Mullaney inspires Newport

NEWPORT/BALLINAHINCH 3-3 DAVITTS 0-2

Newport/Ballinahinch had a day to remember in Croke Park on Saturday, as late goals from Trudie Hurley and Ciara Ryan saw them crowned champions.

This game nearly didn’t take place, as Aghabullogue of Cork lodged an objection to the manner in which Davitts were given their place in the final, which meant that the game was deferred from its initial 1.0 throw-in while their appeal was processed.

Aghabullogue had asked for their semi-final with the Galwegians to be put back to Saturday, as they had been competing in a play-off game late on Friday, but this was turned down by the Feile Committee.

So, the weekend’s showpiece finally got under way at 4.30, and it was a rather scrappy affair.

Davitts took the lead through a brace of Roisin Dervan points 10 minutes in, but Newport finally settled and a two scores from centre-forward Caroline Mullaney brought them level by the break.

Newport got a dream start to the second period, when Mullaney’s free from 50 metres dipped into the net.

Davitts battled hard, but Hurley’s goal from a rebound was followed by Ryan’s strike and another point from the influential Mullaney.

Scorers — Newport/Ballinahinch: C Mullaney 1-3 (1-1f), T Hurley, C Ryan 1-0 each. Davitts: R Dervan 0-2.

NEWPORT/BALLINAHINCH — K Jones; L Healy, C Floyd, S Ryan; C McGrath, C Sheldon, C Lenihan; E Hennessy, A Quigley; K Lenihan, C Mullaney, T Hurley; E Floyd, C Ryan, C Troy. Subs: J Jones for Floyd (41), I Ryan for Healy (41).

DAVITTS –L Cormican; C Shalvey, R Dolan, Z Connors; K Larkin, E Burke, K Flynn; T Moloney, E O’Burke; S Breheny, H McHugo, A McHugo; M Byrne, R Dervan, J Glynn. Subs: E Donnellan for Glynn (38), L Hodgins for Shalvey (38).

REF — B Cooper (Na Fianna/Dublin).