What a sensational weekend for our U18 Girls in Cavan as they battled their way toward a National Cup quarter-final! The Stars faced a tough group stage on Saturday, going up against Tramore, Liffey Celtics, and Killester, with every game a test of skill, teamwork, and determination.
The day began against familiar rivals Tramore. From the tip-off, it was clear that the Stars were on a mission. Led by National League stars Aimee O’Reilly, Caoimhe Timmons, and Lena Zydek, Kilkenny played with intensity and precision. Every pass, drive, and shot was executed with confidence, and the result was never in doubt—Kilkenny Stars stormed to a commanding 67–23 win to kick off their campaign in style.
Next up, the formidable Liffey Celtics awaited. Known as a powerhouse in Irish ladies’ basketball, they were expected to push the Stars to the limit. But Kilkenny’s girls had other ideas. With O’Reilly, Timmons, and Zydek leading the charge and Emily Lauhoff, Lucy Coomey, and Sarah Burke delivering crucial support, the Stars executed a near-perfect game plan. Veterans Jill Dempsey and Katie O’Keeffe added experience and composure, while Juno Vanhengel provided key contributions. The result? Another emphatic victory, 67–38, leaving no doubt who was dominating the group.
The final challenge of the day was Killester, giants of Irish basketball, with a semi-final spot on the line. Aimee O’Reilly lit up the court with a game-high 29 points, while Caoimhe Timmons added 14. Aoibheann Walsh was a defensive powerhouse, and Kayla Wall delivered vital support. The Stars fought relentlessly, finishing strong to claim a hard-earned 58–49 win and a spot in the semi-finals. Coach Puff Summers couldn’t hide his pride, praising both the team’s offensive flair and defensive grit.
Sunday brought a thrilling semi-final against Kerry’s St Mary’s, who had previously beaten the Stars in the All-Ireland League. Kilkenny exploded out of the blocks, building a five-point lead after the first quarter and a stunning 21-point advantage at halftime. St Mary’s rallied in the second half, but the Stars’ momentum proved unstoppable, sealing a 59–45 victory and setting up a mouth-watering showdown with top-tier Tolka Rovers.
The final group game against Tolka Rovers was a high-octane thriller. Caoimhe Timmons dazzled with 22 points, while O’Reilly and Zydek combined for another 22. Contributions from Lucy Coogan, Amie Leigh, and Kayla Wall, along with Walsh’s relentless defence, kept the Stars ahead in a tense finish. Despite a late Rovers comeback, Kilkenny held on for a nail-biting 54–52 victory, capping off a perfect weekend.
This triumph sets up a quarter-final home clash against Tralee Magic later this month. Huge thanks go to Coach Puff Summers and club legend Grainne Timmons for preparing the team to perfection, and to sponsor Robert Quinn LTD, who ensured the girls had the best gear for their national exploits. Adrian Burke of Robert Quinn LTD said, “We are proud to be associated with this group. They play with spirit, dignity, and respect, and are a credit to their parents and club. Massive congratulations to Puff and Grainne for guiding these exceptional players.”
The Kilkenny Stars have announced themselves as a force to be reckoned with, and the excitement is just getting started!
