A Galway derby with genuine bite awaits on Saturday night as Maigh Cuilinn welcome Maree to the University of Galway Sports Arena (7pm ) in a contest that could shape the closing weeks of the National League season.
Maree arrive in formidable form. Sitting at 13–5, they have won six of their last seven and continue to impress under first-year head coach Jason Killeen, the former Irish senior international who has transitioned seamlessly from a decorated playing career in Dublin and Limerick into management. His side play with structure and clarity and are well positioned for a post season run.
They showed exactly that quality last weekend in Dublin, where a dominant third quarter laid the platform for a deserved 93–86 victory over Templeogue. At the heart of everything is Isaiah Taylor. The American guard is averaging a remarkable 31 points per game and remains one of the league’s most explosive scorers. Capable of taking over a game from deep or off the dribble, Taylor demands constant defensive attention.
When opponents tilt coverage toward him, Kosovan forward Rinor Dragusha is ready to capitalise. Averaging 20 points per game, Dragusha thrives in secondary actions, finishing strong around the rim and stretching defences that overcommit.
For Maigh Cuilinn, the task is clear – limit Taylor’s rhythm without allowing Dragusha and the supporting cast to feast on openings. Defensive rebounding and transition defence will be critical. The home side are again likely to be without captain Grant Olsson, whose problems injury continue to sideline him, meaning the collective must once more shoulder the responsibility.
Last weekend’s road trip to Drogheda Wolves offered a reminder of both Maigh Cuilinn’s resilience and the thin margins at this level. Facing the second placed team in the league without Olsson, they matched Wolves stride for stride in the opening half. Dylan Cunningham rolled back the years with a composed shooting display, finishing with 16 points, while Antonio Molina and Ivan Basic provided penetration and scoring punch.
Maigh Cuilinn won the second quarter and trailed by just a single point at halftime, having carried real momentum into the break. However, as the game opened up late, Drogheda’s depth and firepower showed, and the final quarter saw them stretch the margin to a 90–65 victory.
Despite the scoreline, there were positives in Maigh Cuilinn’s competitive first half and in the continued development of players like Brendan Hardiman, who added 11 points in Drogheda and has grown steadily across the campaign.
Now the focus shifts to Galway’s own rivalry. Playoff hopes may be hanging by a thread, but derby nights bring their own motivation. In front of a home crowd and against a high-flying neighbour, Maigh Cuilinn will have little difficulty finding intensity.
If Maigh Cuilinn contain Taylor, control the boards, and manage tempo, they will believe they can make Saturday night uncomfortable for one of the league’s best sides.
