FloMAX Liffey Celtics ready for tough cup semi-final test

The 2024–25 Paudie O’Connor National Cup finalists will be determined on Saturday afternoon at Neptune Stadium, where three of the top four teams in the Women’s Super League standings will play in the National Cup semi-finals.

Utility Trust St Paul's are the only team out of the four, that are not in the top four of the Super League. However, they will have their own plans to upset the odds and take over the National Basketball Arena. The other three teams remaining include FloMAX Liffey Celtics, SETU Waterford Wildcats, and Killester.

Ahead of his side’s game against SETU Waterford Wildcats this weekend, FloMAX Liffey Celtics head coach Karl Kilbride claimed that “Saturday’s game is as tough as it comes."

“Wildcats have been the most consistent team in the league all year. They’ve also won a bunch of really close games along the way, which will really stand to them in a one off cup game.” 

 “They’re incredibly dangerous in transition and rebounding the ball offensively. We know that if we want to win the game, those are the two battles we need to win. However, we knew that going into the league game we played with them and unfortunately, we didn’t do a good enough job on the day in limiting those areas. So it’s one thing knowing what we need to do, and another going out and actually executing.”

FloMAX Liffey Celtics have been in incredible form this season and currently sit top of the Women’s Super League. The Celtics have won nine of their 11 league games so far this season.

SETU Waterford Wildcats currently sit second in the Super League table. The Deise side have won eight of their 10 league games this season, and like Celtics they have only lost two games in the league this season.

SETU Waterford Wildcats head coach Jillian Hayes claims the game will “be down to the team that executes best on the day”.

Hayes will be looking to guide her side to the National Cup title for the first time in 25 years. Hayes has two daughters in this year’s squad also.

Hayes went onto say “We both have great Americans and Irish players that can lead a team to a win. This is where everyone wants to be. One win and it’s on to the finals and both teams will want that so badly”.

The semi-final tie between FloMAX Liffey Celtics and SETU Waterford Wildcats takes place on Saturday at Neptune Stadium, at 12pm. This will be followed by the other semi-final between Utility Trust St. Paul’s and Killester in Neptune Stadium at 6pm.