Life of Brian – Goals pave way for Newcastle West progress

Newcastle West 3-13
Effin 2-13

By Tom Clancy in Kilmallock

Newcastle West reached their first Premier Intermediate hurling final thanks to goals from three men named Brian. Bryan Nix, Brian Hurley and Brian Foley all found the net in a tight pillar to post victory over Effin.

Played at a dry but chilly Fitzgerald Park in Kilmallock, the winners showed exactly why they’ve been the leading lights at this grade in 2024, having won the group phase with six wins from seven.

The Magpies held and interval lead of just four points but will the most important aspect of this performance was their quickness in replying to both of Effin’s goals, with green flags of their own.

Effin fall at the penultimate hurdle again, having also been frozen out in the semi-finals 12 months ago. A stunning Paddy O’Donovan goal late in the opening half was argubly as good as it got for the south side.

With a Senior football semi-final to next week for a chunk of this Newcastle West side, it really is heady times for the westerners.

Eoin Hurley contributed six opening half points, which helped open up a seven point lead late in the half. Paddy O’Donovan and Ruairi O’Connor were on target for an Effin side who struggled for clean opening.

In the dying minutes of the first half, a goal at either end changed the mood of the contest. First O’Donovan doubling on the ball from 20 meters to find the top corner, when few would have dreamt of it. This was quickly replied at the other end by Derry McMahon’s men.

A quick free found Brian Foley who, under pressure, got his shot away to restore the lead. Effin got the last score to leave it at 1-9 to 1-5 at the interval.

There was to be three goals in the third quarter. First, Tommy Quaid’s found the net to get Effin closer, but once more the winners had a reply. Captain Brian Hurley racing through onto a pass before netting, He then turned provider for Bryan Nix, who neatly controlled and then flashed to the net. A six point margin with just over 15 minutes to play.

Effin chipped the gap down to a score, a goal and even in stoppage time Ewan Dillon put just two between them. However, the fresh legs of Cathal Hayes and the accurate shooting restored the three point lead.

Effin forged one final opening, but the brave Maurice Murphy threw everything in the way of O’Donovan who looked probable to smash the ball to the back of the Magpie net.

There was time for no more, and with it Newcastle West’s steady rise up through the hurling ranks remains on course, having won the Intermediate grade in 2020.

Scorers for Newcastle West: Eoin Hurley 0-8 (0-5, ’65); B Nix 1-2; B Hurley, B Foley 1-0 each; Con Hayes, D Lyons, Cathal Hayes 0-1 each.

Scorers for Effin: P O’Donovan 1-5 (0-4 frees); J Quaid 0-3; R O’Connor 0-2; T Quaid 1-0; C O’Riordan, F O’Connor, E Dillon 0-1.

Newcastle West: M Qulligan; M Murphy, S Hurley, A Neville; M Cremin, Ethan Hurley, D Lyons; R O’Connor, B Hurley; D Kelly, Con Hayes, Eoin Hurley; B Foley, M McMahon, B Nix.

Subs: Cathal Hayes for Foley (41); W Hurley for O’Connor (inj – 49); J Whelan for Lyons (61).

Effin: J O’Leary; M Mullins, A Byrne, S Canning; M Rea, C Doherty, F O’Connor; N Quaid, C O’Riordan; R O’Connor, P O’Donovan, E Dillon; C Kearney, J Quaid, T Quaid.

Subs: R Cagney for Byrne (inj – 8); E Kelly for Doherty (40); P O’Kelly for O’Riordan (58); P Carroll for Kearney (61).

Referee: Timmy McGrath (Oola).