Date: March 28, 2025
Venue: Mounthawk School Gym, Tralee
Final Score: Tralee Magic 65 – Cobh 57
There are good teams. There are strong teams. And then there’s this Tralee Magic U20 Women’s team—a rare blend of heart, grit, and togetherness that you don’t see often in sport.
In a raucous Mounthawk Gym on Friday night, this extraordinary group took a giant step into history, defeating a talented Cobh side 65-57 in a thrilling National Cup Semi-Final. For the first time since 2014, Tralee Magic U20 women are headed to the Basketball Ireland National Cup Final at the National Arena in Tallaght.
And they’re doing it their way—with passion, unity, and fearless basketball.
________________________________________________
How the Game Unfolded
Tralee dominated the opening quarter and matched Cobh blow for blow in the second, but it was the third quarter where the game truly turned. The girls locked in defensively and held Cobh to just 3 points, while putting up 19 of their own—an emphatic show of momentum and belief.
Cobh came roaring back in the fourth with a late surge, but Tralee never lost composure. Every player stayed calm, stayed connected, and saw the job through with mature execution.
________________________________________________
Magic On The Floor – Player Performances
Muireann Tehan was unplayable. The playmaker dropped 22 points (9 two-point FGs, 1 three-pointer, 1/3 FT) and drove the team forward with poise and aggression. She was involved in multiple dominant lineups, including a stretch where Tralee outscored Cobh 11-0 in just over four minutes. Her +/- was +15, the highest on the team.
Holly O'Brien scored 8 points with a brilliant 80% FT rate (4/5), and her calm presence across nearly 26 minutes gave Tralee the anchor it needed.
Rachel Creedon added 6 points, with 3 strong 2-point buckets in 18 minutes, while Grace Lucid was a two-way engine—her 6 points came with high-effort defense and a fierce rebounding attitude.
Anna O’Sullivan delivered 6 key points from three field goals in a composed 21-minute shift.
Emily Flynn (4 pts) and Priya O’Donovan (5 pts) were efficient and clever, while Mary Kate Smith, Sorcha Casey, and Lucy O’Donnell each chipped in 2 points at vital moments.
Niamh Collins brought a burst of energy and tenacity that lit up the court. She played with fearless intensity, constantly putting pressure on the defense and earning her way to the line, where she went 2-for-4 from the free-throw line. Her aggressive play drew fouls, disrupted Cobh’s rhythm, and gave Tralee a valuable edge during key rotations. It was a fearless, high-impact performance that showed exactly why she’s such a vital part of this group.
Though Kelly Fitzgerald didn’t score, her screens, hustle, and team-first mentality were crucial in several of Tralee’s best runs.
________________________________________________
Team Stats (Tralee):
2PT FG Made: 26
3PT FG Made: 2
Free Throws: 7/12 (58%)
Total Fouls: 23 – While the foul count was on the high side, it was a reflection of the team's relentless defensive pressure and refusal to give up easy scores. Their aggression was matched with enough control to avoid serious foul trouble, a testament to their growing discipline and maturity under pressure.
Top +/- Player: Muireann Tehan (+15)
Highest Scoring Lineup: Muireann Tehan, Kelly Fitzgerald, Holly O’Brien, Mary Kate Smith, and Anna O’Sullivan — outscored Cobh 11-0 in just over four minutes during a game-changing stretch in the third quarter.
This lineup’s chemistry and effort created momentum that swung the game decisively in Tralee’s favour.
________________________________________________
The Cobh Challenge
Cobh came into the game with serious talent, and they proved it—Ruby O’Rourke led their scoring with 22 points, including 7 two-point field goals and 2 from deep. Francesca Kyamagero added 17 points, strong inside finishing, and a perfect FT streak in the fourth quarter.
Leah O’Connell chipped in with 11 points, but Cobh struggled during that brutal third quarter, where Tralee’s rotations and relentless energy smothered any momentum.
They ended with:
2PT FG Made: 19
3PT FG Made: 2
Free Throws: 13/28 (46%)
Top Scorer: Ruby O’Rourke (22 pts)
Despite a powerful 27-point final quarter, the damage had already been done. Tralee’s third-quarter heroics and team chemistry carried them across the finish line.
________________________________________________
Behind the Scenes – The People Who Make It Happen
This team’s success isn’t just about points and stats—it’s about people.
A massive thank you to:
Head Coach Thomas, for his vision, calm leadership, and belief in every player on the roster.
Assistant Coach Caitríona, whose boundless energy, high standards, and no-nonsense approach have pushed this team to be the best they can be.
She has applied everything she has learned from Thomas with intensity and heart, helping mould this group into the sharp, disciplined unit it is today.
Team Manager Niamh, who brings heart, organisation, and steady support behind the scenes—making sure everything runs like clockwork.
And to those who helped make the night itself happen:
Referees Eimear and Julie, for keeping the game flowing with fairness and clarity.
Table officials Amy, Maurice, and Junior Collins, for their professionalism and presence courtside.
A special thanks to Sinnet Forsyth for her amazing rendition of our National Anthem.
Every one of you played a role in this incredible moment.
________________________________________________
Next Stop: Tallaght – But Who Will Stand in the Way?
The other semi-final between Cavan Eagles and Brunell has yet to be played, so Tralee will have to wait a little longer to see who awaits in the final.
Regardless of the opponent, one thing is certain: this group is ready.
Ready to step on the court in the National Arena.
Ready to represent their club.
Ready to show what a team built on trust, heart, and belief can do.
________________________________________________
They are more than players. They are a magic team. They are a big part of a magic family.
And they're not done yet.
Tallaght, here they come.
Venue: Mounthawk School Gym, Tralee
Final Score: Tralee Magic 65 – Cobh 57
There are good teams. There are strong teams. And then there’s this Tralee Magic U20 Women’s team—a rare blend of heart, grit, and togetherness that you don’t see often in sport.
In a raucous Mounthawk Gym on Friday night, this extraordinary group took a giant step into history, defeating a talented Cobh side 65-57 in a thrilling National Cup Semi-Final. For the first time since 2014, Tralee Magic U20 women are headed to the Basketball Ireland National Cup Final at the National Arena in Tallaght.
And they’re doing it their way—with passion, unity, and fearless basketball.
________________________________________________
How the Game Unfolded
Tralee dominated the opening quarter and matched Cobh blow for blow in the second, but it was the third quarter where the game truly turned. The girls locked in defensively and held Cobh to just 3 points, while putting up 19 of their own—an emphatic show of momentum and belief.
Cobh came roaring back in the fourth with a late surge, but Tralee never lost composure. Every player stayed calm, stayed connected, and saw the job through with mature execution.
________________________________________________
Magic On The Floor – Player Performances
Muireann Tehan was unplayable. The playmaker dropped 22 points (9 two-point FGs, 1 three-pointer, 1/3 FT) and drove the team forward with poise and aggression. She was involved in multiple dominant lineups, including a stretch where Tralee outscored Cobh 11-0 in just over four minutes. Her +/- was +15, the highest on the team.
Holly O'Brien scored 8 points with a brilliant 80% FT rate (4/5), and her calm presence across nearly 26 minutes gave Tralee the anchor it needed.
Rachel Creedon added 6 points, with 3 strong 2-point buckets in 18 minutes, while Grace Lucid was a two-way engine—her 6 points came with high-effort defense and a fierce rebounding attitude.
Anna O’Sullivan delivered 6 key points from three field goals in a composed 21-minute shift.
Emily Flynn (4 pts) and Priya O’Donovan (5 pts) were efficient and clever, while Mary Kate Smith, Sorcha Casey, and Lucy O’Donnell each chipped in 2 points at vital moments.
Niamh Collins brought a burst of energy and tenacity that lit up the court. She played with fearless intensity, constantly putting pressure on the defense and earning her way to the line, where she went 2-for-4 from the free-throw line. Her aggressive play drew fouls, disrupted Cobh’s rhythm, and gave Tralee a valuable edge during key rotations. It was a fearless, high-impact performance that showed exactly why she’s such a vital part of this group.
Though Kelly Fitzgerald didn’t score, her screens, hustle, and team-first mentality were crucial in several of Tralee’s best runs.
________________________________________________
Team Stats (Tralee):
2PT FG Made: 26
3PT FG Made: 2
Free Throws: 7/12 (58%)
Total Fouls: 23 – While the foul count was on the high side, it was a reflection of the team's relentless defensive pressure and refusal to give up easy scores. Their aggression was matched with enough control to avoid serious foul trouble, a testament to their growing discipline and maturity under pressure.
Top +/- Player: Muireann Tehan (+15)
Highest Scoring Lineup: Muireann Tehan, Kelly Fitzgerald, Holly O’Brien, Mary Kate Smith, and Anna O’Sullivan — outscored Cobh 11-0 in just over four minutes during a game-changing stretch in the third quarter.
This lineup’s chemistry and effort created momentum that swung the game decisively in Tralee’s favour.
________________________________________________
The Cobh Challenge
Cobh came into the game with serious talent, and they proved it—Ruby O’Rourke led their scoring with 22 points, including 7 two-point field goals and 2 from deep. Francesca Kyamagero added 17 points, strong inside finishing, and a perfect FT streak in the fourth quarter.
Leah O’Connell chipped in with 11 points, but Cobh struggled during that brutal third quarter, where Tralee’s rotations and relentless energy smothered any momentum.
They ended with:
2PT FG Made: 19
3PT FG Made: 2
Free Throws: 13/28 (46%)
Top Scorer: Ruby O’Rourke (22 pts)
Despite a powerful 27-point final quarter, the damage had already been done. Tralee’s third-quarter heroics and team chemistry carried them across the finish line.
________________________________________________
Behind the Scenes – The People Who Make It Happen
This team’s success isn’t just about points and stats—it’s about people.
A massive thank you to:
Head Coach Thomas, for his vision, calm leadership, and belief in every player on the roster.
Assistant Coach Caitríona, whose boundless energy, high standards, and no-nonsense approach have pushed this team to be the best they can be.
She has applied everything she has learned from Thomas with intensity and heart, helping mould this group into the sharp, disciplined unit it is today.
Team Manager Niamh, who brings heart, organisation, and steady support behind the scenes—making sure everything runs like clockwork.
And to those who helped make the night itself happen:
Referees Eimear and Julie, for keeping the game flowing with fairness and clarity.
Table officials Amy, Maurice, and Junior Collins, for their professionalism and presence courtside.
A special thanks to Sinnet Forsyth for her amazing rendition of our National Anthem.
Every one of you played a role in this incredible moment.
________________________________________________
Next Stop: Tallaght – But Who Will Stand in the Way?
The other semi-final between Cavan Eagles and Brunell has yet to be played, so Tralee will have to wait a little longer to see who awaits in the final.
Regardless of the opponent, one thing is certain: this group is ready.
Ready to step on the court in the National Arena.
Ready to represent their club.
Ready to show what a team built on trust, heart, and belief can do.
________________________________________________
They are more than players. They are a magic team. They are a big part of a magic family.
And they're not done yet.
Tallaght, here they come.
