In a repeat fixture of the 2019 Duhallow final, Newmarket and Kilbrin squared off in Tullylease on Saturday afternoon, the 14th of August, this time in round 1 of the competition.

It was the vanquished of that day that had the brighter start on this occasion, with Kilbrin taking a 1-01 to no score lead, after just two minutes. Newmarket replied through points from Gavin Forde and Stephen Stokes, before Kilbrin restored a three point advantage. Forde’s precision with placed ball ensured Newmarket remained close to the opposition, with the scoreboard showing 0-05 to 1-04, as the sides neared the first water-break. It was at this stage that Newmarket’s ambitions took a damaging blow, when full-back Kevin O’Sullivan was dismissed, for what was deemed to be a high challenge. On resumption of the half, Forde’s continuing accuracy from frees, cancelled out Kilbrin’s efforts, with the margin remaining at two points on 25 minutes, 0-08 to 1-07. In the dying moments of the first period, another key incident resulted in the awarding of a penalty to Kilbrin. With the competitive nature of the match very much in balance, Newmarket’s Daragh Kearney produced a fantastic save to keep his side in the contest. Kilbrin rounded off their domainance of the half with two further points before the break, to lead the 14 men by four points.

Rejuvenated by the break, Newmarket commanded the early scoring of the second period, through points from Cathal Browne, Conor O’Keeffe and Mikey Browne, with Kilbrin also adding to their own total. On 36 minutes, frees from Conor O’Keeffe and Gavin Forde meant that the Newmarket side drew level for the first time in the contest, 0-13 to 1-10. With momentum on their side, further points from John Ryan, Conor O’Keeffe and Michael Cottrell meant that the 2019 champions went into the final water-break, up three points. Their advantage was quickly cancelled out by a 50 minute goal, with Kilbrin retaking the lead with a point two minutes later. A Gavin Forde free on 55 minutes levelled up the tight contest and he’s unwavering excellence gave his side the lead, with two further injury time frees. The 14 men held out until the 68th minute, when the full time whistle was blown and Newmarket had secured a exhilarating 0-19 to 2-11 win.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Gavin Forde (0-11, 10f), Conor O’Keeffe (0-03, 1f), John Ryan (0-01), Michael Cottrell (0-01), Mickey Browne (0-01), Stephen Stokes (0-01), Cathal Browne (0-01).

Darragh Kearney
Donnacha Fitzpatrick		Kevin O'Sullivan		Paudie Allen
Daniel Norton		John Ryan		Jamie Hayes
	Mikey Cottrell		Gavin Forde
Mikey Browne		Stephen Stokes		Cathal Browne
Darren O'Keeffe		Conor O'Keeffe		Ryan O'Keeffe
Subs: Niall Collins, David Cottrell