NEWCASTLE WEST MAKE IT 6 IN 7 YEARS!!

West JUNIOR B Hurling Championship Final Replay,September 27TH,2002,at RATHKEALE.

Newcastle West...................................................................................................1-11

Granagh/Ballingarry.......................................................................................1-04

Last Saturday in Rathkeale, Newcastle West defeated Ballingarry 1-11 to 1-04 in the West Junior B Hurling Final Replay in ideal weather conditions. This was to be the Magpies sixth title in seven years and they hurled with resolution and skill to lead all the way against a determined Ballingarry and regain the West title.

There were 5 star performances from Kenneth Mortell (full back), Aidan Carroll (centre back), James Nash (wing back), centrefielders Tony Ahern and Sean Barrett, (Man of the match), Karl Lenihan (wing forward) and Declan Brouder, particularly in the first half when he scored three beautiful points. However the five star septet were little ahead of the supporting cast; Joe Barry (goalie), Mike O'Brien, Dwayne Blenkinsop, James Hennessy, (4 resolute defenders), Seoirse Joyce, Vincent Sheehan (scorer of 1-4, his point after half time was the score of the game), Evan Egan (until the last quarter red card that sidelined him and his marker), Daithi Nash (whose persistence saw him score a valuable second half point), forwards of contrasting styles, united by commitment and determination.

The subs weren't found wanting either and Jonathon Carey, Robert Egan, Ross McCarthy, Paul Devine, JP Ahern and sub goalie Mike McMahon, (not used on this occasion), all played their parts in capturing the first Junior B Hurling West title of the post Mort O'Connor era. Well done to all concerned.

Michael O'Sullivan, presented the cup to the Newcastle West captain Kenneth Mortell. Kenneth thanked the players for their dedication and effort, and brought the West Junior B Hurling cup back Arraside for the sixth time in seven years.

TEAM: Joe Barry; Mike O'Brien, Kenneth Mortell, Capt., Dwayne Blenkinsop; James Nash, Aidan Carroll, James Hennessy; Tony Ahern, Sean Barrett; Evan Egan, Declan Brouder, Karl Lenihan; Daithi Nash, Vincent Sheehan, Seoirse Joyce. SUBS: Robert Egan, Ross McCarthy, Jonathon Carey, JP Ahern, Paul Devine, Mike McMahon, Steve Nash (inj.), Pa Kelly (inj.), Senan Kelly (inj.), JP Cremin (on holidays), Seanie Gleeson (work).