Brunell gunning for glory in U20 National Cup final

Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell will be hoping that they can win their first U20 Women’s National Cup final in years when they go head-to-head with Templeogue at the National Basketball Arena on Sunday morning, 10am.

It will be an early start for the northside club, whose U18 side are in a final on Saturday. Assistant coach Danielle O’Leary, who is expecting her first child next week, is upbeat and, with a wry smile, hopes everything goes well on and off court.

“I hope that I can make the final as I have enjoyed working with these girls and to make it back to the National basketball arena is testament to the efforts of all concerned,” Danielle said.

The semi-final against local rivals Glanmire was a potential banana skin but Brunell rose to the occasion and ran out comfortable winners.

“We were never going to cruise it as there is a healthy rivalry between the clubs and in fairness, Glanmire battled to the wire."

STEP UP

There is a number of the Glanmire squad who have experience of playing at Super League level and that’s a huge advantage playing in your own grade, according to O’Leary.

"We have Ava Walshe, Laura Hannigan, Rachael Bowdren, Francesca Kyamageco and Abbie Lyons and you can see the maturity when they play at this level.

“Super League is the top tier and with Ava getting good minutes with the team, you can see her game has improved big time over the last 12 months.” 

There was high expectation for Brunell going into this championship but they are not getting carried away as Templeogue have some quality players.

“We always fancied this group of players but when we got drawn against Meteors, we knew that game would be difficult but, in fairness, the girls showed great maturity.

“Meteors always produce quality teams at U18 and U20 level so it was a case of meeting them head on and getting the business done.” 

O’Leary took in a bit of Templeogue’s semi-final against Tralee Magic.

“They look a decent side but on the other side of the coin, I do feel we have many weapons in our team that if we produce we will be able to match them.

“In fairness, Tralee Magic were physically stronger than Templeogue and they will face a different team when they take us on and it will be a different ball game.” 

SPECIAL

The goodwill factor is certainly back in the Brunell club.

We are delighted we are involved in two finals and I think for any club to have two teams involved in underage finals shows we are doing something right.” 

Clodagh Downey came in for special mention from O’Leary.

“Clodagh is going to college in Dublin and makes it to one night with our Super League team but she trained right over Christmas with our U20 team.

“In fairness, Clodagh is a terrific defender and great in defence and when she was based in Cork she travelled from Bantry, so we have a very committed player.” 

The ‘Nellies’ will be travelling to the capital in their hundreds as they bid to bring the good times back to Ladies basketball in this city.