Liffey Celtics reach fourth NICC Women’s National Cup final in a row

Liffey Celtics remain on track for a third NICC Women’s National Cup title in four years, following a 72-53 semi-final win over St. Mary’s Castleisland on Saturday.

Last season’s finalists held an 18-15 lead at the end of the opening quarter at Neptune Stadium, helped by a trio of three’s from Ciara Mulleady.

Liffey Celtics were quick out of the blocks in the second quarter, Karen Mealy’s three put them ahead by ten, 29-19. St. Mary’s Castleisland tried to keep the scoreboard ticking over, Seodhna O’Donoghue’s layup saw them trail 34-23. Seconds later Ireland international Ciara Bracken, who is returning from long-term injury, landed a three to leave the Kildare side 37-23 up with two minutes to go in the quarter and they’d lead 39-25 by half-time.

Liffey Celtics continued where they left off in the third quarter and were up by 20, 49-29, following Karen Mealy’s basket three and a half minutes in. A six point run from Roisin Casey in the closing stages of the quarter reduced the deficit to 51-35. Liffey Celtics lead was back up to 20, 55-35, by the end of the quarter following a pair of free throws by Bracken and an end of quarter buzzer-beating floater from Rebecca Keating.

St. Mary’s Castleisland kept plugging away, back-to-back jump shots by Fiona Nelligan McGuire saw them trail 65-46 just after the midpoint of the fourth quarter. Liffey Celtics weren’t be denied, Rebecca Keating’s three in the final minute – to bring her to a game high 17 points - helping them to a 72-53 victory.

Quarter Scores:

Q1: 15-18, Q2: 10-21, Q3: 10-16, Q4: 18-17 

Game Scores:

Q1: 15-18, Q2: 25-39, Q3: 35-55, Q4: 53-72 

St. Mary’s Castleisland: Shauna Ahern (12), Tara Kerin (0), Roisin Casey (11), Keeva Ahern (DNP), Clodagh Coffey (1), Seodhna O’Donoghue (5), Emma Buckley (6), Erin O’Connor (4), Emma Kerin (6), Fiona Nelligan McGuire (8).

Liffey Celtics: Rebecca Keating (17), Ciara Bracken (16), Kayla McGonagle (0), Karen O’Shea (0), Ciara Mulleady (13), Aoife Tienan (4), Rachel Mulleady (0), Janka Smalec (0), Karen Mealy (10), Megan O’Sullivan (12), Beatrice Olaru (0).