Primary Schools Basketball League finals take place

DRUM Community Centre was a hive of activity last Friday as the finals of this year"s Midland Primary Schools Basketball League took place. This year, a total of 27 schools took part, making it the biggest group since the inception of the league four years ago. There were three different leagues up for grabs last Friday. Firstly, there is a mixed league (boys and girls) for schools with five teachers or less. There are also leagues for schools with six or more teachers and a girl"s only league, too. Organiser Paddy Mullally said: 'The three categories involved in the league cover all school sizes and caters for the needs of all schools in the immediate area.' The day"s events started off with the 3rd/4th placed play-off in each league, with Brideswell overcoming Ardkeenan in the small schools league and St Joseph"s, Summerhill overcoming St Mary"s, Athlone. Cornamaddy took the honours in the big league by beating Baylin. In the afternoon, the schools got ready to do battle in their respective finals, with Tang retaining their small school title by beating Ardnagragh 26-18. The most exciting final of the day saw the Convent of Mercy, Moate play St Peter"s from Athlone. St Peter"s put up a tremendous display and the game was played in entertaining spirit, with the Moate outfit eventually overcoming a St Peter"s side who had defeated them earlier in the league competition. The climax to the day saw Coosan and Ballybay meet in the big school final. Defending champions Coosan were undefeated coming into the final but so too were the opposition. Ballybay took an early lead in the contest and preserved it right up until half-time. Coosan made a great comeback in the third quarter and were trailing by just four points going into the final quarter. After trading baskets throughout, Ballybay took the initiative and won the day by four points (26-22). Paddy Mullally said: 'I want to thank all the school principals, teachers, coaches and players for their co-operation during the league. With the success of the league this year, I anticipate even more schools getting involved.' Any schools interested in getting involved in the league or who would like information regarding basketball camps, clinics or training in the Athlone area, you can contact Paddy Mullally on 086 8144911.