6 December 2025, Coláiste Íosagáin, Stillorgan
Final Score: Trinity Meteors 67-52 McEvoy’s Cavan Eagles
Half-time: Trinity Meteors 33-27 McEvoy’s Cavan Eagles
Top scorers Meteors: K. Horstmeyer 24, H. Finn 20, A. Learn 7
Top Scorers Eagles: M. Harris 15, S. Barnes 11, S. Staunton 8
In a highly anticipated National Cup quarterfinal matchup, Trinity Meteors faced Cavan Eagles, the same team they narrowly beat by four points in a thrilling season opener. This time, the stakes were even higher.
Fresh off a strong November in which they went 3-1, and with Hazel Finn earning the Domino’s Women’s Super League Player of the Month and Seamas Donnelly taking Coach of the Month, Meteors entered the game full of confidence and momentum. This showed very early on as Meteors set the tone early with a high tempo start, orchestrated by their electric point guard Hazel Finn. Every defensive rebound became an opportunity to run, putting constant pressure on Cavan’s sluggish transition defence and producing a series of easy finishes at the rim. Trinity led 8-2 after just four minutes of action. Kylie Horstmeyer got off to a hot start for the Dublin side, scoring eight points in the quarter alone. However, some sloppy turnovers opened the door for Cavan to fight their way back. Their young star, Staunton, hit multiple threes bringing Eagles level as the first quarter closed.
The second quarter opened with a Hazel Finn 3-pointer assisted by Sarah Kenny. Trinity Meteors leaned heavily on their veteran post player Kenny, whose leadership and experience shone throughout. She put in a commanding display, finishing with 13 rebounds and 8 assists. Meteors’ defence stepped up massively in the second quarter, led by their defensive anchor, Ava Learn. The 6’1 American post player used her length and IQ to disrupt passes, alter shots and secure loose rebounds, finishing with a monstrous 17-rebound performance. The game’s intensity would slow down mid-way through the second, with both teams focusing on their half-court offence. Horstmeyer continued to be a major problem for Eagles’ defence, repeatedly using her strength to finish through contact at the rim while also showcasing a smooth mid-range jumper. Trinity led by 6 at halftime.
The start of the second half saw Meteors open a double-digit lead. Horstmeyer remained aggressive offensively while Learn continued to make her presence felt defensively. To avoid challenging Learn at the basket, Cavan settled for perimeter shots, only to miss four consecutive threes. Despite Eagles’ offensive woes, Meteors would not make the most of it, missing multiple easy baskets at the rim and effectively allowing Cavan to stay within reach. Trinity began moving the ball more effectively towards the end of the quarter, capitalizing on multiple pick-and-roll opportunities. Ciara Mulligan’s well-timed screen paid off when Finn found her open under the basket after a textbook roll, sending Meteors into the final quarter with a 10-point advantage.
Meteors pulled away decisively at the start of the fourth quarter. Learn’s outstanding defensive work paid off offensively when she grabbed an offensive rebound and converted through contact for a tough and-1 finish. Finn used her speed to blow by defenders repeatedly, finishing at the rim, while Horstmeyer continued to dominate from the mid-range, bringing her tally to 24 with another jumper. Catherine Connaire’s wing three-pointer would seal the deal for Meteors, capping off a convincing 15-point victory.
Trinity Meteors will have to wait a few days until next week’s draw to discover their opponent for the Domino’s Women’s Super League National Cup Semifinal. The semifinal is scheduled for the weekend of the 2-4 January in Cork, promising an exciting challenge for the squad
Quarter Scores:
Q1: 16-16 Q2: 17-11
Q3: 15-11 Q4: 19-14
Game Scores:
Q1: 16-16 Q2: 33-27
Q3: 48-38 Q4: 67-52
Trinity Meteors: #3 Hazel Finn, #5 Caoimhe Gilligan, #6 Catherine Connaire (C), #7 Sarah Kenny (C), #8 Helena Keane, #10 Martina Destro, #11 Ciara Mulligan, #12 Aisling Moran, #13 Franciska Treiliha, #14 Ava Learn, #16 Kylie Horstmeyer, #32 Riodhna McGrath
Head Coach: Seamas Donnelly
Cavan Eagles: #0 Katie O’Sullivan, #3 Mazatkan Harris, #4 Soleil Barnes, #7 Niamh Tolan (C), #9 Sophie Staunton, #11 Caitlin Carroll, #12 Ciara Brady, #13 Ciara Tolan, #14 Alexandra Mulligan, #99 Omotese Osunde Okperan
Head Coach: John Stephens
