March 28th 2026
IWA Clontarf
Final Score: Trinity Meteors 76-74 Killester BC
Half-time: Trinity Meteors 36-28 Killester BC
Top scorers Meteors: K. Horstmeyer 17, H. Finn 14, F. Treiliha 11
Top Scorers Killester: S. Haiby 29, M. Clarke 18, A. Roden 14
After a narrow playoff quarterfinal win the week prior, Trinity Meteors entered this week’s semifinal as underdogs against top-seeded Killester on their home court
Séamas Donnelly’s side showed no signs of intimidation, however, as Trinity Meteors got off to an electric start. A quick 7-2 burst, sparked by an ankle-breaking crossover and jump shot from Aisling Moran, set the tone for the remainder of the first quarter, as Killester were left stunned by Meteors’ blistering start. The reigning two-time champions, put under pressure by Trinity’s smothering defence, were forced into rushed three-point attempts that would not fall. At the other end, Meteors looked unstoppable; two long-range three-pointers from Ava Learn extended Trinity’s lead to ten midway through the first quarter, forcing Killester into timeout. Mark Grennell’s side emerged from the break rejuvenated, immediately increasing their defensive intensity and forcing Meteors into difficult shots. Yet, despite these efforts, Killester continued to struggle offensively. By the end of the first quarter, Trinity Meteors held a seven point lead.
The second quarter was a back-and-forth affair with both sides displaying their full offensive arsenal. Meteors found success in the midrange, with Horstmeyer, Keane and Connaire all converting from around the key. On the other side, Killester relentlessly attacked the basket through their high-speed backcourt duo of Haiby and Roden. Killester took their first lead of the game halfway through the quarter, but scores from Finn, Connaire and Horstmeyer pushed Meteors back in front. With only seconds remaining, excellent ball movement from Meteors created a wide open three-pointer for Ciara Mulligan, which she calmly converted at the buzzer. Heading into the break, Meteors led by eight.
Killester opened the second half with a quick score from veteran Michelle Clarke. Seconds later, Meteors responded through a beautiful timed backdoor cut from Kylie Horstmeyer, perfectly set up by a sweet bounce pass from Hazel Finn. The intensity at the start of the half was off the charts, with players from both sides diving for loose balls with their season on the line. The referees allowed a physical contest, with multiple players picking up knocks from the constant contact. Despite this, both teams continued to find their way to the free throw line, as neither side could contain the other’s offensive firepower. A late shot clock score from Franciska Treiliha ensured Meteors held an eight point lead heading into the final quarter.
Momentum appeared to be in Trinity’s favour at the start of the fourth, with the South Dublin side finding their rhythm offensively. Finn blew by her defender to score with ease, before Treiliha attacked the basket for her trademark right handed finish. This was followed by a perfectly executed pick-and-roll between Horstmeyer and Learn, and a late shot clock three-pointer from Connaire. Yet, the defending champs refused to go down without a fight. Led by their star point guard Samantha Haiby, Killester battled back, cutting the deficit to just two points midway through the quarter. Trinity responded with crucial defensive stops and clutch baskets from Horstmeyer to stretch the lead once more. With just over a minute remaining, Meteors held a seven-point advantage. However, an off-balance three-pointer from Bagdanaviciene reignited Killester, lifting the home crowd to its feet. The sudden surge in energy appeared to rattle Trinity, who turned the ball over on consecutive possessions, allowing Killester back into the contest. With 10 seconds remaining and trailing by two, Haiby drove to the basket and drew a foul. She calmly converted from the line, sending the game to overtime to the delight of the home crowd.
Meteors had the game in their grasp but suddenly found themselves starting from scratch: level scores, five minutes to play and loud home crowd against them. With their backs against the wall, Séamas Donnelly’s side dug deep when it mattered most. A strong start to overtime, with quick scores from Horstmeyer and Keane, put Meteors back in control. Ciara Mulligan’s reintroduction proved pivotal, as she made an immediate impact. A composed banked jump shot was followed by two clutch free throws in front of the vocal home support. A true testament to her readiness and composure under pressure. There were fears of a déjà vu moment when Clarke’s three-point cut the deficit to two with just 20 seconds remaining. A frantic finish followed, as Killester created a good look from beyond the arc to win the game, but the shot fell short. Trinity held on to topple the number one seed and advance to the playoff final in dramatic fashion.
Trinity Meteors will now take on UCC Glanmire in the Domino’s Women’s Super League Final on Sunday, April 12th at 1.15pm in the National Basketball Arena, Tallaght.
Quarter Scores:
Q1: 9-16 Q2: 19-20
Q3: 15-15 Q4: 23-15
OT: 8-10
Game Scores:
Q1: 9-16 Q2: 28-36
Q3: 43-51 Q4: 66-66
OT: 74-76
Trinity Meteors: #3 Hazel Finn, #6 Catherine Connaire (C), #8 Helena Keane, #10 Martina Destro, #11 Ciara Mulligan, #12 Aisling Moran, #13 Franciska Treiliha, #14 Ava Learn, #16 Kylie Horstmeyer
Head Coach: Séamas Donnelly
Killester BC: #0 Amy Elliott, #3 Michelle Clarke, #4 Samantha Haiby, #5 Leilani Turner, #6 Sarah Courtney, #7 Sarah Power, #8 Audrey Roden, #9 Ali Connolly, #10 Laura McFarland, #11 Ieva Bagdanaviciene, #14 Hannah Thornton, #15 Maeve O’Seaghdha
Head Coach: Mark Grennell
