by Michael Ellard
Irish Examiner, October 13, 2003

Any member of the superb Newtownshandrum side could have won the ‘man of the match’ award, according to the recipient Ben O’Connor. “All our backs played outstandingly well and overall it was the work put in by the entire panel over the year that brought us this victory,” said O’Connor, who shone resplendently amidst a galaxy of stars.

Playing down his own massive contribution in Newtown’s hour of glory, O’Connor said: “this victory was not about any one individual. It was about an entire squad hell-bent on redeeming themselves both in the eyes of the public and their own people.

“We knew we had let ourselves down in last year’s final and were determined not to allow that happen again. We started training in February and not one player missed a practice session all year, apart from the odd occasion where there was a genuine reason for missing out.

“I know it is probably easy to say now, but we were very confident of lifting our game for this final. From our perspective it was not a case of getting revenge, more of atoning for our own display 12 months ago.

“Happily every one of us clicked on the day. This is the type of performance you dream about and is it any wonder that we are over the moon right now.” O’Connor was a player apart, scoring 10 fabulous points, six from play, three from frees and one from a memorable sideline puck.

He was a man inspired, a prince of hurlers and he shattered Blackrock’s three-in-row ambitions. But, as O’Connor modestly said: “It was just one of those days when everything seemed to go right for me.”