Limerick sides shift focus to Super League and Division One endeavours

THE Limerick Celtics Men’s side return to Super League action having had a successful outing in their first National Cup outing of the season last weekend.

Celtics took out last year’s Domino’s MSL National Cup finalists Garvey’s Tralee Warriors in a 12-point victory. Garvey’s Tralee Warriors took off to reach a 25-21 lead at the end of the first quarter; however, Tony Hehir’s in-form Celtics dominated the second period, outscoring Tralee Warriors 23-9.

Gareth Moore’s Warriors brought the game to Celtics in the second half, bridging the gap to three before the final ten minutes. Sebastian Cole came out all guns blazing in the final period, scoring 13 points and going 100% for two-pointers, three-pointers and free-throws – ultimately giving Limerick Celtics an 87-75 victory.

Hehir’s charges return to Super League action this Saturday when they face UCC Demons at Crescent College, tip-off is at 7pm.

The Limerick Sport Eagles also return to Super League outing following a fruitful first outing of the season in the National Cup.

Niall McDermott’s side defeated six-time winners Killester in Clontarf.

Eagles started the game with a stellar 26-point quarter, where Aaron Rhooms and Tobias Christensen combined for 17 points in the ten minutes. Killester struggled to fight back in the next two periods, before finally narrowing the gap to six at the end of the third quarter.

An early three-pointer from Kyle Carlesimo and a converted Colm O’Reilly free-throw brought the game to 57-55 in Limerick Eagles' favour; however, a flurry of points from Alex Carlisle, Aaron Rhooms and Ryan Leonard earned Limerick Eagles the 12-point win.

Eagles will be looking to make it back-to-back wins against Killester in the league this weekend when they face their Dublin-based opponents yet again.

Tip-off at St Munchin’s College is at 7pm.

In Women’s Super League action, the Limerick Celtics will be looking to get back to winning ways in a fortnight’s time following an opening round defeat in their National Cup jourey.

VSC Cavan Eagles defeated Celtics 85-73.

Eagles got off to a bright start to go 14-7 ahead after the first quarter, but a monstrous 26-point second quarter from Limerick Celtics levelled the game at half-time. VSC Cavan Eagles shot off to a quick start in the second half, stretching their lead to 14 in the final period.

Limerick Celtics got back into the swing of the game to bridge the gap to five with three minutes left, but a flurry of Niamh Tolan free throws gave Cavan Eagles their 12-point win.

Celtics face Utility Trust St Paul's at Crescent College in two weeks time.

In Women’s Division One action, the Limerick Sport Huskies were granted quarter-final status before action got underway this season and therefore were not involved in any National Cup proceedings.

The Huskies will be back in Division One action in a fortnight’s time where they will look to continue their stellar start to the season.

They next face the Dublin Raiders in two weeks time, tip-off at Castlepark School, Dalkey will be at 6pm on Saturday week.