Getting up for the Cup

Cup fever grips the basketball fraternity in Ireland this weekend and for those taking part — it’s a rare opportunity to showcase their talents under an intense media glare.

For most of the season, it’s the League that takes priority but mid-January means only one thing in the sport here as the attention switches to the Cup. Live television coverage and bumper crowds help make it the only show in town.

Maybe it’s the game’s close ties to the GAA here or the fact you don’t have to follow a team for the season to be part of the journey but the love of straight knockout games still brings out the best in Irish basketball.