Limerick Lions basketball club held a thoroughly enjoyable club awards day at St Clements college gym on Sunday last. Shooting competitions for all ages was followed by awards ceremonies for North Munster and Kerry League honours and club player of the year awards. The club awards were generously sponsored by “Dave Barry Cleaning Services” and “J&G Cosgrave Transport” and UL Eagles star Stephen King was on hand to present the awards.

The Lions under-14s received winner’s shield and medals for the North-Munster league and the under-12s received runners-up medals for the Kerry league. 

Most Improved Player awards were received by Eramis Yohanes and Iarlaith Caffrey (under-10), Aaron McNamara (under-12), Emmet Gleeson (under-14A), Sean Moran (under-14B), Cillian Fahey (under-16), Sam Halpin (U18) and Patrice Desamais (senior). Most Valuable Player awards were received by Scott Bridges (under-8), Kevin Dowling (u10), Colm Moran (under-12), Luke Ryan and Diarmuid O’Shea (under-14A), Matt Sutton (U14B), Theo Giannopoulos (under-16), Cian McDonnell (under-18) and Diarmuid O’Donovan (senior). The club-man of the year award was won by under-18 player Darryl McCormack and the coach-of-the year award was presented to under-18 coach Diarmuid (DOD) O’Donovan. Congratulations to all awards winners.

The final action of the current season takes place this weekend when Harry Coyne’s under-14s represent the North-Munster league in the All-Ireland under-14 boys tournament in Neptune stadium, Cork. The Lions boys will be hoping to finish off what has already been a great season for the Lions club by scooping an All-Ireland title.

A fine group of Lions players, parents and coaches travelled to Neptune Stadium, Cork on Easter Saturday for the Emmett Neville memorial under-11 tournament. The Lions boys and head coach Mark Sutton really did the club proud by beating teams from Malahide (Dublin), Maree (Galway) and Caraig na Bhfear (Cork) to make it all the way to the semi-final where they only lost out to tournament hosts Neptune. There were many outstanding performances from the Lions boys.

Jack Coyne, Jazz Pendejito and Niall Sweeney displayed true class from the point-guard position, while forwards Neville O’Sullivan and Colm Moran finished off numerous moves with neat lay-ups. Cameron Di Benedetto and Barry Kelleher worked tirelessly on both offence and defence, while Shane Flanagan and Paul Clancy shot some lovely long-range baskets. Rory McNamara, Dylan Gleeson, Kevin Dowling and young Dylan Sutton also made significant contributions.

 

Lions seniors played Currow on Sunday. The game was very close up to the first quarter and Currow came out strong in the second quarter, but promising plays from player coach DOD and Cian McDonnell brought the game level at the half.

Currow started a run in the second half again, but Lions had some strong plays from new boys Danny Quinn and Terry McNamara.

The game got a wee bit out of hand due to very biased refs. Mark Sutton also was strong on the rebounds and made some crucial baskets. Currow ran away with the win 72-52, in the end.

Lions under-12s ended the season with two good games against Celtics A and B teams in St Clements. Lions young team put up an excellent display against a Celtis A-team who are already league champions.

The highlight of the game was the shooting of Jazz Pendejito with one fantastic 3-pointer swished from way down-town. Another highlight was a sweet reverse pass from Jack Coyne which resulted in a beautiful basket by Rory McNamara. All in all it was a very competent performance to lose by just a few points to such a strong Celtics A-team. In the game v Celtics B-team some of Lions younger players had a chance to shine and none more so than Neville O' Sullivan, Rory McNamara and Christian Ryan who contributed several very well-taken baskets.

Niall Sweeney, Barry Kelleher, Shane Flanagan and Sean O Brien were also outstannding in this game and they were well assisted by Dylan Gleeson, Cameron Di Bennedeto and Colm Moran  as Lions ran out easy winners.

All but one of this Lions under-12 squad is underage for next season so it augurs very well for the next campaign as well as the upcoming Emmet Neville memorial under-11 tournament in Neptune Stadion, Cork on Easter Saturday.

Lions u14's finished off the regular season against the Limerick Celtics, losing a close game, but still being crowned U14 North Munster Champions for season 09/10. In a season in which they played 27 games in the North Munster and Kerry Leagues, the lads deserve huge praise for their commitment throughout the season.

Harry Coyne and Mark Sutton, also deserve special mention for their commitment to the team and to the Club.

Luke Ryan who captained the team had a storming season at guard, scoring over 20 points in most games with Diarmuid O'Shea also having a fantastic season at low post, averaging in the high teens in scores. The important position of point guard was shared by Emmet Ryan and Shane Mcnamara - with Shane setting up the plays time and time again, , making scoring look easy.

Ian Coates was an accurate outside shooter improving as the season went on and is still under age next season. Eoin Fahey established himself as an improving re bounder, having some solid games throughout the season.

Michael Hickey having one of his best seasons so far, improving his physical game and getting some valuable scores. When on form Aaron Madden was unstoppable under the basket, and rebounded well throughout the season.

Emmet Gleeson new to the panel this season, made some great progress and looks a good prospect for the future.Young Guns Cian Collins and Conor Cullen made a fantastic contribution and still are underage for next season, when they will see far more game time.

Well done to all for a great season and good luck in the All Ireland Club Championships later in April.

The U14b team also finished up their season under the guidance of Mark Sutton - This developing team had a good showing yesterday, against a strong Celtics team. Team  - Brian Spillane, Brian Murray, Aaron Mcnamara, Jason Curran, Matthew Sutton, Nicholas Lopez, Daniel Delaney, Sean Moran, Patrick O'Connor - all contributing to a good season of basketball and looking good for the future.

All the parents, players and coaches of the Limerick Lions u12's should be very proud to be involved in a huge sporting occasion at St Clements in the Kerry League final yesterday.

With a big crowd in attendance we saw the progress these players have made in the Lions Juvenile programme.

The fought to the final whistle but were only just beaten by Gneeveguilla from Kerry.

Congratulations to ALL players and coaches Jason Barry and Jonathon Hickey.