National League

Mar 19 2025

Preview: Race for silverware hots up as Domino's Men's Super League playoffs begins

Griffith College Éanna head coach Darren McGovern has warned of the “unbelievably talented firepower” among the EJ Sligo All-Stars ranks ahead of this weekend’s Domino’s Men’s Super League quarter-final playoff.

The defending champions concluded the regular season with a six-game winning run. Their last defeat was a narrow reversal 92-88 at EJ Sligo All-Stars in February, whom they meet on Saturday in the last eight.

McGovern said: “After a hectic regular season I’m sure that all eight teams have deserved their spots in the playoffs. We are happy with our recent return to winning ways and we understand the levels required to go on a win a league in this format. We know Sligo possesses some unbelievably talented firepower. They have the size, strength and power to be able to defeat anyone on their day. We know this, but we also know how capable we are on our day, we know we can beat anybody.

He added: “I think the four games are set up to be really good and hotly contested I'm looking forward to seeing what the outcome is on Saturday night for us. If we show up and perform to our levels I'll take that.”

Griffith College Éanna head coach Darren McGovern.

Energywise Ireland Neptune head coach Pat Price has labelled their upcoming opponents UCC Demons as “massive favourites”, ahead of Sunday’s Cork derby at Mardyke Arena. UCC Demons were 106-76 home winners in November and 93-82 at Neptune Stadium in February and Price says a “special performance” will be required from his players to get past the top seeds.

Price stated: “Sunday is a massive challenge, but one I believe we've earned. Despite a number of disruptions throughout the season, we positioned ourselves for the post-season, and I'm proud of the lads and excited for the weekend and the chance to create some great memories. Demons are deservedly massive favourites, and their offensive output has outclassed many this season. We'll have to put on a special performance in a packed, loud arena, and isn't that what the playoffs are all about?”

Energywise Ireland Neptune head coach Pat Price.

2023 Super League winners Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig @MTU travel to this year’s Pat Duffy National Cup champions Killester. Antonio Lopez admits it’s a “massive challenge”, but one his team will embrace. “‘We’re happy with our momentum as a team right now. We’re looking forward to competing against the recent Cup champions and best team this year in Dublin. It’s a massive challenge to prove ourselves and where our standards are at in these playoffs”

John Dowling won the Super League and National Cup double with Garvey’s Tralee Warriors in 2022, they host UCD Marian in the last eight. “UCD are one of the best coached teams in the league, but we have been waiting for playoff basketball and can’t wait to bring a different energy into this run”, Dowling stated.

In Domino’s Men’s Division One, South Conference winners Limerick Celtics host Drogheda Wolves, while South Conference runners-up Titans BC play Moy Tolka Rovers. North Conference winners ND Audit Portlaoise Panthers have home advantage against Maigh Cuilinn, while South Conference runners-up Ulster University host Scotts Lakers Killarney.

Domino’s Men’s Super League Playoff Quarter-Finals

Saturday March 22nd

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors vs UCD Marian, MTU Arena Tralee, 1800

Killester vs Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig @ MTU, IWA, 1915

Griffith College Éanna vs EJ Sligo All-Stars, Coláiste Éanna, 1900

Sunday March 23rd

UCC Demons vs Energywise Ireland Neptune, Mardyke Arena, 1500

Domino’s Men’s Division One Playoff Quarter-Finals

Saturday March 22nd

Limerick Celtics vs Drogheda Wolves, Cresent College, 1900

Ulster University vs Scotts Lakers Killarney, Jordanstown Sports Village, 1730

ND Audit Portlaoise Panthers vs Maigh Cuilinn, St. Mary’s Hall, 1930