Coláiste Chú Chulainn’s Brave Effort in All-Ireland Final
In an intense and hard-fought contest, Coláiste Chú Chulainn narrowly fell short against Salesian College Limerick, who secured a 52-47 victory to win the 2024/25 All-Ireland Under 16B Boys Schools Cup. Despite the loss, Coláiste Chú Chulainn displayed incredible resilience, determination, and skill throughout the game, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in the National Basketball Arena.
From the very beginning, this was a game of tight margins, with both teams battling for every point. Salesian College took an early lead in the first quarter, but Coláiste Chú Chulainn, led by the dynamic Miguel R and superb Christos K, kept the pressure on, trailing by just three points at the end of the first.
The second quarter saw the Dundalk team tighten their defense, limiting Salesian to just seven points and fighting their way back to tie the game 21-21 at halftime. Coláiste Chú Chulainn’s excellent teamwork and disciplined play were evident as they executed crucial plays, with Miguel hitting a key three-pointer just before the half.
In the third quarter, both teams exchanged baskets in an exciting back-and-forth, but Salesian managed to create a slight cushion with an eight-point run. Going into the final quarter, Coláiste Chú Chulainn trailed by nine points but refused to back down. A big three-pointer from Gracea S, combined with strong finishes from Miguel and captain Joseph O, brought the game to within just two points with just over a minute remaining.
Though Salesian College ultimately sealed the win in the closing moments, Coláiste Chú Chulainn’s effort throughout the game showed incredible heart and promise. The team’s defensive discipline, evidenced by their single foul in the first half, and their consistent offensive play are a testament to their growth over the season.
This game marks the culmination of a remarkable journey for the U-16 team, who have shown tremendous development since last year’s All-Ireland quarter finals. Their commitment to improvement is a clear reflection of the hard work put in during the summer months, and the team continues to build towards even greater success.
As we celebrate the U-16s’ growth and determination, we look ahead with excitement to next Friday, when our U-19s take on Dublin Champions Mount Temple in the All-Ireland Semi Final. Be sure to tune in live on Basketball Ireland TV at 14:00!
Quarter Scores: Q1: 11-14, Q2: 21-21, Q3: 31-40, Q4: 47-52
Coláiste Chú Chulainn:
Joshua O, Miguel R, Joseph O (capt), Japhet A, Mohammed S, Kofi J, Oluwatishe A, Nelson A, Emmanuel O, Jason L, Gracea S, Christos K, Naho M.
Top Scorers: Christos K (18), Miguel T (16), Joseph O (6) Gracea S, Mohammed Sene (2).
Head Coaches: Kelvin Slowey Aaron Murray
Salesian Secondary College:
Seb K, Fred K (capt), Max M, Cian D, Luke M, Geoffry O’D, Miguel A, Eoin K, Evan A, Callum P.
Top Scorers: Fred K (20), Miguel A (14), Seb K (7).Head Coach: Michael Brosnan
