Everyone at Newcastle West GAA Club would like to congratulate everyone involved with the U16 panel on the historic achievement becoming the first team to win the U16 Hurling Division 1 Championship for the club.  Well done to all involved over the years with this group of players and especially to the panel and mentors on this fantastic achievement. 

2020 Mr Binman U16 Hurling Division 1 Championship FINAL!

Match Report by Roger Hayes

Newcastlewest ………………. 4-11

Monaleen …..…....…………… 3-11

History made as Newcastle west win first and last U16 premier hurling title.

Last years delayed 2020 U16 hurling final finally took place in Mick Neville Park Rathkeale last bank holiday Monday (7th) and what a final it was. Due to covid restrictions it was both teams first game of the year and although rusty at times both teams served up a classic.

Monaleen started the brighter and got 2 early points. Then a Newcastle goal from Con Hayes after great work from Andrew Lyons settled us temporarily but then 2 great goals from Monaleen put us on the back foot.

Some great play by Kieran o Connell and John O’Grady and Cathal Hayes kept us in it and by halftime we only trailed by 2 despite been under severe pressure.

The third quarter often referred to as the championship quarter reminded us all why these boys are undefeated in three years and some fantastic combination hurling led to 2 goals by Sean Torley and a third by Cathal Hayes to have us lead by 8 points going into the 2nd half water break.

To Monaleen’s credit they threw everything at us the last 15 minutes but our backs as always were brave and heroic. Ethan Kirwan was tremendous at corner back as was Evan Meehan on the other side both tenacious and brave to the last. Aaron Neville was dominant as always in the middle. The half back line was phenomenal as Kieran O’Connell constantly hooked and blocked his much bigger opponent, Diarmuid Lyons was all class on the other wing led by a top man at centre back in John Whelan.

Emmet Rigter gave a display at midfield along with the ever-dangerous Con Hayes.

Half forward line was brilliant. John O’Grady a constant threat while Oisin Collins at centre forward was constantly busy and Sean Geraghty had a brilliant third quarter. Inside forwards Cathal Hayes and Sean Torley were the match winners with Andrew Lyons ably assisting. Aaron Mullane came on and gave everything

All in all, it was a fantastic achievement and the result of 10 years training and dedication on the boys’ behalf. Lots of work and planning behind the scenes along with the lad’s innate talent and their unique spirit led to this achievement and hopefully the boys will kick on from here, they are a pleasure to be involved with.

It was off to the Longcourt House Hotel that evening for a well deserved meal for the panel. A fitting celebration for these history makers. Many thanks to the club and all involved in organising the evening it was very much appreciated.

Thanks to Declan Gleeson for recording the match and making a link available for members and supporters to experience the historic achievement.  We hope you enjoy it !! https://mediazilla.com/WWkYLhcSm7

Scorers: Sean Thorley 2-04, Con Hayes 1-02, Cathal Hayes 1-02 , John O’Grady 0-02 and Emmet Rigter 0-01.

Panel: Darragh Tierney, Evan Meehan, Aaron Neville, Ethan Kirwan, Kieran O’Connell, John Whelan, Diarmuid Lyons, Con Hayes, Emmet Rigter, Sean Geraghty, Oisin Collins, John O’Grady, Andrew Lyons, Sean Thorley, Cathal Hayes, Conor Walshe, Aaron Mullane, Ronan O’Sullivan, Patrick Noonan Sweeney, Reece Daly, Darragh O’Grady, James Lyons (injured)

Mentors: Eoin Cremin, Roger Hayes and Tom Ryan, with welcome assistance from John Brudair and Michael Dowling.