On Wednesday eve last, the U15 Boys Basketball team and their families made their way to Dublin ahead of the All- Ireland Play-offs held on Thursday 20th April.
The team who had to travel with the minimum required number of 10 players, due to injury to others, played 3 tough games throughout the day against:
1.Pres De La Salle Bagnelstown, Carlow
2.Naas CBS of Kildare
3.Moyle Park College, Clondalkin, Dublin.
The 1st game got off to a flying start, very fast-paced and aggressive where unfortunately Charlie Swayne and Tom Conlon picked up 2 more injuries. The lads fought hard under the boards with Adam Gilman- Burke and Cian Hayden’s rebounding skills throughout the game and Dan Joe O’ Neill pocketing a few 3 pointers but lost out in the end.
The 2nd game was a cracker from start to finish. The lads were under severe pressure with with no subs and 2 lads playing with injuries but Oisín Murphy and Killian Hurley led the team confidently up the court with fantastic ball- handling skills and drive. Shay O’ Donovan along with Fionn Goggin on defence were a force to be reckoned with, completely blocking all outside shots and drives by Naas CBS. It was all level going into the final few seconds with both teams on Team Fouls, where we conceded a foul and Naas went on to score 1 out 2 free throws, beating us by 1 point in only the final 3 seconds of the game.
The final game was against the host school themselves and the toughest opponents- Moyle Park College and the lads threw everything they had at it. With Charlie Swayne only able to play 1 quarter with his injury, Con Healy stepped up and displayed excellent rebounding skills with Cian Hayden, while Dan- Joe, Fionn and Shay were once again unbeatable on defence. Tom Conlon and Killian Hurley were busy driving every lay- up to the basket while Oisín Murphy was on fire intercepting passes and finishing fast- breaks.
The atmosphere in the court was electric and lads came away with an absolutely unforgettable win over the best team in the pool- a great way to finish off a very tiring day for the lads.
They have now graciously bowed out of the All- Irelands as a result of Thursday’s play- offs, but it has been an unforgettable experience from start to finish for all the players this year and an amazing achievement for only 10 players to battle it out with such spirit and drive on the day.
Many thanks again to all parents and family members who drove up and supported the team.
Looking forward to next year already!
