Final Score: Maigh Cuilinn 79–95 Limerick Celtics

University of Galway Sports Arena – 28 December 2024

Despite a spirited effort in the fourth quarter, Maigh Cuilinn’s hopes of a comeback against the undefeated Limerick Celtics were dashed as they fell 79–95. While the home side managed to outscore Celtics in the final period, the damage inflicted in the first half, particularly by Celtics’ blistering shooting, proved insurmountable.

The game was defined by a commanding Celtics performance early on. Finn Hughes’ five three-pointers and Ariyon Jamal Williams’ dazzling offensive display in the first half saw the visitors build a commanding 60–39 lead by halftime. Williams was particularly clinical, scoring 21 points on an efficient shooting performance that saw him go 5-for-7 from two-point range and 3-for-5 from beyond the arc, despite tight Maigh Cuilinn defence. Williams would finish with 29 points, his exact season average.

The third quarter offered Maigh Cuilinn an opportunity to chip away at the deficit, but while their defence limited Celtics to just 16 points, they couldn’t muster the sustained offensive runs necessary to truly challenge. Grant Olsson led the charge for Maigh Cuilinn in the third, but foul trouble for Patrick Lyons disrupted their rhythm. Lyons, returning for only his third game of the season, picked up his second, third, and fourth fouls in quick succession, forcing him to the bench and further limiting Maigh Cuilinn’s options.

In the fourth quarter, Maigh Cuilinn showed heart and determination, narrowing the gap slightly and winning the quarter. Aitor Perez, in particular, shone brightly, delivering his best performance of the season. Perez was a force on the boards and efficient in exploiting mismatches on the offensive end, finishing with a season-high 32 points. His effort kept Maigh Cuilinn fighting until the end, but the gap created by Celtics’ dominant first-half performance ultimately proved too much to overcome.

For Maigh Cuilinn, the final score of 79–95 reflected the challenge of facing a Celtics side that remains undefeated this season. Celtics’ combination of suffocating length on defence and clinical offence was the difference, as they maintained their composure throughout to extend their unbeaten streak to 11 games.

Despite the loss, there were positives for Maigh Cuilinn, including Perez’s standout performance and continued contributions from Grant Olsson, who added 26 points. Youngster Cian Walsh also impressed in patches, showcasing his potential against one of the toughest teams in the league.

Maigh Cuilinn Scorers: Aitor Perez 32, Grant Olsson 26, Liam Moloney 7, Cian Walsh 5, Dylan Cunningham 4, James Loughnane 3, Rhys Plower 2, Patrick Lyons, John Hynes, Donagh McDonagh, Rory O’Sullivan.

Next Up: Maigh Cuilinn will hope to regroup and recharge over the Christmas period before returning to action in January with a challenging run of road games. This result, however, highlights the gap they’ll need to close to compete with the league’s very best. Their next home game is 1 February.

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