Quirke inspired Tigers roar to victory

MICHEÁL QUIRKE turned in the performance of the afternoon and probably the best of his entire career as he inspired Abrakebabra Tigers to a spectacular 95-88 victory over St Vincent’s to claim a place in the final of the National Cup.

There they will face defending champions, UCC Demons, who had a facile win over a disappointing Mustang Sally’s/St Paul’s, 84-73 in the second semi-final at the National Basketball Arena yesterday afternoon.

When the semi-finalists were turning to their American players for something extra, Quirke rose above everyone with a game high of 29 points and a grand total of 17 rebounds — six of them offensive rebounds — to highlight his contribution.