The Address UCC Glanmire and NUIG Mystics target trebles

The MissQuote.ie Champions Trophy semi-finals pits the MissQuote.ie Super League winners The Address UCC Glanmire against DCU Mercy, in a repeat of the InsureMyHouse.ie Paudie O’Connor National Cup final, a thrilling contest which was won by Mark Scannell’s side, 72-65.

The Cork club now have the treble in their sights, but for Scannell the sole focus is on DCU Mercy on Sunday.

“A very difficult challenge ahead again this week. We took some time off last week to allow our injuries to clear up and to give everyone a chance to refresh, so hopefully we have a good week in training and get ourselves up to speed for the semi-final. DCU were impressive against Killester and they will be ready, so we have to set up well again, key in on their important players and play well. These games take on a life of their own and hopefully we ll be up to the task in hand.” - Mark Scannell, The Address UCC Glanmire head coach

 Rachel Huisjdens and Claire Melia in action during the InsureMyHouse.ie Paudie O'Conner National Cup final

DCU Mercy head coach Mark Ingle is eagerly anticipating the game.

“Congratulations to Glanmire, who have won the league and the cup this year and have not been beaten when they have had a full squad. It will present a very tough game for us in the Mardyke on Sunday, but we are looking forward to the challenge of this and to the challenge of getting ready for it. Our squad will give it our best shot next weekend.” - Mark Ingle, DCU Mercy head coach

Singleton SuperValu Brunell host WIT Waterford Wildcats in the other semi-final. Tim O’Halloran’s side won 101-77 at WIT Waterford Wildcats at the end of February and he’s warned of a backlash from their upcoming opponents.

“We are delighted to be in the semi’s this coming weekend and we face a really good team in WIT Waterford Wildcats. They beat a good Killester team and will be gunning for us after our last game, so we need to be ready.” - Tim O'Halloran, Singleton SuperValu Brunell head coach

WIT Waterford Wildcats head coach Tommy O’Mahony feels his side go into the game as underdogs.

“We are delighted to be playing at this stage of the year. To be in the latter stages of the league shows the progress this team has made. We are well aware of how good Brunell are, having played them a few weeks ago, in which we failed to trouble them on either sides of the floor. If we are to get close to Brunell we will need to be on top of our game for the full 40 minutes. They are obviously going in as favourites and being at home is a huge advantage for them. These are the kind of games everyone wants to be involved in. To test yourself against one of the best teams in the league is always exciting and we are really looking forward to this encounter.” - Tommy O'Mahony, WIT Waterford Wildcats head coach

 Tommy O'Mahony speaks with his WIT Waterford Wildcats squad during a MissQuote.ie Super League game at Fr. Mathews

NUIG Mystics target treble ahead of MissQuote.ie Division 1 League Cup semi-finals

NUIG Mystics are on course for the MissQuote.ie Division 1, InsureMyHouse.ie Women’s Division 1 National Cup and MissQuote.ie Division 1 League Cup treble.

Paul O’Brien’s side, who will play in the Super League next season after their recent Division 1 League final success, face Griffith College Templeogue in their MissQuote.ie Divison 1 League Cup semi-final.

“We are looking forward to our last home game of what has been a very successful season for us. We are on a high after gaining promotion to the Super League and hope to carry that form into the game Saturday. Templeogue had a big win last weekend and played us really close in Galway in the league semi-finals, so I'm sure it will be another great game.” Paul O’Brien, NUIG Mystics head coach

It’s a repeat of January’s InsureMyHouse.ie Women’s Division 1 Cup final. NUIG Mystics ran out 68-35 winners on that occasion, but Griffith College Templeogue head coach Mark Byrne remains upbeat over their chances.

“We are looking forward to our League Cup semi against NUIG. This will be our fourth game against them this year. We’ve a lot of respect for what they’ve achieved this year. We’ve been training really well and played well against Tipperary in the quarter-final, so we’re going into the game with confidence and a real sense of determination.” - Mark Byrne, Griffith College Templeogue head coach

Kara McCleane of NUIG Mystics in action against Lauren Darcy of Griffith College Templeogue during the InsureMyHouse.ie Division 1 Women's National Cup final

On the other side of the draw Ulster University host Portlaoise Panthers. Ulster University head coach Patrick O’Neill gave his thoughts ahead of the game.

“Facing Portlaoise is always a daunting task and they are fired up after a strong win in the quarters, but we have played well at home all season and are looking forward to welcoming them back up to Jordanstown.” - Patrick O'Neill, Ulster University head coach

Portlaoise Panthers head coach Peter O’Sullivan revealed his clubs preparations have been far from ideal.

“Unfortunately our plans have been curtailed this week due to Covid and illness. Any trip to Belfast to play UU is tough, as they’re particularly comfortable in their home gym. We’re hoping things improve in the camp before Saturday, so that we can give it our best.” - Peter O'Sullivan, Portlaoise Panthers

Lisa Blaney in action for Portlaoise Panthers

InsureMyVan.ie Super League Playoff Semi-Final Fixtures

Saturday 26^th March

Tradehouse Central Ballincollig v C&S Neptune, Ballincollig Community School, 4pm

Sunday 27^th March

DBS Éanna v Garvey’s Tralee Warriors, Coláiste Éanna, 3pm

MissQuote.ie Champions Trophy Semi-Final Fixtures

Sunday 27^th March

The Address UCC Glanmire v DCU Mercy, Mardyke Arena, 2pm

Singleton SuperValu Brunell v WIT Waterford Wildcats, Parochial Hall, 2.45pm

InsureMyVan.ie Division 1 Semi-Final Fixtures

Saturday 26^th March

EJ Sligo All-Stars v IT Carlow Basketball, Mercy College Sligo, 7.30pm

Sunday 27^th March

UCC Demons v Grand Hotel Malahide, Mardyke Arena, 4.30pm

MissQuote.ie Division 1 League Cup Semi-Final Fixtures

Saturday 26^th March

NUIG Mystics v Griffith College Templeogue, NUIG Kingfisher, 3.30pm

Ulster University v Portlaoise Panthers, UUJ, 5pm