May 5th, National Basketball Arena – The dream became reality. In a thrilling showdown filled with pressure, pride, and passion, Tralee Magic rose to the occasion and were crowned U20 Women’s National Cup Champions, defeating Cavan Eagles 61–53.
It was a victory built on heart and hustle. A team that began the game with early nerves finished it with steel and style.
Shaky Start, Ruthless Finish
Trailing 16–12 after the first quarter, the Magic looked slightly overwhelmed by the grandeur of the occasion. Cavan Eagles started fast, finding early scores in transition and forcing turnovers as Tralee settled into the rhythm of the game.
The second quarter saw Magic begin to steady themselves. Defensive rotations tightened, and the offence found better spacing, though Cavan still edged the period to take a 31–25 lead into the break.
Momentum began to shift in the third. Tralee came out with renewed composure, executing their sets and applying pressure defensively. A 15–8 swing in their favour turned the tide and put them one point up heading into the final ten minutes.
And then came the fourth—twenty-one determined, fast-paced, hard-fought points. Tralee’s energy never dipped. They dominated in transition, drew fouls, and converted crucial free throws. The 21–14 quarter sealed it. When the final buzzer sounded, the comeback was complete—and so was the dream.
Over the course of the game, Tralee were sharper at both ends when it mattered most. While Cavan held the edge in rebounding, Magic forced more turnovers (18 to Cavan’s 14), made more steals (11–7), and edged their opponents in shooting accuracy at key moments—particularly from the free throw line, where the difference helped swing momentum late in the game.
A Team Effort From Start to Finish
Every player who stepped on the floor made a difference:
- Mary Kate Smith was an engine in the middle, scoring 11 points in over 33 minutes. She pulled down rebounds, battled in the paint, and played through contact all game. Her outstanding all-round performance was rightly recognised as she was awarded Player of the Game.
- Muireann Tehan led the team in scoring with 12 points and added 2 steals. Her composure in key moments was crucial, and her +7 efficiency reflected her influence.
- Holly O’Brien chipped in with 11 points and led by example defensively, adding 3 steals to her box score.
- Priya O’Donovan brought fire on both ends—8 points, 3 steals, and tireless energy that kept Cavan guessing.
- Emily Flynn was a perfect 4/4 from the free throw line and added 6 points overall, giving Tralee key baskets in momentum-building stretches.
- Rachel Creedon made the most of her 13 minutes, hitting 2/2 from the line and knocking down a clutch field goal to help turn the tide.
- Kelly Fitzgerald muscled in 6 hard-earned points in the paint and added presence on the boards.
- Anna O’Sullivan was fearless in attack, earning her minutes and staying aggressive despite a tough defensive assignment.
- Orla O’Mahony gave strong defensive minutes in the first half, settling the team and keeping Cavan from running up an early lead.
- Grace Lucid added 3 points and some vital hustle plays late in the second quarter that helped swing momentum.
- Lucy O’Donnell was tenacious on defense and picked up a block to energize her team.
- Niamh Collins, feeling under the weather on the day, didn’t get to hit the court this time—but her impact on the road to the final was undeniable. A spark plug in earlier rounds, she brought the bench energy that fuelled the second-half surge!
Built Through Grit and Grind
This cup win wasn’t built in one game. It came from months of hard work—conditioning, film sessions, drills, and discipline. These players didn’t fluke a final. They earned it with effort, intensity, and unity. From pre-season to the Arena, their work rate never wavered.
Guided by Experience, Lifted by Belief
Coach Tomás O’Hanlon, a seasoned voice in Irish basketball, brought calm and clarity to every moment. His years of experience gave this young squad the structure to thrive. Working beside him, Assistant Coach Caitríona Collins grew into her own coaching voice—confident, trusted, and tactically sharp.
Niamh Collins, the team’s unsung hero, worked tirelessly behind the curtain—organising, preparing, motivating. Her dedication was the engine that kept things moving off the court so the girls could shine on it.
An Arena of Magic
While a small group of Tralee supporters were able to make the journey, their presence was mighty. Family and friends, who had stood by the team through every early morning and late-night session, filled the Arena with pride. Their dedication was rewarded in full at the final whistle—tears of joy, hugs of relief, and beaming smiles told the story of what this win truly meant.
A Word for Cavan Eagles
Full respect to Cavan Eagles, whose standout performer Emma Tolan scored 27 points in a remarkable effort. They played with grit and determination and were worthy finalists in every sense.
Tralee Magic didn’t just take home the cup. They earned the right to be called champions with every sprint, every shot, every rebound. On May 5th, they lit up the National Arena—and now, they’ll be remembered as the team that made Magic happen.
2025 U20 Women’s National Cup Champions!
