Showery conditions made the going difficult for both sides but Newmarket settled and took the lead when Donal Hannon pointed a third minute free. Two well taken points from long distance within a minute from David Enright and Jacko Flaherty gave Newmarket an excellent start to the contest.

Blackwater Rovers had their first point of the game in the eighth minute and the game swung in their favour when they took the lead on scoring a goal in the sixteenth minute. Newmarket, driven on by the efforts of the outstanding Paudie Allen and fellow defenders Eoin O’Connell, Jamie Hayes and Alan Ryan saw numerous scoring opportunities drop short during the game and they failed to add to their tally for the remainder of the half. Blackwater Rovers increased their advantage on adding two points and as the half concluded they added another brace of scores to enjoy a five point advantage, 1-5 to 0-3 at half time.

Newmarket regrouped and turned in a much better performance as the second half progressed. Donal Hannon was Newmarket’s talisman and he was on target from three frees as Newmarket made significant inroads into their deficit. As the third quarter concluded, Donal Hannon added a fine point from play to leave just a single point between the sides, 1-5 to 0-7. Blackwater Rovers had their first point of the half in the seventeenth minute and a second goal minutes later was a pivotal score. Two further points followed and suddenly, seven points separated the sides. Newmarket again saw chances go a begging before they finished the game in the ascendancy. Donal Hannon scored his sixth point of the game before Jacko Flaherty raced through the opposing rearguard before blasting over the bar for a late consolation score.
The Newmarket team and scorers…

Donal Hannon (0-6), Jacko Flaherty (0-2), David Enright (0-1).

Shane McAuliffe
Eoin O'Connell		Paudie Allen		Jamie Hayes
Billy Lane		Gavin Forde		Alan Ryan
	David Enright		Patrick Kelly
Daniel Culloty		Jacko Flaherty		Vinny Molloy
Luke McCarthy		Donal Hannon		Nicky Barrett
Subs: Michael Cottrell, Daniel O’Doherty.

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

Having fought out an exciting encounter two weeks previous at Macroom, the rematch began in similar vein as the play flowed from end to end. It did take until the tenth minute before the first score of the game which came from a converted St. Colum’s free. The Carbery side enjoyed the better of the exchanges at this stage and they found a way past the otherwise outstanding Newmarket rearguard for the only time to strike for a twelfth minute goal. A second point followed and as the quarter ended St. Colum’s enjoyed a five point lead.

Newmarket got on the scoreboard for the first time in the fifteenth minute when Donal Hannon found the target on converting a difficult free from distance. Newmarket’s defence were to the fore at this stage with David Enright particularly outstanding throughout the hour and inspiring others around him like Padraig Allen, Gavin Forde and Michael O’Leary whose brave defending kept Newmarket in contention during this difficult phase of the game.

St. Colum’s goalkeeper stepped up to convert an impressive sixty five as his side regained a five point advantage by the nineteenth minute. Newmarket driven on by their inspirational defenders, eventually stepped up to the mantle. Vinny Molloy struck a fine point from distance before some excellent approach play resulted in further points from Jack Birtley and Nicky Barrett as the deficit was reduced to 1-3 to 0-4 towards the end of the half. St. Colum’s doubled their lead on scoring the next two points but Newmarket were now in a good vein of form and Donal Hannon concluded the scoring for the half with a neatly taken point which left the score reading 1-5 to 0-5 in St. Colum’s favour at the halfway point.

As the second half resumed it was St. Colum’s who began the brighter and two points within four minutes gave them a clear five point lead. Once more however, Newmarket stood up to the mantle with the outstanding David Enright surging forward before supplying a sublime finish to score a much needed point for his side.

Donal Hannon was on target from a free to leave Newmarket in arrears, 1-7 to 0-7, ten minutes into the half. St. Colum’s established a four point lead once more as the third quarter concluded but crucially this proved to be their final score of the game.

Newmarket put in a resounding performance for the remainder of the game, with Paudie Allen sensational, the ever outstanding David Enright and Gavin Forde the driving force behind the Newmarket onslaught. Donal Hannon pointed from a free as the contest entered the final ten minutes. Newmarket saw a succession of well carved out goal scoring opportunities go a begging at this stage but kept chipping into the deficit with the superb Gavin Forde landing a truly excellent sixty five to leave two points the difference. Despite the frustration on seeing scoring opportunities pass them by, Newmarket failed to be deterred.

As the game entered the final minutes, once more Gavin Forde landed a huge delivery from a placed ball dangerously towards the St. Colum’s goal and Vinny Molloy was on hand to supply the finishing touch as Newmarket crucially took the lead for the first time, late in the contest. At this stage every player in the black and red, were not going to be found wanting and stronger the team got as the game concluded. Vinny Molloy scored an excellent point from distance and once more Donal Hannon was on hand to split the posts from a free as Newmarket built up a three point advantage. As the game came to a conclusion, Newmarket responded to the final whistle in raptures as history was created on a 1-11 to 1-8 scoreline.

Congratulations to a special panel of players on their outstanding achievement and total commitment spanning the full calendar year and also to their tremendous mentors and selectors, Robert Stack, Tony Lehane, Kieran Lehane, Donnacha Fitzpatrick and Donnacha O’Dea who have shown incredible levels of dedication and preparation to attain their glory.

In goal Shane McAuliffe inspired throughout the year, producing a string of breathtaking saves and telling deliveries from puck outs.

The full back line of Paudie Allen and captain Michael O’Leary were the cornerstone of the side with their displays and defensive talents inspiring.

The half back line of Alan Ryan, Gavin Forde and David Enright were the launch pad to the Newmarket attack and on completing their defensive duties supplied the teams forwards with the possession required to forge out scores as well as their own natural ability to also find the target.

At midfield, Jack Birtley had the fitness and reserve of energy to keep his performance to the optimum, especially at the very end of the game when he particularly stood out to add to his defensive and attacking qualities which included a well taken point.

The half forward line of Vinny Molloy, Timmy O’Keeffe and Nicky Barrett contributed greatly to the sides success and their work ethic was as much a factor to ultimate success as well as their ability to find the target and their fellow team mates.

The inside forward line of team talisman Donal Hannon and David Quinlan posed problems throughout and their contribution to the scoreboard and ultimate victory was evident all through the campaign.

In both the drawn contest and the replay, the introduction of both Jonathan Flaherty and Ivan King had an instant positive impact on their team mates and provided an injection of impetus all over the team.

The Newmarket team was…

Shane McAuliffe
	Paudie Allen		Michael O’Leary (captain)
Alan Ryan		Gavin Forde (0-1)		David Enright (0-1)
		Jack Birtley (0-1)
Vinny Molloy (1-2)		Timmy O’Keeffe		Nicky Barrett (0-1)
	Donal Hannon (0-5)		David Quinlan
SUBS: Jonathan Flaherty, Ivan King

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 began brightly but nervously hit four early wides in succession. They eventually got off the mark thanks to a fine effort from ultimate match winner, Donal Hannon in the sixth minute. In their first significant attack, Clondrohid quickly gained parity a minute later before edging in front courtesy of a second point. Newmarket were back on terms after a well taken score from the impressive Gavin Forde and Alan Ryan regained a slender lead for Newmarket on landing a fine point from long distance.

Once again the sides were level for a third time within twelve minutes on the home side pointing. As the entertaining contest developed, Newmarket playing with the aid of a favourable breeze, ended the opening quarter with a two point advantage, 0-5 to 0-3 thanks to the scoring exploits of Nicky Barrett and Donal Hannon. Newmarket’s ace marksman, Donal Hannon doubled the lead on converting two frees before Clondrohid responded with a point. Gavin Forde restored Newmarket’s four point advantage before the most significant score of the half arrived in the closing minutes. The opening goal of the game owed much to the industry of Vinny Molloy, who sent a probing ball dangerously towards the Clondrohid goalmouth and from the resulting breaking ball, Donal Hannon gathered and finished smartly to the corner of the net. Newmarket finished the half with a pointed free from Gavin Forde and at the turnover enjoyed an eight point advantage, 1-9 to 0-4.

The contest took a significant twist, immediately upon the resumption. Clondrohid struck for a goal within seconds of the restart and buoyed on from this tonic score, three further points followed within five minutes to suddenly reduce the deficit to just two points, 1-9 to 1-7. Newmarket were on the back foot at this stage, but playing against the significant breeze, Newmarket’s defence settled and withstood their opponents onslaught.

Newmarket needed a score at this stage and nine minutes into the half it arrived in the best possible manner. Gavin Forde worked tirelessly to dispossess an opponent by the sideline on the halfway line and delivered the ball into the corner towards Donal Hannon. On gathering possession, the corner forward somehow engineered a goal scoring opportunity after a superb solo run and he finished clinically to the net for his second goal.

As the third quarter of the game came to a conclusion, Gavin Forde scored his fourth point of the afternoon as Newmarket established a six point lead, 2-10 to 1-7. Newmarket took a further stranglehold on proceedings with twelve minutes to play. An excellent team goal was the result of some fine build up play involving Ivan King, Vinny Molloy and Nicky Barrett who placed Donal Hannon in on goal and he duly completed a memorable hat trick. To their credit, Clondrohid refused to relent and despite Donal Hannon answering a point from the home side with a converted free, they went on to dominate the final ten minutes of the game. Newmarket again soaked up a lot of the pressure but were struggling without the injured Gavin Forde at this stage. A second goal for Clondrohid ensured a close finish and a further point brought the deficit to five points. In the end the clock ran down to a conclusion and Newmarket were rewarded for their endeavours with an appearance in a county final.

The Newmarket team was…

Shane McAuliffe
	Michael O’Leary		Paudie Allen
Alan Ryan (0-1)		Jack Birtley		David Enright
		Vinny Molloy
Ivan King		Gavin Forde (0-4)		Nicky Barrett (0-1)
	David Quinlan		Donal Hannon (3-5)
SUBS: Jacko Flaherty, Patrick Kelly, Billy Lane, Luke McCarthy

Dromtariffe set the trend for a free flowing contest on pointing within a minutewith Gavin Forde finding the target from a long range point a minute later. David Quinlan showed some great determination in forging out a scoring opportunity for himself before pointing for Newmarket in the eighth minute. In the tenth minute, Donal Hannon managed to flick the ball towards the onrushing Vinny Molloy and he bore down on goalbefore unleashing an unstoppable shot to the roof of the Dromtariffe net for a superb Newmarket goal. Dromtariffe answered with a point and they slowly began to dominatethe next period of the game. Three points followed and the sides were level by the nineteenth minute. Dromtariffe were in full flow at this stage and were knocking over an impressive string of points from very long distances. Three further points put them into athree point lead in a sequence which yielded seven points in succession. Newmarket ended an eighteen minute spell without a score with ace marksman Donal Hannon getting his first point of the contest. He added a second point but on both occasions Dromtariffe hit back with points. As an entertaining half concluded it was Dromtariffe who enjoyed alead of 0-10 to 1-4 at the turnover.

Dromtariffe increased their advantage within two minutes of the resumption. Despite a Donal Hannon point, Dromtariffe soon restored their four point advantage.Newmarket took a grip on proceedings at this stage. David Quinlan added two points to his tally before a Donal Hannon point left just a point between the sides, 0-12 to 1-8. Dromtariffe added the next point but Newmarket maintained their momentum, Donal Hannon pointing once more before a fine score from Vinny Molloy had the sides level fora third time and the game perfectly poised entering the final quarter. Newmarket hit the front thanks to Donal Hannon and a Jacko Flaherty point doubled the lead. The pendulum swung back towards Dromtariffe in the latter stages and two quickfire points restored parity once more. As the clock ticked towards a conclusion Dromtariffe edged ahead. Newmarket had one final chance to rescue the contest and Donal Hannon kept hiscomposure to split the posts for an equalizing point and both sides had to settle for extra time after a rip roaring game ended 1-13 to 0-16.

Dromtariffe gained the early advantage in extra time pointing within two minutes. Great credit was due to both sides for their endeavours throughout and despite obviously tiring limbs the commitment and desire of all involved was first class. Dromtariffe took a two point lead before Newmarket had their first score of extra time onGavin Forde pointing a free. Newmarket ended the first half on a major high when JackoFlaherty saw his effort creep over the line for a second Newmarket goal who took the leadonce more at 2-14 to 0-19.

Donal Hannon pointed on the resumption but Dromtariffe answered with a point instantly. As the game entered the final moments two superbly taken points from Donal Hannon gave Newmarket a three point advantage. Dromtariffe threw everything into onelast desperate attack. As the ball dropped dangerously towards the Newmarket goal, excellent custodian Shane McAuliffe produced a wonderful save, however despairinglythe rebound was finished clinically by an alert Dromtariffe forward for a sensational equalizing goal. This provided the final segment of play and fittingly both sides will get another chance to claim the prize on offer.

A number of individuals performed heroically. For Newmarket, goalkeeper ShaneMcAuliffe was confident throughout, with Padraig Allen and Michael O’Leary extremely resolute in defence. Nicky Barrett had a fine game in the half back line while in attack Vinny Molloy impressed along with prolific talisman Donal Hannon.

Shane McAuliffe
	Padraig Allen		Michael O’Leary
Alan Ryan		Jack Birtley		Nicky Barrett
	Gavin Forde (0-2)		Vinny Molloy (1-1)
David Enright		Ivan King		Donal Hannon (0-10)
	David Quinlan (0-3)
Subs: Jacko Flaherty (1-1), Patrick Kelly, David Enright, Billy Lane

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

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

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

The Newmarket team was…

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

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

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

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

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

The Newmarket team was…

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

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

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

The Newmarket team was…

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

The home side opened the scoring with a second minute point but some fine industrious play from David Enright resulted in David Quinlan being on hand to finish the resultant delivery to the back of the Dromtariffe net in the seventh minute. Dromtariffe pointed next before David Enright converted a free for Newmarket. The sides exchanged another brace of points as once more David Enright was successful from a free as Newmarket led by 1-2 to 0-3 after the opening fifteen minutes. Conditions got the better of both sides as regards the scoring stakes but the endeavour and commitment of both teams was never in question throughout. Dromtariffe gained the upper hand in the closing minutes of the half as they claimed three points in the final five minutes to take a slender lead of 0-6 to 1-2 at the turnover.

Dromtariffe increased their advantage with a point five minutes into the second half but a neat finish from Paul Verling brought Newmarket to within the minimum margin again. Dromtariffe had the better of things again when they added four points in succession. As the contest entered the final ten minutes Newmarket managed to find an extra gear. Paul Verling and Jacko Flaherty were on target to rally a Newmarket revival and this gained further momentum as Paul Verling and David Enright points reduced the margin once more to a solitary point with less than three minutes to play. However, Dromtariffe had enough in reserve to finish on a high and they added three fine points to claim a four point victory.

A young Newmarket side can reflect on a very encouraging display. Goalkeeper Shane McAuliffe was assured and confident throughout while in defence Jack Birtley and Timmy O’Keeffe were outstanding. Bryan O’Connell tried tirelessly while Paul Verling and Jacko Flaherty made an impact in attack.

The Newmarket team was…

Shane McAuliffe
	Jack Birtley		Paudie Allen
Timmy O’Keeffe		Michael O’Leary		Patrick Kelly
	Darren O’Keeffe		Bryan O’Connell
Eddie Allen		Paul Verling (0-3)		David Enright (0-3)
	David Quinlan (1-0)		Jacko Flaherty (0-1)
SUB: Nicky Barrett

The Newmarket team was…

Nicky Barrett
Paudie Allen		Jack Birtley		Con McAuliffe
Jonathan Flaherty		Michael O’Leary		Ivan King
	Darren O’Keeffe		Bryan O’Connell
Eddie Allen		Paul Verling		David Enright
Luke McCarthy		David Quinlan		Vincent Molloy
SUBS: Billy Lane

Newmarket were aided by a strong breeze in the first half and some fine passages of play yielded scores from Darren O’Keeffe while Nicky Barrett was on hand to score two goals. They were left to rue a string of wides as the home side turned over in front by 3-6 to 2-3.

The wind lifted significantly in the second half and Newmarket struggled as a consequence. The sole score of the half came courtesy of the very impressive Bryan O’Connell.
The Newmarket team was…

Shane McAuliffe
	Michael O’Leary		Paudie Allen
Damien Kelly		Bryan O’Connell (0-1)		Ivan King
	David Enright		Darren O’Keeffe (0-3)
Eddie Allen		Paul Verling		Nicky Barrett (2-0)
	David Quinlan		Vincent Molloy
SUBS: Timmy O’Keeffe, Jonathan O’Flaherty, Patrick Kelly, Billy Lane, Luke McCarthy

Newmarket improved considerably upon the restart. Ian Flanagan converted a free and the impressive Conor Cronin landed a point from distance within four minutes. St Marks had to wait thirteen minutes for a score but tellingly it was the games opening goal. A point followed but Ian Flanagan scored three points in succession for Newmarket. As the game entered the final ten minutes, St Marks found the net for a second time but a battling Newmarket kept plugging away and were rewarded for their efforts when Conor Cronin pounced from close range for a consolation goal.

The Newmarket team was…

Nicky Barrett
Jack Birtley		Denis McCarthy		Michael O’Leary
Billy Daly		Brendan Stack		Damien Kelly
	Alan Forde		Conor Cronin (1-1)
Darren O’Keeffe		Ian Flanagan (0-4)		Paul Verling
Kieran Lehane		David Quinlan		Eddie Allen
SUBS: Ivan King, David Enright, Luke McCarthy, Vincent Molloy

Newmarket’s impressive centre forward Ian Flanagan hit two early points to give his side a good start after five minutes. Banteer reduced the arrears but Ian Flanagan kept Newmarket in front with a brace of points to leave Newmarket in front at the end of the opening quarter by 0-4 to 0-3.

At this stage Banteer assumed control and their slick forwards scored two goals in quick succession to tilt the contest firmly in their favour. They maintained their dominance and by the end of the end reached a total of 3-8.

Ian Flanagan continued to find the range from various angles as Newmarket struggled to cope with an impressive Banteer attack. Darren O’Keeffe struck a point from distance and Ian Flanagan capped off a fine display with a good individual goal. Newmarket were also well served by goalkeeper Paul Verling, Brendan Stack, Michael O’Leary and Denis McCarthy.

The Newmarket team was…

Paul Verling
	David Quinlan		Billy Daly
Andy Twomey		Brendan Stack		Michael O’Leary
	Denis McCarthy		Alan Forde
Damien Kelly		Ian Flanagan (1-6)		Darren O’Keeffe (0-1)
	Kieran Lehane		Eddie Allen
SUBS: Stephen O’Donovan, Ivan King

After a tentative start, Newmarket settled and hit the front through John Lane before Ian Flanagan added a second point in the eighth minute. Croke Rovers got off the mark with a point but John Lane replied with a Newmarket point within a minute. Croke Rovers hit the front when they scored the games opening goal after thirteen minutes. Bryan O’Connell restored parity with a point but a brace of points edged the home side in front again. Newmarket who hurled well throughout the half reduced the arrears through a John Lane point to end the half behind by 1-3 to 0-5 at the interval.

Bryan O’Connell pointed within a minute before Croke Rovers struck for a second goal. Within two minutes, Newmarket were back on level terms when a long range free from John Ryan landed in the square and Robert Stack was on hand to convert to the net. Ten minutes into the half Newmarket hit the front, when John Ryan converted a long range free. Croke Rovers rose to the challenge and hit a purple patch in the next five minutes scoring two goals and four points to take a firm grip of the contest. The second goal came despite a spectacular save from Newmarket goalkeeper, Danny Quinlan as the subsequent rebound found the net. John Lane pointed for Newmarket as the game entered the final ten minutes. The sides then exchanged four points with Ian Flanagan and John Lane on target. Newmarket tried gallantly to the end but were unable to find a way to their opponents net. John Lane scored the final point of the game but proceedings ended with victory for the home side 4-9 to 1-11.

The Newmarket team was:

Danny Quinlan
William O’Flynn		David Kelly		Brendan Stack
Alan Forde		Conor Cronin		Billy Daly
	John Ryan (0-1)		John Lane (0-6)
Bryan O’Connell (0-2)		Robert Stack (1-0)		Andy Twomey
Eddie Allen		Kieran Lehane		Ian Flanagan (0-2)
SUBS: Michael O’Leary, Paul Verling, Damien Kelly

Banteer opened the scoring in the second minute before the excellent Conor Cronin converted a long range free for Newmarket a minute later. Prolific midfielder John Lane got his first point in the eighth minute with Banteer then adding the next two scores. Ian Flanagan then found the target and the tight exchanges remained with four further points being shared, John Lane twice replying from play, with the sides deadlocked for a fifth time in the half. As a very even half concluded, Banteer edged ahead to turnover in front by 0-6 to 0-5.

Newmarket got off to a fine start upon the resumption with John Lane pointing three times in five minutes. Banteer had the next two scores as the sides remained level, 0-8 each at the end of the third quarter. Once more John Lane was on target but a Banteer point had the sides level for the eighth time with just ten minutes remaining. Newmarket, with the backline impressing as a unit, found the impetus at this stage and John Lane hit two more points. Bryan O’Connell increased the advantage before Eddie Allen flicked home a decisive goal. Newmarket completed victory and a fine team effort with two more points, fittingly enough coming from ace marksman John Lane.

The Newmarket team was…

David Quinlan
William O’Flynn		Brendan Stack		Andy Twomey
Alan Forde		Conor Cronin (0-1)		Billy Daly
	John Ryan		John Lane (0-11)
Paul Verling		Robert Stack		Ian Flanagan (0-1)
Damien Kelly		Bryan O’Connell (0-1)		Kieran Lehane
SUBS: Eddie Allen (1-0), Michael O’Leary

The home side were first to score with a point but John Lane found the net for Newmarket in the ninth minute. The balance swung back in the favour of St. Marks when they scored two goals and two points, in succession by the eighteenth minute. John Lane and Bryan O’Connell knocked over points for Newmarket, but three more St Marks points left the half time score at 2-6 to 1-2.

John Lane had a goal for Newmarket within seconds of the second half but St Marks responded with a point and a third goal. Conor Cronin landed a fine long range point for Newmarket as two points were then exchanged. John Lane and Robert Stack added points as Newmarket bridged the gap to six points, 3-8 to 2-5 at the three quarter stage. A goal and point put St Marks in a commanding position but a determined Newmarket side refused to lie down. Conor Cronin who was in fine form hit two inspirational points before John Lane chipped in with a point and then his third goal of the game. As the game ran out to a conclusion, St Marks had the last point of an entertaining contest which ended 4-10 to 3-8.

The Newmarket team was…

Darren O’Keeffe
William O’Flynn		Brendan Stack		Andy Twomey
David Kelly		Conor Cronin (0-3)		Alan Forde
	John Lane (3-3)		Billy Daly
Bryan O’Connell (0-1)		Robert Stack (0-1)		Damien Kelly
William Lehane		Ian Flanagan		Brian O’Connor
SUB: David Guiney

It proved to be a titanic struggle from beginning to end. Nicky Flanagan travelling at pace struck the crossbar within a minute. The sides shared the opening four points with John Lane twice replying to Banteer scores. John Lane then edged Newmarket in front adding two further points. Banteer responded with a point but the influential Kevin O’Sullivan pointed instantly for Newmarket. Banteer came to the fore hitting over three points which left them in front by 0-6 to 0-5 at half time.

Banteer made a dream start to the second half with a point quickly followed by a goal within three minutes. Newmarket however dug deep and showed emmense character to enjoy a long period of dominance. Ace marksman John Lane knocked over three points before Kevin O’Sullivan pointed. When John Lane pointed at the end of the third quarter, it left the sides level for the fourth time, 0-10 to 1-7 and all to play for.

Newmarket kept the momentum going with their large support in full voice when corner forward Danny Quinlan showed great improvisation, in clipping the ball over the bar from the tightest of angles to regain a slender lead. This was followed by an inspirational long range converted free from Conor Cronin with just six minutes remaining. However, Banteer rallied and quickly added two points to once more ensure parity. Newmarket nudged ahead again through John Lane with time rapidly closing in. However, there was to be one last dramatic late twist when Banteer claimed the title with the all important second goal.

Newmarket’s players can be proud of their efforts and contribution to a fine contest but ultimately the spoils go to a fine Banteer side.

John Ryan
William O’Flynn		John Scanlon		Brendan Stack
David Guiney		Conor Cronin (0-1)		David Kelly
	Kevin O’Sullivan (0-2)		Brian O’Riordan
Ian Flanagan		Nicky Flanagan		John Lane (0-9)
Richard O’Flynn		Robert Stack		Danny Quinlan
SUBS: Brian O’Connell

John Lane got the opening score of the game when he pointed in the eighth minute with St Marks replying with an equalizer within a minute. Kevin O’Sullivan edged Newmarket in front for a second time but again St Marks tied the proceedings. Kevin O’Sullivan converted his second free before St Marks first goal gave them the lead after nineteen minutes. John Lane reduced the deficit with a point before Newmarkets hopes received a major boost when Robert Stack done very well to find the net from a narrow angle in the dying moments of the half. This gave Newmarket a lead of 1-4 to 1-2 at half time.

Newmarket resumed in fine form and increased their lead through points from Conor Cronin, John Lane and Brian O’Connell. St Marks responded when they hit back through an excellent individual goal. Kevin O’Sullivan pointed as the sides exchanged scores in a very closely and keenly fought contest. With the game entering the final minutes Nicky Flanagan struck two fine points to give Newmarket a four point lead. St Marks kept battling and had a third goal with the game coming to an end. However, there was still time to salvage a draw and it was only the brilliance of Newmarket goalkeeper John Ryan that kept their slender lead intact with a super last gasp save.

John Ryan
William O’Flynn		John Scanlon		Brendan Stack
Conor Cronin (0-1)		David Guiney		David Kelly
	Kevin O’Sullivan (0-3)		Brian O’Riordan
Brian O’Connell (0-1)		Nicky Flanagan (0-2)		Ian Flanagan
Robert Stack (1-0)		John Lane (0-3)		Richard O’Flynn
SUBS: Danny Quinlan