Back-to-back All-Ireland's for Muredach's on course
St. Muredach's duo Brian Donoghue, left, and Mark Cunningham will be back in the National Basketball Arena next month for another All-Ireland final. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
Back-to-back league and cup doubles are very much on course for St Muredach’s College after a stunning win over Dublin powerhouse Coláiste Éanna sealed their spot in the schools first ever All-Ireland U19 ‘A’ Cup Final.
Éanna, the reigning league champions at this age grade for the last three years, have a formidable reputation in the sport, who have won All-Ireland titles at U15, U16 and U19 this year, but the Ballina boys showed no fear in producing an outstanding all-round performance. St Mary’s College, Portlaoise, will be the opposition in the final on January 21 and Barry Murphy’s side will be full of belief that this special group can go all the way.
Their semi-final victory was not without its challenges. Muredach’s led by 12 points going into the final quarter but that gap was reduced to two with four minutes left to play. Foul trouble for Éanna caught up with them and Mark Cunningham, who finished with a game high of 33 points, punished them from the free throw, with an overall 75% conversion rate, to put enough of gap between them in the closing stages.
Nathan Roddy, another of Muredach’s key men, laid the platform for his side in the opening quarter. Over half of his 21-point tally came in this quarter alone as Muredach’s led by six, 22-16, at the end of the first period. In truth, the six point deficit flattered Éanna, who were able to keep in touch thanks to three-pointers by Adam Charles and Dean Kiernan.
The combination of Roddy and Cunningham continued wreak havoc in the second quarter as they stretched their lead to ten, scoring 12 and six points respectively. A pair of threes by Harry Lynch kept Éanna in touch while Kiernan and Charles each nailed baskets to reduce the gap to four.
Muredach’s would outscore Éanna 13-3 in the last few minutes. Six points came from two stunning Cian Morrison three-pointers while Cunningham and Roddy continued to do damage to lead 46-32 at half-time.
Eanna got their act together in the first half of third quarter. They outscored Muredach’s 18-4 to reduce the gap to three but another Cian Morrison three-pointer laid the platform for a strong Muredach’s finish, with Cunningham firing in six points of an 11-point run to see them lead 61-49 going into the last period, Harry Lynch hitting a crucial three for Éanna late in the third.
The re-introduction of Augustine Farrell for Éanna was a turning point in the Ballyroan-based school, with his five-point contribution helping to reduce the gap to two.
Nerves were evident for both at this stage, but Brian Donoghue nailed two big baskets while Cunningham took full advantage from the free throw line as Muredach’s booked their spot in the decider. No one encapsulated the joy of their victory more than coach Barry Murphy, who leapt across the court, pumping his fists in euphoria, to the travelling support.
In a statement on social media, St Muredach’s paid tribute to the team and coach for their victory. They praised local club Ballina Braves for the ‘skill and considerable expertise of our friends and past students’, whether travelling, coaching or for the betterment of young people in Ballina, as well as alumni based in Dublin who took time off work to offer their support.
The school also said they also plan to build a new gym that can host basketball games and other sports in the school in the coming years.
“This is a considerable project and will rely heavily on the support and goodwill of many as the Department of Education will not fund this project nor are we permitted to use any of the funds granted to the school for the extension project.
“For now, we will enjoy the win and the build up to the final. If you are interested in supporting the development of a new gym at our school please get in touch.” A big future lies in store for Muredach’s future stars but for this group, the time is now.
