The Tralee Magic U18 girls basketball team will launch their campaign in the inaugural Basketball Ireland U18 Girls National League this Sunday with a double-header in Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan. In the first round of fixtures, the Kerry side is scheduled to face the Boyne Warriors of Drogheda and local hosts Muckno Lakers on the same day. It’s a historic opening weekend – the first time an U18 girls league game will be played on a national stage – and Tralee Magic is determined to lay down an early marker for the season ahead.
For Tralee Magic’s young squad, this weekend marks not only the start of a new season, but the beginning of a groundbreaking competition at this age level. The team enters the league with high aspirations and a strong pedigree. Several players on the U18 roster were part of Tralee Magic’s U20 women’s National Cup championship team last season, bringing valuable big-game experience to the lineup. That winning mentality from the 2024/25 campaign will be crucial as the U18s set out to prove they’re contenders in this new national league. The coaches and players have made it clear that they want to “lay their marker” for the games ahead – to set the tone early and show they can compete with the best in Ireland.
The first challenge on Sunday comes against the Boyne Warriors. Based in Drogheda, Co. Louth, the Boyne Warriors are a relatively new club that has quickly built a reputation with a talented crop of young players. They will be keen to make a strong first impression in the national league. Despite being newcomers, the Warriors have shown plenty of energy and skill in regional competitions, so Magic can expect a fast-paced, hard-fought contest to get the day started.
Later that day, Tralee Magic will tip off against the Muckno Lakers, the host club from Castleblayney. The Lakers have an established youth program and boast an All-Ireland U14 Boys title in their history, underscoring the strength of their basketball tradition. With the advantage of playing on their home court, Muckno will pose a tough test for the visitors. Magic’s players know they’ll need to match the Lakers’ intensity on defense and execution on offense to come away with a result. While these clubs may have met in underage competitions in the past, this will be their first encounter under the official National League banner – adding extra significance to an already eagerly anticipated matchup.
Tralee Magic also brings individual star power into the league. Muireann Teahan, one of Magic’s standout young players, was recently selected to the Ireland U18 Women’s National Team. Her inclusion in the national squad is a point of pride for the club and reflects the high caliber of talent on the team. Teahan, along with her high calibre teammates, will be key to Magic’s fortunes this season, and all eyes will be on her as she balances club duties with international ambitions.
Off the court, the U18 team has received a boost from the local community and sponsors. TC Cronin Construction, has backed these young athletes as they prepare for competition at this level. The sponsorship underscores their belief in the potential of this team as they embark on a new adventure.
The stage is set for an exciting opening weekend in Castleblayney. Tip-off on Sunday will not only determine early standings but also set the tone for the months ahead. Tralee Magic’s goal is clear: start strong, play with pride, and announce themselves as contenders in the inaugural U18 Girls National League. All three teams – Magic, Warriors, and Lakers – will be hungry to begin this landmark season with a victory, making for a thrilling day of youth basketball. Fans and supporters will be watching closely as a new chapter in Irish basketball begins, hopeful that Tralee Magic’s young stars can make a big impression in Game One.
For Tralee Magic’s young squad, this weekend marks not only the start of a new season, but the beginning of a groundbreaking competition at this age level. The team enters the league with high aspirations and a strong pedigree. Several players on the U18 roster were part of Tralee Magic’s U20 women’s National Cup championship team last season, bringing valuable big-game experience to the lineup. That winning mentality from the 2024/25 campaign will be crucial as the U18s set out to prove they’re contenders in this new national league. The coaches and players have made it clear that they want to “lay their marker” for the games ahead – to set the tone early and show they can compete with the best in Ireland.
The first challenge on Sunday comes against the Boyne Warriors. Based in Drogheda, Co. Louth, the Boyne Warriors are a relatively new club that has quickly built a reputation with a talented crop of young players. They will be keen to make a strong first impression in the national league. Despite being newcomers, the Warriors have shown plenty of energy and skill in regional competitions, so Magic can expect a fast-paced, hard-fought contest to get the day started.
Later that day, Tralee Magic will tip off against the Muckno Lakers, the host club from Castleblayney. The Lakers have an established youth program and boast an All-Ireland U14 Boys title in their history, underscoring the strength of their basketball tradition. With the advantage of playing on their home court, Muckno will pose a tough test for the visitors. Magic’s players know they’ll need to match the Lakers’ intensity on defense and execution on offense to come away with a result. While these clubs may have met in underage competitions in the past, this will be their first encounter under the official National League banner – adding extra significance to an already eagerly anticipated matchup.
Tralee Magic also brings individual star power into the league. Muireann Teahan, one of Magic’s standout young players, was recently selected to the Ireland U18 Women’s National Team. Her inclusion in the national squad is a point of pride for the club and reflects the high caliber of talent on the team. Teahan, along with her high calibre teammates, will be key to Magic’s fortunes this season, and all eyes will be on her as she balances club duties with international ambitions.
Off the court, the U18 team has received a boost from the local community and sponsors. TC Cronin Construction, has backed these young athletes as they prepare for competition at this level. The sponsorship underscores their belief in the potential of this team as they embark on a new adventure.
The stage is set for an exciting opening weekend in Castleblayney. Tip-off on Sunday will not only determine early standings but also set the tone for the months ahead. Tralee Magic’s goal is clear: start strong, play with pride, and announce themselves as contenders in the inaugural U18 Girls National League. All three teams – Magic, Warriors, and Lakers – will be hungry to begin this landmark season with a victory, making for a thrilling day of youth basketball. Fans and supporters will be watching closely as a new chapter in Irish basketball begins, hopeful that Tralee Magic’s young stars can make a big impression in Game One.
