Boherbue took the lead with a point in the early minutes but John lane responded quickly with a neat finish. A slow start meant Newmarket were on the defensive for the opening ten minutes. Boherbue took the lead once again on the 8th minute but Newmarket responded in good fashion.

After some good harrassing Kieran Lehane gathered the ball from Eddie Allen and pointed from the tightest of angles to level the scores once more. Boherbue again took the lead but John Lane pointed the next two scores to put Newmarket in front on the 24th minute. Robert Stack scored a fine long range effort after some good work from Ian Flanagan and Jack Birthley on the wing to make it 5 points to 3 in favour of Newmarket at the break of play.

Boherbue got off to another good start in the 2nd half and at the three quarter mark led proceedings on a scoreline of 0-7 to 0-6 with T.J. Brosnan kicking the point for Newmarket. It was in the final 10 minutes that Newmarket really stood up and John Lane equalised on 50 minutes. Then after an excellently placed kick out from the very solid David Quinlan, Robert Stack fielded and from the resulting play Newmarket gained the lead once more when Paul Verling kicked a neat point on 52 minutes. Ian Flanagan kicked the insurance point with a couple of minutes remaining.

The Newmarket defence stood up to a huge onslaught of pressure from the Boherbue attack and held out to record a hard fought win in the first round of the Championship. Brendan Stack, Mikey O’ Leary and Jack Birthley had very solid preformances in the defence and played very well on the night. Robert Stack and Conor Cronin did a good job at midfield while the forwards kicked some vital points when really needed. It was a very committed and spirited performance from the team and they were rewarded with a good win at the end of the night in Knocknagree.

The Newmarket team was…

David Quinlan
Andy Twomey		Brendan Stack		Mikey O’ Leary
Anthony Lynch		Paul Cashman		Jack Birthley
	Conor Cronin		Robert Stack (0-1)
Brian O’ Connell		T.J. Brosnan (0-1)		Ian Flanagan (0-1)
John Lane (0-4)		Eddie Allen		Kieran Lehane (0-1)
Subs: Timmy O’ Keeffe, David Enright, Paul Verling (0-1)

In a game played in perfect conditions, both sides took time in the initial stages to settle into a pattern. Newmarket took the lead in the fifth minute thanks to a fine point from Seanie Francis O’Connor. Newmarket increased their lead thanks to their lively corner forward Ian Flanagan who was prominent throughout, before a trademark Seanie Francis O’Connor finish gave Newmarket a three point advantage.

The full forward line was very prominent, won a lot of possession and looked potent in possession. The third member of the trio, Shane Murphy was next on the scoresheet and he added two quickfire points as Newmarket enjoyed a five point advantage at the end of the opening quarter. Newmarket also performed resolutely in defence and it was the nineteenth minute before Castlemagner registered their opening point. Newmarket failed to build on their early platform and became wasteful in attack with several efforts dropping short. Eventually, their impressive wing back Anthony Crowley surged forward and he clipped over a fine point. Castlemagner pointed in injury time which left the half time score 0-6 to 0-2 in Newmarket’s favour at the halfway mark.

Newmarket increased their advantage thanks once more to the endeavours of Ian Flanagan but Castlemagner quickly replied with a point. Both sides struggled to breach the respective defences for long spells and it took until the fifteenth minute of the half for the next point, when Nicky Flanagan converted a long distance free. Once more, Castlemagner struck immediately with a point but Newmarket continued to enjoy a four point lead. Midfielder, Timothy Murphy added a superb point for Newmarket well into the final ten minutes, but Castlemagner upped the tempo for the remainder of the game as they sought to salvage a result.

Newmarket defended excellently with John Scanlon and John McSweeney prominent while Kevin O’Sullivan launched many counter attacks from his half back position. Castlemagner searched for a goal and their perseverance eventually paid off when they found the net in the closing minutes. A tentative few minutes followed for Newmarket but they saw out the remaining moments to claim victory.

The Newmarket team was…

David Quinlan
John Scanlon		John McSweeney		Brendan Stack
Sean Doody		Kevin O’Sullivan		Anthony Crowley (0-1)
	Robert Stack		Timothy Murphy (0-1)
Nicky Flanagan (0-1)		Colin O’Sullivan		Michael Kenneally
Ian Flanagan (0-2)		Shane Murphy (0-2)		Seanie Francis O’Connor (0-2)
SUBS: Trevor Murphy, Shane Anthony Murphy, Donnacha Fitzpatrick, David Guiney

He called on Fr. Herlihy P.P. and Seán Browne of club sponsors Newmarket Motors to say a few words.

Nelius Collins, the clubs delegate at County Board level was commended and thanked by Liam for all his input on behalf of the club and for representing the club at the County Board for eighteen years in total. In appreciation of his services, Liam made a presentation to Nelius on the club’s behalf. Nelius then presented the under 21 players who were introduced by team captain Brian O’Riordan with their winners medals.

Liam then announced Club President, Con Collins as the Clubman of the year for 2009. Con continues to make an immense contribution to the clubs affairs on a daily basis as he has done now for many decades and his dedication and commitment to club affairs is remarkable and he thoroughly deserves the accolades bestowed on him.

Several other presentations were made and Liam especially thanked all who helped in supplying the refreshments and Robert Stack for his major input into the successful running of the night.

Sinéad came first in the Solo Singing while Eimear won the Recitation competition. The club were also represented in the quiz by Phil, Sinéad and Eimear Guiney.

Newmarket GAA Club will hold a presentation and awards night on Friday, February 5th in the Clubhouse meeting room at 8:30pm. The Duhallow championship winning under 21 football team, that completed a third successive divisional title will be presented with their winners medals. Light refreshments will be served and all are welcome to attend.

Congratulations to Dr. Bertie Daly who won a trip to Cheltenham Races in the Cork GAA Clubs Draw for January and also to Danny Culloty who won a weekend away for two in the Brehon Hotel, Killarney.

By John Joe Brosnan.

Tony O’Keeffe goal seals Newmarket win in trilling Duhallow U-21 final.

A GOAL two minutes from time sealed victory for Newmarket over Ballydesmond in a thrilling Duhallow Under 21 football final at Kiskeam last Friday evening, thus giving the club its third successive title in this grade.

Rated favourites going into the game because of their greater experience, Newmarket had to battle every inch of the way to overcome the challenge of a Ballydesmond side which shared in the credit for serving up one of the best games seen in the competition for many years.

Twice during the game it looked as if Newmarket were moving into a commanding position, but on each occasion Ballydesmond stormed back with great determination to put the issue on the line.

There was only a point between them with two minutes to go, with Ballydesmond battling mightily for the equaliser, when Newmarket got the break that clinched the game.

Ballydesmond were on the attack, moving down the left wing, when a Newmarket interception turned the play around, with a fast move down the field resulting in a dash towards the goalmouth by Colin Stack. Faced by a wall of Ballydesmond players, he laid the ball to Tony O’Keeffe, who raced in from the right of the posts to deposit a great shot in the net.

The game, favoured by fine weather conditions and a Kiskeam pitch in good condition, drew a very big attendance, and they certainly got value for money, with the play reaching a high standard and both teams fiercely committed to victory.

While Newmarket were seeking their third successive title, Ballydesmond were attempting to win the competition for the first time since 1977, when their great side of that period achieved their record breaking four in a row victories.

The question facing into the game was whether a Ballydesmond side which played very impressively in the semi final against Boherbue would be able to match a strong Newmarket combination which included many of the players who had featured in the club’s two previous wins.

And there was reason for concern among the Ballydesmond supporters in the first quarter, when Newmarket, showing all the confidence and skill that won them their previous titles, put four points on the board with out reply.

The first two were scored by Colin Stack from frees and the others by Donal Daly, one of which resulted from a clever movement along the right wing when Tony O’Keefte kicked the ball forward and Paul Stone transferred it across to Daly in a central position.

Three Ballydesmond wides from good positions left them empty handed with a quarter of an hour gone, but they opened their account with two pointed frees by Donncha O’Connor, both from a distance, and they were dominant for a ten minute spell which brought further points from Donal Kelly, Niall Fleming, David O’Sullivan and O’Connor, making it six points in all without a reply from Newmarket.

A feature of the game was the fine fielding on both sides, with a few magnificent catches by Denis Kelly and Donncha O’Connnor for Ballydesmond and Denis O’Brien for Newmarket being particularly notable.

Leading by two points after 25 minutes, Ballydesmond had the margin cut to a point (0-7 to 0-6) before the interval, with Colin Stack and Tony O’Keeffe scoring for Newmarket and Aidan Fleming responding for Ballydesmond.

The first five minutes of the second half saw Ballydesmond maintaining their point lead, with each side scoring two points. Niall Fleming had Ballydesmond’s first, embarking on a great run after having been sent away by Donal Kelly, and Aidan Fleming had the second. Newmarket’s response came from Donncha Murphy and Colin Stack (free).

The next ten minutes saw Newmarket dominating the play, and they reaped the benefit in scores. Denis O’Brien had two points, the first from a great sideline kick and the second from far out, and Colin Stack added two from frees before O’Brien landed another at the three quarter stage.

Trailing by four points, Ballydesmond seemed to be in trouble, but to their credit they rallied in great style and the tension mounted as they gained control of the play for a time and set about retrieving their fortunes. Great play by the Newmarket backs prevented them from scoring from play, but their persistence was rewarded when they won two frees, both a good distance out, which Donnacha O’Connor pointed.

With three minutes remaining Ballydesmond were awarded a penalty, which Donncha O’Connor obviously intended for the net, but the ball rose of his boot and went over the bar. That reduced the margin to a point, and the prospect of a draw loomed large.

However, Newmarket’s late goal proved the clincher to a game that was contested in exemplary style and which bodes well for the future of football in both clubs.

There were great celebrations when the championship trophy was presented to the Newmarket captain, Donncha Murphy, by Sean McAuliffe, vice chairman of the Duhallow Board.

The match was played on 3th of August in Kiskeam, Final score was Newmarket 1-13 to Ballydesmond 0-12. The team on the day was as follows:

Tadgh O’Sullivan
Pa O’Brien		Mark Murphy		David Jones
Gerard Sheahan		John Fitzpatrick		Danny Guiney
	Barry O’Leary		Denys O’Brien (0-3)
Robbie Keane		Colin Stack (0-6)		Tony O’Keeffe (1-1)
Donnacha Murphy (0-1)		Paul Stone		Donal Daly (0-2)

Ballydesmond: F O’Sullivan, S Kelleher, J Kelly, D O’Keeffe, Denis Kelly, J Healy, T Howard, Donal Kelly, M Murphy, N Fleming, D O’Connor, D O’Sullivan, O O’Calllaghan, B O’Callaghan, A Fleming.  Sub: T Fitzpatrick for O O’Callaghan.

Scorers for Ballydesmond: D O’Connor 0·6 (0-5 frees, 0-1 penalty), N Fleming 0-2, A Flemming 0-2, D Kelly, D O’Sullivan 0-1 each.:

Referee Donie O’Connor, Knocknagree.

Newmarket were pitted against Kiskeam in a repeat of the sides first round meeting in 2008. On that occasion Newmarket emerged victorious by 1-13 to 1-10 at Kanturk on April 6th. The defeated side in this clash will meet either Clyda Rovers or Newcestown in round two.

Here is the full draw, thanks to CorkGAAResults for the information.

PIFC:
A. Glanmire v Ballingeary
B. Mallow v St Vincent’s
C. Mayfield v Glenville
D. Carrigaline v Nemo Rangers
E. Bantry Blues v Ballinora
F. Clyda Rovers v Newcestown
G. St Michael’s v Grenagh
H. Kiskeam v Newmarket

Second Round
D v B
H v F
G v A
C v E

Chairman Liam Lehane welcomed the assembled crowd and after the minutes of last years AGM were adapted, Club President Con Collins gave his address. He congratulated the club’s successful under 21 football team who completed a three in a row of Duhallow Championships in 2009. Bart Daly was congratulated on winning All Ireland medals with the Cork under 21 and junior football teams, while Kevin O’Sullivan, Nicky Flanagan and John Ryan were also acknowledged on winning county medals with the Duhallow under 21 hurling team. He also congratulated the juvenile club on their successes and thanked all for their input in running the clubs affairs over the past twelve months.

Club Secretary, Conor O’Sullivan gave an account of the clubs activities both on and off the field over the year. The intermediate football team retained their premier status having suffered two championship defeats in their two previous outings. The under 21 footballers on completing a three in a row of championship successes, claimed their ninth Duhallow championship. On the hurling front the junior hurlers were finalists in the Singleton Cup while the junior B hurlers were also finalists in the league.

Club Treasurer, Neilie McCarthy presented a detailed account of the clubs finances which showed a positive balance after another busy year. The weekly club lotto once more provided the major source of revenue and this was followed by income resulting from members subscribing to the Cork GAA Club’s Draw. Club sponsors Newmarket Motors and Newmarket Co-Op were thanked for their continued generous contributions to the club. Development costs were once again the major outlay on expenditure but Neilie thanked all who helped the club maintain a positive balance.

Club Chairman, Liam Lehane in his address reflected on the playing season and the continued development of the club’s grounds. The highlight of the year was the opening of the new training pitch which was the main focus of the development of recent years and improvements to the grounds were made to improve spectator facilities. Liam thanked all who fulfilled the various roles within the club covering a vast number of people including both the Ladies football and Juvenile Clubs and congratulated the successful teams and players on their achievements over the year including Donnacha O’Dea for his handballing exploits. Liam reflected on the sad passing of former vice president, player/trainer, administrator and author of the clubs history, legendary Newmarket GAA figure, Jimmy Cross and also past players Ben Finn and Michael O’Connor and all members who suffered bereavements during the year before a minutes silence was observed in their honour.

Juvenile Club Chairman, Billy Newman and County Board Delegate, Nelius Colllins also addressed the meeting before Liam thanked Nelius for representing the club at County Board Level for 18 years and asked Nelius to preside over the election of officers.

The Election of Officers for 2010 resulted as follows. Club President: Con Collins, Vice Presidents: Ted O’Sullivan, Michael Daly, Denis O’Callaghan, Paddy Hartnett, Dan Joe Daly, Con O’Sullivan, Micheál Angland, Con O’Shea, Chairman: Liam Lehane, Vice Chairman: Victor Lane, Secretary/PRO: Conor O’Sullivan, Assistant Secretary/PRO: Robert Stack, Treasurer: Neilie McCarthy, Registrar: Maurice Feehan, Committee: Tadhg O’Connell, Seanie Daly, Dan Joe Daly, Con Collins, Michael Daly, Mossie Kenneally, Barry O’Leary, John Scanlon, William Lehane, Eamon Moynihan, Denis Collins, Ollie Dugdale, County Board Delegates: Nelius Collins, Oliver Collins, Duhallow Board Delegates: Dan Joe Daly, Conor O’Sullivan.

The following team selectors were appointed. Minor Hurling: Robert Stack, Donnacha Fitzpatrick, Tony Lehane, Under 21/Junior B/Junior: Con O’Sullivan, Eamon Moynihan, Jim Fitzgerald, Minor Football: Peter Foley, Barry O’Leary, Niall O’Connor, Under 21: Pat Flanagan (manager), Junior B: Denis Collins, Victor Lane, Premier Intermediate: Paul Murphy (manager).

The poor weather that preceded the game made conditions difficult but Newmarket began brightly when Denis McCarthy pointed within a minute. John Lane who proved prolific from dead balls added a second in the fifth minute but Kanturk responded and a brace of points tied the sides for the only time by the eighth minute. Kanturk took the lead on adding two points before they scored a fine goal in the eleventh minute to take a five point lead. Newmarket settled and John Lane added two points by the end of the quarter to leave the score 0-4 to 1-4. The sides provided good entertainment in trying conditions but it was Kanturk who found it easier to add to their tally and added three further points against a resolute Newmarket rearguard. Newmarket once more responded well and were rewarded on John Lane pointing either side of a fine score from Billy Daly as the gap was reduced to three points again. The sides exchanged points with John Lane on target for a sixth time during the half before Kanturk took full advantage of the closing moments of the half and critically added a goal and a point in this period to enjoy a lead of 2-9 to 0-8 at half time.

Kanturk were first to add to their tally in the second half but Conor Cronin replied on striking two magnificent points from distance for Newmarket. John Lane added two points as Newmarket reduced the deficit to 2-10 to 0-12, nine minutes into the half. Kanturk gradually gained the ascendancy thanks to their ability to add further scores and in the next ten minutes added three points in succession. John Lane brought Newmarket within two goals with the game well into the final ten minutes but a more clinical Kanturk sealed the issue with a succession of fine scores to qualify for the semi final.

Newmarket can reflect on a commendable display against strong opposition. A feature of the performance was the display of the defence with Timmy O’Keeffe outstanding with John Scanlon and Kevin O’Sullivan also prominent.

The Newmarket team was…

Paul Verling
David Kelly		John Scanlon		Timmy O’Keeffe
Brendan Stack		Kevin O’Sullivan		Nicky Flanagan
	Conor Cronin (0-2)		John Lane (0-9)
John Ryan		Robert Stack		Billy Daly (0-1)
Kieran Lehane		Denis McCarthy (0-1)		Ian Flanagan
SUBS: Bryan O’Connell, Brian O’Riordan, Eddie Allen.

Congratulations to the Duhallow under 21 hurling team that won the County Under 21 hurling championship final against Ballinhassig at Páirc Ui Rinn on Saturday.  Congratulations to all involved and especially the Newmarket contingent in the panel, Kevin O’Sullivan, Nicky Flanagan and John Ryan.

Freemount playing with the aid of the breeze got off to an ideal start when pointing in the first minute. As the teams settled into the contest it was Freemount who were the more clinical and they reeled off four points in as many minutes. They confirmed their dominance with the opening goal of the game in the fifteenth minute. Newmarket needed a swift response and they hit back with the perfect reply when team captain Shane Murphy surged down on goal and kicked the ball to the roof of the Freemount net. The sides traded points as Newmarket’s most effective forward Shane Murphy pointed superbly from way out on the sideline. Freemount were potent in front of goal and three unanswered points gave them a commanding lead, 1-9 to 1-1 at the halfway mark.

Freemount increased their lead within seconds of the resumption before Shane Murphy scored a Newmarket point. The sides then swapped points with the outstanding Conor Cronin converting a long range free. Freemount appeared to take the contest beyond doubt when a second goal ten minutes into the second half gave them an advantage of eleven points. Newmarket failed to relent the contest and led by the outstanding contributions of Brendan Stack and Conor Cronin, the team rallied to the end. Conor Cronin’s free from distance found the back of the net and the score read 2-11 to 2-3 going into the final quarter. Donnacha O’Dea hit a fine point but Newmarket found it difficult throughout to make inroads into the Freemount lead despite ample opportunities. Typically, Freemount replied with a point but Newmarket were in the ascendancy and points from Conor Cronin and two from Shane Murphy reduced the deficit to six points as the game entered the final five minutes. Freemount added the next score yet Newmarket piled on the pressure. With the game well into injury time Colin O’Sullivan found the net for a third Newmarket goal with a bullet of a shot. In a last attempt to get on level terms Newmarket fell short and Freemount held on to claim a three point victory.

It was no doubt a disappointing conclusion to the year for a gallant Newmarket side, who produced a number of fine displays during the campaign but on the day they will look back on the fact they had fourteen wides in a game where they were chasing the result from the first quarter.

The Newmarket team was…

Kieran Hayes
William O’Flynn		John McSweeney		Donnacha Fitzpatrick
Michael Kenneally		Pa O’Brien		Brendan Stack
	Colin O’Sullivan (1-0)		Conor Cronin (1-2)
Timothy Murphy		Robert Stack		Donnacha O’Dea (0-1)
Bryan O’Connell		Shane Murphy (1-3)		Paul Verling
SUBS: Liam Murphy, Denis McCarthy, Billy Daly

The final throws in at 3pm, all support welcome.

Áth Trasna Abú

Newmarket opened the scoring when John Ryan converted a free on being upended in the opening seconds of the game. It was Boherbue however who completely dominated proceedings in the opening half. They responded in whirlwind fashion and their combination of determined and driven football was rewarded with an excellent return of six points by the end of the first quarter. Newmarket struggled with this onslaught and despite faring better in the second quarter Boherbue further increased their lead on adding a seventh point. As the half came to a conclusion, John Lane eventually pointed for a shaken Newmarket as another Boherbue score left them in firm control by 0-8 to 0-2 at the halfway mark.

To their credit Newmarket responded to a dismal opening half in the most impressive of fashion. John Ryan converted a free before Gerard Casey kicked a point in the fourth minute. The impressive Tony O’Keeffe and John Ryan reduced the arrears to just two points in a seven minute spell before Newmarket were awarded a penalty on Maurice Feehan being fouled as he closed in on goal. Brian O’Riordan duly stepped up to slot the ball home and amazingly Newmarket took the lead, 1-6 to 0-8 after just nine second half minutes. Boherbue tied matters with their first point of the half in the twelveth minute but it was Newmarket who had the momentum and Bart Daly strode forward to kick two fine points from play. When John Lane added a free with twelve minutes to play, Newmarket enjoyed a clear lead of 1-9 to 0-9 at this stage. Crucially, the next score of the game proved to be an equalizing goal for Boherbue and an exciting final ten minutes followed as both sides endeavoured to claim victory. With matters still level with little over two minutes to play it was Boherbue who breached the Newmarket defence for a second time to crash home a second goal. As Newmarket sought a response Boherbue sealed victory on adding an insurance point and duly ran out worthy winners.

The Newmarket team was…

David Quinlan
Pa O’Brien		Barry O’Leary		Brian O’Riordan (1-0)
Niall O’Connor		Bart Daly (0-2)		Michael Kenneally
	Colin O’Sullivan		Timothy Murphy
T.J. Bodie		David O’Flynn		Maurice Feehan
John Ryan (0-3)		John Lane (0-2)		Tony O’Keeffe (0-1)
SUBS: Kevin O’Sullivan, Conor Cronin, Gerard Casey (0-1)

Newmarket’s under 21 hurlers progressed to the quarter final of the championship when they defeated Meelin by 3-14 to 4-9 in a thrilling contest at Meelin on Sunday.

Newmarket began brightly when Ian Flanagan clipped over a neat point in the second minute. Despite an encouraging start Newmarket were rattled in the fourth minute when a speculative Meelin effort ended in the back of the net and this was followed by a seventh minute point. Newmarket regained their composure and two John Ryan frees reduced the deficit but Meelin had the next two points to establish a 1-3 to 0-3 lead by the seventeenth minute. Newmarket hurled well throughout the field and were rewarded with a string of scores. John Lane pointed a free before Ian Flanagan added his second point. John Lane tied the sides for the only time with a fine point from play following some neat teamwork, at 0-6 to 1-3 by the twenty second minute. John Ryan gave Newmarket the lead and a minute later and their endeavour was further rewarded when Kieran Lehane finished to the net from the edge of the square. Meelin replied with a point but the excellent Robert Stack added a fine point for Newmarket. The sides exchanged points before the break with a John Lane point leaving Newmarket in front by 1-9 to 1-5 following an entertaining half of hurling.

Robert Stack finished well for the first point of the second half before Meelin got the next two points. Conor Cronin converted a long range free to re-establish a four point advantage. A turning point came twelve minutes into the half when John Lane on taking a close in free, elected to shoot for goal and he found the net for a crucial second Newmarket goal which he followed up with two more points. Meelin responded to this nine point deficit by gaining a second goal which was supplemented with a point. Newmarket were further boosted when some clever play from the inside forward line left Ian Flanagan bearing in on goal and he finished neatly for a third goal. A brace of points were exchanged as once more John Lane was on target. However, Meelin as expected came with a storming finish and two quickfire goals added to a climactic finish but Newmarket just held out and an excellent all round performance was rewarded with victory.

The Newmarket team was…

Paul Verling
William O’Flynn		John Scanlon		Timmy O’Keeffe
Brendan Stack		Kevin O’Sullivan		Nicky Flanagan
	Conor Cronin (0-1)		John Lane (1-6)
Billy Daly		Robert Stack (0-2)		John Ryan (0-3)
Kieran Lehane (1-0)		Denis McCarthy		Ian Flanagan (1-2)
SUBS:

Newmarket took the lead on a greasy day for hurling, when Shane Murphy pointed sublimely from the sideline in the second minute. Meelin tied matters within a minute and quickly went into a two point lead as they posed a major threat to the Newmarket rearguard. Shane Murphy converted a free for Newmarket before the superb Robert Stack hit a fine effort to tie the scores for a second time, 0-3 apiece after twelve minutes. Meelin gained the ascendancy again on gaining two points before Shane Murphy cut the deficit for Newmarket. Another brace of points increased Meelin’s advantage to three points but Newmarket finished the half well with two well worked scores from Robert Stack and Conor Cronin. Meelin went into the break by adding a further point and led at the halfway mark by 0-8 to 0-6.

A few switches to the Newmarket team worked in their favour six minutes into the second half, when Michael Kenneally was on hand to pounce on a loose ball from a dropping sixty five to rattle the net and gain Newmarket the lead. Meelin were on terms again within a minute as a very even second half developed. Billy Daly was rewarded for some great industry throughout, when he clipped over a fine point to edge Newmarket in front but by the end of the third quarter a Meelin point had the sides’ level for fourth time, 1-7 to 0-10. Both sides tried valiantly to gain the upper hand as a neat finish from Paul Verling gave Newmarket a slender advantage once more. There followed a ten minute scoreless period, with some great endeavour throughout the pitch with Brendan Stack and Pa O’Brien prominent in defence while Conor Cronin came to the fore at midfield. Fittingly, for Newmarket it was Robert Stack who delivered the crucial score of the game, three minutes from time when he was alert to a Michael Kenneally effort that rebounded off the Meelin upright and crashed the ball home for a second goal, a very worthy goalscorer given his immense contribution. Meelin pointed to ensure a tense climax but Newmarket held firm and came through to claim victory.

The Newmarket team was…

Kieran Hayes
William O’Flynn		John McSweeney		Donnacha Fitzpatrick
Michael Kenneally (1-0)		Pa O’Brien		Brendan Stack
	Colin O’Sullivan		Conor Cronin (0-1)
Billy Daly (0-1)		Timothy Murphy		Robert Stack (1-2)
Paul Verling (0-1)		Shane Murphy (0-3)		Sean Irwin
SUB: Denis McCarthy

John Lane had Newmarket in front thanks to a point in the opening minute but following some slack Newmarket defending, two goals in as many minutes turned matters firmly in Millstreet’s favour. The textbook deadball skills of Bart Daly, a feature throughout, reduced the arrears before John Ryan added a free. Brian O’Riordan attacked with menace throughout as Newmarket put together some excellent moves and he was on hand to kick a fine point in the ninth minute. Two minutes later another excellent move which spanned the length of the pitch ended with T.J. Bodie placing John Lane in on goal and he finished expertly to gain Newmarket the lead, 1-4 to 2-0. A free flowing Newmarket side added to their lead with an array of fine scores from Niall O’Connor, John Ryan, David O’Flynn and Tony O’Keeffe. Millstreet cut the deficit to three points on scoring a point but Tony O’Keeffe responded with a point for Newmarket. Newmarket ended the half with an excellent team goal when once more they put together a slick passing movement and David O’Flynn found himself bearing down on goal and he kept his composure to finish to the net in fine style which left Newmarket in command, 2-9 to 2-1 at half time.

The second half continued in the same vain for Newmarket. Bart Daly slotted over a free before Brian O’Riordan added his second point. Timothy Murphy was on hand to kick a fine team score before John Ryan added two superb efforts. Bart Daly added a further point before a Millstreet point left the score reading 2-15 to 2-2. Newmarket maintained their high standard as John Ryan, John Lane twice and Bart Daly reeled off further scores. As the game entered the final stages John Lane was on hand to convert two close in goals before a Bart Daly free brought an end to a memorable Newmarket display.

The Newmarket team was…

David Quinlan
Pa O’Brien		Barry O’Leary		Brian O’Riordan (0-2)
Niall O’Connor (0-1)		Timothy Murphy (0-1)		Michael Kenneally
	Bart Daly (0-5)		Gerard Casey
John Ryan (0-5)		David O’Flynn (1-1)		Maurice Feehan
T.J. Bodie		Tony O’Keeffe (0-2)		John Lane (3-2)

Newmarket were quick off the mark and their first attack yielded an excellent point from Tony O’Keeffe in the very first minute. Grenagh tied up matters in the seventh minute before some sloppy defending gifted Grenagh the games only goal a minute later. Grenagh increased their advantage by another point before Kevin O’Sullivan surged forward to kick Newmarket’s second score. The sides exchanged points as Tony O’Keeffe found the target for a second time. The next four points were shared as Bart Daly twice executed two superbly taken forty fives. A John Ryan point late in the half left Newmarket trailing by 1-5 to 0-6 at the turnover.

Grenagh dominated long periods of the second half and they added four unanswered points in the third quarter. Newmarket eventually pointed through a T.J. Bodie free Grenagh restored a six point lead before David O’Flynn scored a fine individual point for Newmarket. Two further points were shared before the finish as T.J. Bodie claimed the last score of the game but this game had all the hallmark of an end of season contest.

The Newmarket team was…

David Quinlan
Pa O’Brien		Barry O’Leary		Brian O’Riordan
John Ryan (0-1)		Timothy Murphy		Niall O’Connor
	Kevin O’Sullivan (0-1)		Bart Daly (0-2)
David O’Flynn (0-1)		T.J. Bodie (0-2)		Maurice Feehan
Tony O’Keeffe (0-2)		Colin O’Sullivan		Nicky Flanagan
SUB: John Lane

Clyda Rovers defeated Newmarket on Monday evening in an entertaining intermediate football league game played at Mourne Abbey where the game ended 1-12 to 0-9 in favour of the home side.

Bart Daly kicked a fine point in the opening minute for Newmarket but the home side responded by scoring three successive points by the end of the first quarter. Clyda added a further point before Newmarket enjoyed a productive period and were rewarded with points from T.J. Bodie, Nicky Flanagan and Shane Anthony Murphy which tied the sides late in the half. Clyda had the final score of the half to turn over in front by 0-5 to 0-4.

Clyda were more clinical upon the restart and added three points in seven minutes. John Ryan converted a free for Newmarket before Clyda regained a four point lead. Newmarket were resolute and produced some fine passages of football throughout despite a two month layoff. T.J. Bodie pointed to leave the score 0-9 to 0-6 at the end of the third quarter. Clyda had the next two points but Tony O’Keeffe and T.J. Bodie responded with points for Newmarket. As the game entered the final minutes a superb Newmarket defensive rearguard were eventually breached as Clyda struck for the games only goal. Maurice Feehan scored the final point of the contest as Clyda emerged from a fine contest.

The Newmarket team was…

Niall O’Connor
Pa O’Brien		Barry O’Leary		Brian O’Riordan
Michael Kenneally		Bart Daly (0-1)		John Ryan (0-1)
	Timothy Murphy		Shane Anthony Murphy (0-1)
David O’Flynn		T.J. Bodie (0-3)		Maurice Feehan (0-1)
John Lane		Tony O’Keeffe (0-1)		Nicky Flanagan (0-1)
SUB: David Quinlan

Two weeks ago the boys won against Millstreet in the B final after some late goals. This Sunday it took extra time to separate the teams, Newmarket running out victorious on a scoreline of 3-18 to 5-11. Congratulations to all the boys, their mentors and families. Additional photos can be found in the gallery.

Congratulations to all involved.