The first-year boys and girls basketball teams from Castleisland Community College both reached the All Ireland School Basketball League Playoffs that were held in UL recently.
The boys were All-Ireland Colleges A League winners. On Saturday, they defeated: Calasanctius College, Galway; Adamstown Community College, Dublin and Skibbereen Community School, Cork to reach the quarter final.
On Sunday they played Malachy’s College, Belfast and defeated them 42-32. The semi-final was St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Galway and that resulted in a win of 43-10.
Maurice’s 13 All-Ireland
The final saw the team defeat St. Mary’s CBS, Portlaoise 50-38 and win gold on the occasion.
The team was trained and managed by Maurice Casey who has made this his 13th. All Ireland win for Castleisland Community College.
“It certainly reveals Maurice’s talent and dedication to the school and its basketball teams.
“The early morning training sessions at 8am have cartainly paid off,” said college Principal Teresa Lonergan.
All-Ireland Bronze for Girls
On Saturday the girls defeated: Malahide Community School, Dublin, Virginia College, Cavan and St. Aloysius College, Cork to reach the quarter finals.
These wins lead them to the quarter finals which they played on Sunday. They defeated Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig.
Unfortunately they lost to Crescent College, Limerick by five points. They received All- Ireland bronze medals for their achievement in the All Ireland A Division League.
Early Morning Training
The girls were managed by Yvonne Rice, the college maths and English teacher. Ms. Rice attended all training sessions with the girls which were held at 8am every Monday and Wednesday. Their trainer was the well renowned Denny Porter. Denny has trained predominately girls basketball teams with the school since 2006.
He has reached many All Ireland finals and can boast of bringing gold, silver and bronze honours to the school in both league and cup competitions.
College Proud of Teams
Principal Teresa Lonergan said that all at the college are so proud of both teams.
“It’s a testament to the commitment and skill of both players, coaches and managers and Castleisland Community College is certainly a small school in comparison opposition provided by the city and large town schools which often have in excess of a 1,000 students,” said Ms. Lonergan.
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