Hurling legends preview this year’s Munster C’ship

EVENT IS PART OF NEWMARKET GAA’S ‘OSKARS’ SHORT FILM COMPETITION

With just three weeks to go until the 2024 Inter County Hurling Championship kicks off, Newmarket GAA Oskars team fielded a star studded event with five luminaries of the game last Saturday night at the High St, Bar in the town.

The talented panel featured hurling greats Tony Considine (Clare), Mark Foley (Limerick), Jamesie O’Connor (Clare), Seanie McGrath (Cork) and Jamie Coughlan (Cork). The preview event was hosted by the cast of ‘Forrest Gump’ of the Newmarket Oskars spectacular which will be held at the Charleville Park Hotel on April 26th.

With their eyes firmly on the season ahead, the panellists focused on the forthcoming Munster Hurling Championship to the delight of the capacity audience, engaging in lively conversation and debate led by Newmarket GAA member Robert Stack, who is no stranger to the microphone having hosted a very successful podcast entitled ‘Crossing the Line’ in recent years.

Clare native and well-known GAA correspondent Tony Considine described his career, both in the jersey and on the sideline as a manager. Limerick stalwart Mark Foley added wit and humour to the conversation, recalling memories from his own hurling career and predictions for the 2024 championship.

The great Jamesie O’Conner from the St. Joseph’s Doora Barefield club in Clare was not shy to add his own contributions to the forum about past campaigns and the hurling season to come.

All-Ireland medallist from 1999 Seanie McGrath reminisced on some of the glory days of Cork hurling, while Newtownshandrum native Jamie Coughlan kept the local flag flying high with his knowledge and expertise.

To conclude the night, each panellist was asked to name their predicted finalists and Munster champions. If the five hurling experts are to be believed, we can look forward to a very interesting Munster championship!

An exceptional night of banter, debate and knowledgeable discussion was enjoyed by all.

Newmarket GAA will host ‘A Night at the Oskars’ on Sunday April 26th in the Charleville Park Hotel. Members of the club, along with friends from surrounding villages and towns have been perfecting their acting skills and have produced short films which will be screened at an Oscars-style event in the Charleville venue. Films recorded include Michael Collins, The Field, The Snapper, Derry Girls, Man about Dog and Sister Act.

(see also page 23)