Heywood's comeback earns first national title

Basketball All-Ireland Schools' Cup finalsA sensational comeback from Heywood Community School led by the most valuable player, Seán Tynan, and their captain, John Kerr, helped the Ballinakill side win their first All-Ireland Cup when they captured the Under-19 C Boys final with a 62-60 victory over De La Salle Churchtown at the National Arena in Tallaght yesterday.

Heywood's win, according to coach Phil Bowe, was dedicated to team member Alan Swayne who was hit by a car on his way up to the game. "We're truly delighted and we're just hoping he's okay, he's gone to Tallaght hospital and we want to wish him well."

With just under 40 seconds left on the clock in the Under-16 B Girls' final, St Patrick's Academy Dungannon held a one-point advantage but Roisin Ní Shithigh of Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne stepped up to the free throw line and slotted home all three efforts to clinch victory.

In a hugely tense finale both teams' grit and determination came to the fore, with Rafferty, who was voted most valuable player, and Aisling Ní Shuilleabháin excelling even more for their respective teams before Ní Shithigh's superb shooting turned the tables in the Kerry school's favour.

Wilson's Hospital of Westmeath lifted the Under-16 C Boys Cup, beating Pobailscoil Inbhear Scéine of Kenmare 38-35 with a brilliant team performance led by vice captain Abba Abashe and most valuable player David Madugu.

Both teams upped the tempo following the break but it was Wilson's who took a 23-20 points lead into the final quarter despite Pobailscoil's Jimmy Healy scoring efforts .

Once again excellent play around the court from the Westmeath team's trio of Abashe, who topped scored with 20, Madugu and captain Ross O'Brien held their lead, while Healy's excellent finishing at the other end kept them in touch.

Wilson's superior free- throwing came into play early in the final quarter as Abashe and Madugu put one hand on the Cup with time running out for their opponents. However, a massive three pointer from Moriarty and Martin Reilly's free-throw gave Pobalscoil a lifeline but the Westmeath school weren't to be denied.

It was a wonderful day for Wilson's Hospital as they were crowned winners for the second time in the day with a remarkable come back in the third quarter to lift the Under-16 C Girls' Cup from St Mary's Nenagh, winning 47-32.

Having trailed from early on they found the strength and desire to haul back their opponents with exceptional offensive displays from the most valuable player Flavia Calvar and Stefanie Mehl, while Shauna Clasby and captain Dubheasa Forde-Murray excelled in defence.