Castlerea Community School crowned All-Ireland champions
The Castlerea Community School U-19 basketball team celebrate with their supporters. Picture: Castlerea Community School
Castlerea Community School were crowned All-Ireland B League champions at Neptune Stadium, Cork this afternoon as they defeated a battling Kildare Town CS side.
Thomas Callaghan’s side led from pillar to post but were made to work all the way by their dogged foes.
This was a sweet triumph for a group who had lost the U-16 C All-Ireland Schools’ Cup final in 2023 and had fallen by a single point to eventual champions Ballymakenny College in the U-19 B Cup semi-final in December 2024.
In the end, Castlerea Community School found the answers when needed most. The winners led the contest 33-22 midway through the third quarter but had that lead slashed to just two points entering the final eight minute stanza.
However, a 9-2 run at the start of the final quarter proved decisive as Castlerea CS moved 45-36 in front. Even though Kildare Town CS hit back with a three-pointer from the top of the arc, Castlerea CS were able to produce stops when needed most while also make clutch free throws in the final stages.
This was a win built on defensive tenacity and excellent teamwork as Castlerea CS forced their foes to outside shots while their rebounding was terrific against a physical side.
Thomas Callaghan’s side made the perfect start as a Dara Curran steal, which led to a breakaway bucket, set the tone for a gritty display.
The winners led 7-0 but eventually the Kildare side settled as they managed to make a series of jump shots to help them trail just 13-8 at the end of the first quarter.
Castlerea CS saw their lead cut to a point, 13-12 but Castlerea CS were always able to find the answers, with a timely three-pointer helping them lead 26-20 after the second quarter.
A Curran three-pointer and more excellent attacking in transition allowed them to move 11 ahead. However, their lead was slashed to just two points, as the Leinster side began to threaten a comeback.
But a pair of three-pointers for the winners gave them a nine point buffer. In a breathless finale, the Kildare side made a big time three pointer and free throws to cut their deficit to just two points, 47-45.
However, they missed a jump shot to tie the game and from there Castlerea CS kept their cool to pen another chapter in the school’s proud history.
