Newacastlewest won the Limerick SFC title in 2015.
By Cian O'Connell
Dromcollogher-Broadfard set the standard in Limerick. Now other progressive clubs are on the glory trail too.
In 2015 Newcastlewest ended a 23 year search for a county title and they returned to the Limerick decider on Sunday.
Adare, Intermediate champions 12 months ago, will bring an exciting and emerging team to the Gaelic Grounds too and Joe Lee, the popular Newcastlewest manager, is delighted to be centrally involved.
A brother of current Limerick manager, Billy, and a former selector at inter-county level himself, Lee is a well respected figure in Munster football circles.
“It definitely has improved over the last few years,” Lee says about the development of the club game in Limerick. “Drom Broadford brought up the standard nicely, they won a Munster club title so they brought the standard up. There are a lot of clubs there now so it is very competitive.
“In fairness, you'd have the likes of Monaleen, Fr Caseys, Drom Broadford obviously, Newcastle at the moment. For some Adare might be a bit of a surprise package having won the Intermediate last year, but I think they have a very good young team.”
Adare have acquired a winning habit and Lee sees parallels with how his own club Newcastlewest have improved. “Very much so, especially when you have the same bunch,” Lee says. “It evolves all the time.
“They won an Under 21 a couple of years ago and the Intermediate last year so fellas know how to win them games. The main core of the Newcastle team is made up of a bunch that won Under 14, 16, minor, and Under 21s.”
Newcastlewest have re-established themselves as a serious force in Limerick once more and Lee is encouraged about the future.
Jamie Lee is an important player for Newcastlewest.
“The vast number of them would be 25 or 26, they all came up through the ranks together,” Lee states. “Then you've the likes of Stephen Kelly, who is 35, Mike Mahon and Sean Browne around 30, Mike O'Keefe around the 30 mark and then you'd have a few 20-22 year olds. It is a nice mix.
“They lost finals in 2011 to Monaleen and after a replay to Drom Broadford in 2012. Most of that team are still playing, back then they were relatively very young, but now they have a huge amount of experience.
“It is great to get to a County Final, when you start training in January that is what you are looking for, to be involved at the business end of the year.”
Having spent three years in Maurice Horan’s Limerick coaching set-up, Lee is enjoying his role with Newcastlewest again. “I was involved in 2010, this is my first year back with them,” Lee remarks.
“There is no major difference between club teams and county teams in terms of the level of preparation and the amount of time that goes into it. Maybe you wouldn't have the same time travelling, obviously, but the same amount of work is involved.”
Family matters deeply in the Newcastlewest club too so Lee is proud to lead them into Sunday’s encounter.
“There is a good tradition in the family alright, Billy's son, Jamie, is playing on the team and I've another nephew, Paul Hannon, my sister's son,” Lee says. “My mother was always very involved in the club.
“It is nice to get to a County Final, but only really if you are winning them. It isn't nice coming away from it being a loser, but first and foremost it is nice to be there, it gives you something to look forward to, getting the win is another thing.”
Newcastlewest will be doing their utmost to hoist silverware this weekend, but regardless of what happens Lee will always be acknowledged for making such a rich contribution to Limerick sport.
