Our U12 Girls signed off on their season on Friday evening with a hugely competitive local derby against St. Brendan’s in CBS The Green, and what a way it was to finish.

From the opening tip right to the final buzzer, both teams brought brilliant energy and intensity to the floor. It was one of those games where every possession mattered, every loose ball was fought for, and every score had to be earned. It was also a great reminder that a healthy local rivalry is alive and well, with both sets of girls showing real determination and heart throughout.

Magic edged the opening three quarters, showing great teamwork, composure and togetherness, but St. Brendan’s kept coming and managed to nick it right at the end, with our girls just pipped at the post by a single point in the fourth.

While it was a tough one to lose, there was so much to be proud of in this performance and in this group as a whole.

This game marked the end of the girls’ first Division 1 season, having earned their place at that level through their performances in the first half of the year. That in itself is a brilliant achievement for this team. Having played in Division 2 last season, the progress they have made over the past year has been enormous, and they have shown over and over what they are made of.

This season has been one of immense growth for these girls. They have developed into an incredibly cohesive and responsive team who play for one another in the best possible way. This is a group built on effort and togetherness — a real team in every sense of the word. There are no superstars, no selfish players, just girls fully committed to each other and willing to work for every single moment together.

That kind of spirit is special, and it is why the future for this team is very bright.

A big thank you also to Roy, Anna and Emily for the huge amount of time and energy they have dedicated to this team throughout the season. Volunteer coaches give so much of themselves, and this group has been so lucky to have that support guiding them along the way. Thank you too to the ever-efficient Sinéad, who has been a wonderful team manager and such an important part of the team all season.

Well done girls on a brilliant season and on representing Tralee Magic so well right to the very end 💙