Eagles coach McDermott hopes young guns can adapt to Super League life

It’s the Limerick club's first time in the Super League in almost ten years.

Limerick Eagles' Alex Carlisle. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Limerick Eagles head coach Niall McDermott hopes the young blood in his can adapt to the higher standard when his return to the Domino's Men's Super League this season.

“We’re super excited for the new season," McDermott said at a launch event in the National Basketball Arena. "It’s our first time in the Super League in almost ten years, so it’s great for the club to get back to that level, as that was always our goal."

He added: “I think that we will be the least experienced team with a lot of young players that have never played at this level before, but we’re bringing back a lot of the same squad as last year, so hopefully that continuity will balance out the lack of experience.

“It’s going to be an extremely tough league – all the teams have recruited well over the summer, so we’re expecting a super tough challenge but we’re excited for it,” added McDermott.

McDermott led Eagles to a Domino’s Men’s Division One title in April – a league that they won in the 2012/13 season. The Eagles will travel east for their opening fixture, as they prepare to take on St. Vincents, with new head coach Mark Bodmar at the wheel.

Meanwhile, Ballincollig’s latest signing, Jakevion Buckley, spoke about the difficulty of winning in the Domino’s Men’s Super League.

"I don't really know what to expect but I'm prepared for the season ahead. I'm just looking forward to running it back and playing solid basketball with my teammates," said Buckley. "I know it's hard to win anywhere you go, but I've been a part of a winning environment my whole life. I know what it takes to win and (Ciaran O'Sullivan) has been preparing all of us well."

The Domino's Women's Super League tips off with some blockbuster contests, including a repeat of the 2025/26 WSL Playoff Final between Trinity Meteors and Career Decisions UCC Glanmire. Catherine Vaile, who previously played with Swords Thunder, spoke about the step up from Division One to Super League, as she settles in at Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell.

“I’m really excited to play Super League this season, especially after playing in Division One last year,” said Vaile. “The game is going to be a lot faster. I had to improve my game a lot to play at this level, so I’m excited to show off what Brunell basketball can do.” 

Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell will kick start their season with a home game against SETU Waterford Wildcats, in a Munster derby. Elsewhere in the league, Killester will host Utility Trust St. Pauls, who have resigned Maisie Burnham after a standout debut year, and signed superstars Angelina Robles and Paula Reus Piza.