AMBASSADOR UCC GLANMIRE made it a record-breaking four-in-row as they rolled out an impressive 61-48 victory over Liffey Celtics in the Hula Hoops National Cup final this evening.

The final game of an action-packed weekend in Tallaght’s National Basketball Arena was certainly an entertaining one, as Glanmire proved their worth from pillar to post and won their seventh title overall.

The dominant force in Irish basketball over the past several years, Glanmire did everything in their power to retain their title and make it four cup titles in a row.

First-time finalists at this level, Liffey Celtics worked hard and threw everything at Glanmire, but at the end of the day the Cork side’s experience was the difference between the two.

Glanmire started the brighter of the sides and continued their form throughout the evening, going into half-time with a 14-point lead.

Four Glanmire players hit double digits — Grainne Dwyer pointing the way with 16, Chantell Alford and Claire Rockall both hit 12, while captain Aine McKenna closed her tally with 11 points.

Grainne Dwyer and Chantell Alford. Tommy Dickson / INPHO Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO

Alford and Dwyer lead the charges for Glanmire, both doing trojan work and putting on an incredible display for their side.

Dwyer was rewarded for her efforts, and deservedly voted MVP.

Celtics’ star Emma O’Connor’s 22 points wasn’t enough to help her side to victory, while Jazmen Boone scored 11.

Celtics' Sorcha Tiernan jumps for a basket. Tommy Dickson / INPHO Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO

Elsewhere today, Ulster Rockets were crowned Senior Women’s Hula Hoop Cup champions in a thrilling encounter against Marble City Hawks.

The sides couldn’t be separated after the four quarters, with Rockets coming out on top in overtime.

Rockets’ Zoe Shahid-Martin was awarded MVP.

Rockets' Zoe Shahid-Martin celebrates with her side. Tommy Dickson / INPHO Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO

BFG Neptune won the U20 Men’s National Cup final, making it a double as they also scooped up the U18 title earlier this weekend.

Neptune's U20 side. Gary Carr / INPHO Gary Carr / INPHO / INPHO

DCU Mercy claimed the Hula Hoops U20 Women’s National Cup, meaning another double swoop as they also won the U18 grade.

DCU Mercy celebrate. Tommy Dickson / INPHO Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO

Today’s Results:

Hula Hoops Women’s National Cup final

Courtyard Liffey Celtics 48-61 Ambassador UCC Glanmire

Hula Hoops U20 Women’s National Cup Final

Pyrobel Killester 42-76 DCU Mercy

Hula Hoops U20 Men’s National Cup:  

KUBS BC 75-85 BFG Neptune

Hula Hoops Senior Women’s Cup Final:
Marble City Hawks 54-55 Ulster Rockets (after overtime)

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