Newmarket’s experience to prove decisive

THE fact that Newmarket Celtic A are the favourites to win the Clare Junior Cup title on Saturday won’t surprise too many followers of the sport in the county. THE fact that Newmarket Celtic A are the favourites to win the Clare Junior Cup title on Saturday won’t surprise too many followers of the sport in the county.
After all, they are the title holders and have been playing in the top division of the league, whereas their opponents have seen little action at premier level over the years.
That said, it would be foolish to write off Corofin Harps. They have just won promotion to the top grouping for next season and have shown on many occasions they are capable of matching the best in the league.
Both sides have won their places in the final on merit and, going on semi-final form, Saturday’s clash has all the ingredients of a lively contest. Newmarket fans will want to celebrate at the County Grounds for the second weekend in succession. On Sunday last, they won the Michael O’Gorman Youths Cup with a 2-1 win over Mountshannon.
Their semi-final form was particularly impressive and if they can repeat their second-half display from that game, it’s difficult to see them not being crowned champions.
That said, Corofin are noted battlers and in Gerry Halpin they have a manager who has led the club to this title on two previous occasions.
Both clubs are awaiting news on the availability of a key player. Mark Donlon is Newmarket’s captain and, arguably, their most experienced player. Should he fail to recover from injury, it would be a huge blow to their hopes of retaining the title.
John Keane is a key member of the Corofin line-up and has scored some vital goals on the way to the final. His brother, Brendan, is already ruled out due to injury and should John not be available, it would also be a massive blow to the North Clare club.
Newmarket’s experience shone through in the semi-final. Two goals down at half-time, they looked to be in difficulty but they dominated the second half, scoring four times and leaving no one in any doubt as to their determination to hold on to the crown.
Michael Devitt, Michael Crosby, Dáithí O’Connell, Eoin Hayes, Eoin O’Brien and Alan Brigdale have all been in sparkling form. Equally, Brian Halpin, Michael Concannon, Damian and Dean Ryan, Jason Tierney and Luke O’Loughlin have been impressive for Corofin.
The expectation is they will provide a good contest on Saturday evening but at the end of a close tie, Newmarket are expected to be ahead.