Marvellous Newmarket recovery lift Creedon Cup
leeway to two points upon the restart, Beál Ath’n Ghaorthaidh looked well poised on regaining their 7 point advantage at the three quarter stage.
Again Newmarket responded with commendable courage and quite a degree of efficiency to shoot 2-7 without reply during the closing quarter. Indeed, their response to a serious challenge was both positive and convincing, the outcome gained compensation from below par performances by Newmarket to Beál Athan Ghaorthaidh twice last season.
A generous input from substitutes Tony O’Keeffe, T J Brosnan and Barry O’Connor inspired a much needed boost to Newmarket with goals from Brosnan and Michael Cottrell key to the destination of the silverware on offer.
On a perfect sod showing no impact from the recent inclement weather, Beal Ath’n Ghaorthaidh controlled the opening half. Though Conor and Ryan O’Keeffe posted Newmarket points, the Gaeltacht boys grafted solidly, spurred on by the play of Amhlaoibh Ó Loingsigh, Liam Seartan, Eoin Ó Coill, Leonard Ó Conchúir and Ben Seartan.
And Beal Athan Ghaorthaidh moved sweetly in attack, availing on points from Colman Ó Tuama, Matias Ó Riordáin, Liam Seartan and Andrias Ó Coinceannain to forge ahead 0-9 to 0-2 at the break.
Erratic shooting had limited Newmarket in the opening half yet the Duhallow side resumed in a positive mode with a run of points from Daniel Culloty and Conor O’Keeffe left two between the pair. However Beál Ath’n Ghaorthaidh appeared to weather the storm, Ben Seartan pounced for a goal and what appeared a decisive 1-11 to 0-7 grip.
Newmarket stood their ground in a new of life, driven on by John Ryan, Kevin O’Sullivan, Paudie Allen and Culloty. And when Newmarket established momentum, they made it count, substitute Brosnan at the end of a Gavin Forde delivery to net.
Follow up points to Bart Daly, Culloty, Cottrell and Barry O’Connor confirmed Newmarket’s growing ascendency to force equality. The direction of the ball continued into the Town Square with Newmarket in total domination, confirmed in the 57th min on a second goal, Daly and O’Sulkivan combining for Cottrell to net.
Beál Ath’n Ghaorthaidh had no answers to their dilemna, the outcome done and dusted on Newmarket putting together productive moves for Ryan O’Keeffe, Culloty and O’Connor add latr points.
County PRO Donal Leahy prsented the trophy to Newmarket captain Kevin O’Sullivan in the presence of Catherine Vaughan, sister of the late Tom Creedon.