Ciaran Kiveney enjoying Neptune challenge, especially after derby win over Demons

The look on the face of the Energywise Ireland Neptune coach Ciaran Kiveney told a thousand stories following his side's crucial 95-77 win over great rivals UCC Demons.

Athlone-based Kiveney knew this was a game his team could ill afford to lose.

“We knew it was a crucial game and we prepared accordingly, and our game plan working well up to the third quarter but Demons got a run on us in the third which would be expected in a game with so much relying on it,” Kiveney said.

Joining Neptune at such a crucial stage of the season was always going to be a huge task but Kiveney is enjoying the challenge.

“I think my biggest challenge was getting the lads playing as a team and today with our professionals outstanding and getting a good contribution from our Irish players, it laid the foundation for our win."

When Kiveney joined, he helped sign Americans Mike Hayes and Samuel Henderson and both looked extra sharp in this game.

“Look I didn’t know much about the lads that were here at the start of the season but I have to say we now look better balanced. With Mike and Samuel and with Adon Gregorio also outstanding it was a good day for us.” 

Coach Kiveney believes his team is capable of mixing it with the best, particularly on their home court.

“I do believe my own team and Demons shouldn’t be in this position and from my own perspective, I think that our stadium will become a fortress for visiting teams in the coming months.” 

The Cork derby games is one of the most famous clashes in Irish sport and Kiveney wasn’t disappointed in his first game at the helm of the great occasion.

“I thought the Galway derby game when I coached Titans was an experience, but nothing matched what I witnessed today and many thanks to all our fans for getting behind us.

Neptune are a proud club and I want this tradition to carry on and now the players must build on this win and make sure we get away from the relegation zone.” 

Neptune captain Adam Heaphy didn’t play as he was ill over the Christmas period but he was thrilled with the spirit shown by the squad.

“When our three pros turned up there was always a chance, we could put in a solid performance but for me today our Irish players made a huge contribution that laid the foundation for the win,” Adam said.

LESSONS

Heaphy believes his team learned from the UCD Marian defeat in Dublin before Christmas.

“As a group, we didn’t perform but thankfully lessons were learned and to me no matter how good your Americans play we need our Irish lads also putting in a good shift to win games."

Results didn’t go the way of Neptune and Demons in the first half of the campaign and Heaphy hopes both clubs stay in the top tier.

“On results both clubs deserve to be rooted at the bottom, but I think there is quality to stay in this league and hopefully it will turn for both of us in the New Year as basketball needs this unique rivalry.”