All you need to know as Limerick sides prepare for Domino's National Cup semi-final weekend

THERE are four Limerick sides in Domino's National Cup semi-final action this weekend.

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In the Domino’s MSL National Cup, it is a repeat of last weekend’s game in Cork, as two potential first-time cup winners in Ballincollig and Limerick Celtics lock horns.

Limerick Celtics are in their maiden season in the Super League and are looking to keep their dream alive against the league leaders, who they defeated on the opening day of the season. Head coach Tony Hehir is aware of the huge challenge awaiting his side this weekend.

"This is huge for our club and our young Super League men’s team. We lost a close league game last weekend in MTU, but we know that we are up against a very talented and experienced Ballincollig side on Friday night."

For Ballincollig, since their opening weekend defeat to Celtics, they have lost just the one game this season. Their offensive trio of Latrell Jossell, Latavious Mitchell and Josh Steel are averaging at least 15 points per game.

Speaking ahead of the fixture Ballincollig’s player/coach Ciaran O’Sullivan stated: "Our two league encounters with Limerick Celtics have both been incredibly close, so there’s no doubt the game will go down to the wire. That being said, we have played our best basketball of the season in the cup so far, and we are hopeful we can deliver another top performance."

In the Domino’s MD1 National Cup semi-finals, the Limerick Sport Eagles will face Templeogue while 2021/22 finalists Drogheda Wolves, who are currently joint top of the Domino's Men's Division One, play Ulster University, who last won the competition in 2022/23.

In Domino’s WD1 National Cup, current league leaders Cleveland Rockets (8-1) face Templeogue ,while second placed Limerick Sport Huskies (7-3) are up against Moy Tolka Rovers in the semi-finals.

The U18 Women's National Cup kicks off proceedings at Neptune Stadium on Friday night, with Limerick Celtics taking on Templeogue at 6pm, the other tie in the competition Kilkenny Stars versus Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell is at Parochial Hall on Sunday at 1.30pm.

Domino's MSL National Cup semi-finals

Friday January 2,

Ballincollig v Limerick Celtics, Neptune Stadium, 8.15pm

Saturday January 3,

UCD Marian v Garvey’s Tralee Warriors, Neptune Stadium, 8pm

Domino’s MD1 National Cup semi-finals

Saturday January 3,

Drogheda Wolves v Ulster University, Parocial Hall, 6.30pm

Templeogue v Limerick Sport Eagles, MTU Arena, 8.15pm

Domino’s WD1 National Cup semi-finals

Saturday January 3,

Templeogue v Cleveland Rockets, Parochial Hall, 4pm

Limerick Sport Huskies v Moy Tolka Rovers, MTU Arena, 6pm

U18 Women’s National Cup semi-finals

Friday January 2,

Limerick Celtics v Templeogue, Neptune Stadium, 6pm