Maigh Cuilinn delivered one of their most authoritative performances of the season last Saturday night in Killarney, overpowering Cougars 81–49 with a ruthless second-half.
The victory not only extended their resurgence to four wins in five games, but also set the tone for a pivotal run of fixtures that will define their National League ambitions over the coming month.
The contest was still alive at the interval, with Maigh Cuilinn holding a 45–37 lead after a high-tempo opening half. Grant Olsson was in full flow, Ivan Basic was slicing through the defence, and Antonio Molina’s movement and passing unsettled Cougars. Simon Olanipekun kept the hosts within touching distance with 20 points, but the visitors’ greater variety and poise were evident.
What followed after the break was decisive. Despite missing some simple looks early in the third quarter, Maigh Cuilinn raised their defensive intensity to an entirely different level. Cougars were suffocated by ball pressure, harried into rushed decisions and repeatedly stripped of possession. That surge produced a stream of fast-break scores and a devastating 25–6 third quarter that transformed a competitive game into a rout.
By the time the fourth quarter arrived, the contest was effectively over. Maigh Cuilinn continued to defend with discipline, conceding just six points in the final period as they closed out a dominant and impressive win.
Olsson led the scoring with 32 points, but this was very much a collective performance. Basic (22 ) and Molina (14 ) were constant threats, Dylan Cunningham controlled the paint, and James Loughnane and John Hackett brought composure and authority as the lead grew.
The importance of the performance extends beyond Killarney. Maigh Cuilinn enter a defining phase of their season – a three-game sequence awaits that will tell much about whether this recent surge can be sustained.
On Saturday, January 24, they travel to Ulster University in Jordanstown, a venue that has been notoriously difficult in recent seasons. A week later, they face another stern road test against Limerick Sport Eagles at the UL Arena. Those two trips will shape the standings as the league reaches its midpoint.
February then begins with a return to home comforts, first against Dublin Lions on February 7 before a marquee Galway derby against Titans on February 14 at the Kingfisher.
With four of the next five weeks carrying playoff implications, Maigh Cuilinn’s commanding display in Killarney could hardly have come at a better time.
