Irwin: Newmarket hopeful of creating inroads on county

IT’S been a long time coming but a new hurling empire reviving memories of past glory days has returned to Newmarket. Not since 1979 had a Duhallow JAHC title rested in the town, returning to the big stage after a frustrating spell in the wilderness.

In the circumstances, Newmarket fans had to be pleased, club chairman Sean Irwin and a key figure to the coaching part of the Junior A Hurling side was happy to load praise on his determined charges and management team headed by Barry O’Connor. Newmarket had reached the previous season’s decider, coming within touching distance but failed to seize the opportunity on a defeat to newcomers Dromtariffe.

“It’s been a tough couple of years, losing the 2018 Final after putting in such a huge effort, winning a league title but failing to get over the line in the championship really hurt. Its a sign of a good team to come back, that hardly surprising, given the fact, we acquitted ourselves really well in the county last season,” said Seán.

Indeed Newmarket showed no ill effects from the disappointment of 2018 and could scarcely had hoped for a more favourable start, a side on a mission, putting down a marker from the outset, helped enormously by a goal from man of the match Conor O’Keeffe.

“A good start was spoken about in the dressing room, it would put to bed any doubts about the team. Conor was absolutely outstanding, quick as a fox, he was straight onto the delivery to net our goal, the ideal opening to build upon,” said the Chairman.

“In fairness to Kilbrin, they came right back into the game during the second half and we conceded two goals. The lads had spoken about those situations, opponents are ensure to enjoy spells of dominance but we recovered very well and kept the scoreboard ticking over nicely,” he said.

Celebrations surfaced in Newmarket with multitudes of fans turning out to salute a welcome breakthrough and add to the success of previous generations. On winning their 15th outright divisional title, Newmarket has negotiated one hurdle, the next task, the county begins on Sunday next on a meeting against Tracton.

“Of course, we were entitled to celebrate after a wait of 40 years, that will be parked for the county. We got a taste of it last season as Duhallow runners up to better city champions Nemo Rangers only to be defeated by eventual county champions Cloughdubh, let’s hope, there will be plenty of more hurling over the coming weeks for all involved with Newmarket,” said Irwin.