GAA
Newcastle West got the better of defending champions Adare in the SFC final at the TUS Gaelic Grounds on Friday, in a clash that finished 1-8 to 0-5 in favour of the black and whites.
Newcastle West captain Ian Corbett shared some candid thoughts after earning the Fr.Casey Cup on Friday. The Limerick football co-captain outlined the expectations his squad had ahead of this years championship, explaining how a senior championship is expected every year.
“It’s a great end to the year, it’s our target every year.
“We’ve won county leagues and stuff but unless we win the Fr. Casey Cup, the year is ultimately a disappointment, that’s the standard we’ve set in the club and thankfully we’ve won it this year.”
Both Adare and NCW were level at half-time but only with 3 points a piece, yet the introduction of NCW’s AJ O’Connor created significant momentum for his side. O’Connor and his fellow substitutes outscored Adare by 1-04 to 0-01 in the final quarter, with O’Connor himself scoring the only goal of the game.
“I don’t know was it nerves or respect but it was tense, there were massive hits all day. It wasn’t the best night of football, it was probably a poor enough contest.
“Both teams had so much respect for each other and they were afraid if they stepped out and made mistakes the other team would capitalise and that’s what led to such a tense game.”
Newcastle’s bench was ultimately the winning factor in the championship decider, to no surprise of Corbett. The Newcastle West captain explained how his squads debt was unmatched anywhere in Limerick, outlining its importance for both selection and the clubs success in the future.
“I make no bones about it, I think we definitely have the best panel in Limerick, that doesn’t always bring a result but we haven’t started the same 15 for two games in a row in the championship this year,
“We’ve serious talent, that doesn’t always transpire to results but it’s a very good foundation”
Watch the interview with Corbett in full below.