Lakers Killarney 88
Maigh Cuilinn 80
Killarney Sports & Leisure Centre – 1 November 2025

Maigh Cuilinn showed welcome improvements in fluency and scoring touch on Saturday evening — but it still wasn’t enough to halt their losing run, falling 88–80 to Killarney Lakers in a competitive contest where offensive rebounds proved decisive. After recent outings where points were hard-earned and rhythm elusive, this performance marked a clear step forward on the attacking end; however, costly lapses on the defensive glass repeatedly undid strong initial stops and ultimately determined the outcome.

Killarney struck first, racing into a 17–5 lead behind a sharp opening burst from Stephen Kelly. Maigh Cuilinn steadied thanks to a big three from Rory O’Sullivan, and from there the visitors looked far more fluid offensively than in recent weeks. Still, the home side carried a 21–15 lead into the first break.

The second quarter was Maigh Cuilinn’s most cohesive spell. With the ball zipping and shot creation spreading across the roster, they outscored Killarney 27–21 to send the teams to half-time locked at 42–42. Grant Olsson was again the fulcrum, pouring in scores at all angles and tempos in a performance that would ultimately yield 30 points. Antonio Molina and Ivan Basic chipped in consistently, while John Hackett and Dylan Cunningham worked tirelessly on the interior.

The third quarter was a genuine back-and-forth duel. Maigh Cuilinn, perhaps playing their best offensive stretch in several weeks, repeatedly matched Killarney score for score. Yet it was the hosts who edged the quarter 26–23 thanks largely to Stephen Kelly catching fire — the Killarney guard poured in 14 points in the period alone, answering every Maigh Cuilinn push. Each time the visitors threatened to generate a run, second-chance scores or long rebounds arrested their momentum. When Antonio Molina levelled matters at 65–65 with two minutes remaining in the third, it felt like Maigh Cuilinn were about to tilt the balance; instead, Kelly earned and converted free throws on the next trip, and from that moment Maigh Cuilinn never drew level again, the half-time tie becoming a 68–65 deficit entering the fourth.

From there, every surge Maigh Cuilinn attempted in the final quarter was stalled the same way: a long rebound lost, a second-chance put-back conceded, or a deflection falling kindly for the home side. In total, Maigh Cuilinn surrendered 16 offensive rebounds — each one eroding confidence just as their attack rediscovered belief. The front line again won the physical battles inside, but lapses in perimeter box-outs gifted Killarney renewed possessions and, ultimately, the victory.

Head coach Paul O’Brien struck a balanced note afterwards, acknowledging both frustration and progress:

“We’re hurting because that was one we felt we could and should have won. The effort was excellent and our offence looked much more like ourselves again, but you cannot give up that many second chances at this level. We did so much right for long stretches, but the little details — the small lapses — are costing us. The encouraging thing is we’re close, and the group is fighting. If we keep that effort and sharpen the finishing touches, the results will follow.”

The final tally of 80 points was a welcome return to scoring confidence — and there were stretches where Maigh Cuilinn generated turnovers, ran the floor and looked much closer to the free-flowing group seen in their early-season wins. Missed fast-break opportunities will frustrate, but unlike some recent defeats, this one did not lack conviction or intent — only the finishing touches.

Maigh Cuilinn now turn attention to the National Cup, travelling north to face Ulster University in Jordanstown next weekend. With offensive rhythm returning and effort levels clear, the task ahead is sharpening defensive finishing — because if this performance showed anything, it’s that the group is close, but the margins in this league remain unforgiving.

Maigh Cuilinn scorers: Grant Olsson 30, Antonio Molina 14, Ivan Basic 12, John Hackett 9, Rory O’Sullivan 9, Dylan Cunningham 3, Brendan Hardiman 2, John Hynes 1, Liam Moloney, Ray Bonar.

Categories: Men's Superleague