Excellence, achievement and inclusion are pursued outside the classroom in Creagh College as can be seen in their basketball success in recent years. Early every school year training begins for the schools' boys and girls' teams from 1st years all the way up to under-19s, with newcomers always welcome to test and develop their skills with the team. The school offers teams for 1st year girls, 1st year boys, 2nd year girls, 2nd year boys, U16 girls, U16 boys, U19 girls and U19 boys. These teams train weekly and compete in tournaments, with the girls competing in South-East Division C and the boys teams competing in Division B, the highest level of basketball in the South-East region.
The teams have seen great success in recent years, with girls teams reaching the quarter finals of the All-Ireland schools cup last year, as well as receiving runners up medals in the Munster Cup at U16 level the previous year, as well as finishing 2nd in the South East regional cup in U16s, 1st year and 2nd year competition that year. Our boys teams have in recent years won a Leinster Cup at U19 level, have won two consecutive titles at regional level for 2ndyears, as well as one 1st year regional title and have been promoted twice in two years.
All of this is thanks to the dedicated training and teamwork of our players. Communication and respect are key skills developed through the sport of basketball and have brought great success to Creagh College. The hard work of these students was recognised by Basketball Ireland, the sports governing body in 2023 by giving Creagh College the distinction of a School of the Year Award.
In 2024 many of the school’s basketball players got to witness an NBA game and play basketball in sunny Miami as part of a school trip. This brought many wonderful experiences and memories for our students, such as playing pick up games at Flamingo Park, and seeing the NBA’s Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid play before their very eyes.
We hope that basketball provides an opportunity for students to grow as people, athletes and teammates, while developing skills, values and friendships that will serve them well in their future. Any students interested in joining the team should contact Mr Kelly, Ms. Kinsella or Mr. Murphy for details on trainings.