup final, an incredible achievement for both teams. Although they did not come away with the championship title, their performances in the competition were impressive and they should be proud of their achievements. There were some outstanding games on their journey to Dublin including a famous comeback win in front of a packed home Gym against Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne for the under 19’s and an incredible 1 point win for the under 16’s at University of Limerick in the semi-final.
The second year boys team won the League in the South Region, a great accomplishment for the team. The final in Neptune will be long remembered for a last gasp shot by Tom Conlon to take the title. The boys then went on to gain huge experience in the All-Ireland playoff round in Dublin. The first year boys team topped their pool with 5 wins from 5, but unfortunately failed to make it past the semi-finals stage. Nevertheless, their perfect pool record is a testament to their hard work and dedication.
The school’s second teams all competed well in their pools, gaining valuable experience and getting some wins, but none made the regional finals. Despite this, their efforts and dedication throughout the season were commendable and they should be proud of their performances.
The big story of the year was the Munster Championship win for the school’s new wheelchair team. This was an incredible achievement for the team, and it was fantastic to see the school embrace the sport and provide an opportunity for students with disabilities to participate in basketball. We eagerly look forward to the delivery of ten Basketball Wheelchairs to the school to develop the sport further.
Overall, it’s been a very successful boys basketball season for Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí, with many teams achieving great results and the school’s first-ever wheelchair basketball team winning a championship. More importantly there were record numbers participating. The school’s success in the National Cup also resulted in promotions for several teams, which bodes well for the future of basketball at the school. Congratulations to all the players, coaches, and staff involved for a fantastic season!
