Newmarket end 25-year drought

NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS, who dominated the Clare SHC throughout the 1960s and 1970s, are back in the county final for the first time since 1981.

This Cusack Park tussle was one that Crusheen were expected to win but they found themselves in early trouble after a whirlwind start by Newmarket yielded 1-4 in the opening 12 minutes.

The favourites had to wait until the 16th minute for their first point from Gerry O’Grady.