Blistering early spell powers Newtown past Erin's Own
They may have looked in trouble early on as Erin's Own scorched into an early lead but, once the defending champions settled into their usual rhythm, there was only going to be one outcome.
Not for the first time the O'Connor twins, Ben and Jerry, played crucial roles, but they were ably assisted by goalkeeper Paul Morrissey who brought off a number of outstanding saves; Pat Mulcahy starred at centre back, while John Paul King and Ian Kelleher excelled in attack.
Erin's Own were very disappointing. They struggled to cope with the pace and skill of their opponents and only Shane Murphy, Peter Kelly, Martin Buckley and Cian O'Connor can take any satisfaction from the game.
There might have been two goals scored in the opening 50 seconds. Ben O'Connor was inches wide after a great run while Brian Corcoran batted Colm Coakley's cross inches wide at the Blackrock end.
Erin's Own led 0-4 to nil after nine minutes, the best of them by Sean Daly after Paul Kelly flicked the sliotar off Ben O'Connor's hurley.
Newtown began to string a couple of passes together and were level after 13 minutes, before Erin's Own lost a great chance of a goal when Brian Corcoran broke through but over-hit inside to the unmarked Colm Coakley and the ball went harmlessly wide.
Then, in one of the best spells seen in a game of hurling in a long time, Newtown showed why they are All-Ireland champions, scoring 2-4 without reply.
Alan T. O'Brien grabbed the first in the 17th minute after Pat Mulcahy's long free broke kindly and a minute later Gerry O'Connor took off on a mazy run before setting up his younger brother John to score easily.
Looking for inspiration from somewhere, Erin's Own swopped Brian Corcoran and Sean Daly and came close to a badly needed goal when Fergus Murphy's first time effort was superbly saved by Paul Morrissey.
Half time arrived, leaving Newtown 2-8 to 0-7 in front and Erins' Own with a mountain to climb.
However, the Newtown defence, superbly marshalled by Pat Mulcahy, completely closed down the Erin's Own forwards.
Their best chance came from a 20 metre free which Kieran Murphy took but his effort was inches over the bar. Without ever having to up the pace of their game, Newtown picked off the points and finally closed the door on their opponents with a third goal in the 47th minute.
Shay Bowen made a brave save from John Paul King and Shane Murphy saved the rebound from John O'Connor but with the keeper off his line, James Bowles first timed the ball to the net and it was game, set and match for the champions who will take some beating on the evidence of this display.
They now await the winners of the CIT/Killeagh in the quarter final and, having lost to the students in round one, would relish the opportunity of a rematch.
Scorers: Newtown: B. O'Connor 0-6 (0-5 frees, 0-1 65); AJ O'Brien, J. Bowles 1-1 each; John O'Connor, 1-0; G. O'Connor 0-2; JP King, I. Kelleher 0-1 each. Erins Own: K. Murphy0-6 (frees); M. Buckley 0-3; b. Corcoran 0-2 (frees); S. Daly, C. O'Connor, C. Coakley 0-1 eacy.
: S. Bowen; S. Murphy, S. Cunningham, D. Mulcahy; P. Fitzgerald, P. Kelly, C. O'Connor; M. O'Connor, F. Murphy; S. Dunne, B. Cunningham, K. Murphy; M. Buckley, S. Daly, C. Coakley. Subs. K. Murphy (snr.) for Dunne; P. Fenton for Fitzgerald.
: P. Morrissey; AG O'Brien, B. Mulcahy, P. Mulcahy; G. O'Mahony, D. Mulcahy, P. Noonan; AT O'Brien, G. O'Connor; JP King, J. Bowles, I. Kelleher; J. O'Connor, B. O'Connor, M. Farrell. C. Naughton for Farrell; D. Naughton for Kelleher.
, G. Harrington (Carrigaline).
