by Eamonn Fitzgerald

The result of last weekend must surely be Utility Trust St Paul’s surprise Women’s Super League semi-final win over the highly rated Trinity Meteors of Dublin. It was a hectic finish as they clawed back a seven-point deficit in the closing stages. So far, so good in the top grade, having won promotion after last year's great success.

Having also tamed The Cats, Wild and as they were, Paul’s coach James Fleming believes in his squad and says that if they can repeat that performance, they will be a match for any team in the country.

I spoke with James and asked how they managed to down the mighty Meteors.

“We made the most of it and shocked SETU Waterford Wildcats,” Fleming says, “so then we kicked on. We met Trinity Meteors three times this year, losing by four points, then one point, and then won by five. It was nip and tuck in the quarters. We were three down, up one at half-time, two down in the third quarter and then they went seven up.

"However, our women were magnificent in clawing back that deficit. We got our just reward for a never-say-die mentality when Rheanne O'Shea delivered a great three-pointer, and then young Leah McMahon, whose defensive play throughout against Meteors big star was a revelation, capped a great performance with that thrilling late three-pointer.”

Fleming was as modest as ever about his own achievements, both as a player and as a coach. He captained Dr Crokes to win the Kerry SFC and won eight county medals with the club. That is some haul, and he didn't even mention it. Since his days as an under 16, he has won nine national basketball titles as a player or coach, five with St Paul’s and four with St Mathews. No wonder he is so sought after as a top-class coach as he bids to make it 10.

So, how has he been so successful in different sports?

“Yerra sure sport was all around me here in Lewis Road with the likes of Johnny Culloty and Paudie O’Connor, both neighbours and legends in sport. Sadly, both have now passed on. I was near St Mary’s Parish Hall, the Fitzgerald Stadium, Dr Crokes and Deerpark Pitch and Putt.”

Stop there. Some months ago, his brother Damien was profiled in the Killarney Advertiser, himself a national champion and winner of so many top awards in pitch and putt. The pedigree is there in his own home. Their father, Tadhgie, won a Kerry Senior Hurling Championship with Killarney in 1969 and a bagful of O’Donoghue Cup medals with Dr Crokes.

Briseann an dúchas amach.

The Super League final versus Killester will be played on Sunday, April 13.