CORK will host the semi-finals of various National Cup competitions at the weekend.
In the President’s National Cup, in-form Limerick Celtics are up against Moy Tolka Rovers, who are competing in their third successful semi-final.
The tie is listed for MTU Arena on Saturday, with an 8.30pm tip-off.
Celtics head coach Tony Hehir said: “The Cup draw added another layer of excitement to the National Cup semi-final weekend in Cork. Moy Tolka Rovers are a very talented team and will be very tough semi-final opponents.”
“Our focus in the run-up to Christmas and the New Year was our league outings, but we are ready now for what promises to be a great semi-final match-up.”
The other semi-final involves Galway outfit Titans and ND Audit Portlaoise Panthers.
At the weekend, Celtics enhanced their position at the top of Division One (South Conference) following a quality 102-84 success against Drogheda Wolves at Ballymakenny College.
The visitors had five players in double figures by the close of proceedings, Ariyon Williams proving their most prolific scorer with a 32-point haul, while Abdul Wurie weighed in with a further 24 and Finn Hughes again dominated under the boards with a massive 18 rebounds.
In the Women’s Division One National Cup, defending champions Limerick Celtics meet McEvoy’s Cavan Eagles in the curtain-raiser (6pm) on Leeside, and iSecure Swords Thunder are up against Oblate Dynamos in the other semi.
Celtics moved into a share of second place in the League after a win over Cleveland Rockets 93-62 at Newforge Sports Complex on Saturday.
On the international front, Meabh Purtill (Limerick Celtics) has been retained on the Ireland U18 Women’s Squad ahead of the Youth EuroBasket Championship in the Summer.
In terms of the Ireland U16 Men’s panel, local interest is with Hubert Gocek (Limerick Celtics/CBA Spain) and Limerick Lions pair Fryderyk Klimas and Jake Moore.
