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 Newtown Notes The Vale Star 26th February 2004 | |||
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It's probably 'Roy Of The Rovers' stuff to many people but on Saturday last a glorious chapter was written into the history of Newtown GAA when the senior hurlers defeated the lenister champions O'Loughlin Gaels by three points on a scoreline of 0-14 to 1-8 to reach the All Ireland Club Hurling final on St. Patrick's Day.
It's certainly a marvellous achievement for this very dedicated bunch of lads and it shows what can be achieved with plenty of graft is put into the effort. It was undoubtedly a titanic struggle to overcome the Kilkenny lads with the issue in doubt all the way throughout the game. Once again Ben O'Connor was in outstanding form but this time he received great support from all around. John Paul showed what a class act he is when in full flight as did the pacy Alan T. who received Man Of The Match.
But overall this was a team performance and seldom have they had to dig so deep to achieve the desired result. There were marvellous scenes at the end of the game in Thurles when the supporters ignored all calls to resist going out onto the pitch and gave full vent to their overflowing emotions.
There is still a massive task ahead with Dunloy in the final. People do not need reminding of the quality scalps Dunloy have taken in recent years. Athenry, Birr and Mount Sion of Waterford. They have vast experience of the caludron that is Croke Park and certainly they will take some stopping on this occasion. That's for another day in the near future and Newtown will not be found wanting on this occasion.
Disappoinment:
No doubt in their historic day out at headquarters the lads will be disappointed not to be able to wear the club colours due to a clash with the opposing jerseys. Instead they will wear the county colours of the red and white of Cork.
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