Mayo school reaches All-Ireland basketball final

ALL-IRELAND U19B BOYS All-Ireland Schools Cup semi-final

St Muredach’s Ballina 71

Colaiste Eanna Dublin 71

Dublin

The St Muredach’s basketball team continues to write history. Last year the Ballina boys won the first National double, in the U19 B grade. And now they have reached the All-Ireland final again, but this time in the U19 A tournament. 

It was a tough piece of work against Dublin’s Colaiste Eanna. Especially Nathan Roddy, Brian Donoghue and top scorer Mark Cunningham with 33 points alone stood out with fantastic performances. Cunningham’s 75% free throw rate was key in the final stages of the match. When the game was over, Muredach’s head coach Barry Murphy jumped across the floor, over to their supporters, pumping his fists. 

Muredach’s enjoyed a good start, taking an early lead. Eanna responded with their individual class. The score was 22-16 after the first quarter for the Moysiders, and they extended their lead to 61-49 after three quarters.

But the biggest challenge for the Mayo boys would come in the final eight minutes. Dublin opponents Colaiste Eanna ramped up the pressure and it seemed that they would be able to turn the tide. With five minutes left on the clock, the Muredach’s lead had melted to only two points. 

It was thanks to a brilliantly disciplined defensive effort and shrew play in offence in the final stages of game that saved the day. Mark Cunningham drove to the basket twice, drawing the foul and hitting the free throws, which secured the All-Ireland final for Muredach’s.

A full match report will be carried in Tuesday’s Mayo News.