The 'Mothers and Others' Tournament held in memory of Jeremiah "Skip" Buckley on Easter Saturday at the Presentation Gym in Killarney was a resounding success, marking the beginning of what promises to be an annual affair.

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'Mothers of the Mothers' Eileen Switzer Patrica Buckley and Mary Griffin

Tom Looney a former teacher in Killarney Community College coach and player presented bouquets of flowers to Patrica and Emer Buckley.

A: Out of retirement for one afternoon only 'The Creeky Blinders' winners of St Paul's Mothers and Others Basketball tournament defeating Cordal's 'Part Timers' at the Pres Gym on Saturday afternoon. Back Row (left to right) Carolyn O Mahony Sinéad (Nel) McSweeney Diane Griffin Coach Mags Cronin. Front Sheila O'Donoghue Marian O'Callaghan Mairéad O'Donoghue and Orla Kavanagh. Picture Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan. B: Supporting St Pauls Mothers and Others ladies basketball tournament in memory of Jeremiah 'Skip' Buckley at The Pres Gym on Saturday were L-R Vivienne Kavanagh Roisin O'Brien Lauren Kavanagh Moss and Nell Wallace. Picture Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan. C: Referees at the St Paul's Mothers and Others Ladies Basketball tournament in memory of Jeremiah 'Skip' Buckley at The Pres Gym on Saturday afternoon were (left to right) Emer Buckley (High Performance National League of Referees and daughter of Skip Buckley) Shane Horgan Tim Clifford and Carolyn O'Mahony with organiser Patricia Buckley McCarthy also a daughter of the late Skip Buckley. Picture Marie Carroll O'Sullivan.

Out of retirement for one afternoon only 'The Creeky Blinders' winners of St Paul's Mothers and Others Basketball tournament defeating Cordal's 'Part Timers' at the Pres Gym on Saturday afternoon. Back Row (left to right) Carolyn O Mahony Sinéad (Nel) McSweeney Diane Griffin Coach Mags Cronin. Front Sheila O'Donoghue Marian O'Callaghan Mairéad O'Donoghue and Orla Kavanagh. Picture Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan.

Conceived by Patricia and Emer Buckley, daughters of the late Jeremiah Buckley, the tournament paid homage to their father's profound impact on basketball in Killarney and Kerry.

Teams and supporters from various towns including Killorglin, Cordal, Farranfore, Rathmore, Bantry, Dromtariffe, Glamire, and multiple teams from Killarney participated, creating a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of the old town leagues.

Playoffs commenced at 9:00 am, with crowds swelling as the morning progressed, evoking the electric energy of past basketball events Skip cherished.

In between matches, free throw competitions honoured Skip's belief that "free throws win games."

Karl McMahon of Killarney clinched the senior title, while Fionn Clifford secured the junior competition.

Refreshments provided by volunteers and family members sustained the participants, leading into the fiercely contested semi-finals, culminating in the Plate and Cup finals.

The plate final saw Glanmire triumph over Dromtariffe in a closely fought battle, while the anticipation for the Cup final between Killarney's 'Creaky Blinders' and Cordal reached fever pitch.

the 'Creaky Blinders' emerged victorious, with additional awards recognising Sheila O'Donoghue for the "funniest moment of the day" and Diane Griffin as Player of the Tournament, both representing 'Creaky Blinders'.

The overwhelming success of the tournament, coupled with the enduring legacy of Jeremiah Buckley, has prompted the Buckley family to pledge its continuation as an annual event.

With gratitude extended to all who contributed their time and sponsorship, the Buckley family looks forward to next year's tournament, anticipating even greater attendance and support.

With a quick change from sneakers to heels and deep heat to perfume the festivities extended into the night at The Shire pub, where participants enjoyed well-deserved evening of relaxation and camaraderie, cementing the tournament's place as a new tradition in the local basketball community.