Limerick Celtics remain on course for double success in Domino’s Division One playoffs

Limerick Celtics will see both their men and women’s teams line out in their respective Domino’s Division One finals this season as the two sides navigated their way past tough penultimate-round challenges at the weekend. While the latter clinched a dramatic 85-80 overtime derby win away to Limerick Sport Huskies in St. Munchin’s College on Saturday, the Limerick men held firm for a 73-65 victory over Ulster University in Crescent College on Sunday afternoon, leaving them just one win away from completing a league and cup double this season.

Limerick Celtics managed to keep a tenacious Ulster University at bay to secure a 73-65 victory in Crescent College on Sunday afternoon that sees them into the 2024/25 Domino’s Men’s Division One Final against ND Audit Portlaoise Panthers.

Having opened up a 21-point gap on their North Conference rivals midway through the second quarter, the Number One seeds for the playoffs appeared to be coasting, AJ Williams putting up, in the first half, 14 of their 30 points he would amass by the final buzzer.

But Ulster were not going down without a fight and reduced their arrears to just four early in the third quarter, only to see Limerick open up a little more breathing room as the second half progressed, Abdul Wurie taking his tally to 17 and countering the 16 points that Robert Graham served up for the visitors.

“That was a tough win today against an experienced Ulster University side” said Tony Hehir, Limerick Celtics head coach.

“Our work rate again had a huge impact on the final result and our supporters on the day really helped to fuel our team’s energy.

“We’re delighted to be in the league final against Portlaoise Panthers in Dublin in two weeks time.”

ND Audit Portlaoise Panthers survived a colossal challenge from Moy Tolka Rovers as they edged a 97-94 victory in St. Mary’s Hall on Saturday night to book their place in the Domino’s Men’s Division One decider.

A huge second-quarter display saw the hosts convert a five-point deficit into a 13-point lead by the half-time break, but Tolka were far from done and stormed back to overtake for a brief spell late in the third and again in the fourth before Panthers strung together a six-point run that helped propel them over the line.

While Mike Wallace and Emiliyan Grudov totalled 47 points for Tolka, James Phelan (24), Xabi Arriaga (21) and Eric Anderson (21) all exceeded the 20-point mark for Portlaoise, the latter also soaking up 14 rebounds on the night.

“I felt everyone stood up and everyone was counted in the big moments there tonight” said Jack Scully, Portlaoise head coach.

“I just can’t wait for the final in two weeks time. That’s another step forward for the club and I’m just absolutely delighted” he said.

 

A big three-pointer followed by two free throws by Shelby Harmeyer saw Limerick Celtics battle back from five points down over the closing 35 seconds to force overtime and, ultimately, prevail 85-80 against Limerick Sport Huskies to reach this season’s Domino’s Women’s Division One final.

Stephanie McBride and Harmeyer served up some crucial buckets over the additional five minutes in St. Munchin’s College on Saturday evening as they finished on 30 and 32 points respectively against a Huskies team that ended proceedings with four players in double digits, including Scout Frame on 28.

Delia Moore and Katie Black each served up an additional 17, while also combining for 22 rebounds, but it was not enough to see them hold off Celtics, for whom McBride also won 16 boards.

“Both teams played excellent basketball and it really went down to the wire” said Jordan Hehir, Limerick Celtics head coach.

“It shows great character to come out on top in a game like that and huge credit to our bench who stepped up and made winning plays.

“We’re very proud of the team’s performance and it’s now on to the final against a strong Cavan side who beat us in the cup” he added.

A game-high 23 points for Rahmena Henderson and Lanetta Williams’ double double (20 points and 10 rebounds) helped McEvoy’s Cavan Eagles to a 79-69 victory over Cleveland Rockets that saw them into this season’s Domino’s Women’s Division One Final.

The National Cup winners led by nine points at the close of the first quarter, but Rockets dug in and recouped five over the next two periods, thanks in no small measure to the contribution of Georgie McGrath and Caitlin Gloeckner who served up a combined 33 points.

And while the gap was whittled down further to a solitary point, the hosts managed to steady the ship in the fourth, Henderson and Williams chalking up 18 points between them over the closing 10 minutes to help see their side over the line.

“That was a great game” remarked John Stephens, McEvoy’s Cavan Eagles head coach after the final buzzer on Saturday. “Rockets are always tough and today was no different.

“We’re delighted to come away on the right side of a great game and we’re looking forward to the final” he added.