Robert Emmets secured another famous Duhallow Under 21A title, with a hard fought win over Croke Rovers on Saturday evening. With Robert Emmets having overcome Sliabh Luachra Gaels and Croke Rovers having defeated Kanturk at the semi final stage, both teams fancied their chances of victory in the Central Sports Kanturk sponsored competition.

It was Robert Emmets who made the perfect start, with corner forward Andrew Murphy pouncing for goal, with only two minutes on the clock. Jack Sheahan extend the lead further, with Croke Rovers opening their account shortly after. Conor Sheahan continued Emmet’s scoring on 13 minutes, with Croke Rovers replying moments later, reducing the gap to just the goal. A strong ten minute period saw Emmet’s double their lead with points from Adam Birtley and a brace from David Cottrell. With the half almost up, Croke Rovers showed why they were in the final, scoring 1-01 without reply, to trail 1-05 to 1-03, at the short whistle.

Into the second period, a scoring stalemate was broken by Robert Emmets with a point from the boot of Padraig O’Sullivan, on 40 minutes. It was quickly followed up with another from center forward Rory Sheahan, to extend the advantage to four. Not to be undone, Rovers hit back with their second goal on 47 minutes, to leave just a single point between the teams. With both sides searching for the next score, it was Ethan Hourigan who gave his side a little breathing space on 56 minutes, with another Padraig O’Sullivan point putting a goal between the sides again. Crossing into injury time, two late scores from Rovers ensured a dramatic finish to the marquee contest. As the clock read 66 minutes, at the floodlit Banteer venue, an Adam Birtley free completed the scoring and ensured the Newmarket and Lismire combination added another title to their history, winning 1-10 to 2-05. Commiserations to Croke Rovers on losing such a close contest. Congratulations to the Robert Emmets players, led by captain Ben Newmam and their management of Danny McAuliffe, David Quinlan, Nicky Kenneally and Tony McAuliffe on a fantastic victory. Robert Emmets Abú!

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Andrew Murphy (1-00), David Cottrell (0-02, 1f), Padraig O’Sullivan (0-02),Adam Birtley (0-02, 1f), Conor Sheahan (0-01),  Jack Sheahan (0-01), Rory Sheahan (0-01), Ethan Hourigan (0-01).

Ben Newman
Peter Goggin		Sean Murphy		Jack O'Connor
Conor Sheahan		David Cottrell		Eamon Hayes
	Paudie O'Sullivan		Michael Lane
Jack Sheahan		Rory Sheahan		Ethan Hourigan
Jamie Kenneally		Adam Birtley		Andrew Murphy
Subs: Stephen Murphy, Mikey Browne, Hugh O'Connor Panel: Daniel O'Leary, Eoin Walsh

Management: Danny McAuliffe, David Quinlan, Nicky Kenneally, Tony McAuliffe