Dalkey Devils and Santry Calypso are the Men’s and Women’s Association Cup champions for the 2024-25 season.
Both league leaders, held off their spirited rivals Trinity College and Gardians respectively, in a thrilling day of Volleyball at the University of Limerick Arena.
The Devils were confident and and at times, ruthlessly guided through the game by the brilliant setter Jose Vicente Garcia Ruiz, who controlled the attack. The first set could have gone either way with Trinity’s young Irish internationals going point-for-point, with Gareth Gilmartin and Ciagan Davoren especially effective. But Dalkey had an extra gear, getting stronger as the match progressed, eventually winning 28-26, 25-18, 25-15.
The Women’s game lived up to the hype with an epic first set. Gardians had three set points but couldn’t get over the line due to breathtaking saves from Viridiana Rosal and hard line hitting from Giulia Fagiani. Calypso built a good lead in the 2nd set and kept Gardians at arm’s length, middle Jessie Manwring an imposing presence at the net.
Gardians started the third strong with the Byrne sisters, Emma & Eimear coming more into the game. Calyspo were on the come back but a monster block from Anastasia Liashenko halted them, before the same player finished the job with smart work to earn the third set.
Gardians edged ahead in the 4th but Calypso’s dominance of the League and Cup in the last 18 months has bred a strong confidence. The Santry team reeled in Gardians to take the 4th by 2 points and win back-to-back Association Cups 28-26, 25-21, 22-25, 25-23.
Earlier in the Burren VC claimed the u16 girls shield in an exciting match with Santry Phoenix, saving 3 match points. Santry Sparks then claimed the Association Shield beating Balbriggan. Kildare won the u16 Cup winning a decider with Kilkenny Spartans, before Tallaght Rockets defeated Kildare in the Men’s Shield.
The Student Sport Ireland Cup finals were included in the programme for the first time, with Trinity College and University Galway winning Tier 1, whilst Maynooth University and Munster Technological University won Tier 2.
Volleyball Ireland offers it’s sincere thanks to the UL Wolves Volleyball Club for their excellent help over the weekend.
