Ballincollig and Limerick Celtics ready for National Cup semi-final showdown
Time-out talk from player/coach Ciaran O'Sullivan for Irish Guidedogs Ballincollig @MTU vs Maree at MTU. Pic: Larry Cummins
Two potential first-time MSL National Cup winners clash in the semi-final tonight as Limerick Celtics face Ballincollig at Neptune Stadium.
Limerick Celtics are in their maiden season in the Super League and are looking to keep their dream alive against the league leaders, who they defeated on the opening day of the season.
Since that defeat though, Ballincollig have lost just the one game this season with their offensive trio of Latrell Jossell, Latavious Mitchell and Josh Steel averaging at least 15 points per game.
“Our two league encounters with Limerick Celtics have both been incredibly close, so there’s no doubt the game will go down to the wire,” said Ballincollig’s player/coach Ciaran O’Sullivan.
“That being said, we have played our best basketball of the season in the cup so far, and we are hopeful we can deliver another top performance.” Limerick Head coach Tony Hehir is also aware of the huge challenge awaiting his side on Friday night (8.15pm).
“This is huge for our club and our young Super League men’s team. We lost a close league game last weekend in MTU, but we know that we are up against a very talented and experienced Ballincollig side.”
In the other semi-final, UCD Marian have been dealt a blow with injuries to their two pros - Tanner Graham and Mihael Linde - ahead of their semi-final against Garvey’s Tralee Warriors on Saturday at Neptune Stadium (8pm) UCD are looking to lift their first Pat Duffy Cup since 2010/11, while Tralee won their maiden Cup title under John Dowling in 2021/22.
“UCD are pretty similar to ourselves, they have guys that can all score the ball, good depth from the bench that with Tanner (Graham) and (Joshua) Reynolds they can hurt you in a variety of ways,” said Dowling.
In the Women’s National Cup semi-final on Saturday, Killester are aiming to move a step closer to winning the cup that they last secured in 2023, when they face UCC Glanmire at Neptune (4pm).
Killester were beaten in the league last weekend with a loss against Liffey and a notable absence was star points leader Samantha Haiby, who remains a doubt for this weekend.
Glanmire are targeting a first cup triumph since 2017 and, similar to Killester, they also tasted defeat last weekend against Brunell.
“We are confident that we can compete with a very strong Killester team who know how to win and have been together for a while now,” said Head Coach Mark Scannell.
In the other last four decider, defending champions FloMAX Liffey Celtics and their head coach Hilary Netsiyanwa will take on his former side Trinity Meteors on Saturday at Neptune (1.30pm).
Liffey Celtics are in resurgent form as of late, having started the season 0-4 they’ve won their last five league and cup games, hitting form at the perfect time to defend their WSL National Cup crown.
For Meteors, it is the opportunity to finally win a cup that has eluded them since 1998.
Trinity Meteors head coach Seamas Donnelly said: “Liffey are the cup holders and with the arrival of Destinee (Bursch) are a nicely balanced team.
“Hillary and the coaching team have them playing exciting, fast-paced basketball, it should be a great game.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
