Tralee Magic win Under 20 National Cup

A big second half performance saw Tralee Magic turn a six-point deficit into an eight-point victory (61-53) over East Cavan Eagles when the two sides locked horns in the Ken Clarke Under 20 Women’s National Cup Final in the National Basketball Arena.

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Basketball Ireland Under 20 National Cup Final, National Basketball Arena, Tallaght, Dublin 5/5/2025
Tralee Magic vs East Cavan Eagles
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Game MVP, Mary Kate Smith and Muireann Tehan combined for 23 points and 15 rebounds, while Holly O’Brien also finished in double digits with 11 points for Tralee, who crucially managed to restrict their opponents to eight in the third period.

That increased intensity in defence was very much needed to counter the colossal threat posed by Emma Tolan, who still managed to record a superb double double of 27 points and 17 rebounds, along with four assists for Cavan on the day.

The two sides went toe-to-toe for much of this game, Cavan opening up a four-point lead by the end of the first quarter, during which Tolan and Laura McFarland, together, chalked up 11 points, with four from Kelly Fitzgerald and a Priya O’Donovan treble keeping Tralee very much in touch.

Tolan maintained a steady supply for Eagles in the second quarter, while Caitlin Carroll also picked up some valuable buckets and rebounds to help propel their side six points up (31-25) by the half-time interval.

Yet Tralee set about working their way back in the second half, opening the third quarter with an eight-point run that included timely scores from Holly O’Brien.

A free throw from Sinead Kelly got Cavan motoring again, signalling the start of a huge arm wrestle that saw the sides deadlocked two more times in that penultimate period, with only a free-throw from Tralee’s Mary Kate Smith separating them heading into the final quarter (40-39).

Tolan went off in the fourth, putting up 11 points to help keep Cavan very much in the reckoning as they drew level at 45 points apiece with just over seven minutes remaining.

But Tralee managed to hold their nerve over the closing minutes, helped no end, by some solid scoring from O’Brien, Tehan, O’Donovan and Emily Flynn that saw them open up a little breathing room down the stretch.

“That was a very tough struggle” admitted Tralee Magic head coach, Tomás O’Hanlon after the game.

“We came up really as underdogs I felt, but we had a lot of work done over the last few months. I thought our defence throughout the whole game was outstanding.

“To hold that really good Cavan team to 53 points, I think gave us a chance to win it and we’re just so happy going home to Kerry having won this one” he said.

Quarter Scores: Q1: 12-16, Q2: 13-15, Q3: 15-8, Q4: 21-14

Game Scores: Q1: 12-16, Q2: 25-31, Q3: 40-39, Q4: 61-53

Tralee Magic:

Orla O’Mahony (0), Holly O’Brien (11), Rachel Creedon (4), Niamh Collins (0), Lucy O’Donnell (0), Grace Lucid (3), Muireann Tehan (12), Mary Kate Smith (11), Anna O’Sullivan (0), Kelly Fitzgerald (6), Emily Flynn (6), Priya O’Donovan (8).

East Cavan Eagles:

Alicia Bourgoin (0), Cora McDonnell (2), Agota Budrikyte (0), Ciara Brady (2), Katelyn McElhinney (6), Emma Tolan (27), Caitlin Carroll (8), Eabha Hayes (0), Sinead Kelly (4), Kayleigh O’Dowd (0), Laura McFarland (4).

MVP: Mary Kate Smith (Tralee Magic)

Profiles courtesy of Tralee Magic:

• Mary Kate Smith was an engine in the middle, scoring 11 points in over 33 minutes. She pulled down rebounds, battled in the paint, and played through contact all game. Her outstanding all-round performance was rightly recognised as she was awarded Player of the Game.

• Muireann Tehan led the team in scoring with 12 points and added 2 steals. Her composure in key moments was crucial, and her +7 efficiency reflected her influence.

• Holly O’Brien chipped in with 11 points and led by example defensively, adding 3 steals to her box score.

• Priya O’Donovan brought fire on both ends—8 points, 3 steals, and tireless energy that kept Cavan guessing.

• Emily Flynn was a perfect 4/4 from the free throw line and added 6 points overall, giving Tralee key baskets in momentum-building stretches.

• Rachel Creedon made the most of her 13 minutes, hitting 2/2 from the line and knocking down a clutch field goal to help turn the tide.

• Kelly Fitzgerald muscled in 6 hard-earned points in the paint and added presence on the boards.

• Anna O’Sullivan was fearless in attack, earning her minutes and staying aggressive despite a tough defensive assignment.

• Orla O’Mahony gave strong defensive minutes in the first half, settling the team and keeping Cavan from running up an early lead.

• Grace Lucid added 3 points and some vital hustle plays late in the second quarter that helped swing momentum.

• Lucy O’Donnell was tenacious on defense and picked up a block to energize her team.

• Niamh Collins, feeling under the weather on the day, didn’t get to hit the court this time—but her impact on the road to the final was undeniable. A spark plug in earlier rounds, she brought the bench energy that fuelled the second-half surge!

Coach Tomás O’Hanlon, a seasoned voice in Irish basketball, brought calm and clarity to every moment. His years of experience gave this young squad the structure to thrive. Working beside him, Assistant Coach Caitríona Collins grew into her own coaching voice—confident, trusted, and tactically sharp.

Niamh Collins, the team’s unsung hero, worked tirelessly behind the curtain—organising, preparing, motivating. Her dedication was the engine that kept things moving off the court so the girls could shine on it.

Tralee Magic win Under 20 National Cup

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