Dynamic Kieran Donaghy fires St Brendan’s to basketball glory

St Brendan’s (Tralee) 78 Leixlip Nemunas 60: Kerry footballer Kieran Donaghy delivered one of the finest performances seen at the National Basketball Arena to help St Brendan’s win the inaugural Men’s Intermediate National Cup.

Donaghy became the first player in the history of finals weekend to complete a treble double, finishing with 26 rebounds, 18 points and 12 assists.

The game began in a welter of excitement with the Kildare side exposing Brendan’s at the post and Andrius Urnikis landing consecutive baskets.

Brendan’s were finding their opponents difficult to compete with on the boards, but with Donaghy showing flashes of brilliance they surged into a 20-19 lead.

Donaghy was electric in the second quarter, ensuring his team surged into a 40-32 interval lead.

Captain Fergal O’Sullivan was also outstanding in the second half as the massive Brendan’s support roared their team to an historic win.

For MVP Donaghy it was a dream come true. “Basketball is still alive and well in Tralee and you could see today what it meant to our loyal fans.”

ST BRENDAN’S:

F O’Sullivan, N Roche, J Quirke, D O’Sulivan, S Hannifin, R Mulcahy, M O’Donnell, P McMahon, W Guthrrie, C Donaghy, K Donaghy, C Wallace.

LEIXLIP NEMUNAS:

V Grabauskas, M Kuncaitis, D Tomosauskis, K Demulevicius, A Urnikis, R Eidukas, A Karcikas, R Smitas, M Bickus, A Lekavicius, M Kasperravicius, E Pocius.

Referees:

Padraig Caden (Dublin), Martin McGettrick (Dublin), Maurice Thornhill (Cork).

MVP:

Kieran Donaghy (St Brendan’s).