Limerick Sport Huskies Orlaith Woods looks ahead to derby clash with Celtics

LIMERICK Sport Huskies open their season against the Limerick Celtics this evening against county rivals Limerick Celtics.

READ MORE: Limerick Huskies Head-Coach Patrick O'Regan looks ahead to 'mouth-watering' Celtics clash

The Huskies kick start the new season when they host the Celtics at Limerick Educate Together with a 4.45pm tip-off this evening. 

Huskies' Orlaith Woods says that there is a positive mood in the camp ahead of today's Limerick derby.

"The mood in the camp is good and preparations are going really well, we've had a strong pre-season that consisted of boosting fitness and team bonding and we're just looking to hit the ground running this weekend," she said. 

"We have some returning players, some new Irish players as well in the mix which is exciting to see, we have younger players stepping up into the squad as well," she added. 

The Huskies have a new head-coach for the upcoming season, with Killarney native Patrick O'Regan taking over from previous head-coach Trevor Moore.

"We have a new coaching staff as well, with our new head-coach Patrick O'Regan and that brings a lot of freshness and excitement to start the season," Woods said. 

Woods also admitted that having their county counterparts in the first game of the season does add an extra 'bite' to proceedings but says her team must remained focused to the task at hand.

"The start of the season is always exciting and the first game, regardless of who you're playing sets the tone for the weeks ahead. The Limerick rivalry always has an extra bite to it and especially with it being a sold out game.

It's going to be a real team effort from us on the day, we'll stay focused on our game plan and trust all of the work we've been doing in training. Even though it is a derby game, we have to treat it like any other game in terms of discipline and execution and following the game plan," she said.

"It's going to be a great showcase for women's basketball in Limerick. It is nearly a pity in a way that it is the first game of the season but it does set the tone for the season ahead. 

That's what is so great about having all of the basketball clubs in Limerick, for us ,we're an all-female club and it's about creating a space where those young girls can thrive, " Woods added. 

The Huskies player is hoping that the basketball scene in Limerick will have a chance to thrive this winter and coming into 2026, stating that the derby match is a great place to start.

"Other sports in Limerick maybe always come to the fore and basketball falls behind things like the GAA and the rugby, so things like the derby are great for the visibility of the sport," Woods concluded.