Double glory for Dundalk Grammar School in the All-Ireland Basketball Finals

It was a historic day on Wednesday, 25th February at the Phoenix Centre in Carrickmacross, as Dundalk Grammar School (DGS) confirmed its status as a powerhouse in Irish school basketball.

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Both the U19 and U16 squads travelled to Monaghan with championship ambitions, and both returned to Louth with All-Ireland titles after two displays of grit, skill, and tactical dominance.

U19s rule the court against St. Vincent’s

The U19 final saw DGS face off against a formidable St. Vincent’s side from Glasnevin. However, any nerves were quickly dispelled as DGS surged out of the blocks. By the end of the first period, DGS had established a healthy 23-15 lead.

The second quarter proved to be the turning point. DGS tightened their defensive grip and executed a clinical offensive transition, outscoring their opponents significantly to go into the half leading 40-19.

Despite a spirited effort from the Dublin side in the closing stages, DGS kept the pressure high, closing out the game with a comprehensive 74-52 victory.

Most Valuable Player (MVP) went to Kaito Prince-Isaac, who was unstoppable, racking up a massive 29 points to earn MVP honours. Also, the Team Captain, Hugo Winston, led by example, racking up a vital 25 points to the tally.

(Dundalk Gramar School U16 All Ireland Basketball Ireland Champions, with their Captain, Praise Pedro (Back fourth from left) and coaches Andrew Shekleton and Favour Ibeh. Photo by Ken Finegan/Newspics Photography)

U16s complete the comeback of the season

The U16 final against Galway Community College was a true "game of two halves." The Westerners started with blistering speed, leaving DGS trailing 23-10 after the first period.

However, the second period saw a tactical shift. DGS began to dominate both ends of the floor, suffocating Galway’s offence and chipping away at the lead to bring the score to 23-27.

The momentum swung fully in the third quarter thanks to "big plays" from AJ Linnane and Aaron Marra, narrowing the gap to a single point at 37-38.

The final three minutes were a masterclass in defensive resilience. David Ekerin and Praise Pedro stood like a wall, preventing Galway from finding the basket.

A high-stakes interception by Aaron Marra set up David Ekerin for a clinical layup, handing DGS a 45-42 lead.

With only sixty seconds on the clock, AJ Linnane and David Ekerin buried crucial shots to extend the lead to seven. Galway CC had no answer for the late surge, and DGS secured the title with a 49-42 comeback win.

Standout stars were AJ Linnane, named MVP, finishing with 17 points and proving instrumental in the second-half revival.

A huge thanks was expressed by the team to Mr Andrew Shekelton, teacher at the school and Basketball Coach, and to past pupil, Favour Ibeh.