National League

Oct 05 2025

ND Audit Portlaoise Panthers impress in Domino's Men's Division One opener

Domino’s Women’s Division One newcomers Dublin Raiders and Clunetech Kilkenny Stars both fell to defeat on the opening day.

Stephanie Davis scored 25 points for Cluntech Kilkenny Stars, including a three pointer with less than three minutes to go put them level at 66-66 in their home game with University of Galway Mystics, before they eventually succumbed 73-68.

Clunetech Kilkenny Stars head coach Lawrence Summers said: "Our first game was as to be expected—glimmers of great things, but sloppy patches as well. It was a huge night for our club, and our fans almost willed us to a win over an experienced Mystics team. We’re extremely young, but I’m fully confident that we’ll be quick learners and get some scalps this year."

University of Galway Mystics’ scoring was evenly spread with four players in double figures – Emma Glavin (14), Kara McCleane (12), Lucie Hatert (12) and Isabelle Quinn (10).

Templeogue, playing in their new home at TUD Tallaght, had a comfortable 78-38 win over Dublin Raiders. Sofia Paska had 26 points for the victors, while Mikayla Woods (13) was the only player to break double figures for Raiders.

Limerick Celtics claimed a 76-69 derby win at Limerick Sport Huskies. Katie Black came off the bench to score 21 points, with four other players hitting double figures - Sidney Richards (18), Aoife Morrissey (10), Louise Scannell (10) and Sabhbh Edwards Murphy (10). Shelby Harmeyer was among the leading lights for the home side, picking up 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Martin Conroy picked up a win against his former side, as Moy Tolka Rovers won 81-68 at Abbey Seals Dublin Lions in a Dublin derby. Dane Bertolina scored 31 points, while Ireland underage international Naomi Farrington had 15 points and seven rebounds.

Makenzi Helms (22) and Emily Smith (18) top scored for Abbey Seals Dublin Lions.

The opening day game between Cleveland Rockets and Swords Thunder had to be rescheduled for November 16^th, due to a venue clash.

Last season’s Domino’s Men's Division One Playoff finalists ND Audit Portloaise Panthers - who also had a 20-2 regular season record in 2024/25 – look to be strong contenders once more judging by their 102-71 win over Maree, who’d dropped down from the Domino’s Men’s Super League.

Spaniard Xabier Arriaga was the standout notching up 30 points and 13 rebounds, with a 39 efficiency. Michael Wallace also scored 23 ponts for the winners. Jason Killeen’s Maree had Isaiah Taylor as their leading light on 24 points.

Titans got off to a winning start under new head coach Erin Bracken, with a 90-68 road success at SPK Utility Trust Lakers. Umar Rachid top scored with 28 points, but it was Fortune Igbokwe (15 points and 11 rebounds) that Bracken highlighted in the aftermath.

“We are delighted with a real team win, considering Killarney can be a difficult place to go and play. A particularly strong first half performance lead by Fortune Igbokwe who set the tone early and was excellent. Lots of positives but of course lots to work on going forward", she said.

Dublin Lions won 88-55 at Team North West, Russell Marr led the charge for Rob White’s team with 31 points. It was Thomas Di Rienzo who finished with a game-high 35 for Team North West, however no one else could reach double figures for the Donegal side.

Limerick Sport Eagles won 82-67 at Tipp Talons. Niall McDermott’s team went in front two and a half minutes into the second quarter and never looked back, holding a 51-33 half-time lead. Ryan Leonard a recuit from Garvey’s Tralee Warriors had 20 points, while Tobias Christensen who joined from UCC Demons scored 18.

Maigh Cuilinn eased to a 94-65 success over Killarney Cougars. Paul O’Brien’s outfit had six players in double figures, Grant Olsson once again led scoring on 20, with Ivan Basic on 16.

“We are delighted to start the season off with a strong win. We did a really good job executing on offence and our defensive intensity was close to where we want it to be. It’s a good start, but only one game, so we need to work hard this week to be ready for Carrick Cruisers”, Maigh Cuilinn’s O’Brien said.

Carrick Cruisers will go into the game off the back of a 79-71 success at Templeogue in a compelling contest which saw nine lead changes. A strong fourth quarter led by James Aboaba, who scored eight of his ten game points in it saw Carrick Cruisers take the victory. Keon Edwards top scored with 25 points for the victors, while Evan Cook was Templeogue’s posted their top tally of 16.

Moy Tolka Rovers had a narrow 88-86 win over Ulster University. The home side had a commanding 56-37 half-time lead, before Ulster University mounted a strong second half fightback and took the lead with a little over six minutes to go, 79-77, following Max Postiglione basket. Tolka Rovers managed to nudge themselves back in front seconds later after Stephen Commins three and they would cling on thereafter.

Drogheda Wolves picked up an 80-77 road win against Malahide, Vernon Deshaun Jackson top-scored for the visitors with 21 points. Drogheda Wolves had a comfortable lead going into the final minutes of the game and Malahide pulled it back to a three point margin, but were unable to send the game to overtime.

Domino’s Men’s Division One Results

Saturday 4^th October

Team North West 55-88 Dublin Lions

Tipp Talons 67-82 Limerick Sport Eagles

Moy Tolka Rovers 88-86 Ulster University

Templeogue 71-79 Carrick Cruisers

Maigh Cuilinn 94-65 Killarney Cougars

ND Audit Portlaoise Panthers 102-71 Maree

SPK Utility Trust Lakers 68-90 Titans BC

Sunday 5^th October

Malahide 77-80 Drogheda Wolves

Domino’s Women’s Division One Results