FAI: Newmarket Celtic claim first Tom Hand Memorial Cup

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The season opener which pips the FAI Junior Cup Champion against the Intermediate holder took place last night at the impressive Ballingarry AFC in Limerick as the Clare club ran out 2-1 winners to secure the trophy for the first-time in their history.
It was a fantastic tie throughout and a brilliant showcase for the Amateur game in Ireland as both sides created chances early on. Shane Cusack in the Newmarket goal had done well to keep the Cork club at bay in the early stages but it was Rockmount who eventually found the break-through.
After a period of sustained pressure, Ireland Amateur international Luke Casey produced a classy, calm finish on the half-hour to put the Intermediate Champions ahead.
After the break, Newmarket found renewed energy and having started the second-half bright, drew level in the 48th minute as Eoin Hayes' cross found Ethan Fitzgerald who nodded home.
The Junior Cup Champions, sparred on by their equaliser, started to play some impressive football and should have took the lead soon after but Tadhg Noonan couldn't find the target.
It didn't take long until they did take the lead and found what would turn out to be the winner as Fitzgerald once again headed home in the 60th minute.
Newmarket's task of seeing the game out was made more difficult when they were reduced to 10 men with 15 minutes remaining as Noonan received his second yellow but despite a late chance which was tipped onto the crossbar by Cusack, Newmarket remained resolute to claim victory.
It is a famous win for the Junior Cup Champions who've made an impressive few months, winning their first ever FAI Junior Cup as well as their first-ever Tom Memorial Cup.
Player of the Match: Ethan Fitzgerald
Referee: Brian Higgins
Assistant Referee 1: Stephen Rooney
Assistant Referee 2: Mark Kennedy
Fourth Official: Pat King



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Introduction:
Newmarket Celtic secured the 2023 Tom Hand Memorial Cup against FAI Intermediate Cup Champions Rockmount AFC in the season opener at Ballingarry AFC.




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