Newmarket got off to a flying start when the outstanding Barry O’Leary pointed in the opening stages, however they were dealt a blow with Freemount finding the net moments later. Tony O’Keeffe reduced the arrears before two Freemount points gave them a clear three point lead by the tenth minute. A tough and uncompromising encounter developed with both sides up to the task of championship fervour.

The accuracy of John Ryan from placed balls was a feature of the half and he split the posts on two occasions midway through the half as Newmarket gained momentum. Freemount responded and answered with two points to restore their advantage of three points.

As the game entered the final ten minutes of the half, Newmarket scored their first goal of the evening. A fine build up involving John Ryan and Kevin O’Sullivan picked out half forward Jonathan Flaherty, one of five starting debutants on the night and he took on the Freemount rearguard with a typical rampaging run before clipping the ball to the net past the Freemount custodian. This tied the scores for the first time at 1-4 apiece and while Freemount had the next score, Newmarket grew in confidence that stemmed from the defence. The full back line of young Padraig Allen, Brendan Stack and Nicky Flanagan impressed while at the other end John Ryan hit two superb pointed frees, the second of which gave Newmarket the lead for the first time and left them in front at the turnover, 1-6 to 1-5.

Buoyed on by their first half display, Newmarket resumed in fine form as Michael Kenneally and Barry O’Leary increased the advantage with two well struck points within three minutes. The game was littered with stoppages, as injuries played a big part throughout, with three Newmarket players having to depart the fray due to the nature of injuries suffered.

Freemount gained the authority and five unanswered points edged them in front again at the three quarter mark. As the injuries began to take their toll, Newmarket received a timely boost as a long delivery from distance by Barry O’Leary found the net to overturn the lead again, 2-8 to 1-10.

Newmarket’s joy was short lived however as a minute later a breaking ball in the goalmouth was whipped to the net to put Freemount in poll position again. Freemount reigned in on victory as they reeled off three quickfire points. Once again for Newmarket it was Barry O’Leary who drew inspiration as he pointed. The sides then traded points as John Ryan cut the deficit to four points late in the contest but Freemount ensured progression on adding a further point and seal a semi final place.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Barry O’Leary (1-3), John Ryan (0-5), Jonathan Flaherty (1-0), Tony O’Keeffe (0-1), Michael Kenneally (0-1).

Shane McAuliffe
Paudie Allen		Brendan Stack		Nicky Flanagan
Shane Murphy		Kevin O'Sullivan		Robert Stack
	Timothy Murphy		Conor Cronin
John Ryan		Tony O'Keeffe		Jonathan Flaherty
John Lane		Michael Kenneally		Barry O'Leary
Subs: Gavin Forde, Pa O’Brien, Seanie Francis O’Connor, Niall O’Connor, David Enright

Freemount opened the scoring on pointing within the first minute. Newmarket enjoyed territorial advantage for various periods of time in the first half but failed to capitalize on the scoreboard. John Lane did get Newmarket on level terms with a seventh minute point but Freemount were more productive in front of goal and they responded on adding two points in as many minutes. Seven minutes lapsed without a score before Freemount increased their advantage. Newmarket replied within a minute with a well converted point from distance through Colin O’Sullivan. Freemount again took their advantage to three points before Newmarket were rewarded for their attacking endeavours with a goal in the twenty second minute. A long distance free from the impressive Kevin O’Sullivan dropped dangerously towards the Freemount goalmouth and in the scramble that resulted, Niall O’Connor nipped in to flick an equalizing goal to the back of the net. Freemount reacted in fine style and reeled off five points in as many minutes to assume control. The half ended with John Ryan converting a free for Newmarket to leave the half time scoreline reading 0-10 to 1-3 in favour of Freemount.

John Lane reduced the arrears with a well taken point within a minute of the resumption but Freemount added the next two points to their tally. Newmarket grew in stature and two points from John Lane left the score reading 0-12 to 1-6 as the game entered the final quarter. Freemount took their lead to four but Newmarket remained in contention as substitute Tony O’Keeffe pointed with eleven minutes remaining. Newmarket assumed the ascendancy as a lively encounter developed at this stage. John Ryan pointed a free and when Tony O’Keeffe added his second point, only a single point separated the sides with three minutes remaining. Freemount turned the screw and were next to score courtesy of a point. As the contest ended the final stages the home side sealed victory with a well struck overhead goal from close range to put the issue beyond Newmarket and confirm the points for Freemount.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

John Lane (0-4), Niall O’Connor (1-0), John Ryan (0-2), Tony O’Keeffe (0-2), Colin O’Sullivan (0-1).

Shane McAuliffe
Michael O’Leary		Billy Daly		Pa O’Brien
Barry O'Leary		Kevin O'Sullivan		Timothy Murphy
	John Ryan		Shane Murphy
Conor Cronin		Colin O'Sullivan		Jacko Flaherty
Niall O’Connor		John Lane		Nicky Flanagan
Subs: Tony O'Keeffe, Robert Stack, Gavin Forde, Donnacha Fitzpatrick

Newmarket were quick off the mark when Ian Flanagan pointed in the second minute having being upended in the build up play. In the fifth minute, Newmarket stretched their advantage when another Ian Flanagan free dropped dangerously in the Freemount goalmouth and Donnacha O’Dea was on hand to apply the finishing touch to the back of the net. Freemount opened their account with a point in the eleventh minute.

Both defences soaked up periods of pressure as scores were scarce for a period of the half before the sides exchanged points within a minute with an Ian Flanagan free, keeping Newmarket a goal in front. Another brace of points were shared with Ian Flanagan pointing from play as the half entered the closing five minutes. An amazing sequence of play in the concluding minutes changed the shape of the contest. Newmarket went into a clear two goal lead in the thirtieth minute when the impressive Timothy Murphy picked out Michael Kenneally and he set off on a blistering solo run goalwards before off loading to John Scanlon who crashed home a second goal. From the resultant puck out Freemount attacked the Newmarket rearguard and replied with a quickfire goal. A point followed immediately and remarkably Freemount struck for a second goal in as many minutes to incredibly go into the half time break with a single point advantage, 2-4 to 2-3, having only moments earlier trailed by six points.

The second half resumed with Ian Flanagan converting a free to tie the sides for the only time in the contest. Freemount responded with two points as the tempo of the game increased significantly. The next four points were shared as Ian Flanagan twice converted from placed balls, with Newmarket trailing 2-8 to 2-6 at the end of a tight and even third quarter. Freemount increased their advantage as the game entered the final ten minutes but Newmarket replied with points from the inspiring Timothy Murphy and Denis McCarthy to cut the deficit to a solitary point. Freemount withstood whatever Newmarket could offer in attack and concluded strongly. The victors regained the title on adding two late insurance points to leave Newmarket disappointed for a second successive year.

The Newmarket team was…

Kieran Hayes
Michael O’Leary		Brendan Stack		Donnacha Fitzpatrick
David Enright		Brian Daly		Robert Stack
	Timothy Murphy (0-1)		Niall O’Connor
Bryan O’Connell		John Scanlon (1-0)		Nicky Barrett
Ian Flanagan (0-6)		Michael Kenneally		Donnacha O’Dea (1-0)
SUBS: Denis McCarthy (0-1), Jack Birtley

Freemount settled better in the early exchanges and once they opened the scoring in the fourth minute, they increased their advantage courtesy of three further unanswered points. Newmarket pointed for the first time in the nineteenth minute through Ian Flanagan and confidence grew as Donnacha O’Dea added another moment’s later. Newmarket were excellent in defence with team captain Robert Stack particularly outstanding throughout, while the five other defenders performed admirably. The sides traded points as Ian Flanagan converted his first free of the night. Freemount increased their advantage with the final score of the half and they turned over in front by 0-6 to 0-3.

Freemount added to their lead within a minute of the restart but Ian Flanagan replied with a pointed free for Newmarket.

The critical period of the game came six minutes into the half. Vinny Molloy struck a long delivery towards the Freemount goal and Nicky Barrett was on hand to finish to the net for an equalizing goal. Almost instantly, a similar scenario developed, this time it was Donnacha O’Dea who dropped the ball into the danger area and once more Nicky Barrett was on hand to supply a flawless finish to the net. Amazingly, it was Nicky Barrett in Newmarket’s next attack who clipped over a point and in a three minute period, the total landscape of the contest had changed and Newmarket held a lead of 2-5 to 0-7.

Newmarket visibly grew in confidence all over the field with Donnacha Fitzpatrick and Bryan O’Connell excelling either side of their inspiring leader Robert Stack, while behind them Michael O’Leary, Brendan Stack and William O’Flynn were superb. Two Freemount points cut the deficit to two points but a pointed free from Donnacha O’Dea had Newmarket in front by 2-6 to 0-9 by the end of the third quarter. A trio of frees on target through Donnacha O’Dea and a brace from Ian Flanagan followed as Newmarket took a six point advantage. Newmarket closed in on victory by adding three further points through Ian Flanagan (twice) and Paul Verling before a point for Freemount brought the scoring for the evening to an end.

The Newmarket team was…

Kieran Hayes
William O’Flynn		Brendan Stack		Michael O’Leary
Donnacha Fitzpatrick		Robert Stack		Bryan O’Connell
	Vinny Molloy		Ian Flanagan (0-7)
Nicky Barrett (2-1)		Donnacha O’Dea (0-3)		Kieran Lehane
Luke McCarthy		Billy Daly		Paul Verling (0-1)
SUB: Michael O’Neill

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

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

Shane Murphy got Newmarket off the mark with a second minute free and the same player pounced for a fine individual goal in the fifth minute. Freemount opened their account in the ninth minute before Liam Murphy scored an outstanding spectacular point in the next minute for Newmarket. Freemount cut the deficit on adding two points before the excellent Conor Cronin had a point for Newmarket. As the half concluded the sides went on the share four points with Shane Murphy twice on target from frees for Newmarket as they turned over in front by 1-5 to 0-5.

Newmarket’s hopes were considerably boosted when Shane Murphy was once more alert in the Freemount goalmouth to find the net for a second time five minutes into the second half. As conditions became increasingly difficult both sides showed admirable commitment. Freemount were next to score when an unstoppable close range free flew into the roof of the net past Newmarket’s well marshalled goalline. Newmarket gained the upperhand once more when Liam Murphy did well to get a shot on goal and Paul Verling pounced on the loose ball to rifle the ball to the roof of the net for a superb goal. Shane Murphy added a point but two Freemount points left the score at 3-6 to 0-7 with ten minutes remaining. Newmarket defended stoutly throughout with Pa O’Brien marshalling a superb defence with Conor Cronin often on hand to provide some extra reinforcements to emerge with the ball on numerous occasions. Conor Cronin and Shane Murphy added points as Newmarket held on for the points.

The Newmarket team was…

Kieran Hayes
David Kelly		Pa O’Brien		Donnacha Fitzpatrick
Michael Kenneally		Brendan Stack		Timothy Murphy
	Donnacha O’Dea		Conor Cronin (0-2)
Colin O’Sullivan		Robert Stack		Liam Murphy (0-1)
Paul Verling (1-0)		Shane Murphy (2-5)		Sean Irwin
SUBS:

Newmarket opened the scoring when Kevin O’Sullivan surged forward and popped the ball over the bar in the third minute. Freemount responded immediately as they struck for a fine goal. Newmarket recovered and the lively John Lane converted a couple of frees to tie the sides for the first time in the ninth minute. Freemount regained the lead when they pointed a free from well within their own half. Kevin O’Sullivan restored parity and Newmarket hit the front again with John Lane pointing after an excellent team move that spanned the full length of the field. Newmarket hurled well against the elements during the half with John Scanlon and Pa O’Brien commanding in defence but they suffered a setback when Freemount scored a second goal within a minute of the interval and they turned over in front by 2-1 to 0-5.

Newmarket resumed aided by an advantageous breeze and into the driving rain, Anthony Crowley hit a super long range point in the second minute on receiving a short taken sideline puck. A turning point for Newmarket arrived in the next minute. John Ryan hit a huge free from deep within the Newmarket square with Donnacha O’Dea reading the delivery perfectly, he set off and struck a superb goal to the roof of the Freemount net. John Lane added a point and suddenly Newmarket enjoyed a three point lead.

Freemount then scored their first point of the half but Brian Daly replied with a fine long range effort. Newmarket further strengthened their advantage at the end of the quarter when the ball broke in the Freemount goalmouth and Shane Murphy struck from the edge of the square for a second goal. Freemount replied with a point but Donnacha O’Dea restored Newmarket’s six point lead, 2-9 to 2-3. Freemount hit back with a third goal and another point ensured an exciting finish to a contest that was keenly competitive throughout. Brian Daly converted a wonderful free from distance by the sideline as the sides exchanged points. Another brace of points followed with Shane Murphy sending a memorable effort sailing high between the posts. As the game entered the dying moments, Newmarket’s rearguard withstood the Freemount attack and they held on for a two point winning margin.

The final will represent Newmarket’s first hurling final at junior level in the division since 1985.

The Newmarket team was…

John Ryan
Michael Kenneally		John Scanlon		Donnacha Fitzpatrick
Kevin O’Sullivan (0-2)		Pa O’Brien		Anthony Crowley (0-1)
	Barry O’Leary		Colin O’Sullivan
John Lane (0-4)		Brian Daly (0-2)		Tony O’Keeffe
Robert Stack		Shane Murphy (1-1)		Donnacha O’Dea (1-1)
SUB: Conor Cronin

Newmarket opened the scoring when their most potent forward John Lane found the target in the fourth minute. The home side levelled within a minute before gaining the lead in the eighth minute. Shane Murphy tied the sides for a second time before John Lane regained the lead for Newmarket when converting an eleventh minute free. Freemount gained parity in the twentieth minute and within a minute they claimed the games only goal to gain a clear advantage. Freemount edged further ahead by adding another point before the impressive Barry O’Leary pointed for Newmarket. The half concluded with the sides exchanging two points, Newmarket’s score coming when Shane Murphy pointed after being awarded a penalty. The half time score read 1-5 to 0-5 in Freemount’s favour.

Newmarket performed admirably in the second half, a rock solid defence the foundation to a successful period, with Conor Cronin and Anthony Crowley particularly outstanding. John Lane was central to Newmarket’s success in attack as despite enjoying dominant periods of possession they struggled to find the target. He added points in the fifth, twelvth and sixteenth minutes of the half to tie the sides for a fourth time. Newmarket grew in confidence with Colin O’Sullivan and the inspirational Barry O’Leary driving the side forward. Newmarket eventually regained the lead thanks fittingly to Barry O’Leary with ten minutes left to play. A hard fought contest went down to the wire and Michael Kenneally got the final score of the contest as Newmarket held on the claim the points.
The Newmarket team was…

John Ryan
Donnacha Fitzpatrick		John Scanlon		Pa O’Brien
Conor Cronin		John McSweeney		Anthony Crowley
	Barry O’Leary (0-2)		Colin O’Sullivan
Tony O’Keeffe		Shane Anthony Murphy		John Lane (0-5)
Michael Kenneally (0-1)		Shane Murphy (0-2)		Robert Stack
SUBS:

Newmarket got off to a great start, hurling well from the outset. Darren O’Keeffe swept over a point in the third minute and Robert Stack doubled the advantage four minutes later. Seanie Francis O’Connor who was in prolific form on the night, slotted over his first point when converting a ninth minute free. He added two further points as Newmarket enjoyed a five point advantage after sixteen minutes. Freemount pointed within a minute and added two points without reply. Seanie Francis O’Connor added two points from play as Newmarket restored a four point lead. Freemount responded with a point and as the half entered the final moments they registered their first goal of the night and the sides turned over level at half time, 0-7 to 1-4.

Conditions deteriorated as the game progressed as heavy showers took an effect on proceedings. Freemount, however resumed in style and took the lead thanks to a goal within a minute. A point followed six minutes later as Newmarket found it much more difficult to find their range in the second half, this despite the outstanding display of team captain Kieran Hayes ably assisted by Brendan Stack and the influential Seanie Francis O’Connor. The latter brought Newmarket back into contention when converting two frees and they trailed 2-5 to 0-9, eleven minutes into the second half. Freemount scored their third goal two minutes later and when they repeated the feat eight minutes from time, Newmarket’s task became almost impossible. To their credit, Newmarket kept up their challenge right to the end and their efforts were rewarded through points from Seanie Francis O’Connor, Robert Stack and Paul Verling. The home side confirmed the points on scoring the final point of the hour and ran out victors by six points.

The Newmarket team was

Eamon Moynihan
William O’Flynn		John Scanlon		David Kelly
T.J. Bodie		Kieran Hayes		Brendan Stack
	Seanie Francis O’Connor (0-8)		Colin O’Sullivan
Alan Forde		Robert Stack (0-2)		Timothy Murphy
Darren O’Keeffe (0-1)		Billy Daly		Donnacha Fitzpatrick
SUBS: Paul Verling (0-1)

In mighty weather conditions Freemount hit the first point of the game after two minutes. Seanie Francis O’Connor struck back for the home side with a free a minute later. Freemount took control of the game after this and proceeded to hit over another five points without reply to leave Newmarket down six points to one at the interval. Newmarket improved in the second half with Seanie Francis putting over another point from a free two minutes into the second half. Freemount struck back with a point of their own on 37 minutes.

Newmarket took control for the next few minutes with fine points to Barry O’ Leary from distance and a sideline ball from Kevin O’ Sullivan. Freemount got the next score which turned out to be the vital one in the end with a goal on 53 minutes to lead 1-7 to 0-6. Newmarket fought bravely with two more Seanie Francis points and another Barry O’ Leary point from distance. The game ended on a score line of 1-7 to 0-8 in Freemount’s favour.

Newmarket were unlucky not to get something out of this game again but they battled bravely and showed some good fighting spirit.

The Newmarket team was…

John Ryan
Pa O’ Brien		Brian Daly		David Kelly
Niall O’ Connor		Anthony Crowley		Tony O’ Keeffe
	Barry O’ Leary (0-2)		Kevin O’ Sullivan (0-1)
Maurice Feehan		Robert Stack		John Lane
Seanie Francis O’ Connor (0-5)		Colin O’ Sullivan		Donnacha O’ Dea
Subs: Shane Anthony Murphy, John Scanlon, William O’ Flynn

As the game entered the final seconds of injury time after incessant pressure Newmarket, needing a goal, saw a superb effort from Shane Anthony Murphy diverted superbly by the Freemount goalkeeper and hit the upright before rolling to safety. As a result the game ended 2-8 to 1-9 in Freemounts favour after another gripping hours hurling played on a dull misty evening.

Newmarket got off to an abysmal start and a sharp Freemount side hit four points in the opening five minutes before a goal in the next minute gave them a seven point advantage after just six minutes.

Credit to Newmarket, they withstood this major setback and in the tenth minute team captain Tony O’Keeffe led from the front when he ran in on goal and kicked an unstoppable shot to the net. John Lane pointed a free before some neat play ended with Maurice Feehan slotting over a point after fifteen minutes. Newmarket growing in confidence, with Brian Daly a beacon at centre back, maintained their period of dominance and this culminated with fine scores from Kevin O’Sullivan and a memorable long range point from Barry O’Leary to tie the sides after twenty three minutes. Newmarket then edged in front when Shane Anthony Murphy pointed a free to complete a remarkable turnaround in fortunes. As the half entered injury time Freemount pointed to ensure the sides yet again remained deadlocked at the end of the half at 1-5 apiece.

The sides resumed with Freemount converting a free within two minutes. Shane Anthony Murphy found the target for Newmarket six minutes later to tie the sides again. John Lane edged Newmarket in front again but within a minute Freemount had equalized. As the game entered the final quarter a well worked move by Newmarket saw Kevin O’Sullivan split the posts from long range and restore the lead. This lead lasted until the fifty fifth minute when a Freemount point saw the sides level for a fifth time. The crucial score of the contest arrived in the next minute when Freemount scored a decisive second goal. Newmarket poured on the pressure in the remaining minutes and were denied by some inaccurate shooting and resolute defending. Donnacha O’Dea saw a shot skim over the crossbar to reduce the deficit before the final series of action brought some amazing drama but Newmarket ultimately fell short by a slender margin.

Newmarket had a number of fine individual displays. Brian Daly was a colossus at centre back and was ably assisted by John McSweeney, Anthony Crowley, Nicky Flanagan. Kevin O’Sullivan and Barry O’Leary worked tirelessly at midfield as did Tony O’Keeffe while Shane Anthony Murphy was in fine form in attack. Newmarket must now await an open draw to find out their opponents in the second round.

The Newmarket team was…

John Ryan
Pa O’Brien		John McSweeney		Nicky Flanagan
Niall O’Connor		Brian Daly		Anthony Crowley
	Kevin O’Sullivan (0-2)		Barry O’Leary (0-1)
Shane Anthony Murphy (0-2)		Kieran Hayes		Maurice Feehan (0-1)
John Lane (0-2)		Tony O’Keeffe (1-0)		Donnacha O’Dea (0-1)
SUB: Michael Kenneally

Freemount got off to an ideal start with a goal in the fourth minute and two points in quick succession. Newmarket got off the mark in the tenth minute with a long range point from Barry O’Leary. Freemount took a decisive lead when they converted a fourteenth minute penalty to leave the score 2-2 to 0-1. Shane Anthony Murphy pointed a free but Freemont then added two further points. Newmarket were then awarded a penalty in the twenty fourth minute but struck it wide, they did however get right back into the game when Tony O’Keeffe set up Barry O’Leary and he finished expertly to the net for a fine goal a minute before the interval. This proved to be the final score of the half which left the score 2-4 to 1-2.

Newmarket were guilty of hitting a number of wides throughout the game but especially missed some guilt edged chances in the third quarter. Freemount edged into an eight point lead thanks to three points during this period. Kevin O’Sullivan eventually got a point from midfield and Tony O’Keeffe also found the target. This reignited Newmarkets challenge and eleven minutes from time a well placed ball into the square from Anthony Crowley was doubled to the net superbly by Tony O’Keeffe. Freemount pointed next but Newmarket maintained their momentum. Maurice Feehan pointed to reduce the deficit to three points and he then somehow managed to squeeze the ball to the net from a packed square for an equalizing score to tie the sides for the first time in the game, with just three minutes to play. Freemount regained the lead but a hugely spirited Newmarket side got a deserving equalizer when Kevin O’Sullivan pointed from long distance. This score ensured extra time as the game ended 3-6 to 2-9.

Once more Freemount edged in front but team captain Tony O’Keeffe again led from the front and found an equalizing score. As the first period of extra time drew to a conclusion both sides exchanged points with Maurice Feehan getting Newmarket back on level terms.

A tense second period followed with both sides giving every ounce of remaining energy to find a winner. Both backlines defended resolutely but Maurice Feehan pointed for Newmarket to give them the lead for the first time in the contest with little over two minutes to play. However, there was one final twist and from the final puck of the game Freemount converted a free to ensure another game after a pulsating eighty minutes.

Newmarket produced an excellent all round performance and their best championship result for a number of years. The backline were outstanding with Pa O’Brien superb throughout. He was ably assisted by the prominent displays of John McSweeney, Brian Daly, Niall O’Connor, Anthony Crowley while Kevin O’Sullivan and Barry O’Leary were excellent at midfield contributing a goal and three points between them. In attack Tony O’Keeffe was potent throughout while Maurice Feehan grew in stature throughout and finished with an impressive goal and three points from play.

The Newmarket team was…

John Ryan
David Guiney		John McSweeney		Pa O’Brien
Niall O’Connor		Brian Daly		Anthony Crowley
	Kevin O’Sullivan (0-2)		Barry O’Leary (1-1)
Shane Anthony Murphy (0-1)		Kieran Hayes		Maurice Feehan (1-3)
John Lane		Colin O’Sullivan		Tony O’Keeffe (1-2)
SUBS: Nicky Flanagan, Donnacha O’Dea

Freemount struck as early as the second minute with the games first goal and had three more points before a John Lane point got Newmarket off the mark. The sides then exchanged points with John Lane getting what proved to be Newmarket’s final score of the half. Freemount proceeded to get three points and then added a second goal three minutes before the break. Another Freemount point left the score at 2-8 to 0-2 at half time.

As with the first half Freemount’s first score was a goal. John Lane was again on target but Newmarket failed to make an impact on their opponents. The fourth goal came ten minutes from the end but Newmarket were then rewarded for their efforts when Robert Stack found the net. John McSweeney pointed late but the home side had long sealed the issue as the game completed.

The Newmarket team was…

John Ryan
William O’Flynn		Brian Daly		David Kelly
Shane Murphy		Pa O’Brien		Kieran Hayes
	Anthony Crowley		Tony O’Keeffe
Niall O’Connor		Michael Kenneally		John Lane (0-3)
Robert Stack (1-0)		John McSweeney (0-1)		Barry O’Leary
SUBS: T.J. Bodie, Shane Anthony Murphy

Freemount gradually increased their advantage before the impressive Kevin O’Sullivan pointed for Newmarket. A Colin O’Sullivan point left the score 1-9 to 0-6 at the three quarter stage. A second Freemount goal sealed the issue but a resilient Newmarket side kept plugging away and Kevin O’Sullivan and John Lane were on target before the finish. Anthony Crowley, Pa O’Brien, Gerard Sheahan and the O’Sullivan’s were impressive for Newmarket on the night.

John Ryan
Gerard Sheahan		Pa O’Brien		Donnacha Fitzpatrick
Anthony Crowley		Keiran Hayes		Tony O’Keeffe
	Kevin O’Sullivan (0-2)		Shane Murphy
Donnacha O’Dea		Colin O’Sullivan (0-5)		Maurice Feehan
John Lane (0-1)		Martin O’Doherty		Nicky Flanagan
SUBS: William O’Fllynn, Michael Kenneally, Niall O’Connor, David Kelly