"It would mean the world to them to bring it home" - Limerick Celtics U18s Head Coach Jordan Hehir

THE Limerick Celtics Women's U18s are gearing up for a National Cup final in the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght following a resounding semi-final victory over Templeogue. 

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Jordan Hehir's side ran out 20-point victors on the day, winning 79-59 against a very talented Templeogue side. That victory now sets up a National Cup final tie with fellow Munster side Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell of Cork on Saturday at 4.45pm. 

Head Coach Jordan Hehir was delighted with how his side performed against the Dublin-based side in the semi-final.

"It was a great performance. They knocked us out of a U16s National Cup semi-final two years ago so I think that was another element of the performance that would've pleased the girls, the fact that they were able to beat a team that have caused them such heartache in the past.

"They pushed through and got the result but I don't think the scoreline reflected the game. It was always a difference of 9 to 11 points between us throughout the game and we just pulled away towards the end so we were never really comfortable but it was great to get the win at the same time."

Hehir salutes his team's desire to get to this season's final, stating the the squad's strength in depth has been 'unbelievable' this year. 

"We have unbelievable depth this season and the desire that all of the girls have sought out this year has been fantastic. A goal this year that was set out by the team was to go and win the cup.

"They only had one vision and that was to go and bring home the cup. They're a joy to coach because it's very much less about what's on the coaching board and more about them going out and fighting for 40 minutes until the end, no matter what the scoreline is."

The Celtics Head Coach is under no illusions as to how tough the challenge of Brunell will be in the final, with the Cork remaining a consistent rival to the Celtics over the last number of years.

"We're expecting a very tough challenge against Brunell. We play them anywhere between two to five times a year, between the Cork League and these types of competitions. So as much as we are familiar with them, anything can happen on cup final day in the National Arena. 

"It's two great teams who are going to be competing, loaded with talent on either side. It's just about us playing our game and hopefully making shots that we expect and that we know we can make. 

"As I said, the National Arena is a tough place to play, especially for young kids who are not as used to playing in it. We do have the experience of Mungret and Crescent Comprehensive throughout the squad and the fact that they have been there in school's finals and things is big for us."

Hehir says that getting over the line in the semi-final was great but his young squad have their sights set on silverware when they enter the National Arena to face off against their Munster rivals.

"To get over the line in the semi-final was great, there was such a sense of joy surrounding the win. That team has had its ups and downs, they've been on the cusp of doing something special for the last number of years so we celebrated but the girls quickly switched their focus to the final against Brunell where they will look to finish it off. 

"Getting to the final wasn't a goal that the team had for the year, it was winning the cup and bringing it home. It would mean the world to them to bring it home and they've done it in schools and everything but the one thing they haven't done as basketball players is win that National Cup with Limerick Celtics.

"That's the one thing that they're driven to do. They don't care how they do it or who does it as long as the Limerick Celtics bring the cup home," Hehir concluded.