Roscommon school claim All Ireland title

A Roscommon school have secured All Ireland basketball glory.

Abbey Community School Boyle were crowned All Ireland Minor C champions after they came through a thrilling decider against Glenties of Donegal.

The game opened with Domantas Bernatavicius, on the first play, hitting a long-range three-pointer to set the tempo for the Boyle lads, which they never relented for the rest of the quarter. 

Turnovers in defence by Rory O'Shaughnessy, Aaron Conroy, and Oisin Kenehan allowed Boyle to control the tempo of the game and keep Glenties under constant pressure. Pressing hard in defence, Domantas and Oisin Kelly added two more baskets from some excellent Boyle play to give them a 9-4 lead after the first quarter.

The second quarter saw Boyle completely take control with an exceptional team performance.

Callum Gavican hit six points, showing his skills with excellent post-up moves and deft touches in the paint, proving to be an immovable object all day for Boyle. Thomas Battke, in a playmaking role, also got in on the scoring. 

Boyle dominated with Conor Casey hitting Glenties on the break off good work from Tom Wynne, and then with two seconds left, hitting a buzzer-beater three to give Boyle a 25 to 12 lead at halftime.

The third quarter proved a nervy time as the lads lost their way for brief moments, only registering two points while conceding six. Despite creating chances and playing very well, baskets just proved elusive to the boys; however, they were very impressive in defence.

The final quarter saw Boyle put on the best defensive display all year, with Callum and Rory fighting in the air for every ball, dominating the rebounds and blocking as if their lives depended on it. Domantas

Bernatavicius, Conor Casey and Thomas Battles controlled all aspects of the game, with the final score coming off a brilliant team move that saw Callum Gavican go in for the layup, putting Boyle 29-20 ahead with two minutes to go. The boys never relented, going the final four minutes without conceding a point.

The final whistle brought scenes never before seen for a Boyle team, who have gone 14 games unbeaten this year, winning North West and making history along the way. The dedication they have shown and the work they have put in all year is a credit to them, their families, and the school.

Squad and Scorers: Thomas Battles C 5, Domantas Bernatavicius C. 7 , Conor Casey 7, Callum Gavican 8 Oisin Kelly 2, Aaron Conroy, Kajetan Dziewit. ,Oisín Keenehan ,Oisín Moore, Rory O'Shaughnessy , Adam Sheridan ,Tom Wynne Liam Corcoran Oisin Casey 

Coaches: Niall Flynn, Emer Healy.