Thursday 26th February 2026 marked a defining chapter in the rich sporting history of Castlerea Community School, as the U19 Castlerea team captured the All-Ireland B Basketball League title with a 50 – 45 victory over Kildare Town Community School at Neptune Stadium in Cork.
For team manager and Castlerea CS teacher Mr. Thomas Callaghan, the win and the extraordinary homecoming that followed felt like the culmination of years of dedication, belief, and community spirit.
Castlerea CS led from start to finish, though Kildare Town CS never allowed the Castlerea boys to pull out of sight. The West Roscommon team showed composure early with four quick points from Kevin Hester and a step-back corner three from Dara Curran opening a 7 – 0 lead. A Jack Dolan three pointer, and massive performances from the Castlerea boys helped Castlerea take a 26 -20 lead into first half. A 7 – 2 burst after the restart pushed Castlerea further ahead, though Kildare rallied with five quick points from Dunny, to keep the pressure on. Still a Jamie Dowd two pointer and a Curran free throw ensured Castlerea held a 36 – 34 advantage entering the final quarter. Joe Botton (Captain) and Sean Vaughan also played a huge role in the team’s victory. Their relentless effort showed true commitment and grit.
With history just eight minutes away, Castlerea CS exploded into the fourth quarter. Kildare had an opportunity to level the game in the final moments but failed. In the final seconds, Kildare sent Dara Curran, later named Most Valuable Player (MVP), to the line, and he calmly sank both. Hester added another to seal the historic win.
Mr. Callaghan was jubilant in victory adding “there was a touch of destiny to this win – it was their final ever game for the school as the boys are in sixth year, their last chance to get an All-Ireland win in basketball. And they did.” This is massive for them. This has been six years in the making. It is just extraordinary for them to get over the line.”
This victory is especially sweet for this group, who have come close on previous occasions. Having experienced narrow defeats in earlier All Ireland campaigns, the team’s perseverance and hard work paid off in Cork.
Three coach loads of CCS students and teachers made the long journey to Neptune Stadium to support this special group of players. Parents, siblings, neighbours, and friends also separately made their way down to Cork to cheer on the boys and show their support. There were jubilant scenes in Neptune Stadium and back home in the school assembly when the final whistle blew. It was pure joy and relief.
The homecoming was something magical. The crowds lining the roads, the bonfires, and the Garda escort. Hundreds of people gathered outside Castlerea Community School to welcome the hero’s home. It was apparent from the homecoming how much this victory meant to the community of Castlerea and beyond. Ms. Eileen Ryan (Principal) addressed the large crowds gathered in the school Assembly Hall and warmly thanked Mr. Callaghan for his outstanding dedication to the team and for the countless hours he invested in preparing and supporting the boys on their journey to this remarkable achievement. She also paid special tribute to Joe Henry, their esteemed retired coach and former PE teacher, whose guidance, commitment, and passion for the sport shaped the boys from the age of six until his hand over two years ago. Ms. Ryan acknowledged that the foundations laid by both men were instrumental in the team reaching this historic moment.
Massive congratulations to the players, their coaches, teachers, and families on such an incredible achievement. We are immensely proud of your success, and we know that you are an inspiration to all the students in Castlerea and in the whole county of Roscommon. You have done Castlerea proud and for that we say thank you.
Castlerea CS: Dara Curran, Kevin Hester, Jack Dolan, Jamie Dowd, Sean Vaughan, Joseph Botton, James Hawkshaw, Michael Keaveney, Adam Varga, Cian Fitzmaurice, Harry Clavin, Ryli Mania, Tyler Waldron, Nicholas Du Toit, Ismeal Osei, Oisin Fleming and Cathal Mockler.