Trinity Meteors have no intention of relinquishing Super League crown 

Dean Kiernan (Griffith College Éanna), Aisling Moran (Trinity Meteors), Eoin Corrigan, Domino’s Ireland Head of Marketing, Gus Lewis, Basketball Ireland Head of Commercial and Brand, Layden O'Neill (Belfast Star) and Amy Buckley (Limerick Celtics).

Defending Domino’s Super League champions Trinity Meteors are hungry to get going again as they seek to defend their crown.

“It’s a brilliant situation to be in. It’s great to come into a new season with that at our backs. We can definitely improve in lots of areas. We were fast last year, we pushed the pace and the tempo,” said Aisling Moran, who was part of that title-winning squad.

“I think we can do a better job of pulling back when we need to, setting up and being a bit more structured while also using that pace. We have to build where we can, push through and learn from each game.” 

Morgan Lenahan has returned to the side after a season away. She’s confident that the reigning champions are in good stead but stressed the need for a strong start to the season.

“The majority of the team is returning so it’s very easy to adjust. I’m looking forward to facing all the other teams in the league. We’ve got Glanmire in a big first game,” she said. “We’ll have to get out and fix a few things but it’s great to finally get out and compete.” 

Having missed out on the three-peat last season, Killester will be among the challengers seeking to topple Meteors. 

Leilani Turner said there will be some adjustments to the side this season.

“Our biggest change is with our roster. We have some new people and we’ll have to get used to playing with them. We can definitely improve on our defence, we let too many close games come in. We need to work on closing out games,” she said.

Isabellah Middleton, a newcomer with Killester, is excited to get her first taste of Super League action.

“I’m a gym rat; I’m in the gym all the time bringing intensity and working on my game. It’s going to be a competitive season.” 

There will be a couple of new faces on the sidelines this year. Ger Jago is the new head coach of Portlaoise Panthers and he said the team would have to work hard to compete this season.

“It’s a rebuilding season, we’ve lost a lot of players and are bringing some young players through. For me, success this season means building on what we’ve done in pre-season and hopefully building for the future,” he said.

“A good start is extremely important but leagues aren’t won in October, they’re not won until the end of the year.” 

While Jago expects all of Portlaoise’s opponents to prove tough, he’s particularly looking forward to getting a crack at the defending champions.

“Anthony Dodson with Meteors, we grew up around the corner from me and his mother was one of my first coaches. It’s that little road-to-road rivalry with two guys from Kilnamanagh coming all the way through to Super League, both as first-year head coaches.” 

Brunell also have a new head coach, with Keith Daly excited for the season ahead. 

“There’s a lot of optimism and positivity around the club. Obviously I have to work on making sure I know what the players are looking for and what I’m looking for,” he said.

“We have to build our structure and create relationships so we can go where we want to by playing enjoyable and relentless basketball.”