Despite a much-changed squad and sluggish start to the season Liffey Celtics captain Aine O'Connor believes her side can successfully defend their Domino’s WSL National Cup crown.
Celtics take on Killester at the National Basketball Arena in this weekend’s final and have a vastly different look to the team that beat Killester 65-53 in last year’s final.
A new coach and eight new players in their 12-women squad, Celtics have had a stuttering start to the season but O’Connor feels that they’ve overcome those early campaign jitters and are ready to add to their roll of honour.
She said: "We're a much changed group from last year, we've found our rhythm over the past two months and are very confident in our abilities
"The Cup is special in basketball, so that bit of excitement is building in the team. We've been going really well over the last few weeks, so we're really looking forward to Sunday.
"We had a slow start to the season, but you have that bit of experience. We've played in finals, we've matched up to Killester a lot, so you do have that bit of experience, but it's a very new team, so we are looking to go back-to-back, but it isn't going to be a replica of last year at all.
"When you've been here and you've gotten it over the line, you know what that feeling is. You know you have that composure to do it.
"We've played tough games over the last couple of weeks, and we've got wins in close games, so we know we can do it. We know we've been here before, and we know how much it'll mean to the club if we get it over the line on Sunday.
"We're really building towards that and hoping we can get the result on Sunday.
"It's going to be tough for the full 40 minutes but it goes to overtime as well. It's going to be a tough game and we know we have to really focus. Killester are a formidable team."
Killester meanwhile are out for a measure of revenge after last year’s final defeat.
The 2023 champions were unsuccessful in their bid for a fifth cup title last year but captain Michelle Clarke believes that they’re better placed this term.
Clarke has lifted the cup with Killester in both 2019 and 2023 and the games between her side and Liffey Celtics have been finely balanced in the league this season, with a win apiece.
"We know exactly the challenge that’s ahead of us," Clarke said. "They’re a very talented side, and finals are always about fine margins.
"It’ll be another tough battle between two strong teams. For us, the opportunity to win the club’s fifth Domino’s WSL National Cup would mean everything.
"These moments don’t come around often, and bringing another National Cup back to the club would be incredibly special."
