Echo Sport in Review: December 2023
THE big news in December was plans unveiled for a €35 million redevelopment of the National Basketball Arena in Tymon Park.
The proposals announced by Basketball Ireland for the revamp will see the new multi-sport and multi-use arena double its capacity to 3,300.
Former Peamount United manager Eileen Gleeson was appointed as the new Head Coach of the Ireland Women’s National Team.
Having led the team on an interim basis from September, Eileen oversaw six games in the UEFA Women’s Nations League where Ireland won all six and achieved promotion to League A.
Ellen Walshe added her name to the list of now ten Irish medallists at the European Short Course Championships after she won bronze in the 400m Individual Medley, Otopeni, Romania.
The Templeogue swimmer clocked 4:29.64, just six tenths of a second off silver medallist Freya Colbert (4:29.04) of Great Britain.
Ellen Walshe from Templeogue secured bronze at the European Short Course Championships in the Individual Medley in Otopeni in Romania.
“Six wins from six games, what a performance from the team, so proud of everyone, players, staff and thank you to the fans for all the support,” said Ireland captain Katie McCabe after Ireland’s women’s 6-1 win over Northern Ireland in Belfast.
The Kilnamanagh star delivered another dominant performance for her country with her 26th international goal as Eileen Gleeson’s side maintained their winning campaign in the Nations League to finish off the year in style and secure promotion.
Tallaght’s Jay McClelland extended his contract with FAI Cup winners St Patrick’s Athletic as did captain Joe Redmond from Kilnamanagh and Chris Forrester.
Lucan Sarsfields U21 hurlers were pipped at the post in the U21 Championship decider after going down to Kilmacud Crokes 3-1 after a penalty shootout in O’Toole Park.
The game had finished 0-27 to 0-27 after extra time.
In other U21 hurling championship finals, Faughs went down to St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh in the ‘B’ Championship final, St Jude’s slipped up to Clontarf in the ‘C’ Championship and Round Tower Clondalkin went down to O’Toole’s 2-8 to 2-15.
Ballyboden St Enda’s turned on the style as they brushed aside the challenge of Ballymun Kickhams 0-16 to 1-1 in the ‘A’ Championship decider.
Ballyboden St Enda’s had plenty to cheer about the U21 Football Championship decider beating Ballymun Kickhams 0-16 to 1-1.
Ballyboden St Enda’s U16 footballers were also celebrating in December when they raised the ‘G’ Championship crown after seeing off neighbours St Jude’s 1-14 to 3-1 in Tymon Park.
Thomas Davis U16 footballers saw off Naomh Barrog 1-15 to 1-9 to claim the ‘C’ Championship crown with captain Jack O’Connor leading the charge scoring 0-10 for the Kiltipper side.
Jobstown boxer Joshua Olaniyan was named The Echo Sports Star of the Month for November following his success in the 75kg National Elite Championships while Tallaght Martial Arts picked up the Team of Month Award after taking home seven medals at the WAKO Senior World Championship in Portugal with Team Ireland.
Round Tower U21 footballers had plenty to cheer about when they lifted the ‘D’ Championship crown after edging past Whitehall Colmcille’s 2-7 to 1-4 at Collins Avenue.
The new North Stand in Tallaght Stadium is expected to be handed over to South Dublin County Council in January 2024 when works are fully completed.
According to the local authority, the new stand and improved facilities which will cost an estimated €11.5 million will be available for use for the start of the 2024 football season.
Young Calvin McCann won gold for Ireland at the WKF Karate 1 Youth League in Venice
Calvin McCann, from Terenure made history at the WKF Karate 1 Youth League Venice by winning the first gold medal for Ireland in kata.
The 13-year-old went through three rounds to qualify for the final performing shotokan style katas.
To read The Echo’s full Sport in Review 2023 pick up our first edition of 2024 on Thursday, January 4, or subscribe.
