Garvey’s Tralee Warriors retained their Men’s Champions Trophy title following a magnificent 73-61 win over Cup champions Templeogue in a pulsating final at Waterford IT on Saturday.

In Tralee last Saturday night, all of the clichés that make up much of basketball’s great lure and lore applied. They were hanging from the rafters. The players could smell the popcorn. The place was hoppin’.

If there aren’t many palatable reasons to remember the 80’s, the explosion of basketball in Cork was a passion worth savouring, writes Tony Leen

47th Castleisland Christmas Blitz - Garveys Tralee Warriors 55 Keanes SuperValu Killorglin 45: Superleague outfit Tralee Warriors inspired by the brilliance of young guard Ryan Leonard proved too strong for a brave Keanes Supervalu Killorglin who top the National League Division 1, in the final of the Premier Mens Final, played before a full house at the Castleisland Community Centre last night.

Templeogue remain the only unbeaten team in the Men’s Super League following a comfortable 81-70 win over UCC Demons at Inchicore.