The highly anticipated Galway basketball derby between Maigh Cuilinn and Titans takes centre stage this Saturday evening in Ballinfoyle Community Centre (7.00pm tip-off ), as both sides continue their battle for playoff positioning in the National League Southern Conference.
This fixture marks the second meeting of the season between the two clubs, following a dramatic encounter in October, when Titans snatched a 69-68 victory in the University of Galway Sports Arena. That game, played in front of a packed and vocal crowd, saw Maigh Cuilinn let a ten-point halftime lead slip before a frantic final sequence of free throws and turnovers ultimately sealed the win for the city side.
This time, with Titans hosting the return fixture, Maigh Cuilinn will be looking to exact revenge for that heartbreaking loss while also continuing their strong run of form in recent weeks.
A rivalry reignited
Back in October, what was then the first encounter for a decade at national league level between city side Titans and their county rivals Maigh Cuilinn did not disappoint, delivering a game full of intensity, controversy, and late drama.
On that night, Grant Olsson was unstoppable for Maigh Cuilinn, finishing with 30 points, while the likes of Aitor Perez and Liam Moloney provided key contributions. However, after leading by as many as 12 points, Maigh Cuilinn were stifled by a late defensive switch from Titans, who turned to a 2-3 zone defence that forced difficult shots and slowed the Connemara men's offence.
In the closing minutes, Titans capitalised on Maigh Cuilinn turnovers and, thanks to the scoring efforts of Michael Hayes (22 points ) and Charles Peppin (13 points ), edged ahead in a nail-biting finish.
The final moments of that game were chaotic, with a misdirected Maigh Cuilinn pass leading to a crucial turnover, before an unusual sequence of technical fouls and free throws ultimately decided the outcome.
Now, four months later, Maigh Cuilinn will have their chance at redemption, but they will need to produce a full 40-minute performance if they are to avoid a repeat of their October collapse.
Key battles on the court
A major factor in this weekend’s game will be how Maigh Cuilinn handles Titans’ zone defence. In October, they struggled against it in the fourth quarter, leading to missed shots and costly turnovers. Head coach Paul O’Brien will need a plan to counteract that tactic if Titans turn to it again.
The battle in the paint between Aitor Perez and Charles Peppin could also be decisive. Peppin’s physical presence gave Titans a crucial edge last time, but Perez has been in fine form recently and will be determined to impose himself inside.
Another key aspect will be late-game execution. Both teams have had issues with closing out games - Maigh Cuilinn almost let victory slip last weekend in Carrick, while Titans must be suffering in confidence after what has been an extremely rocky start to 2025 generally and would historically have struggled to see out games against Maigh Cuilinn, albeit that history comes some time before most of the players competing Saturday will have been a part of.
Whoever handles the pressure best in the fourth quarter could well come out on top.
With local bragging rights, playoff implications, and a packed Ballinfoyle crowd expected, this latest chapter in the Maigh Cuilinn-Titans rivalry promises to be another gripping encounter in what has already been an exciting season for Galway basketball.
