Women’s Basketball Ireland Development League (BIDL)
Crescent College, Limerick
25 October 2026
Tip-off: 2pm
Maigh Cuilinn return to the Women’s Basketball Ireland Development League this Sunday as they begin their second season at national level, taking on Limerick Celtics in the opening game of a new campaign
After an impressive debut season that saw Maigh Cuilinn record three wins from seven games and narrowly miss out on a playoff place, the Galway side return with valuable experience, fresh talent and renewed ambition as they look to take another step forward.
Their inaugural campaign demonstrated that Maigh Cuilinn could compete at this level. A standout 67–29 victory over Drogheda Wolves showcased the team’s defensive intensity, pace and squad depth, while their final game against eventual playoff contenders Claregalway provided valuable lessons in competing against experienced opposition. A narrow defeat to Athlone ultimately proved decisive in the playoff race, leaving Maigh Cuilinn just short of the postseason.
With a season of national competition behind them, the focus now turns to building on those foundations.
A New-Look Maigh Cuilinn Squad
There have been several changes to the roster ahead of the new season, with Julie-Ann Russell, Sarah Folan, Romy Cunningham and Ellen Walsh among those not returning. However, the squad has been bolstered by a mix of emerging young talent and players bringing significant experience from Division 1 and Super League basketball.
Three exciting additions arrive from Corrib Basketball’s successful U18 side, with Amy Lyons, Caoimhe Lydon and Michelle Osborne joining the BIDL squad after helping their team secure both the Galway league and cup titles last season. All three were coached by Grant Olsson, giving them an existing familiarity with his approach as they make the step into senior national competition.
Another important addition is Caoimhe O’Sullivan, who has progressed through Maigh Cuilinn’s underage pathway before spending several seasons playing Super League and Division 1 basketball with University of Galway Mystics. Her experience at a higher level will be a valuable asset as the team looks to build on last season’s progress.The squad also retains a strong core of returning players. Leah Cunningham, Lara Flynn, Orla Cunningham, Justine Gadioux, Ruby Kelly and Jenny McDonagh are back for another campaign, alongside Corrib players Muireann Elliman and Sophie Brennan.
Aoibhín Connolly, Lily Hynes and Eabheann Conneely will once again balance commitments with University of Galway Mystics in Division 1 while representing Maigh Cuilinn in the BIDL. Their experience across both competitions will be important as the team navigates another demanding season.
At the helm, head coach Grant Olsson returns for his second year, having guided the team through its historic first season in the league. With a blend of returning players, fresh faces and a group of young athletes continuing their development, Maigh Cuilinn will be hoping to turn last season’s promise into further progress.
The squad also retains a strong core of returning players. Leah Cunningham, Lara Flynn, Orla Cunningham, Justine Gadioux, Ruby Kelly and Jenny McDonagh are back for another campaign, alongside Corrib players Muireann Elliman and Sophie Brennan.
Aoibhín Connolly, Lily Hynes and Eabheann Conneely will once again balance commitments with University of Galway Mystics in Division 1 while representing Maigh Cuilinn in the BIDL. Their experience across both competitions will be important as the team navigates another demanding season.
At the helm, head coach Grant Olsson returns for his second year, having guided the team through its historic first season in the league. With a blend of returning players, fresh faces and a group of young athletes continuing their development, Maigh Cuilinn will be hoping to turn last season’s promise into further progress.
Celtics Provide a Tough Opening Test
Limerick Celtics will offer a challenging first test for Maigh Cuilinn. They opened their BIDL campaign against Glanmire, narrowly losing out 64–68 in a competitive four-point game.
Celtics also have players involved with their recently promoted Super League side, with Eabha Booth and Laura Gocek among those already earning minutes along side Galway native and former Maree player, Aisling Jordan. That experience could prove important in the BIDL, making Celtics an intriguing opponent as Maigh Cuilinn begin their second season.
For Maigh Cuilinn, the focus will be on bringing their own defensive intensity, playing with pace and composure, and building on the progress made last season. With both teams looking to establish themselves early in the campaign, Sunday’s matchup promises to be a competitive opening challenge.
A Challenging Road Ahead
The opening fixture is the first step in what promises to be a competitive campaign. Maigh Cuilinn have been drawn against St Mary’s Castleisland, Tullamore, Ballincollig, Boyne Warriors, Fr Matthew’s, Sligo All Stars and Claregalway.
Fr Matthew’s, who won the league last season, will provide a formidable benchmark, while the return of Claregalway to the schedule offers another opportunity to measure the team’s progress against established opposition.
For Maigh Cuilinn, the objective is to build on the experience gained in their debut season, continue developing the club’s young players and remain competitive throughout the campaign. Having come so close to the playoffs last year, the squad will be eager to see what a second season at this level can bring.
The journey begins against Limerick Celtics this Sunday at Crescent College, with Maigh Cuilinn looking to make an early statement and start the new season on the front foot.
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