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Griffith Swords Thunder and Pyrobel Killester set up thrilling climax to Men’s National Cup

There was also joy for Kildare’s Courtyard Liffey Celtics.

THE HULA HOOPS Men’s National Cup final will be an all-Dublin affair between Griffith Swords Thunder and Pyrobel Killester after both sides enjoyed comfortable semi-final victories.

An impressive start from Swords Thunder against Galway’s SSE Airtricity Moycullen set the capital’s northsiders on their way to the showpiece event, with a 17-point half-time lead proving insurmountable as they ran out 85-77 winners.

Paul Freeman with Justin Goldsborough Gary Carr / INPHO Gary Carr / INPHO / INPHO

Meanwhile, Pyrobel Killester got the better of UCD Marian in the other semi-final clash with a 81-69 win over their city rivals.

Jermaine Turner celebrates after the game with Brian O'Malley Killester's Jermaine Turner celebrates after the game with Coach Brian O'Malley Tommy Dickson / INPHO Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO

Elsewhere, Kildare’s Courtyard Liffey Celtics have booked their place in their first-ever Women’s National Cup final after overcoming DCU Mercy 83-72 in their last four showdown.

The inspired Jazmen Boone contributed 26 points on the way to victory, although head coach Mark Byrne was quick to praise the collective performance from his team, as his side prepare to face reigning champions Ambassador UCC Glanmire in the final.

Celtics celebrate after the game Celtics celebrate after the game. Tommy Dickson / INPHO Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO

“It feels fantastic. I don’t really know what to say, everybody played their part,” Byrne said.

“I’m really delighted with the girls, to come back after that loss three weeks ago. We were really smart today, we were composed. We were patient today too.”

Holders Glanmire breezed past rivals Singleton SuperValu Brunell 84-47 on Friday night.

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