Cork Basketball: Fr Mathew's, Brunell and Glanmire gear up for new season 

The opening weekend in the Women’s Super League will see two games down for decision on Leeside.

Catalyst Fr Mathew’s begin their campaign on Saturday when they host Midlands Park Portlaoise at the Fr Mathew’s Arena (5pm). The Model Farm Road-based side had a disappointing previous campaign under coach Keith Daly, who has since been appointed coach of the Neptune Men’s Super League side.

Jamie Barry, who was assistant to Daly and his predecessor Pat Price, is now in the hotseat. It will be interesting to see how he fares in his first season at the helm.

It has been a busy summer for coach Barry but he recruited two Americans in Laila Blair and Lexie Givens for the coming campaign.

Shannon Brady, who donned the Mathew’s colours for many years, got married over the summer to Ballincollig player Keelan Cairns and decided to call it a day. Credit to Brady she gave her all for Mathew’s and her power at the post will be hard to replace.

Niamh Dwyer is another player to hang up her boots but they still have a decent core of Irish players in Danielle O’Riordan, Amy Murphy and Ciara McCarthy.

Veteran Grainne Dwyer is now in her 20th season competing in the Super League and once again has decided to compete at the top level.

“I still feel that I can give something to my team and after experiencing the most disappointing season of my career in the last campaign, it is time to start enjoying the sport again,” said Dwyer.

DERBY

There is a Cork derby at the Mardyke Arena on Sunday when UCC Glanmire host their great Cork rivals Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell (1.30pm).

Glanmire have Irish international Amy Dooley back on board with Faye McDonnell from Kilkenny and Jessica O’Shea from Fr Mathew’s also joining.

Coach Mark Scannell has signed what looks a good American duo in Jewel Watkins and Viane Cumber, who have been performing well in preseason.

Another plus for coach Scannell is the return of Claire O’Sullivan and captain Aine McKenna continues to show incredible loyalty to the Cork club in the twilight of her career.

Brunell welcome back Katie Walshe after spending a season with Meteors in Dublin but stalwart Danielle O’Leary is on maternity leave and is unlikely to figure this season.

Liam Culloty is returning for his third season and surely the faithful will be hoping for some silverware this season as they do possess some quality Irish players. Captain Edel Thornton is almost back to her best after a spate of serious injuries that hampered her side's progress.

A big emphasis will be on Americans Brailyn Peaja and Maddie Cluse, who both arrived in Ireland with decent college careers.

When you look at the depth of Brunell their Irish players stand out and this is a game that could be decided in that department.

The Glanmire brigade of homegrown players is also decent with Annaliese Murphy and Mia Furlong capable of hurting the northside club.