Athlone's McLoughlin helps Neptune to claim cup glory

Athlone native and basketball star Ian McLoughlin helped Cork side Neptune to win the Men's Superleague Cup final last Friday night. Bord Gais Neptune defeated UL Eagles 85-65 in the final at a packed National Basketball Arena. It was the famed Cork side's first national cup triumph in 21 years, and the 27-year-old Athlone man was a key figure in the success. From Iona Park, Athlone, Ian is a son of Philip and Mags McLoughlin. He works as a Basketball Development Officer for Cork Sports Partnership, in conjunction with Basketball Ireland the County Cork Basketball Board. Inspired by a boisterous following that had made the journey up from Cork, Bord Gais Neptune enjoyed a dream start to the final. Along with a thunderous slam dunk from Darren Townes, the Cork men had everything go their way in the early exchanges with only Scott Kinevane in any sort of form for Eagles. Neptune led for the majority of the first half, and baskets from the inspired Michael McGinn and Ian McLoughlin had them leading 43-30 going into the third quarter. With neither team really controlling the third quarter, McGinn led the Cork charge as they led 60-45 with ten minutes left to play. As Eagles uncharacteristically stagnant office continued to stall, Neptune's greatest worry would have been the foul trouble that sent star American Townes to the bench where he stayed for the first five minutes of the fourth. It did not seem to matter, however, as this was Neptune's night. And fast-break basket from captain Ger Noonan epitomised the form of the Cork side. While Eagles battled manfully right to the end, it was never to be their night and, as their long-suffering supporters sang in the stands, Neptune were able to enjoy the last minutes of their eventual 85-65 win.