After a well deserved victory against Limerick Sport Eagles in their season opener, Maigh Cuilinn will look to build on their winning momentum as they face Limerick Celtics this Saturday in Crescent College, Limerick.
In their return to National League basketball, Maigh Cuilinn delivered a gutsy 82–75 win over Limerick Sport Eagles at the University of Galway Sports Arena last weekend. The home crowd, energised by the return of competitive basketball to Galway after a long off-season, played a key role in spurring on their side during critical moments of the game. The victory marked new head coach Paul O’Brien’s first competitive win in charge, with the team showing glimpses of promise under his leadership.
Maigh Cuilinn’s showed nervousness in their first-quarter performance against Eagles, particularly from beyond the arc, where several missed three-point attempts left them trailing 26–19 at the end of the opening period. However, they found their rhythm in the second quarter, with influential plays from Aitor Perez Muinoz and James Loughnane helping to steady the ship. By halftime, they had pulled ahead 44–41, and despite a back-and-forth third quarter, they never relinquished the lead.
In the final period, captain Grant Olsson stepped up in the clutch, sinking key free throws to ensure victory. Olsson’s leadership, combined with the impressive performances of Perez (22 points ) and Ivan Basic (18 points ), provided a solid foundation for Maigh Cuilinn. Additionally, the defensive contributions from local youngsters Liam Moloney and Eoin Cleary were crucial in holding off a late push from Eagles.
Looking ahead to their upcoming clash, Maigh Cuilinn face an entirely different kind of challenge against Limerick Celtics. The Celtics opened their season with a dominant performance, securing a convincing win over the Tipp Talons, and will be aiming to continue their early-season form. Their dynamic duo of Ariyon Williams and Finn Hughes proved to be unstoppable in that game, linking up for a combined 56 points and 22 rebounds and Maigh Cuilinn’s famed defence will need to be at its best to contain them.
The Celtics’ physicality, particularly in the paint, will test Maigh Cuilinn’s ability to defend inside while also maintaining their outside shooting. With coach O’Brien likely to emphasize ball movement and efficient shooting in training this week, the Galway side will be working on countering Limerick’s length and athleticism.
For Maigh Cuilinn, this road game will provide a significant test of their ambitions for the season. Following their relegation from the Superleague last year, this is a campaign of redemption, and a strong start in the National League would send a clear message to the rest of the competition.
