Coláiste Dún Íascaigh Junior Boys basketball team are the South East of Ireland C champions 2014-15 for the first time in the school’s history. This achievement is down to the hard work and commitment of a core group of players who have dedicated so much time since first year developing their skills.

It was in First year that the potential of this team was evident as they qualified for the regional finals against Arklow Secondary School and Avondale Community School, Rathdrum. Both Wicklow schools showed superior skills to the Colaiste that day. Fast forward two years and Colaiste Dun Iascaigh were making another trip to Wicklow against Avondale and Arklow in the regional finals. The motto of the day was to Stand Up and Be Counted which certainly was adhered to as Avondale Community School didn’t know what hit them when the boys from Tipp were shooting threes and driving to the basket with great physicality which couldn’t be matched.

The element of surprise was now lost as Arklow Secondary school knew that the team they were playing in the final were no push over like they once were. The subsequent final proved to be the best match of the day. Marcin Malcewicks and Mohammed Ismail were rock solid under the basket while Aivares Cicenes and Cavan Mc Kenna capitalised on every mistake made by the opposition tagging on the scores. Without doubt the man of the match, who wore his heart on his sleeve was Dominic Mlynczak. He consistently made life difficult for Arklow’s sharp shooters and was also instrumental in pulling away at the end as CDI won the final by 5 points.

This was a great day for The Colaiste’s Basketball team and their coach, Damien Byrne. We now look forward to the All-Ireland playoffs which will be held in January.