Bantry, Fr.Mathews and Longford Phoenix pick up AIG AICC U14 Girls Titles

There was delight for Bantry, Fr.Mathews and Longford Phoenix at the AIG U14 Girls All-Ireland Club Championships in Gormanston on Sunday. The trio picked up the first trophies of four weekends of U14 and U16 basketball in the coming month, following an exciting two days of competition in Co. Meath. 

Bantry - 'A' Division

Fr. Mathews - 'B' Division 

Longford Phoenix - 'C' Division

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Eventual winners Bantry stormed through the group stage undefeated on Saturday, notching wins against Carrick Cruisers, Clare Cobras and North Star Warriors to top Group 2 and earn a quarter-final spot against Limerick Celtics on Sunday. Emily O'Neill, Anna Harrington and Fia Russell all scored double digits as Bantry advanced to a semi-final meeting with Dublin Lions, the team who knocked them out at the same stage a year ago. 

Another incredibly close contest saw Bantry come out the right side of a 39-34 scoreline on the back of a superb 22-point performance by O'Neill. They would take on St. Bridget's in the final, after the Kerry club overcame Sligo All-Stars 39-32 in their last four encounter. 

Both teams put their best foot forward in the decider, treating their supporters to an exciting game of basketball - but once again it was Emily O'Neill who proved the difference. The guard scored 34 of her team's 49 points, as they won by 14 at the buzzer.  A runners-up medal at the close of a great weekend for the girls from Currow, who enjoyed some exceptional performances from Laura Reddington, Róisin Lyons and Shanna O'Sullivan during the two days. 

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 Fr. Mathews celebrate winning the AIG AICC U14 Girls 'B' Division at Gormanston, Co. Meath. 

Fr. Mathews march to the 'B' Division title began and ended with two tough games against St. Mary's Castleisland. The finalists first met in Group 4 on Saturday, where 28 points from the excellent Isobel McCarthy saw Fr. Mathews take the spoils and second place in the table with a 39-35 success. Wins against Carrick Cruisers and Kestrels followed at the quarter-final stage on Sunday, before victories against Kilkenny Stars and Muckno Lakers respectively set up the rematch in the final. 

Sophie Nolan, Ellie Doyle and Ruth Fleming had all been pivotal to St. Mary's run to the final, but it was McCarthy once more who won the game for Fr.Mathews. Shooting 9/13 from the free-throw line en-route to a 21-point haul in a 31-21 final score. Kelly Murphy and Leah Barry also contributed five and three points for the Cork side. 

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Triple overtime was required to seperate Longford Phoenix and Maree BC in the final of the 'C' Division, with the midlanders eventually coming out on top 35-31 at the close of play. Georgia Brady top scored with 10 points for Phoenix, who also had big contributions from Grace Masterson and Lucy Mulleady.  It was a really outstanding performance in defeat from Galway's Maree. Emma Colleran excelled with 13 points, while Emily Qualter and Anna Finlay also hit big shots in crucial moments. 

 The Longford Phoenix team which won the AIG AICC U14 Girls title on Sunday afternoon.