Brunell U18s relish underdogs tag in National Cup final against Limerick

It will be all systems go tomorrow for Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell when they play Limerick Celtics in the final of the Women’s National Cup final at the National Basketball Arena.

For coach Kieran O’Leary, it will be a huge day for the club as he reflected on his team’s semi-final win over Kilkenny Stars.

“The first half was very close and it was a one-point game. I said to the girls at half time we have 20 minutes to get our act together and to be fair they responded well."

Solid defence is the key to winning this championship.

“When my team are at it in defence we look a far better side and I am sure that will be the key going forward into our final against Limerick Celtics,” added O’Leary.

The shooting of the former Ballincollig player Jean Aherne is crucial to Brunell and she will be a key player in this decider.

“I had a word with Jean a couple of weeks ago as she stopped shooting the ball and I reminded her she had a license to do so and the end result was a game-high 23 points against Kilkenny.” 

Coach O’Leary usually takes a Christmas break to Lanzarote for a welcome rest but with the cup semi-final weekend brought forward there was no time for his vacation.

“To be honest, with the cup brought forward all we did was train, so I was pleased with the basketball we produced in the second half against Kilkenny.” 

Brunell will go into the final as outsiders against a tall Limerick Celtics side but coach O’Leary is confident his team will be ready.

Our aim will be to keep them off the boards and I was shocked that Templeogue failed to beat them as the Dublin side would have been strongly tipped to win this championship.” 

Over his long coaching career O’Leary has experienced highs and lows at the National basketball arena and this final will be another one too close to call.

“Look I have went to finals as underdogs and came out winning and I have also had raging hot favourite teams that failed so to me if my team can go there and don’t get carried away we will not be far away.” 

STRONG SPIRIT

The progress of this Brunell team has been extraordinary since the start of the season.

“I was contemplating stepping away from coaching but with Jodie Black moving up to the Super League team I ended up with the squad.

“At the start of the season, we competed and won the Laura Brennan Tournament in Dublin and I knew that would give us a good gauge on how the cup run would pan out.” 

O’Leary believes the spirit in the team is a joy to be part of.

“Look we are 40 minutes from winning the final and when you think the majority of these players were playing in the C basketball grade at U16 level so they have come a long way since.

“We are a very proud club with great supporters and all I will be asking for my players to do is to let everything on court and hope that will get us over the line.”