Last night in Dublin, Kieran Donaghy pulled off one of the most unbelievable feats in his sporting career. The Tralee man inspired his Tralee Warriors team to an 89-84 overtime win over defending SuperLeague champions UCD Marian despite losing four starters to injury and foul outs.
Tralee wiped off a 12 point deficit in the final four minutes of the game and beat Marian through sheer force of will. Donaghy and four subs from Tralee finished the overtime period and the result could mean that Tralee will be celebrating the SuperLeague championship around 7pm this evening.
Here's an emotional and borderline speechless Donaghy speaking to Basketball Ireland after the game.
WATCH: An emotional @starryboy14 reacts to a heart stopping overtime win by @warriors_bc this evening #ThisIsSuper pic.twitter.com/h5iM6rxK50
— Basketball Ireland (@BballIrl) March 23, 2019
It was a must-win game for Tralee in the battle to win the 2019 SuperLeague, and the victory puts the Warriors three points clear atop the SuperLeague table and means they control their destiny heading into the final round of league fixtures. Amazingly the two teams will do it all again this evening in Tralee at 5pm.
The reaction at the full time whistle was vintage Donaghy.
Full time after overtime Men's Super League it's @UCDMarian 84 @warriors_bc 89 #ThisIsSuper @ballsdotie pic.twitter.com/LS6dPxqmTM
— Basketball Ireland (@BballIrl) March 23, 2019
Those in attendance and watching the game online were flabbergasted by what Tralee achieved last night.
The most incredible game of sport I have ever witnessed. @warriors_bc come back when looked like it was all over with a few minutes left. 5 home grown Tralee boys close it out. Playing for the Super League title in Tralee Sports Complex tomorrow #thisissuper #iwasthere @BballIrl
— Colin Teahon (@cttralee) March 23, 2019
Unbelievable win by @warriors_bc over UCD Marian this evening. Dead & buried near the end of regulation & come back to win it with 5 irish guys playing all of overtime. A win tomorrow gives them the league.
— Mike Quirke (@Mike_Quirke) March 23, 2019
Have been at and seen a lot of sport, esp basketball, but that comeback by the @warriors_bc today v @UCDMarian was as remarkable I’ve seen. 12 down with 4 to go, lose their American, Bosman & Paul Dick but that man Donaghy with 5 homegrown Tralee boys pull it out to win in OT
— Kieran Shannon (@KieranShannon7) March 23, 2019
Down 12 with 3 minutes to go.
Everyone: Unlucky, we’ll get them tomorrow!@warriors_bc: Hold my beer and watch this.
Legendary stuff boyos, go get that 🏆 tomorrow 💙🖤— Goran Pantović (@gp_xiii) March 23, 2019
