Doneraile take Minor ‘B’ Hurling League title against Newmarket
Doneraile 2-11 Newmarket 1-11
DONERAILE took the Rebel Og North Minor B HL 13-a-side title at Kilbrin on Monday when they had a close win over Newmarket. Conditions were a bit greasy after the rain.
Newmarket opened with an early point by Cathal Browne. Doneraile hit the front in the 6th minute when Kai Butler’s effort was well saved by Ben Newman with the rebound falling kindly to Kevin Smith who goaled.
Cathal Browne had two pointed frees for the Duhallow side while Doneraile had a point by Killian Cotter. At the end of the first quarter Doneraile had their second goal by Ben Cronin that moved them 2-1 to 0-3 clear. Newmarket had two wides before Killian Cotter put Ross McCarthy in for a fine point 2-2 to 0-3. Both sides were off target and at the break Doneraile still led 2-2 to 0-3.
On the resumption Ben Cronin pointed a free. Newmarket battled very hard, they had a goal by Jack Murphy as the lead was down to a goal 2-3 to 1-3. Sean Enright had two rapid points as Doneraile moved 2-5 to 1-3 clear after 38 minutes. Darragh Palmer Doneraile captain made some great clearances as Newmarket tried very hard for another goal. Cathal Browne pointed with Paddy Browne putting Paddy Birtley in for a point 2-5 to 1-5. Newmarket got the lead down to two points in the 45th minute 2-7 to 1-8. Doneraile keeper Nathan Relihan made a very good save from Cathal Browne. The winners held a slight lead 2-9 to 1-9. They were 2-10 to 1-10 clear after 56 minute and by the final whistle Kia Butler and Cathal Browne exchanged another point. After the game Sean McAuliffe Rebel Og North Chairman presented the cup to the winning captain Darragh Palmer. DONERAILE: N Relihan, C Donlon, S Ryan, P Ryan, D Palmer, T Flynn, K Butler 0-1, S Roche 0-1, K Cotter 0-1, K Smith 1-0, R McCarthy 0-4 (1f), B Cronin 1-2 (02f) S Ryan. Sub: S Enright 0-2 for K Smith.
NEWMARKET: B Newman, C O’Donovan, J O’Keeffe, D Cottrell, C Crowley, D Kenneally, P Browne, J Murphy 1-1, M Browne, N Kenneally, C Browne 0-8 (5f), A Birtley 0-2, D Duggan. Subs: A Murphy for D Duggan, D Duggan for N Kenneally.
REFEREE: Jerry Keating (Millstreet)