Limerick basketball teams target National Cup semi-final success

THE Limerick Celtics basketball club have a lot to be excited about this weekend as four of their teams take to the courts in Cork for the National Cup semi-finals. 

First up is Limerick Celtics Senior Wheelchair basketball team who will face a tough task in taking on reigning champions Rebel Wheelers in their semi-final on Saturday morning at 10am in the MTU Arena. Celtics wheelchair team made it to the final of the cup last year and were beaten by the Cork champions on that occasion.

Limerick Celtics women's division one national cup team will take to the floor next as they face McEvoy's Cavan Eagles in their respective semi-final. The Celtic women will have a target on their back going into this semi-final after capturing the National Cup title the previous season, for the first time in the clubs history. 

Jordan Hehir's side had to overcome local rivals Limerick Sport Huskies in their quarter-final, emerging 81-71 winners. Huge games from Amy Buckley, Stephanie McBride and Sabhbh Edwards Murphy helped propel Celtics into back-to-back cup semi's. 

This Saturday's game at 6pm in the MTU Arena will be another huge test for the Celtics side having lost to Cavan Eagles in the league already this season. The Eagles got the better of Moy Tolka Rovers in their quarter-final on a scoreline of 76-54. 

Limerick Celtics men's side will also take to the floor on Saturday evening as they take on Moy Tolka Rovers in their semi-final of the President's National Cup. Tony Hehir's side remain unbeaten so far this season and are currently sitting top of the National League table. 

The Celtic’s men made light work of their quarter-final opponents Carrick Cruisers, coming out with a 91-74 victory. Tolka also had a comprehensive victory over SETU Waterford Vikings in their quarter-final. This will be Tolka's second year in a cup semi-final as they came up short to Limerick Sport Eagles last year. Celtics and Tolka Rovers game gets underway at 8pm this Saturday evening at the MTU Arena. 

The final Limerick Celtic’s team that will compete in the National Cup semi-finals this weekend is the men's U20 side. The Celtic's underage team will compete against Killester in their semi-final on Sunday morning at 11am, also in MTU Arena. 

Also featuring in the National Cup semi-finals this weekend is the Limerick Lions who will be competing against Éanna BC in the Billy Coffey U18 men's national cup semi-final at 1:30pm on Saturday in Neptune Stadium