Ross boys come up just short in national final

MOUNT Saint Michael U16 boys’ basketball team played an outstanding game in the All-Ireland final in the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght, narrowly losing to Tyrrelstown.

Unfortunately for the Rosscarbery school, victory was cruelly snatched away from them in the closing minute. In a nail-biting last quarter, spectators watched as a final three-pointer by the Ross lads tantalisingly sped around the mouth of the basket but popped out to deny them victory.  

Ross got off to a great start and were leading in the first quarter, 18-12, after some fanatastic three-pointers from Conor Twomey and Peadar O’Rourke.

 These, along with scores from Darargh Calnan and Michael Maguire, ensured Mount St Michael led the first quarter. 

The second quarter saw superb scores again from Conor Twomey and Ciaran Santry as Mount Saint Michael continued to lead, 32-25.

 The third quarter saw a seven-point lead by Rosscabery and it was obvious that it would all come down to the final quarter. 

By now, Mount St Michael had outplayed their luck and Tyrellstown took advantage. 

It was a heart-breakingly close finish and the final three-pointer from Conor Twomey looked like it was safely in,  only to drop out of the ring cruelly. Tyrellstown snatched a victory on a final score of 50-47. 

Despite the defeat, it was a superb overall team effort from the U16 boys. 

Their worth ethic and skill along with a dedication and commitment to training has been justly rewarded by reaching the final. 

This was the first time that Mount St Michael boys have reached the final so it was a very special occasion for the school and supporters who travelled up to Dublin to cheer on their team. Students who remained in  school watched the match on livestream from Basketball Ireland’s  YouTube  and there was great excitement throughout the school. 

There is no doubt that these boys will be back again, playing once again at the highest level. This final has only made them hungrier for more success.