St Finian’s College aim for All-Ireland glory
St Finian’s College U19 boys basketball team go in search of an All-Ireland title when they take on Ballymackenny College, Drogheda in the Pinergy ‘B’ cup final in the National Basketball Arena on Wednesday, January 22 (11am).
St Finian’s, reigning Regional ‘B’ League title holders, aim to collect further silverware but face strong competition from a Drogheda side who play a fast style of basketball.
The majority of this St Finian’s College team were on the panel that won the U16 All Ireland ‘C’ Cup Final two years ago, and it is a fantastic achievement to be now playing in a national final in the ‘B’ grade.
They will play in the ‘A’ grade next year on account of reaching Wednesday’s final.
On their way to the All-Ireland cup final St Finian’s beat teams such as Kildare Town Community School, Mountmellick Community School and Kilkenny CBS, and Salesian Secondary College, Limerick in the All-Ireland semi-final at the University of Limerick Sports Campus.
Wednesday’s final will be their 13th game of the year between league and cup competitions, and they will hope that momentum will stand to them.
The final will be the last schools game for members of the panel in their Leaving Certificate year.
Coach, Shane Campbell said: “This is a great opportunity for the group. They have been so committed, not just this year, but since they started in St Finian’s as first years.
“Some of them have been playing on the school senior team since they were in third year. They’ve always had a great attitude and shown admirable dedication towards training and constantly want to improve.
“I have no doubt they will play to their full potential on Wednesday, and that’s all I can ask for.”
St Finian’s College panel: Dara Keaveney, Andrzei Volusko Opala, Rian Keaveney, Ryan Bell, Alfie Murray, Alex Walsh, Jakub Volusko Opala, Ben Akinnola, Adam McDonnell, Abdul Odusoga, Hugh Isdell, Omer Yousif, Alan Dzialo, Oisin Durnin, Mohammad Hasabalah, Emmanuel Afolabi, Louis Willems, Oliver Brennan, Simba Chidavaenzi, Aodhán Malone, Arthur Vlad.