Demon Domination on the Cards Again
Last season was one of unprecedented success for the Demons, who put themselves down in the history books as one of the greatest Irish basketball teams of all time, winning every single competitive game throughout the entire season and therefore winning every trophy available.It was an incredible achievement by Colin O’Reilly’s men; cruising to the league title by 15 points, the highest total ever; beating fellow varsity opponents UCD Marian in the National Cup final at the National Basketball Arena; while wrapping up an incredible season by beating Templeogue in the Champions Trophy, their 23rd and final win in an incredible season.Player Coach O’Reilly was understandably full of praise for his side after the fantastic year “The speed, ball movement, unselfishness and team work of the team were exceptional throughout the season as each player sacrificed their own game to help the team achieve the success it did.For me personally it’s been a fantastic two years and it’s been an honour coaching such a dedicated group of winners. The lads have never shirked a challenge and the tougher the game was the closer they came together to help us perform. It’s right that each one of them will be remembered for years to come after creating history, and I can’t thank them enough for their commitment.”Three of UCC’s stars, Kyle Hosford, Colin O’Reilly and Lehmon Colbert, were further given the honour to represent the league on an international stage at Point Guard, Forward and Centre positions respectively in the 2015 Sino-European games. O’Reilly, like at UCC, not only played but also managed the side in China. The tournament, which took place in the town of Kun Suan, saw the National League Select finish third in a group of China, Italy, and Russia, beating the latter 70-69 in an absolutely thrilling finale.Hosford finished second among the points totals for the men, while O’Reilly’s tutelage guided Ireland to a very respectable finish in the high-intensity 3-day tournament, giving the Demons further praise over the off-season.However for O’Reilly and his players that’s all been put firmly in the past as they’re hunting down what would be their eighth national championship, and eighth national cup. They begin their title defence away to Templeogue on October 3rd. UCC’s side return to the Mardyke the following week for their first home game of the season, they host Killester on Sunday October 11th with tip-off at 3:15pm. This season however unfortunately sees no Cork derbies, with Neptune relegated to the First Division.In that Division they will face the Blue Demons, UCC’s second club, who will be looking to improve their 4th position last season. They face Team Kilkenny at the Mardyke Arena in the opening game, tip-off is 3:15pm on Sunday 4th October.