Munster Express Online

Finally after years of going so close, the extremely talented team from Stella Maris, Tramore as at last fulfilled its potential by reaching their first All-Ireland basketball final.

This year saw the girls win their fifth successive South East decider and after competing well at the All-Ireland play-offs stage each year, it wasn’t until they reached Under-19 level that they made that final step.

The girls have had a long campaign, starting back in September. Upon winning the regional final just before Christmas, they went on to their All Ireland play offs in Thurles. They displayed what a spirited team they are when they came from behind to snatch a win against Tarbert CS, Kerry and then comfortably beat St. Atrachta’s, Tubercurry, Sligo.

As a result of topping their group, the next step was last Monday’s All Ireland semi final in the National Basketball Arena. Little was known about their opponents St Genevieve’s, Belfast but Stella Maris knew they would need to have a big game to come out on the winning side.

The game started at a frantic pace with both teams eager to get on the scoreboard. It was Stella Maris who got there first, with a drive from Aisling Hennebry, followed by two free throws. St Genevieve’s showed where their strength was with an excellent three point shot in return. It was score for score until Eimear Gallagher took control of the boards and netted twice for Tramore. There were a few nervous occasions with turnovers on both sides but Tramore finished the quarter strongly with 14-7 on the board.

The second quarter was a tight affair with some lovely basketball played on both sides. Jenny Galvin, who had been suffering from the flu the previous week, showed no ill effects by putting 7 points on the board this quarter. Tramore’s defence, led by co-captain Sally Jacob, was very solid with only five points from play, forcing St. Genevieve’s to score from the free throw line. Half time score was 27-19.

See The Munster Express newspaper for full match report.