Newcestown rise high after penalty drama: 'This grade is very even, we'll drive on again'

Newcestown just keep on defying belief. Relegated from the PSFC in 2022, they have bounced back in style. 

They bounced straight back by winning the SAFC in 2023, finished third in the group stages last season and now, they are in the final four of the PSFC for the second time in their storied history. They did it the hard way, beating Carrigaline on penalties after an epic contest in Páirc Uí Rinn on Sunday. 

Their manager, Jim O’Sullivan was asked to make sense of it afterwards.

“It’s very hard to, really. It was tit-for-tat, there was no more than two or three points in the game from the second half on, even into extra time. 

"We’re delighted to come out on the right side of it after penalties. But you have to feel sorry for Carrigaline. It’s a hard way to go out of the championship. But we go on, we live to fight another day.

“But I suppose towards the end of the game our game management wasn’t great. We had the ball and gave away a silly free and Carrigaline went down and got a point to level it. We were lucky towards the end of the second half of extra time, they had a chance to get a point and luckily it crept wide. We’re thrilled with the lads, thrilled with the attitude.” 

Their regular goalkeeper, Chris White, was out injured but he was introduced for the penalty shootout. A masterstroke?

I think when he gave away the kick-out it didn’t seem to be too much of a masterstroke! 

"But he’s a good shot-stopper. I feel sorry for Eoin McSweeney, the lad who came off, but he understands and Chris saved two great penalties in fairness to him. Chris is very experienced. He saved us two years ago against Kanturk as well. Experience saved the day for us.” 

 Carrigaline targeted Newcestown’s top forward, David Buckley, man-marking him from the off but O’Sullivan was still happy with how Buckley found a way to make his impact on the game. He was also thrilled with the contribution of Luke Meade.

“He kicked a lovely two-pointer in the first half. Carrigaline have good man markers and they use them very wisely. David found it hard to get into the game but when we needed him, he stepped up as well. He showed great character, as did the rest of the team.

CLASS

“Luke is class alright. He holds great respect in our club, for what he’s done for the club, what he’s done with the county as well and he’s an inspiration to all our players. 

A great player, a leader, our captain.” 

These aren’t quite unchartered waters for Newcestown, but after the disappointment of 2022, their change in fortune has been quite something. O’Sullivan and his group are very aware of where they are at. When you’re up, you’re up, and you have to keep on trucking, with Nemo Rangers awaiting them in the final four.

“I always say about the grading system, with 12 teams in every grade, things are very even. We mentioned that during the year that we’ve a great chance, and just to not leave it behind us, and to just keep driving on.”