The opening exchanges were tight and even but Meelin eventually took the lead in the fourth minute. Two further points followed before John Lane slotted over a free for Newmarket after ten minutes and he cut the arrears to a point in similar fashion from distance minutes later. Meelin regained the initiative on scoring the next two points but Barry O’Leary kept Newmarket in contention with a point from play after twenty two minutes. Newmarket were well served by their defensive rearguard with Robert Stack and Ian Flanagan prominent and full back John McSweeney also performing well. Newmarket missed a couple of scorable opportunities as the half concluded while a brace of Meelin points gave them an advantage of 0-7 to 0-3 at the turnover.

Within two minutes of the restart, the game swung clearly in Meelin’s favour. They were awarded a penalty which was duly converted to the net and the game ended as a contest when in the fourth minute a long deliver was brilliantly doubled to the net for a second goal. This double blow clearly shattered Newmarket and they struggled badly for the remainder of the game. Meelin added four points in succession by the end of the quarter before Kevin O’Sullivan raised a white flag for Newmarket on converting a free. The terrible conditions failed to deter Meelin’s hurling ability and a further three points followed. Newmarket gained some consolation when Kevin O’Sullivan goaled from a penalty but for good measure Meelin also goaled with their next score before rounding off a comprehensive win with a final point. Newmarket will now face Tullylease in a bid to remain in the championship.  

The Newmarket team was…

Paul Verling
Ian Flanagan		John McSweeney		John Ryan
Shane Murphy		Pa O’Brien		Robert Stack
	Niall O’Connor		Barry O’Leary (0-1)
Tony O’Keeffe		John Scanlon		Anthony Crowley
John Lane (0-2)		Colin O’Sullivan		Kevin O’Sullivan (1-1)
SUBS: Conor Cronin, Nicky Flanagan, Michael Kenneally, William O’Flynn.

Croke Rovers were first off the mark with a point in the opening seconds but the accuracy of Donal Hannon from frees which was a highlight of the contest levelled the scores for Newmarket. Croke Rovers scored heavily in the first quarter and added a goal and five points without reply. Donal Hannon kept Newmarket in touch from placed balls but a goal late in the half gave the visitors a lead of 2-7 to 0-3 at half time.

Newmarket gradually reduced the deficit with Donal Hannon on target with three further pointed frees before Vinny Molloy pointed from play. Newmarket were indebted to their goalkeeper Shane McAuliffe who produced a superb double save in the ninth minute before Croke Rovers added two points. Vinny Molloy had his second point of the evening as the sides exchanged scores and the score read 2-10 to 0-8 as the game entered the final quarter. Donal Hannon brought his tally to eight points thanks to two more frees but this was answered with two Croke Rovers scores. Patrick Kelly pointed from distance for

Newmarket and a grandstand finish developed after Gerry Murphy found the net for Newmarket. Fellow substitute Con McAuliffe netted a second goal and suddenly just a point separated the sides. However it was the visitors who had the final score of the evening to claim victory from an entertaining contest.

The Newmarket team was…

Shane McAuliffe
Danny O’Connell		Michael O’Leary		Paudie Allen
Billy Lane		Jack Birtley		Nicky Barrett
	Patrick Kelly (0-1)		Ivan King
Vinny Molloy (0-2)		Timmy O’Keeffe		Donal Hannon (0-8)
Luke McCarthy		Jack Flaherty		David Quinlan
SUBS: Gerry Murphy (1-0), Con McAuliffe (1-0).

Newmarket survived an early scare and were lucky to escape as Millstreet pointed within seconds of the throw in. John Lane responded with a well taken point from play and Tony O’Keeffe followed up with an even better effort in the fourth minute. Millstreet looked threatening in the early stages and they broke through for what proved to be the games only goal in the fifth minute and an additional point increased their lead to a clear goal.
The sides then exchanged points with John Lane on target from a placed ball as Millstreet led by 1-3 to 0-3 after a lively first ten minutes. Both sides tightened up defensively at this stage, with Kevin O’Sullivan in outstanding form in defence for Newmarket throughout. A seven minute scoreless spell ended when John Lane pointed a free. This gave Newmarket a bit of momentum and he was similarly on target again three minutes later. Michael Kenneally levelled the sides for a second time on pointing in the twenty second minute and Newmarket hit the front with a fine individual effort from Donnacha O’Dea with left half back Robert Stack then adding a spectacular long range point to double the advantage. The home side finished the half in the ascendancy and two points in as many minutes had the sides level once more at the halfway point, 0-8 to 1-5.
Newmarket struggled for a while upon the restart and were sloppy in their play as Millstreet added a point in the fifth minute. Newmarket eventually settled on John Lane scoring his fifth point of the evening to once more restore parity. This spurred on Newmarket and three quick fire points followed in a three minute spell, all fine scores from John Lane and the experienced duo of Barry O’Leary and Tony O’Keeffe. Millstreet however cut the deficit to a solitary point again on getting the next two points and as the game entered the final ten minutes, Newmarket held a slender lead of 0-12 to 1-8.
Newmarket showed great spirit and desire at this stage and no shortage of skill. John Ryan scored an inspirational point from distance with Barry O’Leary, John Lane and Conor Cronin firing over points in rapid time. Newmarket sensed success and hurled with distinction in all sectors. Right half back Shane Murphy added to the collection of superb long range points, with team captain Anthony Crowley finding the target in similar vein moments later. A Newmarket side in full flow sealed a memorable success with further points on the board through a brace from John Lane and the final score of the game, fittingly an excellent long range finish from Robert Stack as Newmarket rounded off their ninth point in succession.
The final whistle was greeted with great excitement by the Newmarket supporters and panel of players who have seen numerous disappointing days out with the team over two and a half decades.  Duhallow Board Secretary, Tom Dennehy presented the silverware to Newmarket’s joint captains, Anthony Crowley and Kevin O’Sullivan.

Congratulations to all the players and especially to the teams mentors, Con O’Sullivan (who has given incredible service to hurling teams in Newmarket for many years), Eamon Moynihan, Jim Fitzgerald and team coach Jerry Molyneaux on their notable and memorable achievements with a panel of players limited in numbers on several occasions.
The Newmarket team was…

Paul Verling
Niall O’Connor		Brendan Stack		Donnacha Fitzpatrick
Shane Murphy (0-1)		Kevin O’Sullivan		Robert Stack (0-2)
	John Ryan (0-1)		John Lane (0-9)
Tony O’Keeffe (0-2)		Michael Kenneally (0-1)		Colin O’Sullivan
Barry O’Leary (0-2)		John Scanlon		Donnacha O’Dea (0-1)
SUBS: Anthony Crowley (0-1), Conor Cronin (0-1), Ian Flanagan.

It was Tullylease who opened the scoring on pointing in the third minute but a Kevin O’Sullivan free from distance had Newmarket level within two minutes. John Ryan found the target with another long range point but a Tullylease point restored parity after seven minutes. Newmarket created a number of clear-cut goal and pointing opportunities but were guilty of failing to capitalize on the majority of these chances. However, Newmarket kept plugging away and were rewarded through points from Colin O’Sullivan and Donnacha O’Dea. At this stage Newmarket were indebted to their goalkeeper Paul Verling who produced the first of two wonderful saves during the half and this buoyed on his team-mates with two points from John Lane giving Newmarket a four point advantage, 0-6 to 0-2 after eighteen minutes.

Tullylease rallied with two points before Paul Verling’s second memorable save and he was will assisted by a well marshalled defence led by the inspirational  Kevin O’Sullivan with Shane Murphy and Brendan Stack also excelling. Tullylease reduced the gap to a point before the excellent Tony O’Keeffe finished off a move by scoring his sides seventh point. The entertaining and evenly matched half ended with a Tullylease point and Newmarket turned over with a slender lead, 0-7 to 0-6.

Newmarket were the quicker side to settle in the second half and John Lane whose influence grew throughout the contest added two points in eight minutes. Michael Kenneally pointed next before Tullylease had their first point of the half. Newmarket grew in confidence as the game progressed and some excellent hurling began to reap the rewards. John Lane and Tony O’Keeffe pointed before Ian Flanagan gave Newmarket a six point lead, 0-13 to 0-7 at the three quarter mark.

The crucial score of the game for Newmarket arrived two minutes later when a John Scanlon effort found the back of the Tullylease net. Newmarket’s accuracy was unerring at this stage and the terrific John Lane pointed twice before John Scanlon gave Newmarket a twelve point advantage courtesy of an excellently taken point. Tullylease went looking for goals at this stage and they found the net for the first time with little over five minutes of normal time remaining. Newmarket failed to be deterred and responded in fine fashion as John Lane and Barry O’Leary hit two quickfire points. Tullylease hit a second goal but once more Newmarket replied with Tony O’Keeffe pointing. Tullylease failed to relent and deep into stoppage time they scored a third goal from a close in free despite a goal line full of Newmarket defenders. However, Newmarket would not be deterred and a superb performance was well rewarded with a place in the Singleton Cup final for a second year.

The Newmarket team was…

Paul Verling
Niall O’Connor		Brendan Stack		Donnacha Fitzpatrick
Shane Murphy		Kevin O’Sullivan (0-1)		Robert Stack
	John Ryan (0-1)		John Lane (0-8)
Tony O’Keeffe (0-3)		Michael Kenneally (0-1)		Colin O’Sullivan (0-1)
Barry O’Leary (0-1)		John Scanlon (1-1)		Donnacha O’Dea (0-1)
SUB: Ian Flanagan (0-1)

Newmarket got on the scoreboard instantly with the outstanding John Lane pointing from play within a minute. Tullylease then equalized before edging into the lead. A lively, open, free flowing game developed from the outset and John Lane tied the sides for a second time from a placed ball in the sixth minute before he regained the lead for Newmarket from play in the ninth minute. Tullylease had the next two points with Tony O’Keeffe getting Newmarket back on level terms. Tullylease gained a slender advantage once more but a Barry O’Leary point had the sides level for a fifth time at 0-5 apiece after fifteen minutes.

The entertaining contest flowed from end to end and John Lane gave Newmarket a slender lead in their next attack. Tullylease then had the only goal of the game to take a two point lead but this setback failed to deter a confident Newmarket outfit. Shane Murphy inspired in defence and two frees from John Lane had the sides level once more, 0-8 to 1-5 after twenty five minutes. Newmarket grew in confidence and had a prolific end to the half. John Scanlon did well to point from close range before John Lane pointed once more. Michael Kenneally finished off an excellent move by drilling the ball over the bar and he soon added a second point to gain Newmarket a four point advantage, 0-12 to 1-5 at the turnover.

Newmarket resumed the second half as they ended the first and John Lane found the target from distance. Barry O’Leary also pointed with Donnacha O’Dea adding a third successive point within five minutes. Tullylease hit back with the next two points but Newmarket were hurling excellently, especially in defence with Brendan Stack in outstanding form with the other five defenders also making a substantial impact on the game. John Lane pointed from a free and Newmarket enjoyed a six point lead, 0-16 to 1-7 at the end of the third quarter. Tullylease cut the deficit on scoring the next two points but the prolific John Lane settled Newmarket again on once more converting a placed ball. Two more Tullylease points left just three points between the sides, 0-17 to 1-11 with little over ten minutes remaining.

Newmarket found a response again and this came through centre half forward Michael Kenneally who crucially hit over a brace of points. Tullylease kept in touch with the next point but Newmarket flourished to the finish. Three late points from Donnacha O’Dea, Barry O’Leary and John Lane, with his eleventh of the hour, capped a memorable team performance and well deserved victory.

The Newmarket team was .

The Newmarket team was…

Kieran Hayes
William O’Flynn		Brendan Stack		Donnacha Fitzpatrick
Shane Murphy		Kevin O’Sullivan		Robert Stack
	John Ryan		John Lane (0-11)
Tony O’Keeffe (0-1)		Michael Kenneally (0-4)		Donnacha O’Dea (0-2)
Barry O’Leary (0-3)		John Scanlon (0-1)		Kieran Lehane
SUB: Niall O’Connor

Newmarket got off to a good start when the outstanding Kevin O’Sullivan converted a free from distance in the third minute. A Kilbrin point levelled the scores for the first time in the eighth minute and the sides shared the next two points with Kevin O’Sullivan again on target from a long range dead ball. Newmarket grew in confidence and points followed from John Lane, Kevin O’Sullivan and a fine solo effort from Tony O’Keeffe to leave the score at 0-5 to 0-2 after fifteen minutes.

Kilbrin hit back with an equalizing goal in the eighteenth minute and in a free flowing contest the sides again exchanged the next brace of points, with the excellent Michael Kenneally on target for Newmarket. Kilbrin gained a slender lead on getting the next point but in keeping with the trend of the half the lead would change hands on another two occasions, before the end of the half. John Lane and Tony O’Keeffe edged Newmarket in front but two Kilbrin points, the first which saw the sides level for the sixth time in the half, left the half time score at 1-6 to 0-8 in the home sides favour.

Kilbrin raced into a three point lead on adding two points within three minutes of the restart. Newmarket pointed next with a fine point from Michael Kenneally but two further Kilbrin points saw them gain a four point advantage. Barry O’Leary found the target with another fine effort but once more Kilbrin answered with a point. Newmarket’s challenge was boosted considerably when Michael Kenneally raced in on goal and produced a fine finish to the net after some fine approach play, to leave the game nicely poised at 1-11 to 1-10.

However, Kilbrin proved more clinical and they had the next three points. John Lane pointed a free for Newmarket as the game entered the closing ten minutes but once again Kilbrin pointed next to restore a four point lead. A resilient Newmarket were rewarded for their endeavours when despite going close to scoring a goal on several occasions throughout and being denied by some excellent Kilbrin goalkeeping, they found the net for a second time when Kieran Lehane met a long delivery from John Lane to flick the ball home. Within a minute, John Lane slotted over a free and once more the sides were level, 1-15 to 2-12 with just five minutes remaining. The home side hit back with a point and clinched victory with a decisive second goal in the closing minutes to finally put paid to Newmarket in a very entertaining contest.

The Newmarket team was…

Paul Verling
Donnacha Fitzpatrick		Brendan Stack		Vincent Molloy
Shane Murphy		Kevin O’Sullivan (0-3)		Robert Stack
	Colin O’Sullivan		John Lane (0-4)
Tony O’Keeffe (0-2)		Michael Kenneally (1-2)		Donnacha O’Dea
Kieran Lehane (1-0)		Barry O’Leary (0-1)		John Scanlon

Kanturk started the game in whirlwind fashion scoring in the first half at almost every opportunity hitting just 2 wides in the first half as opposed to Newmarket’s 7. The home side began with two points in as many minutes but Ivan King replied to make it 2 points to 1 after 5 minutes. Kanturk took control of the game then and scored one goal and seven unanswered with some high quality scores during the purple patch leaving it 1-8 to 0-1 after 20 minutes. Newmarket battled but could not put the points on the board until Luke McCarthy broke the Kanturk sequence with a point from an acute angle. Kanturk replied swiftly but Newmarket finished the half with the final say. The inspirational Nicky Barrett pointed from a huge distance and the outstanding Jack Birthley hit the last point of the half leaving it 1-9 to 0-4 at the turnover.

The second half began with David Enright scoring after a minute. Kanturk replied instantly with a point. The hard working Johnathon Flaherty was rewarded for his hard work with a point which was quickly followed by a Timmy O’ Keeffe point.

Kanturk replied again as the second half was turning into a nip and tuck affair. Ivan King hit his second and third points in quick succession leaving the score line 1-11 to 0-9 as Newmarket looked a different team in the second half, playing some good hurling now. Kanturk created a bit of leeway between the sides as they got the next three points. Newmarket battled gamely though and David Enright got his second of the night. Again Kanturk quickly cancelled this out with two more points.

Newmarket did give themselves a small chance of a comeback as Timmy Keeffe worked hard to score a good goal. This left the score 2-15 to 1-10 with five minutes to go. This turned out to be the final score of the game. Newmarket can be proud of their efforts in the second half. It was a spirited and gallant performance and with a bit of luck there is no doubt Newmarket would have been much closer having missed a few goal chances throughout the game. There were a few fine individual performances; Jack Birthley and Nicky Barrett were excellent in defence while Timmy O’ Keefe and Ivan King performed admirably throughout. In the end the home side came out on top on a final score line of 2-15 to 1-10 in the final game before the exams.

The Newmarket team was…

Shane McAuliffe
Paudie Allen		Mikey O’ Leary		Billy Lane
Patrick Kelly		Jack Birthley (0-1)		Nicky Barrett (0-1)
	David Enright (0-2)		Conor Keppell
Vinny Molloy		Timmy O’ Keeffe (1-1)		Ivan King (0-3)
Luke McCarthy (0-1)		Johnathon Flaherty (0-1)		Danny O’ Connell
Sub: Con McAuliffe

Newmarket were seeking a response from their previous league game but the home side settled quickly and raced into a three point lead in the first ten minutes. Newmarket responded and were on the scoreboard when following an excellent solo run, Tony O’Keeffe produced a fine finish from the sideline. This gave Newmarket confidence and Robert Stack added a point from distance. Banteer had the next score but a John Ryan free left the score at 0-4 to 0-3 after fifteen minutes. Despite Newmarket hurling well in all sectors, it was Banteer that proved more clinical and they had the next three scores. As the half entered the last ten minutes, Newmarket were rewarded for their all round display with a run of five points in succession. Firstly, Kevin O’Sullivan found the target with Michael Kenneally adding a fine individual point after bursting through the Banteer rearguard. Two points from John Ryan tied the sides for the first time before an excellently executed point from Barry O’Leary gave Newmarket the advantage and they turned over in front 0-8 to 0-7 at half time.

 John Ryan pointed a free three minutes after the restart as the sides traded points. John Ryan then gave Newmarket a two point lead before ten minutes into the half Banteer regained the lead on scoring the first goal of the night. A second goal followed at the end of the third quarter and suddenly Banteer enjoyed a four point lead, 2-8 to 0-10. Newmarket responded in the best possible fashion and were buoyed by the inspirational Anthony Crowley and Shane Murphy in defence. Colin O’Sullivan sent a high delivery towards the Banteer goal where the influential John Scanlon caught superbly before offloading a pass to Barry O’Leary and he closed in on goal before supplying a textbook finish to the back of the Banteer net. The hard working Robert Stack then added an excellent point from distance to tie the sides again, 1-11 to 2-8 with ten minutes remaining. Both sides strived for the advantage and it was Banteer who edged in front with a point. Newmarket hurled admirably from beginning to end but failed narrowly on a few occasions to muster an equalizing point. Eventually, as the game entered the dying seconds, a Banteer point ensured the spoils went the way of the home side.

The Newmarket team was…

Paul Verling
Donnacha Fitzpatrick		John McSweeney		Anthony Crowley
Conor Cronin		Kevin O’Sullivan (0-1)		Shane Murphy
	Colin O’Sullivan		John Ryan (0-5)
Tony O’Keeffe (0-1)		Michael Kenneally (0-1)		Donnacha O’Dea
John Scanlon		Robert Stack (0-2)		Barry O’Leary (1-1)

Conditions prior to the throw in ensured trying greasy conditions but Freemount were unfazed from the outset to score three points within five minutes. Newmarket struggled despite some resolute displays in defence from John Scanlon, John McSweeney and Kevin O’Sullivan and Freemount hit the net for the first time in the seventeenth minute. Newmarket’s fragile confidence further disintegrated before the interval with Freemount adding two further goals in addition to their first half tally of nine points.

Newmarket had the first point of the second half thanks to Kevin O’Sullivan and despite an improved effort Freemount had the next three points before adding a fourth goal. Kevin O’Sullivan supplied Newmarket’s additional two points but Freemount failed to relent their dominance and punished Newmarket in emphatic fashion on the night.

The Newmarket team was…

Paul Verling
John Scanlon		John McSweeney		Donnacha Fitzpatrick
Tony O’Keeffe		Kevin O’Sullivan (0-3)		Anthony Crowley
	Conor Cronin		John Ryan
Michael Kenneally		Robert Stack		Shane Murphy
Barry O’Leary		Colin O’Sullivan		Ian Flanagan
SUBS: Donnacha O’Dea, Brendan Stack, William O’Flynn

The sides exchanged points in the opening minutes with Donal Hannon pointing a third minute free for Newmarket. St. Mark’s hit the front on scoring the next two points before a fine goal was followed by a further two points. Newmarket hurled well but crucially were very wasteful throughout and ended the game with a total of sixteen wides. Conor Keppel impressed and he fired over a second point before Donal Hannon pointed for a second time. Another player to the fore was Timmy O’Keeffe and he pointed together with Ivan King which left Newmarket trailing by 1-7 to 0-5 after twenty three minutes. Newmarket were rewarded for their endeavours three minutes before the turnover when once again Donal Hannon was on hand for his side and this time he found the back of the net. As the half concluded, St. Mark’s turned over in front by 1-9 to 1-5.

Newmarket suffered a setback within two minutes of the restart with St. Mark’s finding a way past Newmarket’s excellent goalkeeper Shane McAuliffe. Newmarket responded and Conor Keppel was involved before Timmy O’Keeffe finished with a fine individual goal to leave the score 2-10 to 2-5. However, Newmarket were left to rue their erratic shooting and the home side were far more clinical adding a goal and three points to their tally before David Enright  pointed for Newmarket. St. Mark’s closed out victory with another two points but Newmarket will be well pleased with the efforts of their younger players Alan Ryan, Gavin Forde and Donal Hannon in their first outings at this level.

The Newmarket team was…

Shane McAuliffe
	Paudie Allen		Jack Birtley
Alan Ryan		Michael O’Leary		Gavin Forde
	Timmy O’Keeffe (1-0)		David Enright (0-1)
Ivan King (0-1)		Conor Keppel (0-1)		Nicky Barrett
	Luke McCarthy		Donal Hannon (1-2)
SUBS: Billy Lane, Vinny Molloy, Patrick Kelly, Jacko Flaherty, David Quinlan

The Newmarket team was…

Paul Verling
William O’Flynn		Brendan Stack		Michael O’Leary
Timmy O’Keeffe		Conor Cronin (0-2)		Bryan O’Connell
	John Ryan		John Lane (0-7)
Conor Kepple		Robert Stack		David Kelly
Kieran Lehane		Ian Flanagan (0-2)		Eddie Allen
SUBS: Jack Birtley, Billy Daly, Luke McCarthy

Newmarket got off to an ideal start when midfielder Conor Cronin converted a well taken long range free from just inside his own half within the opening minute. Meelin quickly gained parity and set about their task by rifling over an array of points of different varieties to lead by 0-6 to 0-1 after fifteen minutes. Newmarket struggled to cope with their opponents’ brand of quickfire hurling and three more points followed before Ian Flanagan added Newmarket’s second point in the twentieth minute. The sides exchanged the next couple of points with Ian Flanagan again on target. Meelin however confirmed their supremacy in the remaining minutes of the half on adding three points before eventually finding a way past Newmarket’s excellent goalkeeper Paul Verling, who produced a string of memorable saves during the contest, in the closing moments of the half to turnover with a lead of 1-13 to 0-3.

Meelin further increased their lead on adding two points before Ian Flanagan had a Newmarket point from a free. Newmarket improved considerably as the game progressed and this coincided with the introduction of the lively and industrious Tony O’Keeffe who laid a ball into the path of Shane Murphy and his pass across field in front of the Meelin goal was caught by the inrushing Robert Stack and he found the net from close range. Newmarket were further boosted when Ian Flanagan after being upended, stepped forward and crashed a free to the back of the net for a second Newmarket goal. A converted free from the impressive Kevin O’Sullivan left the score at 1-17 to 2-5 entering the final quarter. Meelin, maintained their superb accuracy on the night by adding the next four points in as many minutes but Newmarket kept up their momentum and the endeavours of Robert Stack contributed to a third goal which was finished clinically by Nicky Flanagan. The home side had the final say by scoring the last two points to run out very clear victors.

The Newmarket team was…

Paul Verling
Barry O’Leary		John Scanlon		Donnacha Fitzpatrick
Brendan Stack		Kevin O’Sullivan (0-1)		Anthony Crowley
	John Ryan		Conor Cronin (0-1)
Shane Murphy		Robert Stack (1-0)		Colin O’Sullivan
Nicky Flanagan (1-0)		John McSweeney		Ian Flanagan (1-3)
SUBS: Tony O’Keeffe, Timmy O’Keeffe, Michael Kenneally, David Kelly.

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.

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’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

Newmarket were defeated by Lismire in the junior B hurling championship clash played in splendid sunshine at the latter’s venue on Sunday afternoon where a strong second half performance saw the home side emerge victorious by 1-14 to 0-7.

Lismire started the brighter and they hit the front thanks to three points in the opening seven minutes. Newmarket settled into the game when Seanie Francis O’Connor converted a free in the eleventh minute before impressive midfielder Liam Murphy added a fine individual point within seconds. Lismire had a fourth point but Newmarket impressed, with Liam Murphy again adding a quality score before a neat finish from Paul Verling had the sides level for the first time at 0-4 each in an entertaining contest. Lismire edged in front again but Newmarket tied the sides for a second time five minutes from the interval when the impressive Seanie Francis O’Connor landed a fine point from a difficult angle. Within a minute a pointed free from Seanie Francis O’Connor had Newmarket in front but a lively first half ended with Lismire restoring parity for the third time in the half which left the sides deadlocked at 0-6 each at half time.

Exchanges were tight in the early period of the second half but critically Lismire struck for a goal in the fourth minute and they gained impetus as a result with two points added despite some resolute defending and goalkeeping from Newmarket’s rearguard. As the end of the third quarter approached Lismire assumed further control on adding two points to enjoy a seven point advantage. Newmarket battled gamely but found a Lismire defence that was a tight unit and withstood Newmarket’s best efforts. Lismire added to their tally before Seanie Francis O’Connor eventually found the target for Newmarket in the closing minutes but it was Lismire who completed the scoring to run out clear victors in the end.

The Newmarket team was…

Kieran Hayes
William O’Flynn		Seán Irwin		David Kelly
Michael Kenneally		Brendan Stack		Denis McCarthy
	Timothy Murphy		Liam Murphy (0-2)
Timmy O’Keeffe		Seanie Francis O’Connor (0-4)		Martin O’Doherty
Paul Verling (0-1)		Billy Daly		Kieran Lehane
SUBS: John Cronin, Michael O’Callaghan, James Walsh, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Damien Kelly

Banteer were quick off the mark and pointed in the second minute. Newmarket gained parity in the fifth minute thanks to a Bryan O’Connell point. The sides then exchanged points with John Lane supplying a second equalizer for Newmarket in the tenth minute. Newmarket gained the lead in the thirteenth minute when a sideline cut from Conor Cronin was flicked on by Robert Stack towards John Lane who played a wonderful crossfield pass to the onrushing Kevin O’Sullivan who caught the ball and raced in on goal before supplying a fine finish to the Banteer net for an excellent team goal. It was Banteer however who gained the impetus and they began to take control. Three points in a row had the sides level for a third time at 0-5 to 1-2 after twenty one minutes. Newmarket’s defence were under incessant pressure as Banteer added two further points. Four minutes before the break they eventually found a way past Newmarket’s excellent goalkeeper Paul Verling, who after producing a number of fine saves was finally beaten. Another Banteer point resulted in a spell that yielded a goal and six points without reply. Newmarket recovered late in the half and were denied a goal before John Lane pointed a free which left the score reading 1-8 to 1-3 at half time.

Banteer enjoyed the better of the opening period in the second half and after pointing in the fourth minute in their next attack they engineered their second goal of the game to enjoy a nine point advantage. Newmarket pointed when the impressive Conor Cronin found the target from long range before John Lane added a free. The sides exchanged two points as Newmarket provided plenty of endeavour throughout the half with John Lane on target. As the game entered the closing period Banteer were more clinical and added a string of points in the final minutes with John Lane adding two points for Newmarket in this final spell of the game.

The Newmarket team was…

Paul Verling
William O’Flynn		John Scanlon		Nicky Flanagan
David Kelly		Brendan Stack		Kevin O’Sullivan (1-0)
	Conor Cronin (0-1)		John Ryan
John Lane (0-6)		Robert Stack		Ian Flanagan
Kieran Lehane		Bryan O’Connell (0-1)		Billy Daly
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