Killarney Cougars 49
Maigh Cuilinn 81
Men’s National League – 10 January 2026, Presentation Gym, Killarney

Wearing our platinum sponsors Aerogen gear for the first time, Maigh Cuilinn produced their most dominant performance of the season on Saturday night in Killarney, overwhelming Cougars 81–49 with a devastating second-half display that underlined just how far their form has come in recent months.

The visitors were already in control at the break, leading 45–37 after a high-quality first half in which they carved open the Cougars defence in a variety of ways. Grant Olsson was in outstanding touch from the outset, scoring from deep, on the drive and in transition, while Ivan Basic and Antonio Molina added pace and polish to Maigh Cuilinn’s attack. Cougars, to their credit, stayed in touch through the shooting of Simon Olanipekun, who would finish with 20 points, but Maigh Cuilinn’s ball movement and spacing consistently created high-percentage looks.

The first quarter ended 25–17 in Maigh Cuilinn’s favour and although the second period was tied 20–20, the visitors went to the interval with an eight-point cushion and a sense that they had more gears to go through.

That feeling was fully realised in a ferocious spell to open the third quarter that effectively ended the contest. Despite missing several simple chances early in the half, Maigh Cuilinn ratcheted their defensive intensity to an entirely different level. Full-court pressure, sharp rotations and relentless ball pressure completely suffocated the Cougars, who suddenly struggled just to advance the ball, let alone run offence.

Turnovers piled up. Fast-break opportunities followed. Killarney, so competitive in the opening half, were left shell-shocked.

When Maigh Cuilinn finally rediscovered their offensive rhythm midway through the quarter, the dam burst. Scores poured in from all angles — many of them directly off steals and broken plays — and what had been a tight contest became a rout in the space of a few minutes. The third quarter finished 25–6, turning an eight-point halftime lead into a commanding 17-point advantage and leaving the Cougars with no route back.

From there, the outcome was beyond doubt. Maigh Cuilinn controlled the fourth quarter 11–6, continuing to dominate defensively and running the clock with confidence and authority. It was a statement performance, built not just on shot-making but on collective effort, communication and hunger.

Olsson led the way with a superb 32 points, but the contribution was widespread. Basic (22) and Molina (14) combined to give Maigh Cuilinn constant penetration and scoring threat, while Dylan Cunningham and John Hackett did vital work inside and on the glass. James Loughnane meanwhile was a force throughout with pace and veteran leadership when needed.

The win makes it four victories in five games for Maigh Cuilinn and marks another step in their push back toward the playoff positions, with this performance — particularly the third-quarter defensive onslaught — serving as a clear marker of their growing confidence and cohesion.

Maigh Cuilinn scorers: Grant Olsson 32, Ivan Basic 22, Antonio Molina 14, Dylan Cunningham 7, James Loughnane 3, Rory O’Sullivan 2, Stephen Tummon 1, John Hackett, John Hynes, Ray Bonar

Categories: News