U-21s COMPLETE NOTABLE WEST HURLING TREBLE!!

U-21 Hurling West B Championship Final,October 6TH,1996,at ballingarry.

Newcastle West.....................................................................................1-12

Feenagh/Kilmeedy.................................................................................1-05

The most important part of the story is in the scoreline. The other part is in the wides tally,18 to us, 5 to Feenagh/Kilmeedy. The truth is we should have won by more. Even against the wind in the first half we were inaccurate and wasteful, fortunate that Damien O'Connell, our free taker, had his eye in. He accounted for 0-4 of our 0-6, as we failed to convert many of the chances created by the excellent David Hurley at no. 11. At the interval, Feenagh/Kilmeedy led 0-7 to 1-6.

We were the better team in the second half. Our backs well on top, with Neil McGowan outstanding. Centrefield dominated. The forwards won a lot of possession. However, the wides tally continued to mount. Fortunately, we scored a bit also and at 19 minutes, we were 0-11 to 1-06 ahead. Tommy Quinn's goal at 20 made it 1-11 to 1-06 and though the boys in blue came with a late, late rally, goal-seeking, our backs were able for all emergencies. Peter Curtin had a lovely point at 26 minutes and with the clock ticking into overtime, Olly McCoy made a brilliant save and clearance. His clearance coincided with the final whistle and a deserved win.

we made hard work of bringing home the trophy, forced to struggle by Feenagh/Kilmeedy's determination and our own inaccuracy. However, we are West Champions and very pleased for this team which has given great pleasure to all who follow them, not only this year, but down through their younger years at U-12, U-14, U-16 and U-18. We congratulate them. All played well on this occasion, with exceptional contributions from David Hurley, Tony O'Connor and Neil McGowan. Neils second half display at no. 7 was a model of directness and simplicity. We congratulate mentors Peter Curtin, Denis Noonan and Jack Egan, trainer Liam Murphyand Dr. Loughlane and Con Sheehy, whose presence is most reassuring.

TEAM:Olly McCoy;Brian Hanley,Diarmuid Cahill,James Hennessy(Capt);Carl Lenehan,Pa O'Connor,Neil McGowan;Shane Kelly,Damien O'Connell(0-4);Donal Horgan(0-2), David Hurley,David Sammon;Tommy Quinn(1-2),Tony O'Connor(0-1),Peter Curtin(0-3).SUBS:Mossie Dore, Declan Curtin, Gerald Sheehy.

The post match cup accepting speech of Captain James Hennessy was as dignified and tasteful as we have heard. No bombast or triumphalism, but a sincere thank you and words of appreciation to all involved. Extra marks for his thoughtful reference to the absent Michael O'Connell and John O'Donoghue.

Newcastle win superb county final 

U-21 Hurling County B Championship Final,november 10TH,1996,at St. patricks,limerick.

NEWCASTLE WEST......................................................................................2-09

KNOCKAINEY..............................................................................................2-08

After a season of much expectation on the hurling field, Newcastle West came good on Sunday last, in the County final of the U-21 B to score a marvellous 2-09 to 2-08 win over Knockainey.

St. Patricks field in Rhebogue was thw unusual setting for this thrill-a-minute hurling final and before going any further, a word of praise is due to the local club for the excellent arrangements.The officers and mentors of both clubs were loud in their praise for the help and co-operation offered to them by Brendan Cross and his back-up team. A County final in this field is as rare as a Guinness barge on the nearby canal and credit is due to the local club, currently engaged in a major revamping of the grounds, for the work they did in the previous few days to ensure everything was in order for the match.

This was hurling, played honestly and sportingly.The tussles were mighty-each stroke of the ball was hard earned and thetr was plenty to cheer about in every second of the hour. The teams were level on three occasions and a touch of the ball could have turned the tide Knockaineys way at any time. In the end, it was Newcastle West who survived to make up for the disappointments of the previous weeks. Tough luck on Knockainey and their young team can look forward to better things at U-21 level.

Damien O'Connell had a great outing for the winners at midfield, sening over five points. Others to the fore were Olly McCoy who starred in goal and with a super leap in the dying seconds, prevented what seemed the equalising point. Pa O'Connor at centre half back was another player to show prominence. The team captain, James Hennessy, led by example and he was a proud young man when he was presented with the B Cup by County Youth Officer, John Naughton. 

TEAM:Olly McCoy;Brian Hanley,Diarmuid Cahill,James Hennessy(Capt);Michael O'Connell,Pa O'Connor,Neil McGowan;Shane Kelly,Damian O'Connell;Donal Horgan, David Hurley,Carl Lenehan;Tommy Quinn,Tony O'Connor,Peter Curtin.SUBS:David Sammon,Mossie Dore, Declan Curtin, Gerald Sheehy,John O'Donghue(inj).