Cobh Basketball Club Season Review

The 2014/15 season for the U-12 and U-14 Cobh Ladies Basketball Club is one that can only be described as a resounding success, built on the back of fantastic teamwork, combined with some fine individual displays throughout the year.

The U-14’s began a long, tough season last September down in West Cork, shorn of a lot of its senior players due to age restrictions from the previous campaign. Whilst it was an obstacle to overcome, it was also an opportunity for the younger team members to step up to the plate – something they did with aplomb. The U-14’s played 14 matches home and away against excellent sides including Carrigaline, Kanturk and Ballinlough and completed the perfect season 14-0, winning the U-14C County League. To add to this, the team also managed to finish runners-up in the Championship and Final Four tournaments.

Though a team ethic is central to any successful basketball programme, a special mention must go to Lauren Breen who picked up the MVP In the Championship final in Neptune Stadium and MVP award of the entire season kin the U14 league,, capping a sensational personal season for her. We look forward to seeing more of the same with her hometown club come next season.

Not to be outdone by their senior teammates, the U-12’s also made it a season to remember – the highlight being the Championship victory in front of a packed Neptune stadium, with MVP on the day going to point guard Amy Duggan – another player with a fantastic future ahead of her with the Cobh Basketball team. The 12’s added runner-up honours in the league and Final Four tournaments, capping off their own superb season.

The league MVP U-12 was also awarded to a Cobh player, with Dara Diggin picking up the award at the Clarion Hotel from the Cork Basketball Board. Dara not only stared under 12, but was a key team member of the 14’s side as well, and is again, another player with a bright future in red and black.

Whilst it is always nice to be see players awarded individually for their efforts, no single player can be successful in a team game – something I know each of the players mentioned above are keenly aware of. It is the effort of all the players throughout both squads that made this season such a successful one, and the future such a potentially bright one.

To add to this, a special mention goes to Chloe McCarthy and Jennifer Hannigan for all their time coaching and assisting with the girls teams this year – particularly as they are responsible for their own teams on the boys side.

The rewards on the court this year were amazing, and would not have been possible for the organization required off of it. To that end, the club is very lucky to have someone as dedicated as Cathy Duggan in its midst. Having coached many of these kids since they were young children, it’s fitting that she should get some recognition for the titles yielded this year, both at U-14 level, as well as with her own U-12 team. The amount of hours spent are incalculable, from coaching to attending county board meetings to arranging lifts. Much of this year’s success is thanks to Cathy’s years of service to Cobh Basketball.

A final mention goes to the parents of all the players involved. Their willingness to help out, to travel and to put their hands in their pockets is incredible. From all the coaches, you have our sincerest thanks.

Finally, I’m sure all parties are glad of the summer respite, but it won’t be long before we will be looking into the 2015/16 season. With teams due to compete in the U-12, U-14 and U-16 leagues, as well as a potential development squad for East Cork, there are exciting times ahead – and plenty of work both on and off the court.

On the back of such a wonderful season, the future of Cobh Ladies Basketball looks promising indeed. The potential talent in all the squads runs deep, and with continued hard work these young ladies can propel Cobh Basketball back to where it belongs – amongst the elite in Cork basketball.