Details of 47th St. Mary’s Blitz Revealed at Launch

James O’Connell was among the attendance at the St. Mary’s Basketball Club Blitz launch on Friday evening. Photograph: Liz Galwey

At the launch of the 47th St. Mary’s Basketball Club Basketball Blitz are: club chairman, Maurice Casey (centre) with sponsors, Kevin McCarthy and Seamus O’Connor of Garvey’s SuperValu. Photograph: Liz Galwey

St. Mary’s Basketball Club Chairman, Maurice Casey pictured with club members from left: Fiona O’Connor, Angela O’Donoghue, Joan Nolan, Michaela and Jennifer Ahern and Reidín O’Loughlin. Photograph: Liz Galwey

Enjoying the St. Mary’s Basketball Club blitz launch are: Zara O’Connor with dad, Tommy Dom O’Connor. Photograph: Liz Galwey

Amber and Angela O’Donoghue, Patricia Keane, Lily O’Connor and tournament director, Donal O’Connor pictured at the launch of the 47th annual St. Mary’s Basketball Blitz. Photograph: Liz Galwey

Paddy Garvey, manager Bank of Ireland, Castleisland was among the attendance at the launch.

St. Mary’s Basketball club announced details of the 47th Annual Basketball Blitz at a programme launch which was held at Nana Bea’s Cafe on Friday evening.

The Blitz is the biggest of its kind in the country and continues to be a source of entertainment for players and spectators alike.

Once again the event will be run off over five days, commencing on St. Stephen’s morning. Both Castleisland Community Centre and St. John’s Hall will be the venues for the qualifying rounds with all finals being held in Castleisland Community Centre.

1,350 Players in 22 Competitions

This year, 1,350 players will contest titles in 22 competitions and a total of 125 teams have entered the event.

Competitors from second class upwards will take part in the juvenile section and there will be competitions to suit those who play county league at all levels.

The continued support of the sponsors was acknowledged at the launch. The major sponsors being Munster Joinery along with Garvey’s SuperValu, Walsh Print and Den Joe’s family restaurants Castleisland and Killarney – along and a host of other local businesses.

The club is delighted with the level of entries for the premier men’s section which is sponsored by Munster Joinery.

Super League Teams

This competition has attracted three super league teams and two division one teams which will ensure a very high standard of basketball.

The Super league teams attending includes: Griffith Swords Thunder from Dublin; Radisson Blu U.L.; Eagles and Garvey’s Tralee Warriors along with division one sides Keane’s SuperValu Killorglin and BFG Neptune.

The senior ladies section is also very strong this year. In addition to the St. Mary’s team and Killarney Cougars, it has attracted Brunnell and Fr. Matthew’s from Cork.

The blitz programme is available for purchase from Saturday December 10th in all retail outlets in the locality and surround area.

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