Portlaoise Panthers 82 v Maigh Cuilinn 73
Portlaoise, 22 March 2025 (National League Quarter Final)

Maigh Cuilinn’s spirited National League campaign came to an end on Saturday evening in Portlaoise as they fell 82–73 to the Panthers in the quarter-finals. Despite a strong second-half rally inspired by the indomitable John Hynes off the Maigh Cuilinn bench, that saw the Galway side cut a 20-point deficit to just two in the closing minutes, costly turnovers and clutch shooting from Portlaoise’s ultimately sealed Maigh Cuilinn’s fate.

A Tough Start for the Visitors

From the outset, Maigh Cuilinn found themselves on the back foot, struggling with Portlaoise’s defensive intensity and turning the ball over too frequently. The hosts raced into an early lead, winning the first quarter 22–11 as Maigh Cuilinn struggled to settle into their offensive rhythm. While their shooting accuracy from long range (41% from three) kept them within reach, their 22 turnovers in the game proved decisive in gifting Portlaoise too many easy scoring opportunities.

The second quarter was a much better spell for the visitors, as they found their footing offensively and managed to outscore Portlaoise 21–18. James Loughnane and Cian Walsh found some joy on the perimeter, while Grant Olsson battled hard inside. At halftime, Portlaoise still held the advantage, but Maigh Cuilinn had at least steadied the ship and trailed 40–32.

A Mountain to Climb in the Third Quarter

If Maigh Cuilinn had hopes of a fast start to the second half, Portlaoise had other ideas. A blistering opening five minutes from the Panthers saw them extend their lead to 20 points, capitalising on more Maigh Cuilinn turnovers and taking full advantage of their size inside. The third quarter ended 25–21 in favour of Portlaoise, and at 65–53 heading into the final period, it looked like the home side were on course for a routine win.

A Brave Fightback Falls Just Short

With their season hanging in the balance, Maigh Cuilinn dug deep and produced one of their best spells of basketball this year. A surge of energy from Hynes off the bench, coupled with a scoring blitz from James Loughnane, saw the visitors claw their way back into contention.

With just over five minutes remaining, Maigh Cuilinn had astonishingly cut the deficit to just two points (68–66), sending a wave of nervous energy through the home crowd. However, just as an upset seemed possible, Portlaoise steadied themselves behind a few clutch scores from star man Davin McEvoy and did enough to keep Maigh Cuilinn at arm’s length down the stretch. The fourth quarter finished 20–17 in Maigh Cuilinn’s favour, but the damage from the earlier periods had already been done, and Portlaoise held on for the 82–73 victory.

A Promising Season Comes to a Close

Despite the disappointment of the result, Maigh Cuilinn can reflect on a hugely promising season in which they introduced several young players to National League basketball. Cian Walsh, Liam Moloney, Rory O’Sullivan, Rhys Plower, Eoin Cleary and Donagh McDonagh all gained valuable experience, while stalwarts like Olsson, Cunningham and Loughnane led by example throughout the campaign.

With six wins in their last nine games and a core group of young talent developing well, Maigh Cuilinn have plenty to build on for next season.

Maigh Cuilinn Scorers: Grant Olsson 20, James Loughnane 15, Cian Walsh 13, Aitor Perez 10, Dylan Cunningham 7, Donagh McDonagh 3, Liam Moloney 3, John Hynes 2, Antonio Molina, Rory O’Sullivan, Eoin Cleary, Rhys Plower.

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