Newtown show Cat-like efficiency
In the vernacular that means the Cork county hurling final. For good measure and great entertainment, it was preceded by the Premier IHC final where Douglas held off the strong challenge of Ballymartle.
My brother Brian was very active with Douglas when he was stationed in Cork some years ago. Douglas now return to senior ranks and a club of their size, status and ambition will feel very much at home in that rank.
The Little All-Ireland saw remarkable Newtownshandrum win their fourth county title – all four in this decade. For good measure they have also won two Munster titles and an All-Ireland title. Unbelievable for a parish of about 700 people. This is the GAA at its very best and Newtown were at their brilliant best on Sunday, especially in the second-half when they completely overwhelmed reigning county champions, Sarsfields, who had been so impressive all year. If it wasn’t Newtown’s finest hour, it was certainly their finest ever half-hour. Some people said that Kilkenny’s performance in the 2008 All-Ireland was the finest team performance of all time.
But I venture to suggest that Newtown’s second-half performance was more of a complete team effort. While Kilkenny were cool, calculated and ruthless in 2008, Newtown were warm, thoughtful and endearing in last Sunday’s second half. All over the field their skill, pace, athleticism and intelligence was remarkable.
A fine back-line well marshalled by Pat Mulcahy, gave the Sars forwards little room. PJ Copse and Cathal Naughton controlled mid-field, with Naughton a revelation as he combined burning speed, a great work ethic and great accuracy to deadly effect.
The Newtown forwards worked as a single unit and 17-year-old Jamie Coughlan should wear the red of Cork for many a year. But all great things, even the earth, revolve around a single point. In Newtown’s case it is a twin point – the O’Connors. When the Ben and Jerry Show gets motoring, it’s show-time.
With delicate flicks, unparalleled skill, total unselfishness and wonderful accuracy, Ben was an absolute joy to watch in that second-half. He just seemed to love bringing other players into the game – a trait that ran right through the team.
Indeed, Newtowns second-half performance should be shown to kids all over Ireland as a wonderful example of what team and combination really mean.
