Dromtariffe hurlers dislodge Newmarket from Duhallow junior throne

Dromtariffe 3-18 Newmarket 3-14 

DROMTARIFFE regained their E Tarrant & Sons Skoda Dealer Duhallow JAHC title after seeing off the challenge of great rivals and reigning holders Newmarket in a cracking decider at Millstreet.

When required, Dromtariiffe put together a measured brand of hurling, their touch slicker and sharper work-rate brought a greater intensity to the proceedings before a huge attendance. The outcome swung precariously for a lengthy stage but slick finishing by Dromtariffe in the closing five minutes helped secure a 10-point advantage entering injury time.

In fairness, Newmarket kept plugging away, belatedly throwing caution to the wind, two consolation goals failed to deny Dromtariffe's inspirational captain Conor O’Callaghan from lifting the John Joe Brosnan Memorial Cup. The win was dedicated to the late Seán Cremin.

Dromtariffe were impacted by injuries to regulars Kevin Cremin and Ray Daly too, coupled with a serious ankle injury picked up by Darren O’Connor in the opening half halted the contest for 10 minutes. 

Little to separate the sides early on, Dromttariffe favoured by the breeze, driven on by O’Callaghan, Michael O’Brien and Jamie Kelleher availed of points from Daniel O’Keeffe and Tomás Howard to enjoy a 0-7 to 0-3 position.

Following the suspension in play, Newmarket came more in the picture, Donal Hannon on target but a goal from Howard helped Dromtariffe to a comfortable 1-10 to 0-7 position at the interval. 

Newmarket rocketed out of the traps for the second half, a Cathal Browne goal a massive boost in addition to points from Josh O’Keeffe, Donal Hannon and Barry O’Connor nudged the holders ahead 1-13 to 1-12. Dromtariffe levelled matters for the sixth occasion as the balance of power fluctuated before Man of the Match Howard and Brandon Murphy netted in quick succession. 

That put a yawning gap between the sides, Newmarket never gave up though late goals from Barry O’Connor and Cork U20 Hugh O’Connor proved consolation scores. Dromtariffe, having won their initial title in 2018, collected their fifth. And the sweetest.

Scorers for Dromtariffe: T Howard 2-4, B Murphy 1-6 (0-4 f, 0-1 65), D O’Keeffe 0-3, S Coyne, E Murphy 0-2 each, G O’Keeffe 0-1.

Newmarket: D Hannon 0-7 f, H O’Connor 1-3, B O’Connor 1-1, C Browne 1-0, C O’Keeffe 0-2, J O’Keeffe 0-1.

DROMTARIFFE: D Cremin; D Dennehy, J Kelleher, D Murphy; M O’Brien, C O’Callaghan, M O’Gorman; D O’Keeffe, A Healy; E Murphy, G O’Keeffe, J Murphy; B Murphy, T Howard, D O’Connor. 

Subs: K Murphy for D O’Connor (inj), S Coyne for A Healy (44).

NEWMARKET: S McAulliffe; P Allen, M Cottrell, P Browne; A Browne, A Ryan, M Browne; J O’Keeffe, C O’Keeffe; D O’Keeffe, C Browne, D Hannon; T Ryan, B O’Connor, H O’Connor. 

Sub: R O’Keeffe for T Ryan (16 inj). 

Referee: W King (Banteer).