BASKETBALL: Happy endings are a rarity in Irish basketball but Killester experienced one over the weekend. The club were left in the lurch by the no-notice departure of American John DeGroat but a slice of luck saw his replacement, Craig Walls, arrive ahead of the weekend's action.

The former University of New Hampshire player make a 17-point contribution as the north Dublin club beat Belfast Star 77-69 to maintain their one hundred per cent record.

Last week's cup disappointment was put to bed as Walls combined with the other temporary visitor, Josh Hinz, and local boy Isaac Westbrooks for 47 points.

Ballina's Kenny Gamble and Ronan McGarrity shook off their respective ailments to ensure a comprehensive victory over Superleague champions St Vincent's, 93-69. The Mayo club travel to the National Arena today to play Shamrock Rovers Hoops in an attempt to achieve a first double victory in one weekend. The Hoops maintained their perfect record over the weekend with a 110 to 95 win against UCD Marian.

The Tralee Tigers proved too strong for a UCC Demons side without injured point-guard Shane Coughlan. Micheál Quirke looks to have put Gaelic football on the back burner with a 21-point contribution, while the Tigers can expect to call on another Kerry player after next weekend's International Rules second Test.

Kieran Donaghy has made no secret of his desire to return to his first love over the winter. The Demons' double weekend wasn't a complete disaster as they beat the other Kerry club, St Paul's of Killarney, 95-84. Elsewhere, Neptune beat the Limerick Lions 84-77