Neptune take the place of basketball rivals Demons in the Super League

Neptune take the place of basketball rivals Demons in the Super League
Kyle Hosford and Brandon Watts, UCC Demons, take on Owen Connolly, C&S Neptune. Picture: Jim Coughlan.

THERE will be a Super League basketball team on Leeside next season after Neptune were granted a reprieve from relegation.

The Leeside powerhouse were set to drop into Division 1 for the 2019-'20 season but the Men’s National Competitions Committee at Basketball Ireland have selected them to replace Blue Demons in the top tier.

Fellow Cork outfit Ballincollig were also pushing for a berth in Super League after coming close to promotion over the past two campaigns, while also landing successive President's Cup crowns. However, Neptune's greater experience and better facilities ensure they will compete against the best again.

Their traditional rivals opted out of the National League completely due to a lack of players, while their player-coach Colin O'Reilly has switched to Killorglin. Demons had already lost Roy Downey, Ciarán and Adrian O'Sullivan and Shane Coughlan from the group that was all-conquering in the middle of the decade.

Neptune had significant underage success in recent years, though talented young guns like Darragh O'Sullivan and Cian Heaphy are geared to switch to play basketball Stateside. 

While they were motoring well under coach Paul Kelleher midway through last season, including a thrilling derby victory over Demons in the Christmas period, they went into a slump which saw them relegated after a play-off against Dublin Lions.

Colin O'Reilly and Niall O'Reilly, UCC Demons, battle Darragh O'Sullivan, C&S Neptune. Picture: Jim Coughlan.
Colin O'Reilly and Niall O'Reilly, UCC Demons, battle Darragh O'Sullivan, C&S Neptune. Picture: Jim Coughlan.

They've already lined up former Demons guard and Irish international national Kyle Hosford to wear the Neptune singlet for next season but keeping Roy Downey injury free will be critical to making a mark in the Super League. A Downey-Hosford would offer a blend of skill and experience with a tough edge.

The pair have already teamed up on the Gaelic football pitch, winning Seandún silverware with the Delanys club.

Kyle Hosford hits the net. Picture: David Keane.
Kyle Hosford hits the net. Picture: David Keane.

Veteran Lehmon Colbert produced some fine displays in the last campaign, though the best clubs at the elite level now utilise two Americans in rotation, as well as Eastern European imports. 

Neptune's rapid promotion means Ballincollig, who in recent weeks welcomed Ronan O'Sullivan back to the club after a stint with Reading Rockets, will again be one of the favourites to emerge from Division 1.  His strength and aggression will immediately improve their squad.

Basketball Ireland will have to rejig the conferences in that tier after Neptune's elevation.

More in this section

Conor Lehane ruled out of county final with Achilles injury Conor Lehane ruled out of county final with Achilles injury
Castlemagner fancied to complete three in a row  Castlemagner fancied to complete three in a row 
Ethan Coughlan and Tadhg Beirne 13/10/2025 Munster v Leinster: Reds head to Croke Park in good form but with it all to prove

Sponsored Content

Every stone tells a story Every stone tells a story
Want to know what Budget 2026 means for you and your pocket? Use KPMG's Budget calculator Want to know what Budget 2026 means for you and your pocket? Use KPMG's Budget calculator
Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more