Liam Culloty and Edel Thornton focused on Super League success after cup frustration

There was Christmas cheer at the GCU Arena in Gurranbraher following Brunell’s impressive 97-72 win over their Cork rivals UCC Glanmire in the Domino’s Women’s Super League.

After losing to St Paul’s Killarney on the road before Christmas, Brunell coach Liam Culloty was happy with this result.

“We are trying hard to work on our consistency as we have been very much up and down in the first half of the season. To get a 24-point win against a very good Glanmire side is very satisfying heading into the New Year,” said Culloty.

Brunell captain Edel Thornton came in for special mention for her leadership on court from coach Culloty.

“Edel is improving with every game as she had a torrid year last season coming back from a serious injury but I think she is getting back to her peak level that we witnessed before her injury."

There was major disappointment when Brunell exited the National Cup at the quarter-final stage at home to Liffey Celtics.

“Look we didn’t play well but Liffey Celtics to their credit got the job done. As reigning champions, not to play anywhere near our potential was really disappointing as our defence let us down big time.

“You saw today we are changing up a bit more in defence trying to get more stops but for me when we are playing an upbeat game we do look a far better team.” 

Focus on winning the Super League is very much the focus for the Kerry-based school-teacher in his third year at the reins.

“The system in the Super League will see eight teams qualify and a top-four finish gives you a home quarter-final. 

Five of our eight remaining games are at home, so we've just got to make sure we get the job done, particularly on our home court.

“When we are up, we are very good but when we are not so good, our game plan goes out the window. Consistency will be key for the remainder of the campaign.” 

For Player of the Match Thornton, it was the perfect way to finish 2025.

“Glanmire are a very good side as they are in a cup semi-final for a reason and sadly we are not so, I think this was a key game after our loss at St Paul’s."

REFOCUSED

The recent injury to Lauryn Homan was hard to take.

“We are trying to figure out how to adjust in defence but today was a lot better as this was our first home win of the season and we badly needed it.

“We dropped our guard completely against Liffey in the cup loss and on top of that we lost our focus when the ball wasn’t dropping for us.

“I was pleased our Americans had such an influence on the game today but as a team we have to be consistent on a weekly basis at both ends of the court.”