39TH CHRISTMAS BLITZ

Premier Mens

Premier Men’s Final

Tigers escape to victory as Lions are tamed

Tralee Tigers  22   Limerick Lions 17

 By Murt Murphy

National Cup semi finals Tralee Tigers without their two Kerry stars Kieran Donaghy and Michael Quirke were pitted against Limerick Lions as a full house at the Castleisland Community Centre created an electric atmosphere for this Premier Men’s final.

This heavyweight clash brought the curtain down on  the 39^th Castleisland Christmas Blitz during which two hundred games were played in this five day annul basketball extravaganza. 

TRALEE TIGERS 39TH CHRISTMAS BLITZ PREMIER CHAMPIONS 

The main event proved disappointing in the extreme as neither side could get their offensive game going but it was exciting with the outcome being in the balance until the final seconds.

Tigers were slow into their stride despite the honest endeavour of lion hearted veteran John Teahan but the absence of Tigers twin towers Quirke and Donaghy was sorely felt. 

Donal Duke O'Connor, John Teahan (Tralee Tigers), Angela O'Donoghue (Munster Joinery major sponsors) Ger Murphy

CJ Hadley gave Tigers an early lead from the free throw line but Stephen King had the Limerick Lions in front with 10.29 left in the opening half.

John Teahan then missed two free throws and in fact Tigers only converted three from ten during the game and this almost cost them victory.  

Top Awards LtoR: Linda Raymond (Tralee Imperials), Ebhnait Scanlon (St.Joseph's),C.J.Hadley(Tralee Tigers),
Denis Lenihan (St. Bridgets) Declan Cahill (St. Marys) Colleen Breen (St. Bridgets)

Tigers did up the tempo briefly and enjoyed their most productive period when Roy Smallwood with two baskets and Teahan with one saw Tigers jump 7-4 in front as Joel Green nailed a jumper for the Lions.

Rob Lynch then missed three on the trot as Teahan rolled back the years with superb drive to the board and drained a fade away jumper.  

Committee & Guests Front Row LtoR: Donal (Duke) O'Connor, Sean Kelly, Denny Porter, Liz Galwey,
Back Row LtoR: Eamon Egan, Mick Galwey, Maurice Casey.

Neil Campbell then drilled a big three and when Sean Coffey added a deuce giving Limerick Lions a 12-9 half time lead after a first half where defences ruled.

Tigers were again off target in the early stages of the second half as Rob Lynch and Neil Campbell kept Lions just a basket in front with C J Hadley nailing two excellent baskets but Tigers just could not get their quick transition game going.  

Rob Lynch Limerick Lions, Danielle McLoughlin Miss Basketball, Eamon Egan St.Mary's

Things looked bleak for the home crowd when Rob Lynch increased the Lions lead to 17-14 with 2.14 left on the clock. However John Teahan refused to accept defeat and summoning one final effort he sent CJ Hadley clear on a quick break and he levelled the game with a three point play as the crowd erupted.

Then local Castleisland player Dan Griffin drove to the basket and gave Tigers the lead with 39 seconds remaining and a basket from Ger Myles ensured that the Tigers escaped victory.  

Tigers will have to play their Cup semi final against Demons without Mike Quirke and Kieran Donaghy missing due to injury so a big improvement is necessary.

CJ Hadley got the Men’s Player of the Blitz while Linda Raymond won the Ladies Player of the Blitz and with crowds up, St Marys can feel justifiably proud as they look forward to the 40^th.   

Top scorers

Tigers: C J Hadley 9, R Smallwood 5, J Teahan 4

Limerick Lions: N Campbell 5, S King 4, R Lynch 3  

MVP: Rob Lynch (Lions)    

Media Men: Murt Murphy & Timmy Sheehan providing great sports coverage for the Kerry Sporting Public.

Winner on the Double: Liam Culloty (Tralee Tigers) - Liam coached Tralee Imperials to Senior Ladies success

Ger Myles Tralee Tigers 

Gutsy performers: Neil Campbell & Rob Lynch Limerick Lions

Jason Quirke, Rob Smallwood & Ger Myles in the winners enclosure

Tough defence by Limerick Lakers.

Close marking: Dan Griffin marked by Rob Lynch (Limerick Lakers)