Cheers and tears at annual St Bridget’s Basketball Parish Blitz
CHEERS and tears, agony and ecstasy, hugs and high fives were some of the ingredients that combined to make the 30th annual St Bridget’s Basketball Parish Blitz the sporting highlight of the year in Currow.
Last weekend it was celebration time in the picturesque village as class friendships were put on hold as 100 children from First Class to Sixth Class battled it out on the basketball court on Saturday and Sunday to win a coveted title for their team. Thirty teams took part in the event which took place in Killeentierna Community Centre.
“This is the highlight of the year for all the players, their coaches and family. It was a fun filled weekend with lots of drama on the court. All games were keenly contested with just a point or two separating the teams. The finals took place on Sunday with the hall packed to capacity.
“One of the highlights of the weekend was the Martha Boyle Memorial Tournament for Fifth and Sixth Class girls teams. Martha passed away in 2002 and is very fondly remembered in the club as a wonderful player and an all round lovely young girl. We are honoured to keep her memory alive for current and future players,” said Con Dennehy, chairman of St Bridget’s Basketball Club which has been an integral part of the club since it was established in 1989.
“One change to our programme this year resulted in the traditional
MVP Awards discontinued and replaced by a special minted medal, The Spirit of the Blitz, which was presented during the six finals. This award was presented for team spirit, dedication to training, caring, courtesy and for exceptional effort on and off the court.”
The Spirit of the Blitz awards were presented to Oisin Pembroke, Rian Jensen, Ben Brosnan, Ellen Casey, Maria Brosnan and Saoirse Daly.
The Blitz was sponsored by the local business community which ensured the team winners and finalists were presented with quality awards.
RESULTS
1st/2nd Class Boys: Oisin Pembroke, James O’Donoghue, Cathal O’Connor, Alex O’Sullivan and Thomas Scanlon
3rd/4th Class Boys: Dean O’Donoghue, Donal Ryan, Michael Curran, TJ Crowley and Shane O’Rourke
5th/6th Class Boys: Rurai Brosnan, Anthony Galvin, Rory O’Connor and Harry Crowley 1st/2nd Class Girls: Ellie Kate Sheehy, Maryann O’Shea, Megan Brosnan, Roisin Donnelly and Roisin Cronin
3rd/4th Class Girls: Alesha Fitzgerald, Amy Crowley, Aibhlin Matthews, Ella Kate Flynn and Deelia Cronin 5th/6th Class Girls (Martha Boyle Memorial): Amy O’Sullivan, Katelyn Brosnan and Maeve Crowley.