National Cup

Dec 10 2024

Teams learn National Cup semi-final fate after draw

Defending Pat Duffy National Cup champions UCC Demons will face EJ Sligo All-Stars in the semi-finals, while defending Paudie O’Connor Cup champions Killester have been drawn to face Utility Trust St. Paul’s in the last four, following the semi-final draw on Tuesday.

It’s an all-Dublin affair on the other side of the Pat Duffy Cup draw, as Griffith College Éanna face Killester, while in the Paudie O’Connor National Cup, FloMAX Liffey Celtics take on SETU Waterford Wildcats, who are in their third Cup semi-final in succession.

Demons are chasing their ninth title and head coach Daniel O’Mahony said: “The Cup is always a priority for Demons, given our incredible history of winning it eight times. Facing Sligo in the semi-final will be a tough challenge, especially since they’ve already beaten us in the league, but cup basketball is different. One advantage we have is our strong core of homegrown Irish players – for many of them, the Cup holds deep personal meaning. They grew up watching their fathers, uncles, and past Demons greats lift the trophy. That connection was key to our success last year, as my guys were determined to carve their own names into the history books."

It's a first Pat Duffy Cup semi-final appearance for Ej Sligo All-Stars, their head coach Shane O’Meara added: “Facing Demons is always a big challenge. Any of the four teams remaining could beat each other on any given day, so it will be an interesting weekend. It's the first time in the history of our club to contend a semi-final in the Super League Cup, so there will be a lot of excitement in the build-up.”

Reacting to their match-up with Killester, Griffth College Éanna head coach Darren McGovern said: “It's a very interesting draw. All four left I feel can beat each other on the day if one doesn't perform to the maximum. We've not faced Killester in the cup for many years, but we've had many tough battles in the Super League. The record between us is very close, so I'm expecting it to be a huge test for both of us.”

For newly promoted Utility Trust St. Paul’s it’s a first appearance in the semi-finals of the Paudie O’Connor Cup, their head coach James Fleming is looking forward to the occasion against defending champions Killester. “We’re in the semi and delighted to be here in our first year, we are the outsiders of the four and Killester have a proud tradition, with a super coach in Mark Grenell. We will be up against it, but it’s cup and we will be giving it our best shot, we feel as a group we are getting better every week, so we’ll be ready and hopefully we’ll perform to our best."

Killester’s Mark Grenell added: “Delighted to be in the draw, they are two fantastic ties. St Paul’s will be as tough as it gets. Player match-ups make a huge difference, it’s not about league wins and losses in cup games. St Paul’s are a tall team and physically strong, that will make life difficult for us. We will have to figure out a game plan to combat their size and skill.”

FloMAX Liffey Celtics Karl Kilbride feels it’ll be a close contest against SETU Waterford Wildcats: “Tough draw obviously, Wildcats have been the best team in the league all year. We’re probably two of the bigger, more physical teams in the league, both of whom love to score in transition, so I’d imagine controlling the boards will be key. Kate and Sarah (Hickey) have been absolutely brilliant for them all year and they have two really good Americans. We played a cracker of a game against them in the league that came down to the last few seconds. We thought we could have done a lot of thing better in that game (as I’m sure Jillian thought about Wildcats), so it should be a really exciting one.”

Wildcats head coach Jillian Hayes added: "Cup weekend is where every team wants to be and Wildcats are delighted to be in a cup semi-final and we're looking forward to a great game against Liffey Celtics"

In the Presidents’ National Cup Galway outfit Titans play ND Audit Portlaoise Panthers, while Moy Tolka Rovers, who are playing in their third successive semi-final, face Limerick Celtics.

Celtics head coach Tony Hehir said: “Today’s Cup draw added another layer of excitement to the National Cup semi-final weekend in Cork. Moy Tolka Rovers are a very talented team and will be very tough semi-final opponents. Our focus right now is on our tough away games in the run up to Christmas, but we will be ready for what promises to be a great semi-final match-up.”

In the Women’s Division One National Cup defending champions Limerick Celtics play McEvoys Cavan Eagles and iSecure Swords Thunder are up against Oblate Dynamos.

Terry Staunton, Oblate Dynamos head coach stated: "We are really looking forward to the semi's in Cork. Absolutely love playing in the Parochial Hall and being the underdogs is tag we enjoy wearing. Swords have come out on top in five of our six most recent matches, so we'll have to be at our very best to have any chance of making the final."

Elsewhere the dates, venues and times have also been finalised for the U20 Men’s National Cup, U18 Biffey Coffey Men’s National Cup, U18 Women’s National Cup, NICC Women’s National Cup, NICC Men’s National Cup and IWA National Cup. All games will be streamed live on BITV, with spectator tickets to go on sale later this week.