Domino’s Men’s Super League Week One Preview

Ballincollig captain Adrian O’Sullivan is expecting a “tricky” opening test as the defending Domino’s Men’s Super League champions begin their title defence against Limerick Celtics on Saturday. O’Sullivan will lead his side into battle against their near neighbours at UL Arena, as Ballincollig begin their bid to become the first back-to-back champions in a decade. 

Their fellow finalists, Killester, welcome EJ Sligo All-Stars to Oblate Hall, as both sides enter the season with new head coaches at the helm. Adam Drummond and Energywise Ireland Neptune take a trip to the capital, taking on UCD Marian in the early Saturday fixture. 

UCC Demons host Griffith College Éanna in the only men’s Sunday fixture, as Stuart Rodgers looks to begin his reign on the front foot, while Gareth Winders pursues a first Domino’s Super League for Griffith College Éanna since 2023/24. 

St. Vincent’s welcome Limerick Eagles back to the top-level of Irish basketball, adding another Munster-Leinster contest to week one. Belfast Star will make the multi-county journey to Garvey’s Tralee Warriors, as both counties look to get their hands back on the silverware. 

UCD Marian v Energywise Ireland Neptune, Saturday 19:00 

UCD Marian got early bragging rights over Energywise Ireland Neptune last season, coming away 100-68 winners in the UCD Sports Centre. Bruce Saintilus stole the show in Dublin, racking up 32 points and eight rebounds. 

Adam Drummond has taken the wheel at Energywise Ireland Neptune, following his successful spell as U20 Neptune Head Coach. Drummond is familiar with the setup in UCD Marian, as he assisted Ioannis Liapakis during the 2024/25 season. 

Both clubs have recruited well over the summer, with Jalen Hodge, Sam Smith and Kendall Taylor joining the Cork outfit, and Christian Alexander joining the South Dublin side.  

Limerick Celtics v Ballincollig, Saturday 19:15 

Ballincollig enter the 2026/27 season as double-champions, hoping to retain both titles and defend the trophies. The two Munster sides took to the court in last year's season opener, where Limerick Celtics came away one-point winners. 

Ballincollig took the next game of the regular season, winning 81-75, and stormed to victory in the playoff quarterfinals, beating their Limerick foes 91-83. Their most recent encounter came at the Mangan Classic 4.0 in the Mardyke Arena, where Ballincollig ran away 108-83 winners with new signing Jay Buckley totalling 32 points. 

“Really looking forward to getting started, the first game of the year can be tricky with both teams having made changes from last year's professionals,” said Ballincollig captain Adrian O’Sullivan. “We will have to be ready to go as everyone knows just how hard Limerick Celtics play, and how tough they can make it to get a win in UL!” 

Limerick Celtics took the spoils in their final contest of the Mangan Classic 4.0, beating Energywise Ireland Neptune 77-84. Philip Kearney led the Limerick scoring in the contest, with new signing Callum Keyes putting up big numbers too.  

Killester v EJ Sligo All-Stars, Saturday 19:15 

Following a disappointing Domino’s Super League Playoff Final, Killester are looking to get back on the horse and challenge for top spot this year. Mike Olson is at the helm for the Dublin side, as he looks forward to a home opening contest with EJ Sligo All-Stars. 

“I'm optimistic, but then again, everyone is this time of the year, so we're just going to focus on the process, try to get a little bit better each and every day,” said Olson. “As for our personnel, Josh Wilson's proven himself in this league. We have Stefan Desnica coming over from Éanna. These are proven players – eight, nine years veterans. They’re high IQ basketball players and know what it takes in the league. I think Stephen Cummings come in will be great, he’s been in the Super League before too. Will Thomas scored 22 points a game for us last year at St. Vincent's - he'sa scorer, he's got a great attitude, he's a leader, and a very enthusiastic player.” 

English head coach Henry Wilkins will lead the Connacht side into battle this year, and has not messed around with signings, adding Albright Obode, Ibbe Klintman, Liam Murphy and Miles Brown to his roster. 

Killester secured two victories over EJ Sligo All-Stars last year, scoring a total of 209 points over the two games. Josh Wilson, who will continue his career at Killester, scored a total of 45 points in the contests, and will be eager to maintain his flying form in the fixture. 

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors v Belfast Star, Saturday 19:45 

Following their Domino’s MSL National Cup run to the final and their fifth-place finish in the Domino’s Men’s Super League, Garvey’s Tralee Warriors will look to start their season off on a high against Belfast Star.  

Shane Bell has vowed his allegiance to Belfast Star for the 2026/27 season, after averaging over 17 points-per-game last season. Paul Adedeji and Jordan Green will also play in the Belfast blue, while Paul Dick returns home after spells with Killester and Garvey’s Tralee Warriors. 

In the 2025/26 season, Belfast Star got the better of Garvey’s Tralee Warriors twice, winning 73-85 and 84-78. Belfast Star already have two pre-season wins over Domino’s Men’s Super League sides, beating the reigning champions Ballincollig and UCC Demons, while Garvey’s Tralee Warriors also picked up two victories at the Mangan Classic, beating Limerick Celtics and UCC Demons. 

St. Vincent’s v Limerick Eagles, Saturday 20:00 

Newly promoted Limerick Eagles have drawn St. Vincent’s in round one of the Domino’s Men’s Super League, as Niall McDermott’s side look to prove their worth in the top division.  

Last season, St. Vincent’s crashed out of the playoffs in the quarterfinals, following their seventh-place finish. Mark Bodnar will be at the wheel for the upcoming season, having previousexperience in the National League scene with Drogheda Wolves. Following the departure of their top scorer last year, Will Thomas, Bodnar has signed seasoned veteran Scottie Stone from the Dresden Titans. 

McDermott led Limerick Eagles to the Domino’s Men’s Super League, after an emphatic 82-63 win over Titans. Aaron Rhooms joins McDermott’s side after an impressive collegiate career for TMU Bold, USA, as he joins some of the reliable returning roster from the 2025/26 campaign – Ryan Leonard, Steve King and Ronan Cregan. 

UCC Demons v Griffith College Éanna, Sunday 15:00 

Griffith College Éanna strode to the final four of the Domino's Men's Super League playoffs, losing to the eventual winners Ballincollig, whereas UCC Demons failed to make the final eight and had an early finish to their season.  

Both sides stood their ground at home last year, with Griffith College Éanna winning the first contest 98-78 in Coláiste Éanna and UCC Demons taking game two by 100-87 in the Mardyke Arena. 

Big news from the rebel county comes with the return of Elijah Tillman, who was a key component to UCC Demons triumph in the 2024/25 season. ‘Baby Shaq’ averaged 22.3 points-per-game and 11.1 rebounds-per-game during their winning season. He will be joined by former Harlem Globetrotter and NBA G-League star Asanti Price, as new head coach Stuart Rodgers looks to steer UCC Demons back in the right direction. 

Griffith College Éanna have recruited wisely with point guard Morgan Taylor and power forward Nick Hopkins, who arrive from overseas to help the Dublin side get their name back on the Domino’s Super League trophy.  

Full fixture details for the opening weekend of the Domino's Men's Super League can be found here.