Newmarket proved clinical from frees in the opening quarter, Shane Murphy slotted over two points within five minutes before Kevin O’Connor landed a huge effort from near the sideline in the fourteenth minute. A fourth point followed courtesy of the accuracy of Shane Murphy again, as Newmarket enjoyed the better of the possession. Things got even better for Newmarket when debutant substitute, T.J. Brosnan raced through the Ballydesmond defence before confidently clipping the ball over the bar. A free flowing Newmarket were solid in defence with David Guiney, John Scanlon and Kevin O’Sullivan launching several attacks for the home side. Nicky Flanagan and Shane Murphy further increased the advantage before Anthony Crowley surged forward to kick an excellent eighth point for Newmarket in the twenty third minute.

Ballydesmond responded with two well taken points from distance but Newmarket concluded a half of supremacy in the best possible fashion, with Ian Flanagan playing a sublime defence splitting pass into the path of the on rushing Kevin O’Connor who kept his composure and finished clinically to the back of the net which left the score, 1-8 to 0-2 in Newmarket’s favour at the turnover.

Newmarket however, were lethargic for long periods of the second half and failed to build on their first half display. The defence proved resolute as Ballydesmond slowly clipped away at the lead and they cut the deficit on scoring three points without reply in the third quarter. Newmarket eventually regained their composure on Shane Murphy finding the target and the influential Kevin O’Sullivan followed up with a well executed free, which restored an eight point lead with little over ten minutes remaining. Ballydesmond replied with a goal but Newmarket kept their composure for the remainder of the game as the sides exchanged points, Shane Murphy first on target for Newmarket. The contest concluded with Kevin O’Connor adding an insurance point for the home side as Newmarket claimed the points on offer.

The Newmarket team was…

David Quinlan
John Scanlon		Mark Murphy		David Guiney
Anthony Crowley (0-1)		Kevin O’Sullivan (0-1)		Sean Doody
	Robert Stack		Timothy Murphy
Nicky Flanagan (0-1)		Colin O’Sullivan		Kevin O’Connor (1-2)
Ian Flanagan		Shane Murphy (0-6)		Donnacha Fitzpatrick
SUBS: T.J. Brosnan (0-1), John McSweeney, Anthony Lynch, Michael O’Leary, Michael Kenneally

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.

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).

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.

Congratulations to all involved.

Having beaten Kevin Barry’s of Philadelphia in Boston’s Irish Cultural Center in Canton on Saturday, Christophers took on Parnells for the North American title the following day.

Despite a closely contested opening to the match, Christophers eventually began to pull away and commanded a 9 point lead at the interval. Three further goals in the second half ensured national honours were theirs.

As their own jerseys were stolen before the Boston Championship Final, Christophers requested a set of Newmarket jerseys be made available to them. A set was duly dispatched and the Club did the Newmarket jersey a great honour by winning their national title in the red and black.

So a final congratulations to all involved on reaching the top during a fantastic 2009.

See the Thar an Trasnán website for a report of last Sunday’s victorious final.

Christophers Abú

The club has close ties to our own, having been formed by Newmarket man Donie Kenneally along with Noel Keane, Peter Heslin and Vinny Moore in 1987, in memory of Christopher Sweeney, originally of Sarsfields Kildare, who tragically died in a car accident in West Roxbury, Boston. The first chairman was Newmarket man Willie Joe O’Connor and the first team manager was Nicky Kenneally. And the clubs colours, Red & Black.

The club found success early on, winning the Junior Championship in 1988 and the Intermediate Championship 1992 and 1995, but they had to wait until last Sunday to win the top title, Senior Champions.

Over the years many Newmarket men have played for Christophers including; Donie Kenneally, Paudie Kenneally, Willie Joe O’Connor, Vincent Twomey, Arthur O’Shea, Mark O’Sullivan, John Fitzpatrick, Colin Stack, Brian Daly and Jerry McCarthy.

Mark will collect another medal this year. Having scored two goals in the semi-final against the reigning Boston and North American Champions Aiden McAnespies, it was his defensive qualities that were needed on Sunday, blocking a certain goal in the final stages.

So congratulations to all involved including Mark and especially Donie who had three sons, Paudy, Jerry and Captain Danny on the 2009 team, and best of luck next weekend in the North American Finals.

See the Thar an Trasnán website for a report of last Sunday’s historic final.

Christophers Abú

The result of the raffle draw on the night was 1st Prize: XL GAA Jacket, Sarah Burke James; 2nd Prize: L GAA Windbreaker: Brendan Kenneally, 3rd Prize: Bottle of Jameson and GAA book: Tom O’Callaghan, Other Prizes: Bottle of Wine and GAA Book: Kevin Breslin, John Hickey, Ellen Kearney, Frank Moynihan, Brian Guiney.

Newmarket GAA Club are very grateful to the organising committee and was delighted to receive the proceeds from the event.

John Lane set the tone on pointing a second minute free but Meelin replied within a minute. Brian Daly restored Newmarket’s lead before Shane Murphy found the target with a fine effort. Meelin had three points in succession to claim the lead for the first time on fourteen minutes. An even contest ebbed and flowed with Newmarket pointing through Barry O’Leary and a John Lane free. Meelin responded in turn and the sides went on to exchange another brace of points, John Lane on target for a third time before the sides were deadlocked for the fifth time in the half. A crucial turning point developed in the closing moments of the half as firstly Meelin edged ahead before they scored the first goal of the contest to suddenly enjoy a four point lead, 1-7 to 0-6 at the turnover.

Newmarket turned over in highly impressive fashion that produced their best period of the game. Shane Murphy landed his second superb point in the fourth minute before John Lane was once more on target from a placed ball two minutes later. Barry O’Leary pointed from distance before once more John Lane pointed to gain parity ten minutes into the half.

Newmarket maintained the momentum when some terrific play in defence resulted in a quick flowing move and the ever industrious Tony O’Keeffe pointed from distance to give Newmarket the lead again, 0-11 to 1-7. Crucially, Meelin responded in the best possible fashion and when a goalbound shot rattled the crossbar they reacted fastest to the rebound to plunder a second goal. This was followed by two quickfire points and suddenly Meelin enjoyed a four point lead again.

Kevin O’Sullivan reduced the arrears but Meelin hit back with two further scores. Once more Shane Murphy hit a fine point from play for Newmarket but a free flowing Meelin put daylight between the sides with five minutes remaining with their third goal. Newmarket’s endeavour was rewarded within a minute when Donnacha O’Dea struck for a goal and the issue was right back in the balance when an overhead pull from Robert Stack ended in the back of the Meelin net to leave just two points the margin in the closing minutes. When John Lane pointed in injury time the game was on a knife edge but Meelin sealed a thrilling contest in their next attack with the final score of an excellent tie.
The Newmarket team was…

John Ryan
Michael Kenneally		John Scanlon		Donnacha Fitzpatrick
Kevin O’Sullivan (0-1)		Pa O’Brien		Anthony Crowley
	Tony O’Keeffe (0-1)		John Lane (0-6)
Colin O’Sullivan		Brian Daly (0-1)		Robert Stack (1-0)
Donnacha O’Dea (1-0)		Shane Murphy (0-3)		Barry O’Leary (0-2)
SUBS: Conor Cronin, Ian Flanagan

The winners of the Póc Fada competition were 1st Colin O’Sullivan, 2nd John Ryan, 3rd Barry O’Leary. The winners of the Minor/Under 16 competion were 1st: T.J. Brosnan, 2nd Jack Birtley, 3rd Nicky Barrett.

A fine turnout witnessed the football game between the Newmarket under 21 four in a row Duhallow champions (1998-01) and the present three in a row side. A tight first half developed with the sides level on four occasions. The crucial score of half being the games opening goal from Colin O’Sullivan for the 4 side, just two minutes from half time which gave them an advantage of 1-5 to 0-5 at half time.

Niall O’Connor goaled in the fifth minute of the second half as the 3 side hit the front and Kieran Lehane stretched their advantage with a second goal four minutes later. Tony O’Keeffe scored a much merited goal four the 4 team to leave them trailing by 2-7 to 2-6 at the three quarter mark. Points from John Ryan, Jerry McCarthy and John Lane opened a four point gap before Colin O’Sullivan set up a grandstand finish with his second goal. It was the 4 team that claimed the spoils as Colin Stack added another goal with John Lane reducing the deficit to a point at the end of the contest the 4 team claimed a slender advantage by 4-6 to 2-11.

The club would like to thank the juvenile club and all who helped to contribute in running the day.

Referee: Pat Flanagan.

The 4 team was…

Paul Murphy
Michael O’Keeffe		John McSweeney		Mark Murphy
Pa O’Brien		Barry O’Leary		Gerard Sheahan
	Colin O’Sullivan (2-0)		Gerard Casey
Shane Murphy (0-4)		Donnacha Murphy		Maurice Feehan
Brendan Murphy		Colin Stack (1-1)		Tony O’Keeffe (1-1)
SUBS: Anthony Crowley

The 3 team was…

David Quinlan
David Guiney		Brian O’Riordan		Michael O’Leary
Niall O’Connor (1-0)		Conor Cronin		Robert Stack
	Michael Kenneally (0-2)		Timothy Murphy
Eddie Allen		John Ryan (0-5)		Jerry McCarthy (0-1)
John Lane (0-3)		John Scanlon		Kieran Lehane (1-0)
SUBS: T.J. Brosnan

Jimmy was an institution in Newmarket for eight decades. His shoemaker shop in New Street was the venue for countless generations of Newmarket people and outsiders to debate and discuss the topics of the day. He had many interests in life but the GAA was his consuming passion. He gave great service to Newmarket as a player in both football and hurling from the late 1930’s to 1950.

Jimmy’s playing honours included an Examiner Cup in 1948, Duhallow junior championship medals in 1949/50 in football and also in 1950, he lined out in the Newmarket side that lost the County Junior football final in a replay against Canovee. In hurling Jimmy won Duhallow junior championship medals in 1947/48/49/50. He was a trainer and selector of numerous teams from juvenile to intermediate level. Jimmy had the distinction of serving as a selector on the Cork minor hurling team in 1951 which won the All Ireland final and had a major influence on the Newmarket football team that won the County junior football championship for the first time in the clubs history in 1970. Jimmy was also an outstanding referee and for many years refereed several senior County Championship games.

As an administrator, Jimmy served as secretary of the club for ten years from 1939 to 1948 and acted as treasurer in 1961 and again from 1962/66. For numerous years all Newmarket team selections were posted on Jimmy’s shop window. He was secretary of the committee that purchased the clubs current playing grounds in the Town Park and acted as an active fundraiser in several carnivals to provide funds for the ground. Jimmy also held the office of chairman in the Duhallow Juvenile GAA Board. In 1994, he presided over the clubs under 21 football team that claimed the Duhallow title for only the second time in the clubs history and many of this team went on to represent Newmarket in winning a second County junior football title four years later. At the turn of the millennium Jimmy with the assistance of Andy O’Connor penned the History of Newmarket GAA Club and this fine publication was launched in the presence of another legendary GAA figure, former GAA President, the late Con Murphy.

Outside of his lifetime input and contribution to the history of Newmarket GAA Club, Jimmy had numerous other hobbies and was the hub of many organisations in the community.

A huge guard of honour representing many generations was present at the removal and Jimmy’s wish was that the club be represented under the coffin on the day of his funeral. A final minutes pause and silence was observed by the cortege outside Jimmy’s shop before an icon of Newmarket was laid to rest.

To his wife Theresa, son Liam, daughter Tracey, brothers, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and huge circle of friends we would like to extend our sincerest of sympathies. Ar a dheis De go raibh a anam.

Club chairman Liam Lehane called on Parish Priest Fr. David Herlihy to address the gathering and he remarked on the very important role the GAA club holds within every community and the positive impact it generates from all those involved in club activities. Liam Lehane praised the successful winning team on their achievements and the mentors associated with the team, especially outgoing team manager Paul Murphy for his great service to both club and division for many years now. He also paid tribute to the outgoing club committee on their tremendous efforts regarding development of the clubs grounds and the revenue generated in the process. He wished all the clubs teams success for the year ahead.

Tony McAuliffe, Development Officer with the Duhallow Board, also paid tribute to the under 21 side and also to the clubs other teams during the year who performed admirably, backboned by a very young panel of players. He thanked the club for the use of their facilities when required by the board and also the Newmarket players and mentors who represented Duhallow during the year.

Paul Murphy spoke on behalf of the mentors of the under 21 team and thanked fellow selectors Pat O’Brien, Pat Flanagan and Ben O’Keeffe and the panel of players for their major commitment and dedication during a long playing season.

Sean Browne spoke on behalf of the clubs main sponsors Newmarket Motors also paying tribute to the team and the club for the provision of excellent facilities.

Under 21 Team captain Timothy Murphy introduced the panel of players as they were presented with their medals by Jerry Browne and then made a presentation to Paul Murphy on behalf of the players.

Club Treasurer Neilie McCarthy announced the Clubperson of the year for 2008 and the worthy recipient was Mary Stack who served as chairperson for the previous two years, which oversaw major redevelopment and fundraising with Mary’s drive and enthusiasm central to such a successful period in the history of the club. She received her award and a bouquet of flowers from Club President Con Collins who reflected on Mary’s incredible input to the club. Mary paid tribute to the outgoing dedicated committee without whom she said nothing would have been achieved. She thanked the under 21 team for the wonderful entertainment they have provided for all down through the years and wished the club every success for the coming year.

Happy Hearts provided the musical entertainment for the remainder of a very enjoyable night.

A buffet meal will be served at 8pm sharp and musical entertainment will be provided by Happy Hearts. Tickets are priced at €20 each and are available from committee members.

Outgoing Chairperson Mary Stack opened the meeting by welcoming all present. Life President Con Collins congratulated the successful under 21 football team on winning the Duhallow championship for a second successive year and Conor Cronin on winning an All Ireland Vocational Schools football medal with Cork. He also congratulated Conor on representing the Cork minor footballers and Bart Daly on being a member of the Cork under 21 football panel. He thanked the juvenile club for their contribution during the year and paid tribute to Chairperson Mary Stack and the outgoing committee for the continued redevelopment of the clubs grounds.

Outgoing Secretary Conor O’Sullivan presented a report of the clubs activities both on and off the field in another busy year. The highlights on the playing side included the under 21 footballers winning the Duhallow championship having earlier created history by reaching the County under 21 football final for the first time, where they finished runners up to St. Finbarrs at Pairc Ui Rinn and the introduction of a junior B hurling team during the year which performed admirably in the league. The minor footballers contested the Duhallow minor B football league final while the premier intermediate football and junior hurling teams progressed to the semi final stages of their respective championships.

Outgoing Treasurer Neilie McCarthy presented a comprehensive report on the clubs finances which showed a record turnover. The ongoing development within the club was the major source of expenditure but this was offset by income received from grant funding and the clubs successful weekly lotto amongst other forms of revenue.

In her address to the meeting, Mary Stack the outgoing Chairperson, gave a very detailed account of all the activities and development undertaken by a very dedicated committee over the past two years. She reflected on the major redevelopment that has taken place which has culminated in the development of a second playing pitch. Other major changes included the redevelopment of dressing rooms, the provision of new tennis courts, extra parking, a new driveway and entrance. She lauded praise on the committee for their input and contribution towards the fundraising drives which enabled such changes to take place. Mary paid tribute to all teams and mentors for their commitment and dedication and for the enjoyment they provide to all, through their endeavours on the playing fields. Mary informed the meeting that she was stepping down from her position after two years in the role. Many tributes were made to Mary, commending her for doing such a superb job and showing wonderful leadership during her tenure.

County Board Delegate Nelius Collins presided over the Election of Officers which resulted as follows:

Life President: Con Collins, Vice Presidents: James Cross, Ted O’Sullivan, Michael Daly, Dan Joe Daly, Denis O’Callaghan, Paddy Hartnett, Con O’Shea, Con O’Sullivan, Micheál Angland, Chairman: Liam Lehane, Vice Chairman: Victor Lane, Secretary/PRO: Conor O’Sullivan, Assistant Secretary/PRO: Robert Stack, Registrar: Maurice Feehan, Committee: Dermot Sheehan, Tadhg O’Connell, Seanie Daly, Mossie Kenneally, Michael Daly, Con Collins, William Lehane, Barry O’Leary, Eamon Moynihan, John Scanlon, County Board Delegates: Nelius Collins, Oliver Collins, Duhallow Board Delegates: Dan Joe Daly, Conor O’Sullivan.

Incoming Chairman Liam Lehane, who will be taking on the role for a third term in all, concluded the meeting by observing a minutes player in memory of deceased members and players.

Membership of the club is now due for renewal. Subscriptions are as follows, players euro 30, adults euro 25 and students euro 20.