Rising star Megan Connolly struck a hat-trick yesterday at Tallaght Stadium to help Cork’s Christ the King secure the Umbro FAI Schools Senior Girls All-Ireland Cup for the second time in three years.

FOR three seasons UL Aughinish have ruled Irish women’s basketball with an iron fist. For that reason they remain hot favourites tonight as their defence of the National Cup gets underway against Vienna Woods Glanmire at the ESB Arena.