The splendid weather conditions and awesome Newmarket support ensured the players took to the field in ideal circumstances. The magnificent John Lane settled early nerves and stamped his authority and class on proceedings by skilfully blitzing his opponents to punch a point in the fourth minute. A well fancied Clyda Rovers side showed their immense calibre by responding with three points in the following five minutes.

Bart Daly struck an unforgettable placed ball from over fifty yards for Newmarket’s second point in the eleventh minute. Newmarket were rewarded for their trademark teamwork and slick passing game in the fourteenth minute as the ever industrious David O’Flynn was impeded as he closed in on goal and a penalty was awarded. Brian O’Riordan strode up from his corner back position and as he has done so regularly and consistently in his career to date dispatched a perfect kick to the corner of the net to the raptures of the black and red brigade.

Clyda playing with the aid of a significant breeze recovered and in the twentieth minute a probing ball on the edge of the square was flicked to the net past an otherwise miserly Newmarket rearguard. Clyda established a two point advantage but Newmarket remained composed led from the back by club stalwarts Denys O’Brien, Barry O’Leary and Mark Reidy. Newmarket received the perfect tonic prior to the interval in the twenty seventh minute of the contest as Bart Daly delivered a dangerous ball into the goalmouth and the excellent Kevin O’Sullivan was on hand to pick up the break and crash the ball home to the roof of the net. This ensured Newmarket went into the break leading by 2-2 to 1-4.

Despite now playing with the advantage of the wind, it was Clyda Rovers who resumed the sharper side and two points within four minutes swung the scoreboard in their favour. The championships top scorer Nicky Flanagan ensured parity seven minutes into the half as a gripping skilful encounter progressed. Clyda Rovers edged ahead again eleven minutes into the half before another club legend Tony O’Keeffe rewarded an efficient Newmarket forward unit on pointing an equalizing point with twelve minutes remaining. Newmarket seized the initiative at this stage of a long rewarding campaign as their remarkable fitness and teamwork bore fruition in their finest hour. Nicky Flanagan edged Newmarket in front as the game entered the final ten minutes.

Seven minutes from time the dream was becoming reality when John Lane once again provided the spark and closing in on goal from a difficult angle he expertly placed a pass into the danger zone and the predatory Tony O’Keeffe was on hand to provide the finishing touch and the net bulged for a third time to the euphoria of the majority of patrons at the famous sporting venue. True to form Clyda Rovers dispelled the comfort of a four point margin on halving the deficit within a couple of minutes to ensure a compelling conclusion. Newmarket’s exemplary discipline and composure engineered a critical free and T.J. Bodie perfectly bisected the posts with an inspirationally struck left footed kick from underneath the covered stand.

As so often throughout the campaign the Newmarket rearguard answered the ominous onslaught and as the gap was reduced to two points, Newmarket support endured a painstaking wait for the final whistle. The resultant kick out proved to be final act of a truly remarkable fairytale as the field became engulfed in a sea of black and red in acknowledgement of their heroes who had just added the proudest chapter in the history of Newmarket GAA Club.

The most worthy of team captains, Barry O’Leary, an inspirational clubman, five years on from suffering an horrific career threatening injury overcome solely for his incredible affection for Newmarket GAA Club rightfully took his place on the podium of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and graciously accepted the cup amidst unforgettable scenes.

The team were greeted to incredible support led by the ever obliging and appreciated Newmarket Pipe Band amongst historic images at the West End. Club Chairman Victor Lane, Fr. Herlihy, Richard Murphy (Chairman, Duhallow Board), Tony McAuliffe (Duhallow Board), Danny Culloty and Barry O’Leary reflected on the remarkable success story before John Cronin capped the proceedings with a perfect rendition  of our famous anthem Up Up Newmarket!!!. Congratulations to one and all.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Tony O’Keeffe (1-1), Kevin O’Sullivan (1-0), Brian O’Riordan (1-0), Nicky Flanagan (0-2), Bart Daly (0-1), T.J. Bodie (0-1), John Lane (0-1)

Niall O’Connor
T. J. Brosnan		Denys O'Brien		Brian O’Riordan
Barry O'Leary		Mark Reidy		John Ryan
	Bart Daly		Colin O'Sullivan
David O’Flynn		Kevin O'Sullivan		Tony O'Keeffe
T.J. Bodie		Nicky Flanagan		John Lane
Subs: Kevin O’Connor, Timothy Murphy, David Quinlan, Michael O’Leary, Sean Doody, Gerard Casey, Mark Murphy, Eddie Allen, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Gavin Forde, Luke McCarthy, Pa O’Brien

A long season of training and games which commenced with a league visit to Mayfield on February 20th will culminate on the biggest date in the Cork County football calendar in the home of Cork GAA.

It is the club’s second time in reaching a County Intermediate Football Final having previously contested the 2002 final on September 15th at Macroom where they had to settle as runners up to Nemo Rangers on a scoreline of 2-9 to 0-10. There are four members of today’s team that lined out on that occasion, team captain Barry O’Leary (also captain in 2002), Denys O’Brien, David O’Flynn and Tony O’Keeffe. Team coach Danny Culloty was also a member of that team while fellow selector Donal O’Sullivan was also in the squad.

The Newmarket team on that occasion was James Morgan, Dermot O’Reilly, Dan Murphy, Dermot Moynihan, Barry O’Leary (captain), John McSweeney, John Fitzpatrick, Jerry McCarthy (0-1), Denys O’Brien (0-1), Mark O’Sullivan (0-5), Michael Cottrell (0-1), David O’Flynn, Tony O’Keeffe (0-1), Danny Culloty, Seanie Francis O’Connor (0-1). SUBS: Michael O’Keeffe, Gerard Sheahan, John Cronin, James Cashman.

Newmarket have also contested four county finals at junior level in 1927, 1950, 1970 and 1998, emerging victorious on the latter two occasions. Many of the present squad were members of the minor football team that contested county championship and league finals in 2005, claiming the county league final and also made the county under 21 football championship final of 2008 on September 28th against St. Finbarrs at Pairc Ui Rinn.

Newmarket and final opponents Clyda Rovers met in the championship last season, in a second round contest played at Banteer on June 19th, which ended in favour of Clyda by 0-14 to 1-8 ( half time 0-6 to 0-4).

The Newmarket lineout on that night was Niall O’Connor, Kevin O’Connor, Mark Murphy, Brian O’Riordan, Barry O’Leary, Timothy Murphy, Sean Doody, Denys O’Brien, Bart Daly (0-2), David O’Flynn (0-1), Maurice Feehan, Mark Reidy (1-0), John Ryan (0-4), Tony O’Keeffe, John Lane (0-1). SUBS: Kevin O’Sullivan, T.J. Bodie, Seanie Francis O’Sullivan, Colin O’Sullivan,  Anthony Crowley.

The sides most recent encounter was a league game played in Newmarket on July 24th, which ended all square, 0-14 to 2-8 ( half time 0-8 to 2-5).

The Newmarket team on that occasion was David Quinlan, Sean Doody, Denys O’Brien, Brian O’Riordan, Barry O’Leary, Timothy Murphy, John Ryan, Colin O’Sullivan, Gerard Casey, Tony O’Keeffe (0-1), Kevin O’Sullivan (0-1), David O’Flynn, John Lane (0-3), Nicky Flanagan (0-2), T.J. Bodie (0-7). SUBS: Bart Daly, Mark Reidy, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Kevin O’Connor, Michael O’Leary.

Admission fees to the County Finals are: Covered Stand €20, Uncovered Stand and Terrace €18, Students/OAPs €10, Under 16s – Free Admission.

Newmarket playing with the assistance of a first half breeze got off the mark in the second minute when Donal Hannon converted a free. Newmarket defended defiantly in the early stages with Nicky Barrett and Alan Ryan prominent throughout. In the ninth minute Newmarket stretched their lead when a move which was instigated in defence found Jacko Flaherty and he showed great strength and finishing ability to find the target. The first goal of the game arrived in the twelfth minute when Newmarket were awarded a close in free with Donal Hannon stepping up to crash the ball home to give his side a five point advantage.

Banteer sprung into action and opened their scoring with a point in the fourteenth minute before moments later getting right back into contention when a fine solo goal left just a point separating the teams. David Quinlan scored a fine individual point for Newmarket but Banteer responded with a second quick fire goal in the eighteenth minute to take the lead for the first time. Banteer stretched their advantage on scoring a point but Newmarket ensured an entertaining half’s hurling would finish level with Donal Hannon adding a brace of pointed frees, to tie the sides for the first time at 1-5 to 2-2.

The second half resumed in similar entertaining fashion and Newmarket regained the lead within a minute as Donal Hannon pointed sublimely from a sideline cut. Six minutes into the half Banteer were back on level terms when pointing a free and followed up with two points in quick succession to claim a two point lead. Jacko Flaherty scored his second point of the contest to reduce the arrears to a point, 2-5 to 1-7 with ten minutes remaining. The sides then exchanged frees with Donal Hannon finding the target once more with eight minutes to play.

Banteer proved more clinical and two more points gave them a clear lead of 2-8 to 1-8 with little over two minutes left on the watch. As Newmarket pressed forward to rescue the contest they left themselves more exposed in defence and were punished ruthlessly by Banteer as two goals within a minute crushed Newmarket’s hopes and Banteer sealed victory.

The Newmarket team was…

Shane McAuliffe
	Paudie Allen		Alan Ryan
Nicky Barrett		Michael O’Leary		David Enright
		Jack Birtley
Ivan King		Timmy O’Keeffe		Jacko Flaherty (0-2)
	David Quinlan (0-1)		Donal Hannon (1-5)
SUB: Patrick Kelly

Newmarket began brightly and were rewarded as John Ryan converted two frees in the third and sixth minute. Kiskeam responded and by the ninth minute two points had the sides level for the only time in the contest.

John Lane edged Newmarket in front again in the eleventh minute but at this stage the scoring rate dipped considerably as the winter ground conditions made forward play and scoring opportunities extremely difficult.

The only other score of the half was decisive and came in the twentieth minute. Newmarket were indecisive in dealing with a probing ball that dropped in their goalmouth and having failed to deal with the situation on a couple of occasions they were punished as Kiskeam rifled the ball to the net from close range. Both sides provided endeavour but both defences held out as the half concluded with Kiskeam in front by 1-2 to 0-3.

Kiskeam were far more prolific as the second half developed and within eight minutes added three points to their advantage. Newmarket struggled to make an impact and as the third quarter concluded, Kiskeam struck for a second goal to take a significant eight point lead.

Newmarket ended a long barren spell without a score with John Lane slotting over a point. Newmarket endeavoured to get back into the contest but found their opponents difficult to break down.

Newmarket were given a lifeline on being awarded a penalty with five minutes remaining. Team captain, Brian O’Riordan who impressed in defence strode forward to convert for a goal which brought the arrears to four points. However, Newmarket’s hopes were thwarted with Kiskeam adding an insurance point but they kept battling to the end with David O’Flynn scoring the final point of the contest.

The Newmarket team was…

Niall O’Connor
Sean Doody		Mark Murphy		Brian O’Riordan (1-0)
Kevin O’Connor		Denys O’Brien		Timothy Murphy
	Colin O’Sullivan		Bart Daly
John Lane (0-2)		Kevin O’Sullivan		David O’Flynn (0-1)
John Ryan (0-2)		T.J. Bodie		Tony O’Keeffe
SUBS: Nicky Flanagan, Gerard Casey, Conor Cronin, Ian Flanagan, Robert Stack

Newmarket withstood an early flurry by St. Colums and in the third minute scored in their first attack of the game, when the outstanding David Enright sent a long delivery towards David Quinlan and he duly gained possession and pointed for the games opening score. Three minutes later the prominent Vinny Molloy was very alert in picking out Gavin Forde in space and he split the posts from distance for a second Newmarket point. St. Colum’s registered their first point of the game in the eighth minute, but Donal Hannon responded with a pointed free for Newmarket a minute later. The first goal of the game arrived in the tenth minute to the Muskerry side courtesy of a fine individual goal. They strengthened their position on adding a further two points to take a three point lead by the twenty first minute.

Both goalkeepers were in sparkling form with Shane McAuliffe producing a series of excellent saves while his opposite number made a wonder save from Timmy O’Keeffe in the twenty third minute from close range. Newmarket stepped up the pressure and they eventually found a breakthrough four minutes from half time when once again David Enright set an attack in motion and when Timmy O’Keeffe gathered possession he did very well to find Vinny Molloy who found the roof of the net from twenty yards to tie the sides for the first time of the game. St. Colum’s finished the half in the ascendancy and two quick fire points gave them a slender interval lead of 1-5 to 1-3.

The second half warmed the supporters from both sides as great endeavour and effort was shown throughout the pitch from each team. Defences were particularly outstanding in keeping their opponents at bay. For Newmarket, Paudie Allen, David Enright, Gavin Forde and David Enright were inspirational figures who hurled superbly. The first score of the second half eventually came in the eleventh minute courtesy of a St. Colum’s free.

As the third quarter came to a conclusion, Newmarket were awarded a twenty yard free from a slight angle. With scores at a premium, Newmarket’s talisman Donal Hannon stepped up and crashed the ball home for an equalizing goal. The tempo of the game increased further and once more the St. Colum’s goalkeeper produced a miraculous save from a well struck shot from Donal Hannon. As the game entered the final ten minutes, St. Colum’s scored a second goal and appeared to take a significant advantage. However, little over a minute later Newmarket were awarded another close in free when impressive substitute Jacko Flaherty was upended. Incredibly, Donal Hannon struck for goal again and somehow found the net for a second time to once again gain parity. An enthralling eight minutes followed and despite several close calls for both sides the remainder of the game remained scoreless. As the referee brought the contest to a conclusion both sides were happy to come away with a second shot at glory next week.

The Newmarket team was…

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

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.

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

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

Newmarket levelled within a minute when some fine approach play was rewarded when Kevin O’Sullivan burst forward to kick an excellent score.

Newmarket grew in confidence with corner forward John Lane in terrific form. He scored his first point of the game in the thirteenth minute before John Ryan doubled the advantage instantly. A turning point in the game came in the eighteenth minute when Newmarket were indebted to goalkeeper David Quinlan who produced a stunning save which lifted the rest of the side. Although Knocknagree pointed next, Newmarket went on dominate the remainder of the half. A feature of the Newmarket display throughout the hour was the brilliant display of the six defenders who gave an exhibition in defending with David Guiney and Conor Cronin prominent. At the other end Newmarket produced a scoring blitz in the final five minutes of the half. The prolific John Lane was inspirational and he scored three points in as many minutes to confirm Newmarket’s dominance. The half ended when John Ryan slotted over a free and Newmarket went into the break in front by 0-8 to 0-3 after an excellent first half performance.

The second half resumed and the deteriorating conditions contributed to a scrappy affair. Once more John Lane was on target for Newmarket but a similar score for Knocknagree proved to be the only two scores during the first twenty minutes of the half. It was Newmarket’s defence that were to the fore again as they withstood everything that Knocknagree threw at them. As the game entered the final ten minutes Newmarket found their rhythm again, firstly through influential midfielder Kevin O’Sullivan who scored a much needed point for Newmarket. The confidence began to flow again and Newmarket saw the game out to a conclusion with further points from Nicky Flanagan, Robert Stack and John Ryan to end up champions on recording a nine point victory.

Goalkeeper David Quinlan has been a revelation in his first season at this level, a penalty being the only goal conceded in four games. The full back line excelled with David Guiney, team captain Brian O’Riordan and Michael O’Leary inspirational to their teammates in front of them.

The half back line of Conor Cronin, Paul Cashman and Robert Stack were outstanding in keeping their defence intact and also as a base for the Newmarket attacking options. Kevin O’Sullivan and Bart Daly worked tirelessly throughout at midfield covering every blade of grass in trying conditions. The half forward line of Ian Flanagan, John Ryan and Nicky Flanagan were pivotal in the first half when Newmarket performed admirably despite playing against the elements and contributed four points between them. John Lane was a match winning forward with John Scanlon and Jerry McCarthy excellent in gaining possession and linking with their fellow teammates, which led to so many scores. Anthony Lynch and Eugene Bodie slotted into the side naturally when introduced and have played their part throughout a hard campaign.

Team captain Brian O’Riordan was presented with the cup by Duhallow Board Secretary, Tom Dennehy. Congratulations to team manager Pat O’Brien and his mentors on another memorable achievement for the club.

This particular panel of players have written their way into the clubs history. On winning Duhallow under 16 football league and championship titles in 2004, many of this panel of players have gone on to record 3 Duhallow minor football championships (2004-06), 2 Duhallow minor football leagues (2005-06), a County minor football league in 2005 where they also ended runners up in the championship final. They have now subsequently followed on the win 3 Duhallow under 21 football championships (2007-09) having also contested last years county final, a truly remarkable achievement.
The Newmarket team was…

David Quinlan
David Guiney		Brian O’Riordan (Captain)		Michael O’Leary
Conor Cronin		Paul Cashman		Robert Stack (0-1)
	Kevin O’Sullivan (0-2)		Bart Daly
Ian Flanagan		John Ryan (0-4)		Nicky Flanagan (0-1)
Jerry McCarthy		John Scanlon		John Lane (0-5)
SUBS: Anthony Lynch, Eugene Bodie, Brendan Stack, Kieran Lehane

Report to follow.

Áth Trasna Abú

Although the titleholders got the better of their opponents earlier in the year, with the last two finals going to replays, an entertaining contest is guaranteed.

The match is set for 7:00pm this Saturday, the 25th of April, in Dromtariffe. All support welcome.

Áth Trasna Abú

The ball was thrown in at 2pm and within a minute Kanturk took the lead which incidentally enough was the only time they would lead throughout the game. Newmarket struck back with a placed ball five minutes later through the in form John Ryan. Newmarket took the lead for the first time through another John Ryan free on eight minutes. Newmarket began to take control as they kept Kanturk at bay with Michael Kenneally playing very well in the half back line and Kevin O’ Sullivan playing a big part at midfield. John Ryan once more pointed from a free after ten minutes.

After fifteen minutes John Ryan hit his first point from play to extend the lead to three points at the quarter mark. Once again Ryan hit a glorious long range free from forty yards to bisect the posts and put Newmarket four up. Kanturk replied a minute later when they converted a close in free. Newmarket replied through another Ryan free. Then Kevin O’ Sullivan, who had a magnificent game in the middle of the park, fielded the resulting kick out and soloed towards the left corner forward position, turned his man, and struck a huge point from thirty five yards to put Newmarket five points up. Kanturk had the final say in the first half when they pointed on twenty eight minutes to leave the score line 0-7 to 0-3 at the short whistle.

The second half began as the first half did with Kanturk instantly pointing from a difficult angle this time. Newmarket did once again strike back through T.J. Bodie who put over his first of the day with a good point off his left after a super run in which Michael Kenneally ran sixty yards with the ball in hand before he laid it off. John Ryan pointed again a minute later to give Newmarket a five point lead.

Immediately after this Kanturk hit Newmarket with the games only goal after a long ball in from a sideline kick, the ball broke to a Kanturk man who couldn’t miss to put only two points between the sides. The game was in the balance for a period while both sides contested well at midfield. With Conor Cronin, Brendan Stack and Paul Cashman coming into the game more and more as it went on Newmarket looked hard to break down in defence. Newmarket pointed on the three quarter mark again through T.J. Bodie to hold a three point advantage. John Ryan put Newmarket four ahead with another free. Kanturk had their final point of the game with five minutes to go. Newmarket had the final say though, when Robert Stack kicked a fine long range point to finish off the scoring for the day and leave the score line at 0-12 to 1-5.

Celebrations followed at the final whistle as Newmarket capped off a fine year in style with the divisional cup spending another year in town. The team which reached the county final earlier in the year and put on a spirited performance against the Barrs were well deserving of the win.

It was a fine performance from the team and the defence in particular as a unit were excellent. Niall O’ Connor made a couple of crucial saves and was in great form on the day. The full back line of Brendan Stack, Brian O’ Riordan and Robert Stack were in mighty form. The half back line played a huge part in the final with Paul Cashman, Conor Cronin and Michael Kenneally inspirational throughout and in the second half particularly. Kevin O’ Sullivan and Bart Daly were very good together at midfield. The forwards all had a part to play and John Ryan had a fine day at wing forward with eight points, six from placed balls. Of the 12 points Newmarket kicked 11 were off the left boots.

Niall O’ Connor, the stand in captain for the day as captain all year Timothy Murphy was unable to play, lifted the Connie O’ Sullivan cup for the eight time in Newmarket’s history to a rapturous applause.

Congratulations are extended to this great bunch of players who have given the club so many memorable days out over the years. Also a special thanks to the teams mentors Paul Murphy, Pat Flanagan, Pat O’ Brian and Benny O’ Keeffe who put in a lot of their free time to this team. The team was paraded through the town by the Newmarket Pipe Band who on such short notice always turns out for the G.A.A. and this is greatly appreciated.

The team on the day was…

Niall O’ Connor
Brendan Stack		Brian O’ Riordan		Robert Stack (0-1)
Paul Cashman		Conor Cronin		Michael Kenneally
	Kevin O’Sullivan (0-1)		Bart Daly
John Ryan (0-8, 0-6 frees)		T.J. Bodie (0-2)		Ian Flanagan
John Lane		John Scanlon		Nicky Flanagan
Subs:

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.

By John Joe Brosnan.

Glory day for Newmarket. Duhallow side regain county junior football title after a lapse of 28 years with superb victory over young Killavullen selection.

NEWMARKET regained the county junior football championship title after a lapse of 28 years, their only previous victory having been in 1970, when they overcame a mighty challenge from Killavullen in a great final at Charleville on Sunday.

It was a game of fast, vigorous football that throbbed with life from start to finish as two fine teams battled it out for the title.

At one stage of the second half it looked as if Newmarket were firmly on the road to victory, having scored five points without reply to go two in front by the 42nd minute, but Killavullen launched a great counter-attack in the last quarter and had only themselves to blame for at least not putting the game to a second meeting.

While they were assaulting the Newmarket defence in wave after wave of attack, the Killavullen forwards were very wasteful with their chances, shooting a succession of wides even from good positions.

Newmarket defended strongly, often forcing the Killavullen men to kick hurriedly to avoid tackles and that certainly contributed to their erratic shooting although not being the sole reason.

The tally of wides tells its own story, with Killavullen chalking up 18 wides over the hour to Newmarket’s five.

Newmarket triumphed because they used the ball to better effect when they went forward, especially during their period of superiority in the third quarter, during which they rattled over five points without reply in a twelve minute period.

Facing into the last quarter, the odds were very much on a Newmarket victory because of their dominance of the play from half time onwards, but then Killavullen won back the initiative and exerted a strong grip on the play between then and the end, but with very little reward.

The result sparked off massive celebrations by the Newmarket team and supporters, as one might expect, for it had taken the club a long time to climb the heights achieved in 1970 when their great team of that period beat Adrigole in the final.

There was only one direct family link with that side, with their centre half back on Sunday, Brian Daly — who had an outstanding game — following in the footsteps of his father, Billy, who played at midfield in the 1970 final.

Killavullen had never before contested a county final in this grade, with their victory in this year’s Avondhu championship being their first ever and they won the admiration of all present for a magnificent display, even though it was not enough in the end to bring them victory.

They started off in most impressive style, utilising their great speed and slick passing to put the Newmarket backs under severe pressure. By the ninth minute they were leading by three points to nil, two of their scores having come from frees by Martin Carroll and the other from Brian O’Driscoll. But already they were giving a foretaste of things to come when sending wide from other good chances.

After ten minutes Newmarket began to come strongly into the game, and they had their first score in the 12th minute when Tony O’Keeffe made a great goalward run before kicking a point from close range. That was followed by goaling efforts from Mark O’Sullivan and Danny Culloty, with the Lankford brothers, Rory and Padraig, saving the situation for Killavullen before John Paul O’Neill pointed for Newmarket at the end of a move involving Culloty and O’Sullivan.

After a period on the defensive, Killavullen drove forward again and points by Martin Carroll and David Hartnett had them leading by 0-5 to 0-2 by the 18th minute. Indeed, Newmarket were lucky that goalkeeper James Morgan was in tremendous form when he brought off a great save from Ian O’Driscoll in the 20th minute.

Morgan won the man of the match award after the game and not without good reason, for he not only frustrated Killavullen’s goaling efforts on several occasions but went high to bring down two balls heading over the bar as well.

Danny Culloty, who started at full-forward, came to midfield for Newmarket midway through the first half and made an immediate impression, teaming up with the outstanding Denis O’Brien to break the grip which Gene Kelleher and Paul Hartnett had earlier exerted for Killavullen in this region.

A great point from a free by Culloty, kicked from a distance off the hand after a good clearance out of defence by Maurice Hourigan, reduced Killavullen’s lead to two points in the 23rd minute, but Martin Carroll (from a free) extended it again to three (0-6 to 0-3) by the interval.

Despite the fact that they were trailing by three points at the break, the omens looked reasonably good for Newmarket, for they had settled in well after Killavullen’s blistering start and they could look forward to the wind advantage in the second half.

And it all began to come right for them as the second half got under way. Tony O’Keeffe had a point within two minutes of the restart, the ball coming to him via Michael Cottrell from Mark O’Sullivan’s sideline kick and Denis O’Brien added another point within a minute after having been sent away by Culloty.

Mark O’Sullivan brought Newmarket level with a point from a free in the 35th minute, stemming from a foul on Michael Cottrell after a move started in the half-back line by John Fitzpatrick and so complete had been the dominance of the Duhallow champions from the start of the second half that it looked as if they might be about to take full control of the game.

But those notions were soon scotched when Killavullen launched a few attacks which brought real threats of a goal. The first of these came when Martin Carroll sent the ball in low from a free and a save in the square averted the danger before Newmarket cornerback Michael O’Keeffe brought it away to effect a fine clearance.

Having survived these onslaughts, Newmarket began to put on pressure at the other end and scored two crucial points, the first by John Cronin from a pass by Mark O’Sullivan and the other by John Paul O’Neill, who took full advantage of a ball sent in from the right wing by Sean Francis O’Connor.

Newmarket threatened for a goal on another occasion when Michael Cottrell sent a high ball into the goalmouth, with Tony O’Keeffe in a favourable position behind the backs, but a great leap by full-back Padraig Lankford cut off the danger.

Approaching the last quarter, Killavullen began to step up their performance, with Brian O’Driscoll (who gave a great display over the hour) moving to midfield to make a big impression, the half-back line of John O’Regan, Liam Dorgan and in succession Paul Hartnett and Ian O’Driscoll, giving a strong back-up from that region and Gene Kelleher moving forward to figure prominently in an attack which was ably led by team captain Martin Carroll.

The result was that Killavullen launched attack after attack but reaped no benefit on the scoreboard with the ball being driven wide time after time and the Newmarket backs showing considerable skill in blocking down goaling attempts, with their full-back line of Michael O’Keeffe, Dan Murphy and David Allen being very steady.

From one of their few raids during this period, Mark O’Sullivan pointed a free for Newmarket to put them three points clear with eleven minutes to go.

Almost unbelievably considering their strong performance-through the field and their promising approach work, Killavullen’s first score in the second half did not come until the closing minutes of the game. Alan O’Driscoll fired over a point, which was followed by another from Brian O’Driscoll just before the final whistle to leave them still a point short.

And so the result was a great victory for Newmarket who had to survive the loss of a number of key players during the campaign and gallant display by a young Killavullen side which will surely be heard of again.

The match was played on 6th of December in Charleville before 10,000 people, final score was Newmarket 0-09 to Killavullen 0-08. The team on the day was as follows:

James Morgan
Michael O’Keeffe		Dan Murphy		Dave Allen
John Fitzpatrick		Brian Daly		Maurice Hourigan
	Michael Cottrell		Denys O’Brien (0-1)
John Cronin (0-1)		John Paul O’Neill (0-2) Captain		Tony O’Keeffe (0-2)
Mark O’Sullivan (0-2, 0-2 frees)		Danny Culloty (0-1, 0-1 free)		Sean Francis O’Connor
Subs: John Dugdale, Jerry McCarthy, John Sheehan

Killavullen: R Lankford, E O’Connor, P Lankford, B Hayes, J O’Regan, B O’Driscoll, L Dorgan, G Kelleher, P Hartnett, D Hartnett, M Carroll, A O’Driscoll, M Whelan, I O’Driscoll, J Taylor. Sub: T Carroll.

Scorers for Killavullen: B O’Driscoll (0-2), D Hartnett (0-1), M Carroll (0-4, 0-3 frees), I O’Driscoll (0-1).

Referee: Michael Collins, Clonakilty.

By John Joe Brosnan.

Amazing comeback from Newmarket

A GREAT comeback in the closing stages, which saw them scoring 1-3 without reply in the last six minutes, gave Newmarket a point victory over Boherbue in a thrilling Duhallow under 21 football final at Castlemagner on Tuesday evening.

It was a huge turnabout in the fortunes of the teams, for Boherbue had led by six points at half time, and when they were still five in front facing into the closing stages it is doubtful if even the most optimistic Newmarket supporters gave their team a chance of winning.

The victory then, was all the sweeter when it came, for teams coming from behind to pull a game out of the fire get huge satisfaction from beating the odds.

But spare a thought for Boherbue, who appeared to have the title within their grasp only to have it snatched away from them in those hectic closing minutes.

A goal by Tony O’Keeffe, who punched to the net from a ball directed towards the corner of the square by Denis O’Brien three minutes from time, brought Newmarket level, and as the game went into injury time Colin Stack kicked a great point from the left wing to give them the lead for the first time.

But Boherbue still had time to respond, for there had been a few stoppages in the second half, and as play continued they worked the ball up the field and forced a free within scoring distance to the right of the posts.

Tadhg Foley opted to pass to a colleague in a better scoring position, but a great interception by a Newmarket back cut off the danger and they held out in the remaining time to win the title for the first time since 1994.

The game provided a fine standard of football on a lively pitch between two very determined teams. The wind, which favoured Boherbue in the first half, was a considerable influence, for the team playing against it had to work much harder to make ground.

Boherbue looked the more impressive side in the first half and set Newmarket a huge task when they led by seven points (1-5 to 0-1) after 23 minutes. The margin was reduced to six by half time, but the odds were clearly on a Boherbue win at that stage even allowing for the wind advantage which they had enjoyed.

The Boherbue supporters had, indeed, plenty of reason to be pleased by their team’s first half performance, for their backs were sound, Tadhg and Seamus Foley were very impressive at midfield and their forwards looked much more dangerous than their opposite numbers.

Newmarket failed to score from play during the first thirty minutes, with Sean F O’Connor sending over their three points from frees. Some erratic shooting, especially in the early stages, was a contributing factor to their low tally.

Dan Buckley had Boherbue’s first point in the 4th minute and others followed from Roger Casey (2), who was roaming to good effect all over the place, and Seamus Foley before they went through for their goal in the 22nd minute.

This stemmed from a great run down the right wing by the speedy Kieran O’Keeffe, who took the ball into the corner, being harried along the way, before delivering it towards the square. There Roger Casey secured possession and sent a rasper to the net from close range. Seamus Foley sent over a great point from far out in the 26th minute, giving Boherbue an interval tally of 1-6 to Newmarket three points, all scored by Sean F O’Connor.

The general opinion at that stage was that Newmarket needed to make an impact early in the second half if they were to come meaningfully into contention, but that did not happen, because a big improvement in their part not matched by shooting, which was quite erratic.

It was Boherbue who had the first score second half in 39th minute when Tadhg Foley landed a great point for distance to boost lead to seven points.

Newmarket’s prospects suffered a further blow when they had one of their leading players sent off. It looked quite beyond them to bridge the sizeable gap with fourteen men.

But they battled on with great spirit, with Denis O’Brien and Dermot Moynihan very influential at midfield and the backs coming to grips with the Boherbue forwards, who did not score in the last twenty minutes.

Newmarket seemed to be throwing away any chance they had of saving the game when they had several wides before Sean F O’Connor and Denis O’Brien, each with a point from a free, reduced the margin to five points by the threequarter stage. When the next nine minutes passed without Newmarket reducing their deficit further it looked as if Boherbue were going to hold out for a comfortable win.

However, all that was to change in the last six minutes. Newmarket were pushing forward with great determination and points in quick succession by Sean F O’Connor and Colin Stack had the margin down to three points. And when Tony O’Keeffe punched Denis O’Brien’s centre to the net in the 57th minute it was all square.

The title was up grabs at that stage, an Newmarket snatched it when Colin Stack lofted over a great point from far out on the left wing as the game went into injury time.

The match was played on 28th of July in Castlemagner, Final score was Newmarket 1-8 to Boherbue 1-7. The team on the day was as follows:

Paul Murphy
Mark Murphy		Dan Murphy		John McSweeney
Michael O’Keeffe		Dermot Moyinhan		John Fitzpatrick
	Brian Daly (Capt.)		Denys O’Brien (0-1)
Sean F. O’Connor (0-5)		Donnacha Murphy		Robbie Keane
Tony O’Keeffe (1-0)		Colin Stack (0-2)		Donal Daly
Subs: James Cashman, Barry O’Leary.

BOHERBUE – B Leahy; T Breen, K O’Connell, T Curtin, J O’Connor, C Hickey, T Foley, S Foley, D Courtney, J J Fitzgerald, D Buckley; A Lynch, K O’Keeffe, R Casey.

Boherbue: R Casey 1-2 (1 free), S Foley 0-3, D Buckley, T Foley 0-1 each.

Referee: Mick Higgins, Castlemagner.

By John Joe Brosnan.

Newmarket’s day of glory

IT was a long wait, but when the final whistle sounded at Banteer on Sunday, leaving Newmarket Duhallow football champions for the first time in 23 years, it all seemed worth it to the players and their legion of supporters who swarmed on to the pitch to celebrate a momentous achievement.

The fact that it was a victory hard won made it all the sweeter. In the end the margin was nine points but it was really only in the last ten minutes that Newmarket could feel secure in the knowledge that they had overcome a great bid by Kanturk to overcome the pre-match odds.

Indeed, in the first twenty minutes it was Kanturk who called the tune and delighted their supporters when playing some great football in the process of building up a sixpoint lead (1-4 to 0-1).

At that stage Newmarket must have been wondering whether the title was going to elude them again-as it had done so many times since their previous victory in 1970.

But by half-time their fears had been allayed to a large extent, for a strong peformance in the last ten minutes of the first half enabled them to turn over with a point lead ( 1-5 to 1-4). And the fact that they had scored a goal and four points without reply from Kanturk during that period was very encouraging for them.

However, a second goal for Kanturk within two minutes of the resumption showed that they were still very much in contention and subsequently Newmarket had to call on all their resources to wear them down.

It was a gradual process, as is indicated by the fact there were three points between the teams at the three-quarter stage. That was pushed to four points soon afterwards but the Kanturk missed two good pointing chances and hit the crossbar before Newmarket, gaining from the wonderful marksmanship of John Sheehan from frees, went five points clear with eight minutes to go.

It was hard to see Kanturk wiping out that deficit, and any hopes they may have harboured of doing so were killed when Mark O’Sullivan goaled for Newmarket seven minutes from the end.

On a glorious day, with the sun shining on a colourful scene as a huge crowd packed the Banteer grounds, the quality of football was of a high order as two teams hungry for the title battled mightly for the upper hand.

Victory in the end went to Newmarket because they showed great strength in depth when fighting back from a bad start and also because they had some individuals who struck brilliant form on the day

Some great understanding between Danny Culloty and Neily McCarthy at midfield enabled them to dominate in that sector in the second half; Liam O’Connor’s attacking play from the half-back line had an important influence and up front the combined talents of Mark O’Sullivan and John Sheehan brought the all-important scores.

These individuals were backed up by a strong all round team performance, with no member of the side being found wanting on the day.

On the Kanturk side, it was really more a team performance than individual brilliance that carried them to their early lead and enabled them to maintain a serious challenge until the late stages.

They were, of course, hugely indebted to Alan Buckley and Declan Browne for taking their goaling chances in such expert style. But the fact that their forwards only scored a point after Browne’s goal early in the second half shows how well they were held during that period by the Newmarket backs.

One of Kanturk’s main problems in the second half was getting the ball past the Newmarket half-back line, which was bang in form, with Liam O’Connor outstanding on the right, John Paul O’Neill and later Kieran Quilter steady in the centre and Tommy Browne having a great second half, launching many attacks from the left wing

In these circunstances the Kanturk full-forward line’s talents were not seen to full effect because of the difficulty of keeping them supplied with the ball once the Newmarket half-back line gained control

To some extent, however, Kanturk’s failure to add to their goal soon after the resumption was due to a concentration on scoring another goal once they fell five points in arrears. Two close-in frees in the late stages were blasted against a wall of Newmarket defenders when it was obvious that there was really no chance of getting through.

Kanturk’s nearest miss was when the ball came back off the crossbar from Frank Healy’s shot in the 50th minute. A goal at that stage would have injected new life into the game, for it would have reduced the margin to a point.

But really, in the long run, there could have been no doubt about the merit of Newmarket’s win, for they were the stronger team for most of the second half.

There was a great duel at midfield between Danny Culloty and Kanturk’s Jerome Walsh and both emerged from it with credit. Kanturk were, indeed, lucky to have a man of Walsh’s calibre available to make the Newmarket captain fight hard for every ball.

But Culloty, despite a foot injury picked up in the game against Derry for which he had been receiving treatment all the week, played a major part in Newmarket’s triumph in conjunction with his midfield partner Neily McCarthy. The understanding between them was a crucial factor, for they anticipated each other’s play very well.

Culloty played a shrewd game, bringing other Newmarket players into the picture with good passes rather than trying to go it alone; and McCarthy had what was probably his greatest hour in the red and black colours.

In the early stages Walsh had Declan Browne as his midfield partner and, with both of them playing well and the Kanturk team generally showing form-with James Healy’s play in the half-back line being particularly notable they pushed forward to build up a sixpoint lead in the first eighteen minutes.

They had wrested back the initiative which Newmarket had shown in the first few minutes when Mark O’Sullivan sent over a great point from 40 yards. Indeed, Newmarket missed a few good chances of adding to that score through erratic shooting.

Timothy Healy equalized with a point from a free for Kanturk in the 2nd minute and the next twelve minutes passed without a score as the teams battled for the upper hand, with little between them on the play.

Then, in a four-minute spell, Kanturk opened up a six-point lead. Their scoring burst started with a point from a free by Timothy Healy; then Aidan O’Keeffe, who was playing well at centre half-forward, and Frank Healy added points before Alan Buckley goaled.

The move that led to the goal started out on the left wing with Tim Burke, who was stretching the Newmarket defence at that stage, gaining possession and sending the ball towards the corner of the square. As it dropped it was broken down by Ger Lehane to Alan Bluckley who showed great skill shooting to the net from a tight angle.

Newmarket seemed to be in quite an amount of trouble at that stage, for Kanturk were going forward repeatedly and might indeed have increased their lead had their forwards been more accurate in their shooting.

But the move that changed the trend of play came in the 22nd minute when Newmarket full-back Sean Culloty brought the ball up the right wing and sent a long ball to Michael Cottrell, who found Mark O’Sullivan with a good pass. O’Sullivan rounded his marker, controlled the ball well as he went forward and then let loose a great shot that went just beneath the crossbar to the net.

It was, indeed, a score that seemed to inspire Newmarket, for they added four points without reply in the last seven minutes of the first half. Two of these points were marvellous scores from half-back Liam O’Connor, who raced upfield confidently to send over from long range, and the others were scored by John Sheehan from a free, after Niall O’Callaghan had been fouled, and Tom Doherty.

Indeed, it took a great save by Kanturk goalkeeper Kieran Fitzgerald, who had an outstanding game, to deny Mark O’Sullivan another goal just before the break.

Leading by 1-5 to 1-4 at half time, Newmarket extended their lead with a point from a free by John Sheehan within a minute of the resumption. But only a minute later Kanturk’s hopes jumped again when they went through for a fine goal.

The move started when Alan Buckley won a ball near the sideline and sent it across to Aidan O’Keeffe, who transferred it to Declan Browne, now playing at centre half-forward. Browne went forward and sent a great kick to the net.

Newmarket responded strongly and it was only another great save by goalkeeper Fitzgerald that prevented the Kanturk net from falling.

John Sheehan, with a point from a free, levelled the scores in the 37th minute and three minutes later gave his team the lead with a marvellous kick from a free 45 metres out on the right wing.

Indeed, Sheehan’s marksmanship from frees was to prove vital as Newmarket built up their lead, for he added three more from long range kicks.

Mark O’Sullivan was causing major problems for the Kanturk defence, ranging all over the place to gain possession, and his goal in the 53rd minute, secured after getting a pass from Liam O’Connor, was the score that finally put the lid on Kanturk’s challenge.

Other scorers for Newmarket in the second half were Neily McCarthy and Michael Cottrell while Kanturk’s only score in the last 28 minutes was a point from Frank Healy.

But, as mentioned earlier, they were not interested in points in the late stages and there were always too many Newmarket players in the way when they tried for a goal.

The championship cup was presented to the Newmarket captain, Danny Culloty, by Duhallow Board Chairman Jerry Keating amid scenes of great jubilation.

The match was played on 26th of September in Banteer, Final score was Newmarket 2-14 to Kanturk 2-05. The team on the day was as follows:

James Morgan
Kieran Quilter		Sean Culloty		John Dugdale
Liam O’Connor (0-2)		John Paul O’Neill		Tommy Browne
	Danny Culloty (Capt)		Neily McCarthy (0-1)
John Hartnett		Michael Cottrell (0-1)		John Sheehan (0-8)
Niall O’Callaghan		Mark O’Sullivan (2-1)		Tom Doherty (0-1)
Subs: Eddie Lane.

Kanturk: K  Fitzgerald, C Cronin, T Walsh(Capt), P Geaney, B O’Connell, G O’Sullivan, J Healy, D Browne, J Walsh,  F Healy, A O’Keeffe, G Lehane, T Healy, T Burke, A Buckley  Subs: H Buckley and N Galvin.

Scorers for Kanturk: A Buckley and D Browne  (1-0),T Healy and F Healy (0-2), A O’Keeffe (0-1).

Referee:  Richard Murphy, Lyre.