St. Mary’s Release Details of 48th Annual ‘Christmas Blitz’

St. Mary's basketball Club Chairman Maurice Casey (right) pictured with Den Joe O'Connor, Reidín O'Loughlin and Angela O'Connor at the launch of details on Friday morning.
St. Mary’s Basketball Club Chairman, Maurice Casey (right) pictured with Den Joe O’Connor, Reidín O’Loughlin and Angela O’Connor at the launch of details.

St. Mary’s Basketball Club is ready for the tip-off of its 48th annual ‘Christmas Blitz’ on St. Stephen’s Day.

The much anticipated programme hit the shelves on Wednesday, December 6th.

Club Chairman, Maurice Casey says that this year saw an increase in entries and that players are being attracted to the event in huge numbers.

Intrigued by the Event

“We are delighted to see that clubs and players alike are continue to be intrigued by the event which is now in its 48th year.

This year we have an additional 10 games in the fixtures and we cater for everyone from school kids to the top level and this is probably why the event is such a success,” said Maurice.

Tournament director Donal O’Connor turned his attention to the sponsors – without whom the running of the tournament wouldn’t be possible:

“We are indebted to our loyal sponsors, year after year they continue to support us and without this the event would not go ahead,” said Donal.

A Total of 167 Games

This year, a total of 167 games will be run off over the five days commencing on December 26th. There will be 98 male games and 69 female.

Both St. John’s Hall and Castleisland Community Centre will be the venues for the event with St. John’s hosting 55 games and the other 112 will be played in the centre.

A total of 139 teams have entered the 23 competitions and, with almost 1,400 players in action, record crowds are expected.

The senior ladies competition includes: St. Mary’s; U.L. Wolves; Fr. Matthew’s and Tralee Imperials.

Event Highlights

The highlight of the event is the Munster Joinery Premier Men’s category.

Super League side Garvey’s Tralee Warriors will be joined by national league teams: Scotts Lakers; St. Paul’s, Ballincollig and Fr. Matthew’s.

This competition will be run off on December 28th.

Four Major Sponsors

The four major sponsors are: Munster Joinery; Garvey’s SuperValu; Walsh Colour Print and Den Joe’s Family Restaurants. These are joined by a host of other local businesses.

The tournament starts early on St. Stephen’s Day and will run through to the night of December 30th.

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