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St Mary’s CBS Portlaoise claim All-Ireland Basketball title after thrilling comeback
The Portlaoise school overturned an 11-point deficit to secure a thrilling 3-point win
St Mary’s CBS Portlaoise claim All-Ireland Basketball title after thrilling comeback
Reporter:
Leinster Express Reporter
08 Mar 2026 6:52 PM
Email:
sport@leinsterexpress.ie
St Mary’s CBS Portlaoise claimed the All-Ireland Under 19 ‘A’ Boys Schools Basketball League title recently, overcoming Coláiste Éanna in a gripping final at Neptune Stadium.
After suffering defeat to the Dublin school in the All-Ireland Schools Cup final, the Portlaoise outfit arrived determined to turn the tables. Trailing by 11 points in the second quarter, they mounted an impressive comeback to secure a dramatic three-point victory and prevent Éanna from completing a national double.
St Mary’s cut the deficit to three before the interval and seized control in a dominant third quarter. Restricting their opponents to just seven points during that spell, Jack Scully’s side surged into a six-point lead heading into the final period. Coláiste Éanna refused to back down and battled back to level matters at 48-48 with just over three minutes to play.
However, St Mary’s responded in style, producing six unanswered points and holding their nerve in the closing stages to lift the trophy. Justice Iheme led the scoring with 17 points, highlighted by a decisive late steal and emphatic finish. Desmond Ogedegbe added 11, while Jayden Umeh and Ben Quigley delivered crucial scores in the closing minutes to keep their side in front.
The contest began at a lively pace. Iheme opened the scoring, but Éanna responded to take a 9-4 advantage, with Augustine Farrell finding his range and Adam Charles and Patrick Walsh contributing inside. Late scores from Umeh, Ogedegbe and Love Omoijade nudged St Mary’s narrowly ahead before Farrell and Adam McCarthy ensured the Dublin side closed the first quarter 14-10 in front.
Éanna extended their lead early in the second period, stretching it to double digits as Charles converted from beyond the arc and the free-throw line. At one stage, they were 11 points clear, but St Mary’s responded strongly. An ‘and-one’ play from Omoijade, combined with scores from Ogedegbe, Luke Kavanagh and Prince and Justice Iheme, reduced the gap to 31-28 by half-time.
The momentum shift continued after the restart, with Justice Iheme scoring the opening five points of the third quarter to edge his team ahead. Although Walsh briefly tied the game, St Mary’s dominated the remainder of the period. Umeh, Omoijade, Ogedegbe and Quigley all contributed as the Laois side established a 44-38 advantage entering the final quarter. READ MORE BELOW PICTURE.
Éanna mounted another surge, including back-to-back baskets from Harry Lynch, to restore parity. Yet St Mary’s once again found a response, with Umeh, Quigley and Ogedegbe combining for six crucial points.
The tension intensified when McCarthy struck from inside and from distance to cut the margin to the minimum with just over a minute remaining. But St Mary’s showed composure when it mattered most, as Justice Iheme produced a vital steal and finish to seal a memorable triumph.
St Mary’s CBS panel: Jayden Umeh, Justice Iheme, Jim Hanamy, Luke Kavanagh, Prince Iheme, Jack Fennell, Ben Quigley, Ibrahim Ahmed, Daniel Booth, Love Omoijade, Scott Davis, Desmond Ogedegbe, Echezona Onurah.
Top scorers: Justice Iheme (17), Desmond Ogedegbe (11), Jayden Umeh (9), Love Omoijade (9).
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