Holders Dromtariffe square up to Newmarket challenge in Duhallow JAHC final

FIXTURE:

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5th: E Tarrant & Sons Skoda Dealer JAHC Final: Dromtariffe v Newmarket, Kilbrin, 2pm.

A game of cut and thrust is predicted on the clash of reigning champions Dromtariffe and arch rivals Newmarket in an eagerly awaited E Tarrant & Sons Skoda Dealer Duhallow JAHC Final at Kilbrin on Sunday.

Over the past decade, a tremendous healthy rivalry has developed between the sides and another hotly competitive encounter is in prospect. Their initial clash dates to 2018, a slick moving Dromtariffe wrote a new name on the John Joe Brosnan Memorial Cup.

Twelve months on, Newmarket recalled former glory days, overcoming Kilbrin in a lively final to land the crown for the first time since 1979. For the following three seasons, Dromtariffe confirmed their status as the outstanding side within the division by overcoming Kilbrin, Millstreet and Banteer to complete a three in a row of divisional titles.

However a possible and rare fourth consecutive win came unstuck in 2023, Newmarket rose magnificently to the challenge to halt Dromtariffe’s gallop. In fairness, Dromtariffe bounced back from that disappointment to regain the title last season, their four point victory margin failed to fully reflect their clear superiority.

No surprises from the current campaign, both Dromtariffe and Newmarket were viewed as the leading fancies, the pair justifying their progress to the decider. Earlier in the season, all pretty straight forward for a highly impressive Dromtariffe on overcoming holders Kilbrin in a one sided League Final only to disappoint in a county final defeat by Carraig na bhFear.

From the group phase to this championship, Dromtariffe overcame Banteer, Millstreet and Freemount.

That earned a semi final clash against Kilbrin, two goals conceded in the opening half, there was no panic, Dromtariffe possessing the teamwork to deliver a comprehensive victory.

The reigning champions held the better attacking combination and made life difficult for the opposing defence in many instances.

Teamwise goalkeeper Dermot Cremin has returned from injury with Michael O’Brien, Jamie Kelleher, Conor O’Callaghan and Jack Murphy bringing stability to defence while the workrate of Kevin Cremin and Seán Howard in the centre can always be relied on.

And in attack, Dromtariffe possesses plenty of movement and energy through Brandon Murphy, Evan Murphy and Tomás Howard.

For their part, Newmarket notched a resounding win over Castlemagner, much tighter against Kilbrin, taking a narrow win in gale lashed conditions. 

No problem for Newmarket in a semi final, carrying too much firepower for Banteer with three goals netted in the first half.

Plenty of experience on the Newmarket side, goalkeeper Ben Newman backed by solid defence featuring Aidan Browne, Alan Ryan, Mikey Browne and Josh O’Keeffe. 

At midfield, Hugh O’Connor and Darren O’Keeffe are capable of a productive day’s work, Newmarket hope that attackers Donal Hannon, Barry O’Connor and Rory Lynn can create an impact.

Given the record of both Newmarket and Dromtariffe, there is no doubting the pedigree of both sides. 

It's certainly not an easy game to call but this decider holds the potential of becoming a hurling classic.

No quarter will be asked or given, expect challengers Newmarket to have a right go but Dromtariffe are fancied to retain their title by a narrow margin.