Coveted national title claimed by Female Team of the Year

The Female Team of the Year in the Mayo Young Sports Stars Awards captured a coveted national title in 2019.

Ballina has a great love affair with basketball that stretches back to the national Senior Cup winning days under coach Terry Kennedy, and it continues to flourish at school level, with the girls from St. Mary' Secondary School bringing home an All-Ireland title last year.

The National Basketball Arena in Tallaght - a daunting venue for any young team - was the location for the 2019 Irish Schoolgirls Second Year B Championship final.

But before St. Mary's could get their leg in the door, so to speak, they had to overcome a tough Kerry team, St. Mary's Causeway Comprehensive School. They won that game 38-32 early in the day before they faced Colaiste Mhuire from Ennis in the final.

In a close decider, it ended 26-23 in favour of the Ballina girls who produced a top class defensive performance under the guidance of experienced coach Trinie Kennedy and her assistant Lianne Ginty.

In a game that was always tense, Leah Hannon nailed a big score early in the fourth quarter and then a huge three-pointer from Clodagh Keane turned the game in Ballina's favour, Shauna McCann coming in with some late baskets while team captain Romy Battle inspired the team with her sheer energy and work rate.

Ciara Durkan, Lauren Conmy, Erin Ferguson, Ava Dooley, Caoimhe Ferguson, Ellen Creaven, Clodagh McDermott and Emelia Murphy were all part of a team who put their collective shoulder to the wheel to secure the St. Mary's girls their second national title in as many years.