Newcestown 0-9

Sam Maguires 0-7

TOM LYONS REPORTS

IN appalling weather conditions in Ahiohill, Newcestown proved once again that when it comes to grit, determination and spirit, they have few equals as a club.

Lucky to survive after extra time in the drawn Rebel Óg West U18 Division 1 football championship final a few nights previously, Newcestown made no mistake in the replay in another cracking contest that was played in driving wind and rain.

There were times when Maguires looked as if they were going to finish the job they had started so well in the drawn game but they just had no answer to the spirited play of the St John’s brigade, especially in the closing 20 minutes.

‘Conditions were atrocious, and we really had to dig deep for this win,’ said a delighted and relieved Newcestown mentor Charlie Wilson.

‘We dominated the second half against the elements but it was almost impossible to score against that wind. However, we didn’t concede a goal and that was vital.

‘It wasn’t looking good in the first half but the two-pointer was vital just before half time, especially the timing of it. The lads really worked so hard out there. Believe it or not, this team really prefers good weather and a dry ball as they’re a good footballing side.’

Sam Maguires' Eanna Hayes holds off Newcestown's Sean Allen.

As the game began, the rain lashed down and the diagonal wind didn’t seem to favour either side but it swung solidly behind the Newcestown lads as the half progressed.

Two early points for Newcestown from Ryan O’Neill and Sam Long seemed to indicate the start of a scoring surge but the Maguires’ defence had other ideas, well marshalled by Eoin Hurley, Conor Vasallo, Ryan Collins and Eanna Hayes.

A Maguires’ point by Seán Galvin was followed by stubborn defending before a Ryan O’Neill free and a Humphrey Canty point saw Newcestown leading by 0-4 to 0-1 at the end of the first quarter.

With midfielder Nathan McCarthy and forwards Jack Hennigan, Padraig Hegarty and Euan Lehane working hard, Maguires had scores against the wind from Lehane (two frees).

It was certainly looking good for Maguires at that stage, only a point behind, but in the closing stages of the half, with Humphrey Canty and Flor Kenneally gaining the upper hand at midfield, Newcestown struck for four vital points. Canty and Olan Kelly raised white flags and then Canty kicked a superb two-pointer to open up a five-point gap at the break, 0-8 to 0-3.

Sam Maguire's Nathan McCarthy is tackled by Newcestown's Olan Kelly.

As the wind and rain strengthened, would five points be enough? Not so, said Maguires who restarted in a blaze and when Padraig Hegarty and Lehane (free and play) raised three white flags within seven minutes, all the momentum was with Maguires.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going, and so it was with Newcestown. Gritting their teeth they dug deep. With Oisín Callan, Donncha O’Mahony and Hugh Flanagan unbeatable at the heart of defence, Canty and Kenneally working so hard at midfield, and Sam Long, Olan Kelly, Ryan O’Neill and Joe Hayes covering acres of ground, it was all Newcestown.

A fierce work-rate was the basis of their game but despite dominating possession, they just couldn’t manage to score against the gale until Olan Kelly pointed in the 50th minute. It was to be their only score of the second half although Flor Kenneally blazed a great goal chance wide earlier.

Maguires finally managed to get back into the game in the closing minutes and went in search of an equalising goal, their only reward being a point from Euan Lehane, as the Newcestown defence put up the shutters.

It finished 0-9 to 0-7 and the wind and rain were forgotten by the celebrating Newcestown contingent as the cup was presented to winning captain Flor Kenneally by Fergal Keohane, Rebel Óg West. Newcestown now go on to represent the region in the county championship.

‘This game was supposed to be played three weeks ago but because of weather, lack of pitches, other games with the club and with the schools, it just couldn’t be fitted in. Learning the hard way, building confidence is vital with young players and this was a great learning experience for this team,’ added Wilson.

OUR STAR: Great displays from Hugh Flanagan, Flor Kenneally and Olan Kelly for Newcestown, as well as Padraig Hegarty and Euan Lehane of Maguires, but Humphrey Canty was the star act at midfield for the winners with his work rate and scores, 0-4, especially the two-pointer before half time.

Scorers

Newcestown: Humphrey Canty 0-4 (1 2pt); Olan Kelly, Ryan O’Neill (1f) 0-2 each; Sam Long 0-1.

Sam Maguires: Euan Lehane 0-5 (3f); Seán Galvin, Padraig Hegarty 0-1 each.

Newcestown: Mark Kelleher; Eoin Sexton, Oisín Callan, Noah O’Sullivan; Jack Coomey, Donncha O’Mahony, Hugh Flanagan; Flor Kenneally (captain), Humphrey Canty; Tadhg O’Sullivan, Sam Long, Seán Allen; Ryan O’Neill, Padraig Twomey, Olan Kelly.

Subs: Dara O’Sullivan for J Coomey (25), Joe Hayes for S Allen (ht), Donal McSweeney for T O’Sullivan (50).

Sam Maguires: Kenny Kingston; Levi Bosma, Matthew Hurley, Eoin Hurley; Ryan Collins, Conor Vassallo, Eanna Hayes; Jamie Dullea, Nathan McCarthy; Niall Owens, Jack Hennigan, Callum O’Regan; Padraig Hegarty, Euan Lehane, Seán Galvin.

Subs: Shane Hurley for S Galvin, Ethan Hurley for N Owens (53).

Referee: Niall Hayes (Carbery Rangers).