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The Abbey Grammar, Newry is a school with a long and proud sporting history. This has included successes in many different areas in fields, by all pupils. Until a few years ago it was not a school known for its basketball team.
A few years ago the U-19 team went all the way and won the All-Ireland league (See report below). They are hoping to add another title to the collection. They weren’t favourites for this year’s championship, but through hard work and perseverance, both by coach and team, they have succeeded in getting into the finals.
With the talent and skills of Sean Brady and Seamus Toner, the determination and hard work of Niall Duffy and Brendan Allen, have proved to be a success as the four were on the winning U-19 team last year. Also the attitude of the rest of the team has helped them on their way to success.
The starting five players of the U-16 team are: Sean Brady, Seamus Toner, Niall Duffy, Brendan Allen and Scott Rafferty. Sean Brady and Seamus Toner have represented Ulster U-15’s.
Throughout the duration of the Championship the team has worked exceedingly hard by committing themselves to intense training. The squad also boasts other talents as Gerard Mc Garvey is an under age county Armagh Gaelic footballer, and Dean Curran is a European Karate Champion.
The squad sees this All-Ireland as an opportunity to move onto success at U-19 level in future years.
Abbey slam dunk an All Ireland titleAbbey CBS 54 , King’s Hospital, Dublin 26
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THE Abbey CBS’ basketball team are All Ireland champions following their superb victory in the National Stadium, Dublin over King’s Hospital. In what was virtually a home game for the Dublin side, Abbey showed the resurgence of basketball with a devastating display and ran out winners by 54-26 in the Cadbury’s Time Out All Ireland School’s under 19 league final.
The Newry school took control right from the start and scores from Declan Mathers scored the first basket to give them the lead. King’s Hospital rallied briefly and a couple of baskets saw them storm into an unexpected lead.
But five consecutive points from the Abbey captain, Mickey Brady saw Abbey come right back and by the end of the first quarter they were in complete control, leading 11-6. The dominance continued for the Abbey in the second quarter and early baskets from Declan Mathers and Stephen Loye saw them stretch their lead further. Danny Craven also kept the Abbey total ticking over when he was successful from the free throw line twice within a minute.
Despite a couple of baskets from King’s Hospital, Abbey were firmly in control and by half time had a commanding 23-10 lead.
Naturally the Dublin side came at the Abbey at the start of the second half and they hit six unanswered points to close the gap to just seven points. Two points from the free throw line from Ivor Prikcett were followed by baskets from Martinez and Kenion.
But in an attempt to stop the rot, the Abbey called a time out and this seemed to have the desired effect as they quickly re-established their supremacy. Danny Craven and Declan Mathers each notched up baskets and the Abbey ended the quarter on a high and lead by 33-24 going into the last period.
The Abbey really turned up the heat in the fourth period and mercilessly ripped their opponents apart, outscoring them 21 points to two.
And the King’s Hospital side got that one and only basket at the start of the period thanks to Ivor Prickett.
The Abbey’s magical scoring trio of Declan Mathers, Mickey Brady and Danny Craven turned the screw on the Dublin to run out comfortable winners in the end and claim the All Ireland title for the first time.
It is a huge boost for basketball in the school and indeed the area to see these talented players being so successful at this level. It is also a great credit to the PE staff at the school.
Source : Newry Democrat