Tipperary school take home All Ireland U16 basketball title

The National Basketball Arena Tallaght on Friday, January 26, will live long in the memory of all who were in attendance to witness CMCO win an All-Ireland u16 title.

Never before had a Basketball team from Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed reached a national final, and the excitement was palpable as busloads of students set off in the early hours on the M8 to support their friends.

The opposition on the day were a formidable Swords Community College from Dublin. With so much at stake, there was a sense of nervousness to the match as both sides approached the initial stages tentatively.

Heading towards halftime scores were even as both teams being evenly matched delivered an exhibition of Basketball and interplay in a final living up to expectations.

It was becoming clear that this was one pulsating game that was going right down to the wire.

Deep into the final quarter a mere one point separated us from Swords, and with eight seconds on the clock, a long time in Basketball, the title was still up for grabs.

Fortunately, two free throws resulted for Coláiste Mhuire and up stepped Lewie Cavanagh to score a crucial one point shortly before the final whistle blew.

Incredible scenes of jubilation were witnessed as players, staff, and students embraced to celebrate a momentous win on a 63-61 scoreline.

While Coláiste Mhuire congratulates a great group of players on their tremendous win, undoubtedly huge credit goes to the team’s Coach/Manager Ms Emma Carey, whose years of of mentoring and training ultimately paid off in Tallaght as her team were crowned u16 All-Ireland Basketball Champions!

CAPTION: Pictured in the back row from L to R: Emmet Ryan, Nathan Ryan, Daniel Ryan, Alberto Parra, Séimí Dwan, Robert Ryan, Jamesie Gildea, Ms. Emma Carey Coach/Manager. Front row L to R: Lennon Carney, Lewie Cavanagh, TJ Ryan, James Woodlock (captain), Kevin Jordan, Oisín Joyce.

Contributed to School Days in the Tipperary Star by Coláiste Mhuire, Thurles