Tullamore advance to National Cup basketball quarter-finals
The Tullamore Under-18 girls basketball team made the long trip to Castleisland, Co. Kerry last weekend to take part along with seven other clubs in the National Cup qualifier tournament.
The team had prepared well over the last few weeks getting in some tough competitive Midland League and friendly games. After a shoot around on Friday night in Killarney, the team was ready for action on Saturday morning where they played host club St Mary's, Castleisland. The local team play a fast-paced pressing style but the Tullamore girls settled well early on. Ireland U17 player Úna O Brien was in super form, notching an impressive 31 points and, helped by some quick footed defence from Sophie Murphy and Amy McGreal, the win was secured 51-33.
The girls had a break for two hours before facing into a game against Dublin powerhouse club, Templeogue. It took a last quarter blitz where Tullamore outscored the Dublin girls 20-5 to get the win. Sarah O'Rourke with eight points and Keelin Dunne with five contributed to a fine win, 55-39.
The final game of the day proved to be a tough challenge for Tullamore. Tiredness was a factor in the girls falling 15 points behind at one stage in the second quarter. However, a mark of the determination of the team and a never quit attitude was that score by score, along with solid defence from Eimear Gillespie, the girls pulled their way back into the game. Úna hit 20 points to allow Tullamore hit the front with two minutes left to play. From there they held out for a three-point win, 39-36.
It was back to the hotel for a pool recovery session followed by dinner as the girls prepared for the semi-final against fancied Dundalk Ravens. This was again a tight game with Tullamore behind by a point at half-time.
However, a strong second-half performance got the Tullamore girls home, 65-51. Úna led on the scoring front with 28 while U-16 player Orla Collins chipped in an impressive 16 points, also including three three-pointers . The hall was jam packed and very loud for the local derby in the other semi-final where Tralee Magic defeated Castleisland.
After a break Tullamore faced off against the Tralee side in the final. This game was again nip and tuck. It was level at half-time and then, at the three-quarter stage, Tullamore led by two points. The girls broke the game open in the last quarter, capped off by a buzzer beating three-pointer from Julia Slattery to seal the win 45-36.
Orla hit 18 points in the final to cap off a fine individual performance and last season's Ireland U17 player Niamh Galvin also had an impressive game, scoring seven points while rebounding at both ends to great effect.
The joy at winning such a tough tournament was evidenced at the end of the game as the bench’ including injured player Meadbh McDonagh, rushed the court to celebrate this historic win.
This result means that Tullamore Basketball Club will host a National Cup quarter-final for the first time ever. That game is scheduled to be played on the afternoon of Saturday, December 2 in the Sacred Heart School gym, Tullamore. All support would be welcome as the girls face off against a strong East Cavan Eagles side.
A noteworthy aspect of the team's performance is that Tullamore are the only club qualified to this stage that doesn't have a National League or Super League senior side. It shows the magnitude of their achievement to be considered one of the best eight teams in the country.
Another point worth noting is that the team is made up of girls from a wide range of Offaly parishes and includes one girl from near the Offaly border in Westmeath. The fact that they all gel so well together is a credit to them all. The following areas are represented on the team: Mucklagh, Rhode, Ballinamere, Ballinagar and Rochfortbridge.
Tullamore U18 squad: Meadbh McDonagh, Eimear Gillespie, Amy McGreal, Sarah O'Rourke, Niamh Galvin, Keelin Dunne, Julia Slattery, Úna O Brien, Orla Collins, Sophie Murphy.