Waterford Wildcats

Have been the standard bearers for women's basketball in recent years

Have been the standard bearers for women's basketball in recent years. Under Gerry Fitzpatrick, they won five league titles on the trot, although this season their stranglehold would be appear to be under threat from Tolka Rovers.

Michelle Maguire, Michelle Aspell, Gillian Hayes . . . they seem to produce an endless line of marvellous all round players. For opposing sides, the bad news is that their under-age set up is also extremely strong; they recently won the under-19 cup and have a crop of talented youngsters waiting to break through. They inspire large and partisan support and their contribution has been vital to Irish basketball during a period of transition for the women's game.

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Keith Duggan

Keith Duggan

Keith Duggan is Washington Correspondent of The Irish Times