Killester seek double Super League glory 

Both the Killester men's and women's teams are playing in this weekend's Super League finals. The women face St Paul's of Killarney while the men play UCC Demons. 

Killester are seeking a double on Sunday in the Super League finals as both their men’s and women’s teams seek to be crowned champions of Ireland.

Hannah Thornton has extra motivation going into the women’s final against St Paul’s of Killarney. Thornton, an Ireland international, initially had her transfer from DCU Mercy denied despite her former club ceasing to field a team in the Super League.

“Being sidelined for the first couple of games wasn’t the best way to start the season. I was really excited to play with the girls and I finally got back on the court,” she said.

“When I came back, I was annoyed and motivated by that. Now, I just want to win for the team and the club as well. We’re happy to be in the position we are. We’re not thinking about being favourites or really too much else.” 

While Killester are favourites to take the title, Thornton is expecting a fierce battle in the women’s decider.

“It’s going to be an aggressive and physical game. The team that concentrates best and keeps their heads will stand out. We have progressed in playing more as a team as the season has gone on, I think we can lean on that.” 

Her teammate Leilani Turner is following in familiar footsteps in Sunday’s decider. Her father, Jermaine, was a star in the Super League for two decades with the bulk of that spent in Killester colours.

“It’s always weird coming back and playing in the arena. I spent most of my childhood there watching my dad or my uncle or my mam. There was always some family member playing, it’s nice to be here doing my own thing now,” said Turner.

“There are always some nerves going into a big game but I feel really prepared. I’ve got a good set of girls to back me up. I’m never scared going on the court with them.” 

The Killester men meanwhile are seeking a domestic double, having won the cup back in January. They face UCC Demons, the same opponents from that game, on Sunday.

“It’s a blessing to be at this stage. We’re confident, we’ve hit our stride in the last few games. Hopefully we can finish the job on Sunday. I know they will come out hungry for the title and we’re hungry for the double,” said Kason Harrell of Killester.

“It’s just going to be a gruelling game on both sides. We both know each other really well so it’s going to be an exciting game.” Harrell’s teammate, Kaiwen Yang, could make history on Sunday. He’s aiming to be the first Chinese born player to win a Super League title.

“It’s fantastic. It’s my first year in the Super League. Winning the cup and being in the final of the playoffs is a dream,” he said.

“This final is great for the community and basketball in general. It’s great that the kids watching will get to see the top level both teams play at.”