Moycullen 53 Liffey Celtics 36
Moycullen 57 Meteors 30
Moycullen travelled to Dublin last weekend April 7th to play Liffey Celtics and Meteors, the double winning Dublin champions and undefeated all season, in the Rosemont gym in Sandyford.
Moycullen took a while to get going in the first game against Celtics and were only 6 points to the good at half time having briefly trailed during the second when they conceded 10 point on the bounce. The second half was more like the old Moycullen as they scored freely and pulled away for a 53 – 36 win.
The second game against Meteors was much anticipated as both teams were putting their unbeaten records on the line. Meteors won the tip and scored inside the first five seconds. Their two Irish posts were giving the girls all sorts of problems given their superior height. At 6’2” & 6’, they were a different proposition to anything they had faced previously. Changing their game plan, they applied serious pressure to the Meteors ball carriers and forced numerous turnovers, cut off the supply to the taller posts and forged a 27 – 12 lead by half time. They continued on in the same fashion in the second half and totally frustrated the Meteors players going on to record a 57 – 30 victory. There were some really excellent performances all around with Mollie Finn and Chloe Conroy being particularly impressive. On a sad note, this was coach Paul O’Brien last game as team coach as he leaves for Australia next month. He can be particularly proud of his seasons in charge as he has developed a skilful and combatant side that will hopefully go on in the seasons to come to bring more success to Moycullen.
Squad: Aine McDonagh, Louise Hosty, Mollie Finn, Romy Cunningham, Ailbhe Davoren, Chloe Conroy, Catherine Connaire, Megan O'Donnell, Sorcha Whyte & Kate O’Brien.
Galway County Final U15 Girls
Moycullen 59 Bearna 23
Moycullen repeated their earlier victory over Bearna in the county final in the Kingfisher with some ease. The girls were never in trouble and finished their competitive season undefeated.
Moycullen 57 Meteors 30
Moycullen travelled to Dublin last weekend April 7th to play Liffey Celtics and Meteors, the double winning Dublin champions and undefeated all season, in the Rosemont gym in Sandyford.
Moycullen took a while to get going in the first game against Celtics and were only 6 points to the good at half time having briefly trailed during the second when they conceded 10 point on the bounce. The second half was more like the old Moycullen as they scored freely and pulled away for a 53 – 36 win.
The second game against Meteors was much anticipated as both teams were putting their unbeaten records on the line. Meteors won the tip and scored inside the first five seconds. Their two Irish posts were giving the girls all sorts of problems given their superior height. At 6’2” & 6’, they were a different proposition to anything they had faced previously. Changing their game plan, they applied serious pressure to the Meteors ball carriers and forced numerous turnovers, cut off the supply to the taller posts and forged a 27 – 12 lead by half time. They continued on in the same fashion in the second half and totally frustrated the Meteors players going on to record a 57 – 30 victory. There were some really excellent performances all around with Mollie Finn and Chloe Conroy being particularly impressive. On a sad note, this was coach Paul O’Brien last game as team coach as he leaves for Australia next month. He can be particularly proud of his seasons in charge as he has developed a skilful and combatant side that will hopefully go on in the seasons to come to bring more success to Moycullen.
Squad: Aine McDonagh, Louise Hosty, Mollie Finn, Romy Cunningham, Ailbhe Davoren, Chloe Conroy, Catherine Connaire, Megan O'Donnell, Sorcha Whyte & Kate O’Brien.
Galway County Final U15 Girls
Moycullen 59 Bearna 23
Moycullen repeated their earlier victory over Bearna in the county final in the Kingfisher with some ease. The girls were never in trouble and finished their competitive season undefeated.
Moycullen 57 Maree 28
With a quarter to go, Maree were still in the hunt to create a major upset in the form book by inflicting a first defeat of the season of the Moycullen girls - trailing by only 5 points. At half time, they had led by one and were playing extremely well. The same could not be said for Moycullen who seemed to forget how to defend, rebound and break down a zone defence. However, in the last moments of the third and the fourth, Maree tired and the scoreboard took on a completely look as the girls outscored their opponents 23 to 1 for a 27 point victory. Moycullen now go on the face Bearna on March 25th in the Galway County final where hopefully they will play from the tip off.....
Moycullen 52 Bearna 27
Moycullen started 2013 with a win against Bearna in Kilannin. The Girls led 16-6 after the first quarter and the result was never in doubt thereafter. Coach Paul O'Brien tried several permutations throughtout the game and the strength of the squad ensured the margin was maintained throughout. Aine MacDonagh with a season high of 22, Catherine Connaire with 15 and Chloe Conroy with 8 were the main contributors to the scoreboard but essentially this was a team performance with a lot of the scoring coming from rehearsed plays. Corrib next in Kilannin......
With a quarter to go, Maree were still in the hunt to create a major upset in the form book by inflicting a first defeat of the season of the Moycullen girls - trailing by only 5 points. At half time, they had led by one and were playing extremely well. The same could not be said for Moycullen who seemed to forget how to defend, rebound and break down a zone defence. However, in the last moments of the third and the fourth, Maree tired and the scoreboard took on a completely look as the girls outscored their opponents 23 to 1 for a 27 point victory. Moycullen now go on the face Bearna on March 25th in the Galway County final where hopefully they will play from the tip off.....
Moycullen 52 Bearna 27
Moycullen started 2013 with a win against Bearna in Kilannin. The Girls led 16-6 after the first quarter and the result was never in doubt thereafter. Coach Paul O'Brien tried several permutations throughtout the game and the strength of the squad ensured the margin was maintained throughout. Aine MacDonagh with a season high of 22, Catherine Connaire with 15 and Chloe Conroy with 8 were the main contributors to the scoreboard but essentially this was a team performance with a lot of the scoring coming from rehearsed plays. Corrib next in Kilannin......
Moycullen 44 : Maree 18. Kilannin Hall Wednesday Dec 12th.
Moycullen closed their 2012 schedule with a home win against Maree in Kilannin. Their record for the year shows just a single defeat to Bearna in domestic competition with another to Horsholm SV in the Gothenberg International tournament. This game was over as a contest after the first with Moycullen leading 20 – 4 which allowed coach Paul O’Brien try various combinations over the remaining three quarters. All of the team showed up well and will give the coach plenty of options as he & they prepare for the second half of the season. This plucky Maree team never gave up and with several under 14s will cause plenty of problems for other teams in the league. Next up is Bearna – game to be played by January 27th.
Moycullen 57 : Corrib 17. Oughterard Community Hall Monday Dec 4th.
Moycullen defeated rivals Corrib 57 – 17 in the Oughterard community centre on Monday night last. Corrib were shorthanded but Moycullen played superbly throughout – particularly in the third where they outscored their opponents 13 – 0. The girls have usually found the Oughterard venue a difficult one but not this time as they converted a high proportion of the chances they created. All of the girls got on the scoresheet and the work put in on the training court is really beginning to show a return. The team play Maree tomorrow night (13th) in Kilannin at 6:30 and on current form should win. The team has plenty of talent….attitude and commitment to work will determine how far this team can go!
Moycullen defeated rivals Corrib 57 – 17 in the Oughterard community centre on Monday night last. Corrib were shorthanded but Moycullen played superbly throughout – particularly in the third where they outscored their opponents 13 – 0. The girls have usually found the Oughterard venue a difficult one but not this time as they converted a high proportion of the chances they created. All of the girls got on the scoresheet and the work put in on the training court is really beginning to show a return. The team play Maree tomorrow night (13th) in Kilannin at 6:30 and on current form should win. The team has plenty of talent….attitude and commitment to work will determine how far this team can go!
Moycullen defeat Barna in Season opener
Current All Ireland champions got their U15 campaign off to a winning start with a 58 - 26 victory over Barna in Kilannin hall last week. The girls played a high tempo game and showed the benefits of the Gothenberg trip & summer Community Games campaigns. At the end of the day, there is no substitute for game time, and Barna were to face a continuous onslaught as Moycullen outscored their opponnents in all 4 quarters. Next up is old adversaries Corrib next weekend in Oughterard.
Moycullen compete in the Gothenburg Basketball Festival.
Over 500 teams, 3000 games over four days at 29 different venues with teams from Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Russia, Iceland, Scotland, Spain & Moycullen – that was the occasion last week when the current all Ireland U14 Club champions pitted themselves against the best teams in northern Europe.
Moycullen girls made their debut in the Gothenburg International Basketball Festival last week and played with great heart and not a little skill over the four day tournament. The girls progressed thro’ the group stages with a 3 & 1 record, their only defeat coming n a two point defeat to the Falcons from Stockholm. The girls had to overcome the long journey, early morning starts on Thursday & Friday to book their place in the knockout stage of the “A” section.
Moycullen 14 – 16 Djurholm Indians
Moycullen 19 – 18 Lobas
Moycullen 28 – 20 Falcons
Moycullen 23 - 4 SBBK Vit 99
49 teams entered the U14 section making it the most competitive section in the competition. Moycullen dispatched their Danish opponents Horsholm Vit in the 1st knockout round giving up only a single score from play – going on to meet another Danish team Horsholm SV in the next stage. The girls put in a great performance, trailing their opponents by a single basket at the break. Unfortunately, the balls did not drop in the second half and the team lost touch going down on a 27 -15 scoreline. Moycullen can hold their heads up high knowing that they can compete at this level – given that their conquerors showed what an exceptional team they were going on to win the tournament with an eight point victory in the final.
Moycullen 32 – 6 Horsholm Vit
Moycullen 15 – 27 Horsholm SV
Throughout, the girls played exceptional defense giving up an average of 15 points per game and will have learned a great deal from the overall experience.
On a final note, The team, coaches, manger & parents would like to thank Joe & Claire McDonagh, Howards Pharmacy & Radharc Landscaping (Brian White & Charlie Hosty) for their generous sponsorship.
Over 500 teams, 3000 games over four days at 29 different venues with teams from Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Russia, Iceland, Scotland, Spain & Moycullen – that was the occasion last week when the current all Ireland U14 Club champions pitted themselves against the best teams in northern Europe.
Moycullen girls made their debut in the Gothenburg International Basketball Festival last week and played with great heart and not a little skill over the four day tournament. The girls progressed thro’ the group stages with a 3 & 1 record, their only defeat coming n a two point defeat to the Falcons from Stockholm. The girls had to overcome the long journey, early morning starts on Thursday & Friday to book their place in the knockout stage of the “A” section.
Moycullen 14 – 16 Djurholm Indians
Moycullen 19 – 18 Lobas
Moycullen 28 – 20 Falcons
Moycullen 23 - 4 SBBK Vit 99
49 teams entered the U14 section making it the most competitive section in the competition. Moycullen dispatched their Danish opponents Horsholm Vit in the 1st knockout round giving up only a single score from play – going on to meet another Danish team Horsholm SV in the next stage. The girls put in a great performance, trailing their opponents by a single basket at the break. Unfortunately, the balls did not drop in the second half and the team lost touch going down on a 27 -15 scoreline. Moycullen can hold their heads up high knowing that they can compete at this level – given that their conquerors showed what an exceptional team they were going on to win the tournament with an eight point victory in the final.
Moycullen 32 – 6 Horsholm Vit
Moycullen 15 – 27 Horsholm SV
Throughout, the girls played exceptional defense giving up an average of 15 points per game and will have learned a great deal from the overall experience.
On a final note, The team, coaches, manger & parents would like to thank Joe & Claire McDonagh, Howards Pharmacy & Radharc Landscaping (Brian White & Charlie Hosty) for their generous sponsorship.
Moycullen Girls take All Ireland Crown
Moycullen U14 Girls basketball team captured the All Ireland Club championship in Portarlington over the weekend in dramatic circumstances. The girls topped their group beating both St Marys, Castleisland & Sligo Warriors on Saturday, going forward to play Limerick Celtics in the Division 1 semi final on Sunday. Trailing for most of the semi final, the girls finally got their noses in front in the 4th quarter and held possession to run down the clock, winning on a 34 – 32 scoreline. The final paired them against surprise packets Killinkere who beat a fancied Brunell team from Cork in their semi. The game proved to be a thrilling affair with Moycullen getting off to a great start and leading 14- 4 after the first quarter. Killenkere came back strongly to reduce the deficit to 3 at half time and eventually taking the lead with 3:30 remaining on the clock in the fourth. But the Moycullen girls refused to buckle and scored five unanswered points to regain the lead.. Again at the close, the team showed great composure holding possession to close out the game to take the All Ireland title 35 -33. Catherine Connaire with 14 points and Sorcha White with an awesome game under the boards led the way for Moycullen All of the girls played great basketball over the weekend and were a great credit to themselves, their coach Paul O’Brien and Moycullen.
Squad Picture:
Back: Charlie Hosty, Kate O’Brien, Amy Cooke 2, Sorcha White 7, Louise Hosty, Áine McDonagh 2, Mollie Finn, Paul O’Brien, Julie O’Brien
Front: Chloe Conroy, Aisling Corcoran, Ailbhe Davoren 2, Megan O’Donnell 4, Laura Corcoran 2, Catherine Connaire 16.
Moycullen U14 Girls basketball team captured the All Ireland Club championship in Portarlington over the weekend in dramatic circumstances. The girls topped their group beating both St Marys, Castleisland & Sligo Warriors on Saturday, going forward to play Limerick Celtics in the Division 1 semi final on Sunday. Trailing for most of the semi final, the girls finally got their noses in front in the 4th quarter and held possession to run down the clock, winning on a 34 – 32 scoreline. The final paired them against surprise packets Killinkere who beat a fancied Brunell team from Cork in their semi. The game proved to be a thrilling affair with Moycullen getting off to a great start and leading 14- 4 after the first quarter. Killenkere came back strongly to reduce the deficit to 3 at half time and eventually taking the lead with 3:30 remaining on the clock in the fourth. But the Moycullen girls refused to buckle and scored five unanswered points to regain the lead.. Again at the close, the team showed great composure holding possession to close out the game to take the All Ireland title 35 -33. Catherine Connaire with 14 points and Sorcha White with an awesome game under the boards led the way for Moycullen All of the girls played great basketball over the weekend and were a great credit to themselves, their coach Paul O’Brien and Moycullen.
Squad Picture:
Back: Charlie Hosty, Kate O’Brien, Amy Cooke 2, Sorcha White 7, Louise Hosty, Áine McDonagh 2, Mollie Finn, Paul O’Brien, Julie O’Brien
Front: Chloe Conroy, Aisling Corcoran, Ailbhe Davoren 2, Megan O’Donnell 4, Laura Corcoran 2, Catherine Connaire 16.
Moycullen stage comeback Lazarus would have been proud of!
Moycullen girls won the U14 County title in the Kingfisher Sunday morning in one of the most enthralling matches and nailbiting finishes ever witnessed at this venue. Moycullen started well, Chloe Conroy scoring two early baskets, continued to keep the pressure on thro’ the first three quarters establishing an eight point lead into the fourth, playing great defence and nailing some great shots from outside. Corrib, as expected relied heavily on a zone defence which the girls found difficult to penetrate but the shooting of Megan O’Donnell in particular kept the scoreboard ticking over as she turned in her best performance of the season. Inexplicably, the title within their grasp, Moycullen started to fade as Corrib piled on the pressure with Caoimhe Keogh prominent. Her eight points in the fourth (15 in total) turned the game on its head and Corrib lead by three with fifteen seconds on the clock and also had possession. Moycullen stole the ball as Corrib crossed halfway & coach Paul O’Brien immediately called a time-out. With two seconds on the clock, Moycullen set up their last play. The ball was inbounded to Amy Cooke, showing great composure & maturity, nailed the three pointer on the buzzer to bring the game to overtime. Corrib were shellshocked – losing a five point lead with 17 seconds to go. Moycullen supporters went wild with ecstasy as their team dominated the three minutes overtime with Ailbhe Davoren injecting much needed drive & tenacity which had been missing in that final few minutes. Catherine Connaire popped in a free throw in O/T to give the girls the lead once more & Megan O’Donnell capped her great performance with the last basket of the day. The team now looks forward to the Club All Irelands in the Midlands over the 14th /15th April
Squad: Áine McDonagh 5, Ailbhe Davoren, Amy Cooke 9, Catherine Connaire 4, Chloe Conroy 4, Kate O’Brien , Louise Hosty, Megan O’Donnell 18, Mollie Finn , Aisling Corcoran, Laura Corcoran.
Moycullen girls won the U14 County title in the Kingfisher Sunday morning in one of the most enthralling matches and nailbiting finishes ever witnessed at this venue. Moycullen started well, Chloe Conroy scoring two early baskets, continued to keep the pressure on thro’ the first three quarters establishing an eight point lead into the fourth, playing great defence and nailing some great shots from outside. Corrib, as expected relied heavily on a zone defence which the girls found difficult to penetrate but the shooting of Megan O’Donnell in particular kept the scoreboard ticking over as she turned in her best performance of the season. Inexplicably, the title within their grasp, Moycullen started to fade as Corrib piled on the pressure with Caoimhe Keogh prominent. Her eight points in the fourth (15 in total) turned the game on its head and Corrib lead by three with fifteen seconds on the clock and also had possession. Moycullen stole the ball as Corrib crossed halfway & coach Paul O’Brien immediately called a time-out. With two seconds on the clock, Moycullen set up their last play. The ball was inbounded to Amy Cooke, showing great composure & maturity, nailed the three pointer on the buzzer to bring the game to overtime. Corrib were shellshocked – losing a five point lead with 17 seconds to go. Moycullen supporters went wild with ecstasy as their team dominated the three minutes overtime with Ailbhe Davoren injecting much needed drive & tenacity which had been missing in that final few minutes. Catherine Connaire popped in a free throw in O/T to give the girls the lead once more & Megan O’Donnell capped her great performance with the last basket of the day. The team now looks forward to the Club All Irelands in the Midlands over the 14th /15th April
Squad: Áine McDonagh 5, Ailbhe Davoren, Amy Cooke 9, Catherine Connaire 4, Chloe Conroy 4, Kate O’Brien , Louise Hosty, Megan O’Donnell 18, Mollie Finn , Aisling Corcoran, Laura Corcoran.
Moycullen U14 complete league program with a 7 & 1 record
Moycullen 45 Bearna 48
Moycullen put in their poorest defensive display in some time going down by three points to Bearna on their home court last week. The girls have rarely conceded thirty points so 48 was very much unknown territory. As with the game in the Columban Hall before Christmas, the girls started very slowly and were 17 -9 down after the first quarter before a rousing seconds quarter saw them led by two at the break. The third & fourth were very close with never more than 4 between the sides. Moycullen levelled the scores with a three point play with 90 seconds on the clock but their defensive shortcomings proved too much and Bearna closed out the game ….
Squad: Áine McDonagh 9, Ailbhe Davoren 2, Amy Cooke 2, Catherine Connaire 13, Chloe Conroy, Kate O’Brien 5, Louise Hosty, Megan O’Donnell 6, Mollie Finn 6, Aisling Corcoran, Laura Corcoran 2.
Moycullen 35 Claregalway 33
Moycullen U14 girls completed their league campaign with a win in Claregalway against the U14 cup winners. The final score reflects the difference between the teams on the night as Claregalway really upped their game as they chased their first win in the league. In the end they came up just a bit short and will have to wait until next year to compete for silverware. For Moycullen, they now have the League final against local rivals Corrib to look forward to on March 4th in NUIG.
Squad: Áine McDonagh 5, Ailbhe Davoren 4, Amy Cooke 4, Catherine Connaire 11, Chloe Conroy 2, Kate O’Brien, Louise Hosty, Megan O’Donnell 3, Mollie Finn, Aisling Corcoran, Laura Corcoran, Sorcha White 6..
14 Girls league – Oranmore Feb 5th.
Moycullen 49 : Maree 29
Moycullen moved to a 6 & 0 league record after a twenty point win over Maree in Calascantius on Sunday morning. The girls made a blistering start leading 14 to 4 after the first quarter , and winning the 2nd also but explicably fell asleep in the third losing it on a score line of 14 – 7. The positives to be gained from this game were an exceptional fast break, some excellent steals by Mollie Finn and at the end of the day, the girls found that extra gear when they needed it. Still work in progress but lots of talent yet to be fulfilled!
Squad: Áine McDonagh 9, Ailbhe Davoren, Catherine Connaire 14, Chloe Conroy 6, Kate O’Brien, Louise Hosty 2, Megan O’Donnell 4, Mollie Finn 6, Amy Cooke 2, Sorcha White 2, Aisling Corcoran 2, Laura Corcoran 2.
Moycullen Girls U14 B Team Vs Bearna – Killannin February 8th
The Moycullen girls had a convincing win over their Bearna Counterparts in Killannin on Wednesday last on a score line of 39 to 22. There were strong performances all around the court – but special mention must go to Jean Hynes & Maria Burke who contributed ten points each. The teams were very evenly matched with Bearna leading by a point after the first quarter. Moycullen lead by two at half time break but it was only in the last where the girls really cut loose outscoring Bearna 12 to zero.
Squad: Aisling Connor, Lorna Walsh 2, Fiona Claffey 4, Róisin Buckley, Andrea Noone, Allanah McIntyre 3, Ellie May Sutton 6, Jean Hynes 10, Romy Cunningham 4, Maria Burke 10.
Moyculle Girls U14Bs