Laois Basketball Scene

As expected there was a fast-paced and high-energy start to the Ladies Cup final with the fantastic support present for both teams making themselves heard in Clonaslee’s Community Centre. The home team dominated the opening quarter with powerful rebounding inside the centre by Yvonne Comerford and Antoinette Corbet. Clonaslee demonstrated great team support and movement on offence and off the ball, allowing point guard Niamh McEnhill a path inside for layups.

The intensity continued into the second quarter, Roisin Poole and Karen Brady of Clonaslee working hard to set up players for shots. Portlaoise’s fouls mounted up allowing Clonaslee to rack up their points tally in free throws. Great movement on the inside by Rebecca Kelly for Portlaoise, bringing up their score to 24. The game continued as it started, concluding on the tight scoreline of 26 to Clonaslee’s 28.

The Panthers set the tone for the third quarter setting up some good offensive attacks but were denied by a strong Clonaslee defence.  A well taken 3 pointer by Emma Colohan gave Portlaoise the boost they needed and only one point stood between the two teams. Clonaslee responded well with two brilliant baskets taken by Yvonne Comerford.  Quick passing and clever thinking on the ball by both teams made it a nail biting game of cat and mouse! Every ball was contested and dived on, neither team letting up at any stage. Portlaoise got themselves into foul trouble allowing Antoinette Corbett of Clonaslee to further the gap 38 to 31. A 3 point shot by Dorothy Fahy ensured Portlaoise were never too far behind. Gráinne Thomlinson replied instantly to Lucy Feighery’s basket to wrap up a 2 point advantage to Clonaslee. (40-38)

Niamh McEnhill took control of the final quarter widening the gap and beating Portlaoise defense with cuts to the basket and accurate shooting. Portlaoise upped the intensity and Roisin O’Connell hit back with a quick 4 points for Portlaoise. There was excellent defensive play evident from both sides, neither giving the ball away for free. The game continued into the fourth quarter with the same intensity and speed as when it began. The scoreboard kept ticking over with a superb 3 pointer from Roisin O Connell and an immediate response from Heather Conroy!

Both team’s upped the ante and tension was rife in the final minutes. Clonaslee coach Martin McGettrick called a time-out with 24 seconds remaining and only one point between the two sides. Nicki Kelly’s shot was blocked by Niamh McEnhill, denying Portlaoise the lead. The supporters cheers filled the hall urging both teams onto victory! Portlaoise fouled on Niamh McEnhill and she scored both free shots effortlessly. Nicki Kelly scores one free shot after Clonaslee conceded a foul. The last two free shots of the game secured a Clonaslee win and cemented them as winners of the Midlands Cup final, beating Portlaoise on a tight scoreline of 48-52. Both teams will meet again in the League. Going by this match, it’s definitely one not to miss!

MVP: Niamh McEnhill

Portlaoise team: Nicki Kelly (Capt.), Gráinne Tomlinson (Vice Capt.), Dorothy Fahy, Orla Donovan, Lorraine McCormack, Róisin O’Connell, Gillian Hannigan, Michelle Harte, Emma Colohan.

Coach: Jack Scully

Clonaslee team: Gráinne Fenlon (Capt.), Yvonne Comerford (Vice Capt.), Niamh McEnhill, Róisin Poole, Heather Conroy, Antoinette Corbet, Lucy Feighery, Niamh Conroy, Gerdaline Foynes, Kate Conroy, Karen Brady, Laura Hogan, Grace Digan, Ann Marie Sullivan, Mary Bridget Enneguess.

Coach: Martin McGettrick

Asst Coach: Becky Dunne

The men’s final was hotly contested from the throw in. Cian Corcoran notched up points for Old Leighlin with great offensive passes and sharing the ball by Kestrels. Aaron Whelan contributing to Kestrels 14 points. Both teams were evenly matched and tied after the first quarter (14-14).  Ed Reddick notched up 4 points for Kestrels and denied Old Leighlin a quick reply with some excellent defence. First quarter was close and not at the intensity that you would have expected.  Conor Foster was running the Kestrels offensive really well and was finding open players throughout the game.