Moycullen U14 Boys took the Division 1 Silver Medal at the All Ireland Club Championships in the Oblate Hall, Dublin on April 12^thand 13^th.  It was an intense weekend of competitive, skilled and exciting basketball action. In their pool games on Saturday, they defeated East Cavan Eagles by 33-28, and went on to score a fine win against Kilkenny champions Old Leighlin by 79 points to 32.

In the semi-final on Sunday morning, they were up against Dublin Champions Templeogue, and in what turned out to be the most exciting and tense match of the tournament, they won by 30 to 29 in double overtime. Moycullen led 12-8 at half-time, and were ahead by seven points into the final quarter. Templeogue staged a comeback, and drew level for 23-23 at the end of normal time. It then took two overtimes to separate the teams, but once Moycullen took the lead, Templeogue could not find a way past Moycullen’s superb defence. In Sunday afternoon’s final they were up against Cork Champions Neptune, who were formidable opponents. Neptune led from the start, and raced into a 10-0 lead, which Moycullen did very well to narrow to 12 to 7 at the end of the first quarter. Neptune extended this lead to 26-9 at half time. Despite Moycullen’s best efforts, Neptune pulled away further in the 3^rd and final quarters, and finished out winners by 68 points to 34.

So overall, it was a great weekend for the team, and their wonderful supporters. To be ranked 2^nd in Ireland is a fantastic achievement, and something the team can build on as they look forward to competing next season.

U14 Boys All Ireland Silver Medalists

Photo: (Back Row) James Lyons, James Duggan, Fionn McDonagh, James Connaire, Ciarán Anthony, Fiachra Mulkerrins, Mark Convery.

(Front Row) James Cummins, Paul Culkeen, Kevyn Burke, Paul Kelly, Eimhin Mulkerrins.

Coach: Martin Burke, Manager: Jim Duggan.

Categories: U-14 Boys