The pre-season tournament in Galway at the weekend helped the U19 basketball team get up to speed! The College team got off to a flyer in the All Ireland Schools Cup 1st round with a 77-52 victory over St.Paul's, Raheny (Dublin). The College students got off to a great start and despite the best efforts of Jack Kelly, Adam Lambert and Ryan Donegan, the St.Paul's squad never recovered.

John Smye led all scorers with 25 points as he was back to his best, Niall McGinnity had an excellent game to finish with 22 points and Corey Ryan Darragh orchestrated proceedings from the point guard position to finish with 11 points. There were also telling contributions from Tom Glackin, Michael McWilliams, Hans Abraham, John Moran and Dara McGinn as St.Malachy's greater strength in depth counted. A special mention to Niall McKeown who played despite feeling unwell last night.....he was awesome and made a significant contribution!