Newmarkets under 21 footballers were narrowly defeated by defending champions Kiskeam in a thrilling Duhallow final by 1-10 to 1-8, played before a large attendance at Dromtariffe on Saturday evening.

Kiskeam, having previously defeated Newmarket comprehensively in the opening round, raced into the lead with a point in the first attack of the game. Newmarket settled and tied the sides through Nicky Flanagan, who made a massive contribution throughout the game. The sides exchanged points again, with Nicky Flanagan on target for a second time. Kiskeam edged in front again courtesy of two points but Newmarket finished the half very strongly and this yielded scores from Kevin O’Sullivan, Bart Daly and T.J. Bodie which left them in front by 0-5 to 0-4 after an entertaining first half.

Kiskeam resumed strongly and slotted over three points in succession to turn the game in their favour. Newmarket rallied and a fine score from the excellent Matthew Fitzpatrick was quickly followed by an equalizing point from John Ryan. This tied the scores for the fifth time of the game at 0-7 each entering the final quarter. Kiskeam pointed next but Newmarkets cause received a major tonic when a slick pass from John Lane set up Nicky Flanagan and he unleashed a brilliant shot to the roof of the Kiskeam net. Three minutes later Kiskeam attacked with menace and struck for a crucial goal to regain the lead. Another Kiskeam point gave them a two point advantage entering the final five minutes. Nicky Flanagan converted a free from a narrow angle to ensure a grandstand finish but it was Kiskeam who clinched victory when scoring with the final kick of the game to end up winners by 1-10 to 1-8 after an exilerating contest.

Newmarket played their part in an epic contest and were well served by Brian O’Riordan and Matthew Fitzpatrick in a very solid defence. Shane Anthony Murphy and Kevin O’Sullivan were prominent at midfield while in attack Nicky Flanagan, John Ryan and Timothy Murphy were in fine form.

Niall O’Connor
John Scanlon		Shane Murphy		Brian O’Riordan
Bart Daly (0-1)		Micheal Murphy		Matthew Fitzpatrick (0-1)
	Kevin O’Sullivan (0-1)		Shane Anthony Murphy
John Ryan (0-1)		T.J. Bodie (0-1)		Timothy Murphy
Nicky Flanagan (1-3)		Sean Doody		John Lane
SUB: Michael Kenneally