Scotts Lakers end season with celebratory event

SCOTTS Lakers and St. Paul’s Basketball Club finished the season with a special celebratory evening in Scott’s Hotel last Friday to celebrate our the Killarney side’s return to national league and the success of the St. Paul’s juvenile club.

Scotts Lakers committee Chairman Aidan Quirke spoke about the dedication for all involved and the brave decision to return to national league basketball. He thanked his fellow committee members John Brosnan (Vice-Chairman), Tracey O’Shea (Secretary), Sean Brosnan and Mike Pierce (Treasurers), Eamonn Keogh (Press Officer), Paul Sheehan (Club Chairman), and Padraig Weldon (Development Officer) for their assistance.

He also had special mention for Elizabeth Switzer for organising table officials along with Connie Brosnan (Venue Officer), Sheila Dickson, Jean Courtney, Frank Courtney, Jim Delaney, Timmy Clifford, Theresa O’Neill, Ruth Courtney, Boris Bencic and Luke Ryan. Electrician Colin Kiely helped with the signage and installations of the eye catching full length banners while creative graphic designer Damien Switzer was praised for his tremendous input.

The Scotts Lakers players led by captain Philip O’Connor were thanked for their commitment and for securing the division one B shield title. Chairman Quirke said every member of the team played their part throughout the year and described the season as a roller coaster ride. The Lakers were very competitive against some of the best teams in the league and there already is a lot of optimism for next season.

There was also special thanks for St. Paul’s Director of Coaching Vojkan Bencic for leading the team in the first part of the season and to Cormac O’Donoghue who guided the team for the remainder of the season.

Aidan Quirke thanked the various local businesses for their continued support. Maurice O’Donoghue of Scotts Hotel was praised for coming on board as main sponsor and for continuing the great tradition that the O’Donoghue family have with Killarney basketball.

Other key sponsors Killarney Credit Union, Tricel and the Killarney Advertiser were also thanked.

Team sponsor Maurice O’Donoghue of Scotts Hotel presented the national league Division One B Shield and medals to the Scotts Lakers players. The MVP award for the season went to the Lakers Bahamian Antuan Bootle, who said it was an honour to accept the award and spoke about the huge enjoyment he got from playing and living in Killarney for the past number of months. He thanked his teammates, coaches, committee, sponsors and fans for their overwhelming support.

A special commemorative souvenir booklet featuring photos by Eamonn Keogh, designed by Damien Switzer and printed by KC Print, was distributed on the night.