Newmarket were first to score with Paul Verling converting a long range free in the opening minute. Kilbrin were level within a minute before they added two further points by the seventh minute. Paul Verling was again on target with a well converted twelfth minute free as Newmarket cut the deficit to a point. Kilbrin were guilty of hitting a succession of wides during the first half but they still scored heavily. They had the next two points but Paul Verling kept Newmarket in touch with another brace of points to leave to score at 0-5 to 0-4 after twenty minutes. Kilbrin found a way past Newmarket’s excellent goalkeeper Shane McAuliffe, for the first time with a twenty third minute goal and they gathered momentum to add a further two points. A second goal followed as the half came to a conclusion and a Michael Kenneally point was Newmarket’s solitary reply in between another pair of Kilbrin points which gave them a commanding advantage of 2-9 to 0-5 at half time.

Kilbrin assumed further control on adding three points after the restart before the industrious and hard working Eddie Allen pointed for Newmarket. Kilbrin pointed again before Newmarket’s endeavour was rewarded with Robert Stack on hand to finish to the net from close range following a goalmouth scramble which resulted from a free which dropped close to goal. Kilbrin closed out victory on adding three points before the conclusion with Robert Stack on target with a point for Newmarket.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Robert Stack (1-1), Paul Verling (0-4), Eddie Allen (0-1), Michael Kenneally (0-1).

Shane McAuliffe
Paudie Allen		John McSweeney		Billy Lane
Donnacha Fitzpatrick		Michael O’Leary		Anthony Crowley
	Eddie Allen		Michael Kenneally
Jacko Flaherty		Brendan Stack		Billy Daly
David Quinlan		Robert Stack		Paul Verling
Subs: Gavin Forde, Kieran Lehane, Danny O’Connell, Denis McCarthy, Matthew Fitzpatrick

Newmarket had to field without four players who played a huge part in their victory in the previous round but the team showed great spirit and resolve for much of the game. The prolific Paul Verling opened the scoring with a well pointed free in the first minute. Castlemagner added two points before Paul Verling restored parity in the seventh minute. Castlemagner hit the front when they scored the games opening goal midway through the half. Newmarket were grateful for the accuracy of Paul Verling who converted his third point in the eighteenth minute. Newmarket competed admirably with Billy Lane, Anthony Crowley and Shane Anthony Murphy to the fore in defence. As the half entered the closing minutes, Castlemagner hit a purple scoring patch on adding four points in quick succession. Paul Verling completed the scoring for the half as Castlemagner turned over in front by 1-6 to 0-4.

Castlemagner increased their advantage within a minute of the restart but Newmarket hit back in fine style. A fine team effort was rewarded with four points in a five minute spell as Paul Verling added three further points to his tally and Eddie Allen found the target with a well taken score to cut the deficit to two points. Castlemagner hit a point before a minute later the game turned on a pivotal second goal which turned the outcome considerably in the victors favour. Paul Verling added his eighth point of the evening but Castlemagner took a stranglehold on the contest for the remainder of the hour as they went on to add one goal and seven points without reply. 

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Paul Verling (0-8), Eddie Allen (0-1).

John Scanlon
Donnacha Fitzpatrick		John McSweeney		Billy Lane
Shane A Murphy		Anthony Crowley		Nicky Barrett
	Eddie Allen		Donnacha O'Dea
Patrick Kelly		David Quinlan		Jack Birthley
Danny O'Connell		Kieran Lehane		Paul Verling
Subs: Denis McCarthy, Matthew Fitzpatrick

A mixture of youth and experience worked well on the night and Newmarket’s ability to convert goal chances proved key to their success.

Newmarket took the lead in the first minute when Colin Stack pointed from a rebounded effort for a point. This was quickly followed by an Ian Flanagan free in the second minute. The first ten minutes set the tone for the rest of the match, a tight affair in which both teams showed great commitment and effort.

It was the tenth minute when Lismire registered their first point of the game from a placed ball. Newmarket replied instantly when David Quinlan scored a long range point. The first of Newmarket’s crucial goals came in the thirteenth minute when after a Kieran Lehane delivery, Colin Stack was out in front to gather possession, a quick turn and solo run was finished to the net via the left leg and Newmarket took up a prominent position. Lismire responded instantly with another free. A Nicky Barrett point followed to leave Newmarket in a lead of 1-4 to 0-2 after the first quarter. Lismire mounted a comeback and scored the next three points to leave two between the sides.

Newmarket were lucky to escape and had it not been for custodian John Scanlon in goals Lismire could have taken the lead. Ian Flanagan converted a free to halt the Lismire progress but only momentarily as they responded with two more points to leave just a single point between the sides. Ian Flanagan once more pointed on the stroke of halftime to leave Newmarket leading at the interval, 1-6 to 0-7 after an entertaining half of hurling.

The second half began as the first half did with a Colin Stack score; a second goal for Newmarket from close range gave them some breathing space once again, 2-6 to 0-7 after 33 minutes. A scoreless spell until the tenth minute ensued. Lismire then began to get a grip on proceedings and scored three more frees in five minutes to leave the score 2-6 to 0-10 at the three quarter stage.

Once again it was Ian Flanagan who ended Newmarket’s barren spell with a great individual point but again Lismire hit back with two points to leave just the minimum between the sides with 10 minutes remaining. This proved to be Lismire final score of the game. On 21 minutes Colin Stack completed his hat-trick with an overhead pull to finish to the back of the net. Ian Flanagan completed the scoring with two more frees and give Newmarket victory in a hard fought game of hurling, 3-9 to 0-12.

Newmarket were well served in defence on the night with a very solid defence in which full back Kieran Hayes had a fine game along with excellent defending and distribution from Shane Anthony Murphy. Ian Flanagan got some vital scores when Newmarket were under pressure. Up front Colin Stack proved instrumental chipping in with a tally of 3-1. Overall a committed and hard working Newmarket side can be happy with their efforts.
 

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Colin Stack (3-1), Ian Flanagan (0-6), David Quinlan (0-1), Nicky Barrett (0-1).

John Scanlon
Donnacha Fitzpatrick		Kieran Hayes		Billy Lane
Shane A Murphy		Anthony Crowley		Bryan O'Connell
	Ian Flanagan		Eddie Allen
Patrick Kelly		David Quinlan		Kieran Lehane
Nicky Barrett		Colin Stack		Danny O'Connell
Subs: Sean Irwin, Mattie Fitzpatrick, Allan Dugdale, Gerry Murphy, Luke McCarthy

In a game played in blustery cold and at times wet conditions, Lismire opened the scoring with a point in the seventh minute. Newmarket tied the scores in the next minute through Paul Verling before points from Billy Daly and Conor Cronin gave Newmarket a two point lead midway through the half. Lismire replied as they reeled off three points in succession to regain the lead. The scoring rate increased towards the end of the half. Gavin Forde brought Newmarket on terms with a converted free but Lismire edged in front moments later. The half concluded well for Newmarket as Gavin Forde added two late points to gain a narrow lead of 0-6 to 0-5.

The second half got off to a flying start as Newmarket centre half back, Michael Kenneally rampaged forward on a memorable solo run before supplying an equally spectacular finish for a superbly taken point. Conditions deteriorated and scoring opportunities became few a far between at this stage, though Newmarket were more guilty as the number of wides added up.

As the third quarter came to a conclusion, a dangerously delivered ball by Gavin Forde across to face of the Lismire goal found Paul Verling on hand to supply the finishing touch to the back of the net. Lismire scored their first point of the half after eighteen minutes but Gavin Forde restored a five point advantage on converting a free with nine minutes remaining. Newmarket dealt with the Lismire challenge with Paudie Allen and Robert Stack to the fore in defence and Gavin Forde added to his own personal tally by slotting over his sixth point of the game as the game entered the closing minutes. Lismire were committed to the end and a couple of late points ensured that Newmarket had to hold firm to the very end to ensure victory.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Gavin Forde (0-6), Paul Verling (1-1), Michael Kenneally (0-1), Conor Cronin (0-1), Billy Daly (0-1).

Shane McAuliffe
Paudie Allen		Brendan Stack		Michael O’Leary
David Enright		Michael Kenneally		Robert Stack
	Eddie Allen		Conor Cronin
David Quinlan		Billy Daly		Jonathan Flaherty
Gavin Forde		John McSweeney		Paul Verling
Subs:

Newmarket were first off the mark when full forward John McSweeney saw his goalbound effort narrowly graze the crossbar for a point in the fourth minute. Castlemagner replied instantly within seconds, from the puckout as they struck for a fine goal and added a further two points to establish a four point lead.

Newmarket had their second point courtesy of David Quinlan before Conor Cronin who gave a superb display from long distance placed balls had his first point of the night. Newmarket were in full flow at this stage of the game and they made their dominance show on the scoreboard. Gavin Forde scored two fine points from play either side of two converted frees from distance by Conor Cronin as Newmarket forged into the lead. Paul Verling added Newmarket’s seventh point in succession to give the home side a lead of 0-8 to 1-2 by the nineteenth minute. Castlemagner ended their scoreless spell with a point but again, Conor Cronin was unerring with another two well struck points. As a high scoring first half came to a conclusion, Castlemagner struck three points in rapid time before Conor Cronin pointed for the sixth time in the half. A closing point to Castlemagner left the minimum of margins between the sides at the turnover as Newmarket held a slender lead of 0-11 to 1-7.

Castlemagner pointed within two minutes of the restart to tie the contest for a second time but significantly, Newmarket responded with Paul Verling on hand to finish to the net from close range following a goalmouth scramble in the next minute. The sides traded points as Gavin Forde maintained a three point advantage for Newmarket. The crucial moment of the contest came six minutes into the half as Newmarket were awarded a close in free. Gavin Forde stood up and drilled the resultant free to the roof of the Castlemagner net despite a posse of defenders on the goal line. When Gavin Forde again found the target from a free, Newmarket enjoyed a seven point advantage, 2-13 to 1-9 after eleven minutes of the half.

Faced with an uphill task, Castlemagner proceeded to slowly take control of the game for the remainder of the contest. Four points followed but luckily for Newmarket despite the heroic efforts of their defensive rearguard led by the leadership of Brendan Stack and  Paudie Allen, Castlemagner also saw a succession of efforts waved wide. As the pressure of the challenge escalated, Newmarket manfully held firm and a grateful respite came courtesy of a Paul Verling point as the game entered injury time. There was still time for Castlemagner to muster a few more attacks and a close in free resulted in a late point but Newmarket had just done enough to hold out for a fine win.
 
The Newmarket team and scorers…

Gavin Forde (1-4), Conor Cronin (0-6), Paul Verling (1-2), David Quinlan (0-1), John McSweeney (0-1).

Shane McAuliffe
Paudie Allen		Brendan Stack		Michael O’Leary
Billy Daly		Michael Kenneally		Robert Stack
	Eddie Allen		Conor Cronin
Jonathan Flaherty		David Quinlan		David Enright
Paul Verling		John McSweeney		Gavin Forde
Subs:

John Lane set the trend for the evening with a quality point within two minutes with Kanturk answering with two points in quick succession. Newmarket regained the lead in the seventh minute when full forward Niall O’Connor was on hand to find the net from close range with the impressive Jonathan Flaherty pointing to increase the advantage. Kanturk gained parity as a result of a thirteenth minute goal before a Shane Murphy point gave Newmarket a lead of 1-3 to 1-2 after fourteen minutes play. Kanturk pounced for a second goal but Newmarket pointed next with a well taken score from Danny O’Connell. Newmarket regained the lead once more in the twenty second minute when the industrious Jonathan Flaherty placed John Lane in on goal and he found the net for a second goal. An end to end contest continued and points were exchanged with Jonathan Flaherty again on target for Newmarket. The half concluded with Kanturk adding two points, which left the teams level for a third time, 2-5 apiece at the turnover.

Kanturk resumed with two points before Niall O’Connor pointed a free in the seventh minute of the half. Kanturk hit back with a point before increasing their advantage thanks to a third goal. Niall O’Connor again found the target from a free but Kanturk stretched their lead to six points thanks to another brace of points. Kanturk took a commanding position as a result of a fourth goal of the evening as again Newmarket relied on Niall O’Connor to stay in touch with another two points. The high rate of scoring continued to the end. Kanturk pointed on three further occasions as Newmarket added to their tally through a John Lane point and a fine individual goal from Jonathan Flaherty.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Niall O’Connor (1-4), John Lane (1-2), Jonathan Flaherty (1-2), Shane Murphy (0-1), Danny O’Connell (0-1).

Shane McAuliffe
Michael O’Leary		Billy Daly		Nicky Barrett
Paudie Allen		Michael Kenneally		Robert Stack
	John Lane		Shane Murphy
Donnacha Fitzpatrick		Jonathan Flaherty		Eddie Allen
Luke McCarthy		Niall O’Connor		Danny O'Connell
Subs: Billy Lane.

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

Newmarket got off to a great start when the excellent David Enright converted a long range free. The Newmarket defence had to withstand a barrage of early Castlemagner pressure but contained their opponents to two points after nine minutes. Newmarket eventually came to terms with their opponents with David Guiney, Timothy Murphy and David Enright to the fore. Newmarket received a considerable boost when a long range effort from midfielder Brian Daly found the net in the sixteenth minute after some fine approach play involving Donnacha Fitzpatrick and Vinny Molloy. Within two minutes Newmarket had a second goal after a scramble in the Castlemagner square ended with Kieran Lehane pulling the ball to the net from the edge of the square. Newmarket had the ascendancy at this stage and Vinny Molloy converted a free to put two clear goals between the sides. The half concluded without any further score which left Newmarket with an advantage of 2-2 to 0-2 at the halfway mark.

Castlemagner turned around a different team for the second half. Within eight minutes the sides were level after a spell that yielded a goal and three points to Castlemagner. Newmarket struggled to make an impact in the second half but David Enright edged them in front again with a pointed free, thirteen minutes into the half. A crucial turning point came five minutes later, after a long delivery broke in the Newmarket square, Castlemagner swept the rebound to the net for a second goal and they regained the lead, 2-5 to 2-3. They added two further points as the game entered the final ten minutes. Newmarket battled gamely to the end with Bryan O’Connell in fine form during the second half. Jack Birtley reduced the deficit on pointing a free and when Brian Daly snapped a point from close range, just two points separated the sides, late in the game. It was Castlemagner however who powered to the finish line with three impressive quickfire points closing out victory.

The Newmarket team was…

Kieran Hayes
Donnacha Fitzpatrick		Brendan Stack		David Guiney
David Enright (0-2)		Timothy Murphy		Bryan O’Connell
	Brian Daly (1-1)		Jack Birtley (0-1)
Kieran Lehane (1-0)		David Quinlan		Vinny Molloy (0-1)
Denis McCarthy		Michael O’Neill		Nicky Barrett
SUBS: Billy Daly

Newmarket got off to a flying start and especially Ian Flanagan who hit over three fine points, two from play within the opening five minutes. Kilbrin got off the mark thanks to an eighth minute point before adding another two minutes later.

Nicky Barrett pointed next for Newmarket as the sides shared the next four points with John Scanlon ensuring Newmarket enjoyed a lead of 0-5 to 0-4 after seventeen minutes.

The crucialscore of the game came a minute later as Michael Kenneally gathered a delivery from Timothy Murphy on the wing he set off on a superb solo run and as he closed in on goal he unleashed an unstoppable shot to the roof of the Kilbrin net for the games solitary goal.

Ian Flanagan twice pointed from frees with Kilbrin replying with points on each occasion. Two further Kilbrin points cut the deficit to two points with Jack Birtley clipping over a fine point late in the half to ensure a lead of 1-8 to 0-8 at the turnover. Newmarket were grateful to goalkeeper Kieran Hayes on several occasions during the half as he done splendidly to keep Kilbrin at bay.

The scoring rate dipped considerably in the second half and Newmarket squandered numerous scoring opportunities as they racked up a worrying tally of wides. The first score of the half came in the eighth minute when once more Michael Kenneally done excellently before knocking the ball over the bar. Kilbrin had the next score but Newmarket, despite some fine performances all over the field struggled to find the target.

Kilbrin cut the arrears to two points after Newmarket failed to take advantage of a penalty after Michael Kenneally was upended. Ian Flanagan gave Newmarket a three point lead with ten minutes to play. Once more Kilbrin came within two points before Jack Birtley increased the lead to three points again. Kilbrin had the final score of the game in the dying moments as the Newmarket defence held firm to close out a well fought win.

The Newmarket team was…

Kieran Hayes
Michael O’Leary		Brendan Stack		Donnacha Fitzpatrick
Timothy Murphy		Robert Stack		David Enright
	Brian Daly		Niall O’Connor
Jack Birtley (0-2)		John Scanlon (0-1)		Donnacha O’Dea
Nicky Barrett (0-1)		Michael Kenneally (1-1)		Ian Flanagan (0-6)
SUBS: David Quinlan, Billy Daly

Newmarket played well from the throw in but in a half where they were guilty of hitting eleven wides, they struggled to reward their endeavours with scores. The first score of the game arrived in the eighth minute courtesy of a free from Brian Daly and within a minute the lively Nicky Barrett did well to swivel and point after a fine catch. Kanturk had their first point of the hour on pointing a free in the eleventh minute with Seanie Francis O’Connor adding a point for Newmarket two minutes later. The Newmarket defence held firm with Kieran Hayes a steadying influence between the posts as Timothy Murphy and David Guiney excelled outside him. At the other end Billy Daly hit a couple of sublime points with Brian Daly also adding a brace to give Newmarket a six point advantage. However, as the half entered the closing moments, Kanturk struck for a goal to leave just three points between the sides at the turnover, 0-7 to 1-3.

Newmarket got off to an ideal start after the restart with Jack Birtley and Billy Daly clipping over two fine points in as many minutes. Kanturk responded instantly and also had two points in quick succession. Eight minutes into the half, Newmarket struck for a vital goal, with Nicky Barrett engineering a goal and whipping in a shot past the Kanturk goalkeeper. This score spurred on Newmarket and Ian Flanagan added a brace of points before once more Nicky Barrett got on the scoresheet. Another three points followed through Ian Flanagan, Brian Daly and John Scanlon as Newmarket built up a sizeable lead with ten minutes to play. Kanturk had the next point but Nicky Barrett answered with a point for Newmarket. Kanturk finished the game strongly and had the final three points of the hour but Newmarket ended the contest with an eight point advantage.

The Newmarket team was…

Kieran Hayes
Michael O’Leary		Timothy Murphy		David Guiney
David Enright		Robert Stack		Donnacha Fitzpatrick
	Seanie Francis O’Connor (0-1)		Liam Murphy
Jack Birtley (0-1)		Brian Daly (0-4)		Shane Anthony Murphy
Billy Daly (0-3)		Ian Flanagan (0-3)		Nicky Barrett (1-3)
SUBS: Bryan O’Connell, John Scanlon (0-1), David Quinlan, Ivan King,  Denis McCarthy

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

Donnacha O’Dea had the first point of the evening on pointing a second minute free but the lead was shortly held as Millstreet found the net for a fourth minute goal. Millstreet increased their lead with a point but Newmarket struck back with a superbly worked goal in the seventh minute. John Scanlon burst through the Millstreet defence and laid the ball off into the path of Billy Daly and he finished to the net with a well struck shot to the corner of the net to tie the sides. Millstreet had a second goal and the score after an end to end opening ten minutes read, 2-1 to 1-1. David Enright struck an excellent long range free and another fine score from John Scanlon reduced the arrears to a solitary point after the opening quarter.

As the game progressed Millstreet gradually assumed the ascendancy and were more accurate in front of goal. Despite a resilient Newmarket defensive display, Millstreet had five points without reply in the remainder of the half and they turned around in front at half time by 2-6 to 1-3.

Newmarket tried with great endeavour throughout the second half but despite concerted effort and periods of territorial dominance, unfortunately scoring proved to be a major burden. It took fifteen minutes for the first score of the half to be registered and when it arrived, Milllstreet followed it up with a second, two minutes later. Newmarket were given a lifeline when Billy Daly kicked to the net for his second goal as the score read 2-8 to 2-3 with thirteen minutes remaining. However, both defences held firm for the remainder of the game as the sides shared two further points, Bryan O’Connell on target for Newmarket in the closing moments.

The Newmarket team was…

Kieran Hayes
William O’Flynn		Brendan Stack		Michael O’Leary
David Enright (0-1)		Robert Stack		Jack Birtley
	Bryan O’Connell (0-1)		Donnacha O’Dea (0-1)
Vinny Molloy		John Scanlon (0-1)		Donnacha Fitzpatrick
Nicky Barrett		Billy Daly (2-0)		Kieran Lehane
SUBS: Eddie Allen, Luke McCarthy

Kilbrin began brightly and soon had a two point lead before adding a goal in the fifth minute. Another point followed before Donnacha O’Dea got Newmarket on the oard on pointing a thirteenth minute free with John Scanlon quickly following up with a point from play. Two Kilbrin points increased their advantage to 1-5 to 0-2 after the opening quarter. Donnacha O’Dea had his second point of the evening but it was Kilbrin who proved clinical in their shooting and a fine array of scores from all distances followed as they added five unanswered points.

Michael Kenneally added a fourth point for Newmarket but two more points gave Kilbrin an interval advantage of 1-12 to 0-4.

The sides traded points in the first ten minutes of the second half with Donnacha O’Dea on target for Newmarket. The gap between the sides grew courtesy of three points before the second Kilbrin goal of the night. A well beaten Newmarket side battled gamely until the end with late points from Robert Stack and Donnacha O’Dea proving mere consolation.
The Newmarket team was…

Darren O’Keeffe
David Guiney		Timothy Murphy		Donnacha Fitzpatrick
Jack Birtley		Niall O’Connor		Robert Stack (0-1)
	Michael Kenneally (0-1)		Donnacha O’Dea (0-4)
Vinny Molloy		John Scanlon (0-1)		Kieran Lehane
Paul Verling		David Quinlan		Billy Daly
SUBS: Bryan O’Connell, Michael O’Leary, David Enright, Jerry McCarthy, Luke McCarthy.

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

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

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

The Newmarket team was…

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

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

Áth Trasna Abú

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

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

The Newmarket team was…

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

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

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

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

The Newmarket team was…

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

Man of the match, Shane Murphy who had an awesome day in the Newmarket jersey, pointed in the opening minute of the game. Kanturk levelled in the sixth minute before the prolific Shane Murphy added a second point. Once more Kanturk answered with an equalizer before Newmarket regained the lead in the twelfth minute through Shane Murphy before his fourth point from play increased the advantage. Robert Stack was rewarded for his industry on pointing in the eighteenth minute before Shane Murphy converted his first free of the game for a 0-6 to 0-2 lead after twenty minutes. Kanturk were next to score but Shane Murphy soon restored Newmarket’s four point lead. Three minutes from the interval, Newmarket were awarded a close in free when Bryan O’Connell was upended and Shane Murphy somehow managed to fire the resultant free to the net past the Kanturk rearguard. Donnacha O’Dea added a fine point from distance but Kanturk ended the half with a point as Newmarket turned over in front by 1-8 to 0-4.

Incessant rain on a heavy pitch made conditions unpleasant for both sides but it was Kanturk who were first to score upon the restart. Bryan O’Connell was rewarded for his efforts on pointing in the fifth minute of the half but once more Kanturk responded with a point. David Kelly pointed a well worked score for Newmarket as the sides exchanged points and the score now read 1-10 to 0-7 ten minutes into the half. Driven on by a solid rearguard with Donnacha O’Dea and the excellent Conor Cronin to the fore, Newmarket found an extra gear and the superb Shane Murphy proceeded to add five points in a row during an eight minute spell where three were converted expertly from play. Newmarket defied the poor conditions and their excellent all round performance was rewarded with Séan Irwin finding the net for a second Newmarket goal. Points from Donnacha O’Dea and Paul Verling sealed an impressive Newmarket victory, their fourth of the campaign.

The Newmarket team was…

Kieran Hayes
William O’Flynn		John McSweeney		Donnacha Fitzpatrick
Pa O’Brien		Brendan Stack		Michael Kenneally
	Conor Cronin		Donnacha O’Dea (0-2)
Colin O’Sullivan		Robert Stack (0-1)		David Kelly (0-1)
Bryan O’Connell (0-1)		Shane Murphy (1-11)		Paul Verling (0-1)
SUBS: Seán Irwin (1-0), Billy Daly

The home side began the brighter and built up a three point lead by the seventh minute. Shane Murphy got Newmarket off the mark by pointing a ninth minute free but Tullylease regained a three point advantage by the thirteenth minute. Newmarket gradually came to the fore and Liam Murphy pointed at the end of the first quarter. Newmarket proceeded to dominate for the remainder of the half and were rewarded with a succession of points. Colin O’Sullivan and Shane Murphy points had the sides level for the only time in the game at 0-4 each after eighteen minutes. Shane Murphy was again on target before influential midfielder Donnacha O’Dea scored two points as six successive points gave Newmarket an advantage of 0-7 to 0-4 at half time.

Tullylease pointed within three minutes of the turnover before the impressive Conor Cronin pointed for Newmarket. However, Newmarket struggled to find the target in the second half which they ended with twelve wides. Shane Murphy and Donnacha O’Dea did give Newmarket a lead of 0-10 to 0-5 before Tullylease reduced the arrears on pointing with ten minutes remaining. As Newmarket’s defence came under incessant pressure John McSweeney was truly outstanding throughout in a resolute unit where Kieran Hayes and before him Paul Verling were excellent in goal. Shane Murphy converted a free from the narrowest of angles but two Tullylease points ensured tense closing minutes. Newmarket held firm and emerged with a hard fought victory.

The Newmarket team was…

Paul Verling
William O’Flynn		John McSweeney		Donnacha Fitzpatrick
Pa O’Brien		Brendan Stack		Michael Kenneally
	Donnacha O’Dea (0-3)		Conor Cronin (0-1)
Colin O’Sullivan (0-1)		Robert Stack		David Kelly
Liam Murphy (0-1)		Shane Murphy (0-5)		Sean Irwin
SUB: Kieran Hayes