The Kerry Diocesan Youth Service in partnership with An Garda Síochána held their ninth annual basketball blitz at Castleisland Community Centre on Good Friday.
The event was organised by Helena Falvey, Youth Justice Worker with the KDYS and Garda Liz Twomey, Castleisland Garda Station.
The event attracted over 100 young people who took part in either the primary school section which was open to 4th/5th and 6th classes or the U-15 or U-18 categories.
Three Thrilling Finals
On the day, twenty two games were played including three very thrilling finals. The blitz was a huge success and ran like clockwork – with thanks due to all the volunteers.
Event sponsors included: Vincent Murphy Sports; Garvey’s Supervalu; Centra Castleisland and the Market Stall.
“Thanks to all our volunteers for assisting on the day this event would not be possible without you giving up your time,” said an event spokesperson.
Thanks to our refereess: Maurice Casey, Majella Ahern, Tommy Dom O’ Connor, John Begley, Nathan Egan, Jack Curran.
Clock and Score Volunteers
To our clock and score sheet volunteers: Jack Curran, Thomas Murphy, Sarah O’Sullivan, Adam O’Donoghue, Laura Fleming and Georgia Cronin.
Thanks to KDYS staff: Tim Nolan, Chris Brosnan, Geraldine O’Meara, Louise Daly and Daniel Murphy.
To the Gardaí and our Community Policing member and crowned Dancing with the Stars winner, Aidan O’Mahony who refereed a number of games on the day. To Garda Mary Gardiner the newest member of Community Policing in Tralee for assisting and helping make the day a huge success.
Primary Schools Games
To JLO Michael Courtney and Cecila Scanlon who was off but brought her family to support the event and co-ordinator, Garda Liz Twomey. This is an event that young people look forward to each year on their Easter break.
In the primary schools games section there were five teams taking part, each team got four games with the top two teams going through to the final.
Teams taking part were: The Island Shooters; The Hawks; The Currow Basketball Brawlers; Farranfore Warriors and Bulls.
These games were most exciting and drew a large audience of parents and supporters. Topping the table were The Hawks and The Currow Basketball Brawlers.
Currow Basketball Brawlers
At half time The Hawks led 5-4 with great defence and good set play moves. In the second half it was The Currow Basketball Brawlers who had the slight edge over The Hawks and in the final moments they secured their lead with two more baskets.
At the final whistle it stood Currow Basketball Brawlers 11 – The Hawks 8.
Currow Basketball Brawlers captain Paddy Howard took the shield for the winning side supported by team mates: Liam O’Sullivan, John O’Connor, Cathal Brosnan, Padraig Brosnan, Raymond O’ Neill, Fiona Brosnan, Emma Buckley and Danielle Moriarty. Coach: Anne Brosnan. MVP: Cathal Brosnan.
Runners up: The Hawks: Captain, Shauna Tangney, Abbie Mahony, Muireann Rahilly, Maire Collins, Ciara Casey, Muireann Walsh, Hannah Herlihy, Emma Kerin, Ryan Dennehy and Kaelim Buckley. Coach: Tommy Dom O’Connor.
Last Three Second
The U-15 category teams were up this year with four teams in the group, each team getting three games and top two through to the final.
Participating teams: District Dynamos; The Champs; The Red Imbreds and The AI’s. Going through to the final were The Champs and the AI’s.
This was a local derby of a final and what a cracking one it was, holding the spectators on the edge of the seats until the final whistle.
At half time The Champs led 9-6. However, in the second half the AI’s kept them scoreless and put up the winning shot in a last three second play of the game to win 9-11.
The AI’s were led by joint captains, Shane Óg McGaley and Peter Burke and assisted by team mates: Keelan O’Donoghue, Darren Deniek, Justin McCarthy, Patrick Roche, Ava Fitzmaurice and Ellie Lenihan. Coach Jack Curran, MVP and joint captain, Shane Óg McGaley.
Runners up: Danny Costello, captain; Kenneth O’Connor, Jordan O’Connor, John Paul O Brien, Jason Brosnan, Julianne Murphy, Ciara Sheehan and Danny Lane. Coach: Tim Nolan.
Roof is the Ceiling
Lastly, in the U-18 category three teams took part with the top two teams winning a place in the final.
Teams taking part: The Dynamic Doublestars; The Roof is the Ceiling and Townies for Life.
In the final The Roof is the Ceiling and Townies for Life took to the court with ‘The Roofers’ leading 12-4 at half time.
The second half was thrilling with some great offence moves by ‘The Townies’ but they were unlucky that some of the close attempts didn’t drop in the basket.
The winners at the end were Roof is the Ceiling coached by Jack Curran winning 20-8. The trophy was accepted by Danny Hickey for an injured Jack Curran and we wish Jack a speedy recovery.
Tenth Celebrations in 2018
The winning team: Daniel Kelly, Ethan Reidy, Keelan O’Donoghue, Sarah O’Sullivan, Maebh Young and Adam O’Donoghue. MVP: Adam O’Donoghue.
The runners up had a tough job after coming off the back of the U-15 final were: Captain, Dominic Prendiville, Jordan O’Connor, Mikey Prendiville, Johnny Costello, Danny Costello, Darren Maunsell, Kenneth O’Connor, Hannah O’Connor, Gabrielle O’Brien and Blaithín Shanahan. Coach: Tim Nolan.
The spokesperson wishes to thank everyone who assisted in making the annual event a huge success. To all the teams that participated, to the coaches, parents and the supporters.
Thanks to local Gardaí Sgt. John O’Mahoney and Garda Declan Hallett. Roll on 2018 a year in which we will be celebrating the 10th year of The Good Friday Blitz.
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