Maigh Cuilinn make the trip to Dublin this Saturday evening for a National League clash that is far more delicate than the standings might suggest.
Though Templeogue sit at 3–6 and Maigh Cuilinn enter as deserved favourites on recent form, the story beneath the surface points to a significantly tougher challenge. Templeogue, relegated from the Super League at the end of last season, have endured a difficult opening third to their National League campaign.
But their record is misleading. Five of their six defeats have been by single-digit margins, several decided in the final possessions, and they have recently stabilised by winning two of their last three. They are a team still adapting to a new competitive landscape, but one with enough quality — particularly in the backcourt — to trouble any opponent on a given night.
The heartbeat of that challenge is American guard Evan Cook, a sharp-shooting Boston native now in his third professional season. Averaging 24 points per game, Cook is one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the league, capable of scoring in isolation, from deep, off movement and in transition. His energy and shot-making demand constant attention, and Maigh Cuilinn’s perimeter unit will need to be fully dialled in.
Alongside him, Spanish guard Millán López brings pedigree, experience and variety. López debuted in Spain’s top tier, the Liga ACB, as a teenager and has spent more than a decade competing across Spain’s development and senior structures, including Liga EBA. That background is evident in his composure, decision-making and ability to score or create in tight situations. Averaging 13 points per game, he and Cook form one of the more seasoned and balanced backcourts Maigh Cuilinn will face all season.
For Maigh Cuilinn, the timing of this fixture may be ideal. After enduring a six-game losing streak, they appear to have rediscovered their collective identity, following a dominant win in Letterkenny with an even more assured performance last weekend over league leaders Portlaoise Panthers. The key has been defensive energy - tight ball pressure, disciplined rotations and a renewed appetite for rebounding and transition play.
Grant Olsson’s leadership and scoring touch remain central, but the supporting cast has surged. Antonio Molina and Ivan Basic have offered consistent offensive production; John Hackett and Dylan Cunningham have anchored the glass with authority; and the bench has provided meaningful bursts of energy and toughness. The offence is flowing more smoothly, the defence looks connected, and the entire group is playing with a sense of belief that had been missing in October.
Templeogue, however, present a different kind of test. Their games rarely get away from them, and their guard play can punish lapses immediately. Their experience — both from their recent Super League years and from seasoned imports like López — means they are well capable of managing tempo and dictating stretches of play. Maigh Cuilinn’s defensive discipline will need to match the level shown against Portlaoise, and their pace in transition must remain a strength.
A win in Tallaght would move Maigh Cuilinn to 5–6 and confirm that their recent resurgence is more than just a short-lived spark. It would also be a significant marker heading into their final fixture of 2025, a home meeting with Killarney Lakers on December 27. But to take that next step, they will need to be sharp, composed and fully respectful of a Templeogue team whose record hides their true capabilities.
This is the time of year when the National League table begins to take shape. Maigh Cuilinn have momentum — now they must prove they can carry it on the road.
