Maree’s maiden win sees fans in raptures

MAIDEN WIN: University of Galway Maree’s Stephen Commins and Eoin Rockall are presented with the Pat Duffy Cup by FIBA Europe Secretary General Kamil Novak. Pic: INPHO/Ben Brady

When Charlie Crowley roared “this is your time, soak it in!’ at his University of Galway Maree players during the third quarter timeout, the Fields of Athenry was so loud they probably didn’t even hear him.

Their 74-69 defeat of DBS Eanna, in their first ever InsureMyHouse.ie Pat Duffy final, didn’t just defy all the pundits. Somehow their vastly outnumbered fans also blew the roof off the National Arena to roar that basketball in the west has truly been re-awakened.