The achievement caps a remarkable season for the group. Having won the North West Division 1 title, the squad travelled to Gormanston with belief but knowing they would face the best clubs from every corner of Ireland. What followed was a weekend that exceeded all expectations.
Drawn in a tough group alongside Fr Mathews (Cork), Ballintubber Bulls (Mayo), and St Mary’s Castleisland (Kerry), the Sligo girls were outstanding on Saturday, winning all three games: 54–42 against Fr Mathews, 49–17 against Ballintubber Bulls, and 34–24 against St Mary’s Castleisland.
They topped the group and earned their place in the Division 1 (A) bracket – the top tier of the competition. The quality of the group was underlined on Sunday when Fr Mathews and St Mary’s Castleisland went on to contest the Division 2 (B) Final, with the Cork club claiming the title.
On Sunday, the All-Stars continued their run with a commanding Division 1 (A) Quarter-Final victory over Dublin’s Meteors, 43–26, setting up an All Ireland Semi-Final against St Bridgets from Kerry.
The semi-final was a tough, physical battle against one of the strongest teams in the country, and although the Sligo girls went down 32–39, they gave an excellent account of themselves on the biggest stage.
What makes this achievement all the more special is the way the group has grown together over the course of the season. This is a squad built on team spirit, hard work, and an unwavering belief in each other.
Every member of the panel played their part across the weekend – from the starting five to the players coming off the bench to make crucial contributions, to Edie Glenister who, despite being ruled out through injury, was the squad’s number one cheerleader from the sideline all weekend. It was a true team effort from first whistle to last.
Across five games, the All-Stars scored 212 points to their opponents’ 148, winning four of their five matches. Bláithín O’Meara led the scoring with a remarkable 103 points across the tournament, including 13 three-pointers and two 26-point games.
Femi Osho was dominant inside with 58 points, 51 rebounds, and 8 blocks, including an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double in the quarter-final. Wren O’Dowd Hill contributed 26 points and was a key two-way player throughout, while Belina Feerick and Grace Boland combined for 44 rebounds between them.
Ciara Cashell was a defensive menace with 8 steals, and every member of the squad – Grainne Buckley, Teagan McShane, Zuzanna Szeja, Kate McHugh, Faya Healy, and Ava Niland – made important contributions when called upon.
The team is coached by Shane O’Meara, Jason Glenister, Karen Glenister, and Jonathan Hill, who have guided the group through a season that has gone from strength to strength.
Reaching the All Ireland ‘A’ Semi-Final is a landmark moment for Sligo All-Stars basketball, and the coaching team were keen to emphasise the collective nature of the achievement.
“This group of girls has been on an incredible journey together this year,” said coach Shane O’Meara.
“What they achieved at the All Irelands is the result of months of hard work, commitment, and a genuine love for playing together as a team. As a group we worked hard throughout the summer months.
“We focused on developing individual skill and shooting. There was a huge buy-in from the players and parents and every single player contributed at the weekend. We’re so proud of them all.
“It was a team effort in all respects. No stone was left unturned in the preparation and I’d like to thank the rest of the management team Karen and Jason Glenister and Jonathan Hill who brought a level of professionalism rarely seen at this level.
“It was such a privilege to be associated with the group and a standard of preparation and organisation has now been set for our club.”
The future looks bright for this talented young group, who will look to build on this historic season as they continue to develop and compete at the highest level.