Castleisland Community College Brings Home 14th All Ireland Basketball Title

Basketball Ireland President P.J. Reidy presenting the All Ireland A Division U-15 Basketball Championship Cup to Castleisland Community College joint captains, Jamie Nolan (left) and Jakub Surzyn after they led their team to victory over Portlaoise at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght on Thursday.

The Castleisland Community College U-15 Basketball team and coaches after they had captured the All Ireland A Division U-15 Basketball Championship and a 14th national title for their school. Front from left: Daniel Kelly, Jamie Nolan and Jacob Surzyn, joint captains and Shay O’Connor. Back row: Cillian Moroney, Danny Murphy, Maurice Casey, coach; Cian Pembroke, Tadhg McCarthy, Podge O’Sullivan, Glen O’Sullivan, Jack O’Connor, Cian Cahill, Ógie Leary-Griffin, Darragh O’Sullivan and Máire McLoughlin, assistant coach.

They did it – and for the second year in succession and for the 14^th time in the sporting history of Castleisland Community College.

Bringing another, a 14^th. All Ireland A Division U-15 Basketball Championship to the college, was a huge motivating factor for coach Maurice Casey and assistant coach, Máire McLoughlin. And Maurice has been there for them all and it’s career guidance teacher Máire’s first.

In completing the 2024 championship run of games they defeated Portlaoise 48-42 in the final to make it two in a row All Ireland wins.

The Team and Maurice and Máire Congratulated

All at the school send their congratulations to the team and to Maurice and Máire on their great achievement.

On the path to Thursday’s final in the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght, the Castleisland lads encountered and defeated teams from: Malahide Community College; St. Mel’s College Longford and Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig.

In the semi final, which was also played on Thursday in Dublin they played St Patrick’s Grammar School, Armagh.

Two Great Rival CollegesCommitment and Dedication Shown

The semi final games results meant that the two great rivals and high achieving basketball colleges going head to head and hell for leather for that coveted title.

Maurice and Máire steered their boys home to claim top spot and unbridled delight from the team members and the large and vocal supporters’ club in the stadium who witnessed the great feat first hand.

Commitment and Dedication Shown

In congratulating the team, college Principal Teresa Lonergan remarked that this team has also won the 2023 U-14 A Division Basketball All Ireland title with Maurice.

“The commitment and dedication shown again this year by coaches and players was evident as they trained every Thursday morning from 8am to 9am in preparation,” said Ms. Lonergan.

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