Double blow won’t deflate Ireland

IRELAND’S hopes of making next year’s finals of the European championships in Sweden may be fading but the country is fast becoming a force at this level.

Team manager Sean O'Reilly said yesterday that the disappointment at losing to Germany, ranked No 3 in the world, and powerful Croatia, was indicative of the ambition within the squad.

"Right now spirits are good," he said from Macedonia where they were preparing for tomorrow night's clash. "We arrived here with no problems whatsoever. The hotel is lovely on the edge of a lake everyone is relaxed and we are just heading off for a training session."

They arrived in the FYROM after back-to-back losses to Germany in Dublin and Croatia in Zagreb and, as hopes of making the finals fade they are all hell-bent on consolidating their position over their remaining games.

They ran Germany close in Dublin but they allowed Croatia to get away from them in the third quarter and, while they outplayed the home side in the final quarter, it was not enough.

Midway through the second half a backboard smashed during a slam dunk and a number of Irish players sustained minor injuries.

"Marty Conlon and Tim Kennedy both had several pieces of glass removed from their backs but, thankfully, everyone is OK and we have no injury worries going into our game here," Mr O'Reilly said.

"We are realistic. We know what is ahead of us. If we have any aspirations we know we have to win on Wednesday night. We are not under any illusions. Any game at this level is going to be tough but those guys deserve a break they deserve to win.

"I know people might criticise the team but you have to be around those guys to realise just how committed they are.

It is all a patriotic thing. They want to do it and they go out there each time and literally play their hearts out.

"Ex-coach Bill Dooley described this team as a unique bunch of guys and that is very true. And our own national league players, Damien Sealy and Adrian Fulton, have been outstanding all through this campaign.

"They just can't wait for this game. We have two good days practice, We have no injuries. Everyone is good form. Everything arrived on time and there are no distractions.

"And, believe it or not, we will have about 100 supporters here for the game. There are a big number of volunteers here from England and Canada, and Europe as well, and they have taken to the Irish team. They we will be all there for the game."

Meanwhile, on the domestic front, the ESB Super League is approaching the half-way point and Neptune coach, Martin Aherne, is all smiles these days.

At the weekend they took Tolka Rovers to the cleaners (106-76) and, with the Star and St Vincent's game postponed, they went four points clear at the top of the table.

"It's exactly where we would want to be," he said. "Our destiny is in our own hands. We have a nice situation now where all our younger players are blossoming. Kieran O'Brien was outstanding against Tolka."

On Saturday night they are at home to Burger King and they are hoping for another bumper crowd.

"We had a huge crowd at the derby game and I think they enjoyed what they saw. I hope most of them come back," he said. "Burger King are going to be difficult. They have some big men and they will provide us with a real test."