Glory at last for Newcastle West

Newcastle West finally reached their destination after 74 years of trying yesterday when they lifted the Pierce Purcell Shield at Kinsale Golf Club.

Seventy-four years to the day since Newcastle West started trying to win an All-Ireland title, and 40 years after bidding for the Purcell, the Co. Limerick club won a national final at the first attempt when they overcame Connacht champions Gort 4-1 in the Chartis-sponsored decider. David Murphy and Eoin Duggan clinched it for Newcastle West, winning the bottom match 4&2, to spark emotional scenes at the presentation ceremony in the Kinsale clubhouse when team captain Michael O’Connor accepted the shield and club captain John Devine received the pennant.

“When we think about it this evening and over the next few weeks it will probably sink in,” O’Connor said. “It’s a great honour because they are the first team to ever do it for Newcastle West and I’m proud and honoured to be a part of the team, such a wonderful group of people.”