BANTRY Basketball Club’s U14 girls have hit new heights, as the history-making trailblazers made club history by winning the All-Ireland Club Championship.
The most sought-after title in underage basketball is now resting in Bantry Bay after an incredible season from this unbeaten team.
Led by captain fantastic Emily O’Neill, and coached by Niamh O’Neill and Lorraine O’Connor, Bantry girls proved they are the best in the land.
The girls were amongst Ireland’s top 25 teams in Gormanston Park where they showcased their unbelievable talent. In the group stages they overcame Clare Cobras, Northstar Warriors and Carrick Cruisers.
Captain Emily O’Neill receives the cup from Daryl Lambe of Basketball Ireland. (Photo: Bill E Daly)
These wins earned Bantry their quarter-final spot in the Premier A Division, the pinnacle of U14 basketball.
In a dominant quarter-final they eliminated Limerick Celtics.
The semi-final was a close affair with Bantry pulling out all of the stops to overcome Dublin Lions by five points.
The final was an all-Munster affair as Bantry took on St Bridget’s of Currow from Kerry. The two sides battled hard but brilliant Bantry proved too strong and took a famous 14-point win.