The Under-16 Basketballers were the latest team to peak during the pressure of a final, with the challenge set-down by Skibbereen in the All-Ireland Final the catalyst for a superb display of athleticism that saw Rathmore win out on the day. This was no surprise to their dedicated coach Jim Martin. Whilst cliché, it is true non-the-less; our basketballers are first to train (at 7.30am in the midst of winter) and the last to leave (our Under 16s have been studying in school to await precious court time at 16.30 each day).
Such is the close nature of the basketball teams in school, that the Under 16 team would have felt acutely the disappointment of the near miss of the senior team who had their All-Ireland hopes dashed a month previous. Led by Jacob Byrne (Year 12), this committed group were determined to go all the way and they set out their stall convincingly from the tip-off.
The pace of the final was exhilarating and exhausting at the same time. The Rathmore team buoyed by the chants of their travelling supporters. Little did they know that their year group were gathered in the Assembly Hall to cheer on the team from afar.