Basketball Ireland U19 School Cup

Basketball Ireland U19 Schools Cup

All-Ireland Final

A HISTORIC DAY; Our first All-Ireland TITLE

Larkin CC 45                                           Blackrock College 49

 
Congratulations to Captain Rob Somers (6^th Year) and his squad on a fantastic achievement – And what a final!

Larkin had beaten us earlier in the year in the East-Leinster final by 11 points and started this match much the better winning the first quarter 11-4 and establishing a lead of 20-16 by half time. We fought back and with two minutes to go in the third quarter we moved 29-26 ahead. In that 2 minutes Larkin scored ten points to lead 36-29 going into the final quarter. All appeared lost but a fantastic fourth quarter fight back produced a stunning victory.

Seán Lardner (4^th Year) won the MVP (most valuable player) award on the day and deservedly so as he finished with 18 points, including a number of 3 pointers shooting. However, in truth we are blessed with an entire squad of MVP’s. Rob Somers (6^th Year) and Rory Linnane (6^th Year) were both outstanding on rebounds Rob scored 12 points. Rhys Hennessy (6^th Year) also put in a seasons best performance on rebounds and finished with 8 points. Roberto Brusasca (4^th Year) and Tom Dowdall (6^th Year) were at the heart of everything as they shared point guard duties. Karl Conroy (5^th Year) hit a long range 3 at a crucial stage of the 4^th which really swung the game in our favour. However, the extended squad of James O’Connor (6^th Year), Barry O’Sullivan (5^th Year), Rob Johnston (6^th Year), Gonzalo Araluce and Michael Callaghan, (both 4^th Year) have been crucial to yesterday’s win throughout the year and certainly yesterday wouldn’t have happened without them.

Finally, I thank our coaches Shane Kelly (class of 2013), Calum Henry (class of 2016) and Mr O’Neill for their preparation of the boys.

Brilliant!