WE have more proof that Bantry is a hot-spot for basketball in West Cork – Bantry Basketball Club’s U14 boys team were crowned All-Ireland Club Championships C Division winners.
It was a memorable weekend for the Bantry boys, led by head coach Matthias Kersten and assistant coach Debbie Cronin.
After finishing second in their league, the team qualified for the All-Ireland Club Championships, staged in Gormanston, Co. Meath.
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Day one proved a steep learning curve. Bantry ran into strong opposition and suffered defeats to Belfast Star, Galway Titans and Kilkenny Stars. Those results placed the West Cork side in the C Division for Sunday’s knockout rounds, but they regrouped superbly overnight.
With renewed focus and outstanding teamwork, Bantry battled their way into the C Division All-Ireland final against Ballyshannon 88ers.
In the decider they delivered their best performance of the tournament, defending with grit, moving the ball and getting key scores to seal a 54-49 victory and lift the C Division All-Ireland crown.
A testing start turned into a triumphant finish, proof of Bantry’s resilience, coaching and team spirit.
Every player contributed to the run, backed by terrific support from family and friends.
The victorious U14 Bantry squad included Daniel Hourihan, Ruairí O’Donovan, Jaron Kersten, Iarla McElhinney, Jake O’Donovan, James Donaldson, Frank O’Callaghan, Tomás Deasy, Oran Quirke, Bobby Murnane, Henry Hegarty, Conor Lucey, Tadhg Harrington, Oscar Ustankowski and Cian O’Connell.
