Connemara basketball fans are in for a treat this weekend as Maigh Cuilinn prepares to host their opening National Cup game in Spórtlann Mhichael Mhóir, Leitir Móir, against the formidable Portlaoise Panthers. Tip-off is set for this Saturday at 7pm.
The Panthers, who have been undefeated so far this season, will be arriving in Galway in top form, having already overcome Ulster University, the other team that joined Maigh Cuilinn in dropping from Superleague to National League this year.
It is a match that could set the tone for both teams’ Cup aspirations and promises plenty of fireworks.
Maigh Cuilinn will need to bring both their defensive discipline and offensive firepower to contend with Portlaoise, who are not only undefeated but highly efficient at both ends of the court. The Panthers’ recent win over Ulster University has shown they’re capable of beating the best, and their consistency could pose a challenge for Maigh Cuilinn’s more fluid, fast-paced style.
Coach O’Brien has emphasised the importance of a strong start and minimizing turnovers, both of which proved critical in the Titans game.
“Portlaoise will punish every slip-up, so it’s crucial we stay disciplined. Our home crowd will give us an edge, and we want to make sure we give them a game to remember,” he said.
Maigh Cuilinn have displayed resilience and skill in their recent league outings, although the team experienced both the highs and lows of the competition over the past weekend. Saturday’s Galway derby against Titans was a thrilling spectacle, albeit one that didn’t end in Maigh Cuilinn’s favour.
In a nail-biting finish, Maigh Cuilinn ultimately fell 69–68 to Titans, who clinched the win after a series of dramatic closing seconds. Maigh Cuilinn led for most of the game, boosted by standout performances from Grant Olsson, who tallied 30 points. However, Titans’ zone defense in the fourth quarter slowed Maigh Cuilinn’s offense and allowed Titans to creep back into contention.
The final moments were chaotic. Titans took their first lead of the game late before almost blowing it by a bench player encroaching on the court in celebration which drew a technical foul, giving Maigh Cuillinn a last chance to win the game. Titans secured possession off a loose ball that resulted from Maigh Cuilinn’s final attack falling short.
Maigh Cuilinn’s head coach Paul O’Brien, noted both the disappointment of the loss and his team’s fighting spirit: “It’s a tough one to take, especially when we had control early on. But that’s what makes these games so intense. Credit to Titans—they showed a lot of grit, and we’ll learn from this experience. We’re building something, and the crowd tonight showed just how much this rivalry means. It is great for Galway basketball.”
Monday’s game against Tipp Talons, however, saw Maigh Cuilinn bounce back with an 82–72 road victory.
Although Talons entered winless, they proved to be determined competitors, challenging Maigh Cuilinn’s defence early on. Maigh Cuilinn pulled ahead in the second quarter thanks to sharp three-point shooting from Olsson, Perez, and Donagh McDonagh, which established a ten-point lead by halftime.
A series of late-game heroics from Olsson and Basic in the fourth quarter helped seal the victory, improving Maigh Cuilinn’s league record to 3–2. Olsson’s performance over the weekend was particularly noteworthy, with a combined 61 points across both games, cementing his role as the offensive anchor for Maigh Cuilinn.
