Kate Shanahan, captain of Presentation, Thurles Under-19 Basketball team

Age:16.

Position:Point guard.

Basketball hero:Irish international Niamh Dwyer, who was a Pres Thurles student. Teams in the school have inspired us over the years. We've a reputation to keep up.

Hero outside hurling:Paul O'Connell.

Sporting dream:Doing the All-Ireland basketball league and cup double with the school.

Any perks from playing sport?We get off homework all the time. (Teacherly interjection: 'You do not!')

Hard to combine school and sport?Last year doing my Junior Cert was, but doing sport after school gives you something to work towards. It's a bit of a release from the school work.

Play any other sports?Gaelic football.

Had to sacrifice other sports to focus on basketball?Basketball would be first but I combine the two.

Highlight of school sports career?Our school team representing Ireland at an international tournament in France last year. That was unbelievable. It was so multicultural.