1925-26-27: Pé mar gheall ar phríomhbaile an chontae, ba iad "Na Goirm" príomchumhacht iománaíochta an chontae le linn na mbliain seo. Ba í seo an chéad uair a bhuaigh an club trí cinn de chraoibh an chontae as lámh a chéile. Comhachtaí móra ar an bhfoireann agus ar an gcoiste ag an am ab ea Seán Seosamh Ó Dúill agus Seoirse Ó Déagha.

1928: D’aontaigh clubanna na h-Inse agus Droichead a’ Chláir chun buachaint ar Chora Chaitlín i gcraobhchluiche an chontae.

1930-31: "Na Goirm" i réim arís mar bharrfhoireann an chontae, fé cheannas Shéain S. O Dúill.

1936: B’é Tadgh MacConmara a threoraigh an fhoireann chuig bua. Sa bhliain seo, ghnóthaigh an club an Corn agus an Comórtas.

1947-48-49: Tar éis laige i dtús na dachadaigh, bhuaigh ‘na goirm’ an corn arís, trí bhliain i ndiaidh a chéile, don pharóiste.

1955: Fé cheannas Shéamais Uí Ailpín agus tar éis naoi mbliana déag, bhuaigh ár bhfoireann Comórtas an Chláir arís i 1955.

1961: Foireann an-óg ag Club Chora Chaitlín. Chuadar fé lámh an Gheata Bán i gcraobhchluiche an Chontae i 1961.

1962: Mórán an fhoireann céanna ach bliain níos fearr. Bhuaigh Droichead Abhann Uí gCearnaigh orthu sa chomórtas ach i gcraobhchluiche do Chorn an Chontae, tar éis baistiú gharbh, fuair an fhoireann céanna bua a bhí lán tuillte acu, ar Dhroichead Abhann Uí Chearnaigh. Bunchloch eile leagtha.

1963-64-65: ‘Sna blianta seo, bhí lán bhorradh agus rath ar ógánaí na mblian roimhe. Thugadar leo trí chraoibh i ndiaidh a chéile arís.

1966: Chuaigh triúr den fhoireann ar thuras chuig na Stáit Aontaithe. Le linn an turais, cuireadh cosc imeartha ar an dtriúr. Bhuaigh Inis orainn i gcomórtas na bliana sin.

1967-68-69: ‘Na goirm’ ar ais arís ar an mbóthar árd. Trí chraoibh
i ndiaidh a chéile arís. Bhuaigh Cora Chaitlín Comórtas Chlub Na Mumhan i 1968 tar éis lámh in uachtar d’fháil ar fhóirne mar Glen Rovers, Ballygunner, agus roghachlub Thiobrad Arann, Carrick Davins. Arís, i 1969 bhuamar ar Liam Mellows, Finbarr’s Chorcaí agus ar Ballygunner chun Craobh na Mumhan a bhreith linn arís.

1970: Turas chuig na Stáit Aontaithe don dara h-uair. Meireach seo, creidtear go mbeadh an bua, i gcontae an Chláir ag Cora Chaitlín don cheathrú uair i ndiaidh a chéile.

1971-72-73: Don cheathrú babhta, bhuaigh an Club Craobh an Chontae, trí bhliain i ndiaidh a chéile.

Tá an méid seo thuas de stair an chlub tógtha as ‘A Proud Past,’ foilsithe i 1974. ‘Naocha bliain ag fás’ le Caoimhín Ó Mearáin.

1974: Newmarket win the four-in-a-row.

1976: Newmarket defeat Sixmilebridge to win the Senior crown.

1977: John McMahon becomes the club’s first All-Star, selected at corner-back.

1978: Clarecastle are defeated as the ‘Blues’ win again.

1981: Newmarket beat Tubber to claim their 22nd senior title. Paddy McNamara has the unique distinction of winning 13 senior championship medals.

1983: Club na nÓg, underage section, is established.

1985: Club centenary. Clubhouse pavilion is opened.

1997: Brian McMahon stars for the Clare Minors as they win the All-Ireland title.

1998: Second field, adjacent to main field is opened.

Selected highlights from ‘A Proud Past.’

· Victory In Croke Park

· 1932 Munster Final (J.J Doyle)

· Blessing and Opening of the Park

· Newmarket Undisputed Kings of Munster Club Hurling 1968

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· Victory In Croke Park

On April 2nd, 1914 Clare achieved a very significant, though now little talked about, victory over Tipperary in a Thomond Feis match. This victory was important because it aroused interest and instilled confidence in Clare hurling. A victory over Tipperary even in those early days of the G.A.A. was important because Tipperary had already won ten Munster Championships and were established as one of the foremost hurling counties. The first outing in the Championship for Clare resulted in a rather easy victory over Kerry by 7-3 to 4-1. This result maintained the new interest that was in Clare hurling. The interest can be seen from the fact that G.A.A. activities were receiving unprecedented coverage in the local press. The Co. Board lent their support to this new faith in Clare hurling by establishing a special committee whose responsibility it was to look after all aspects of team training.
This committee immediately got to work and organised a week’s training in Lahinch prior to the Championship fixture against Limerick. This game was played on August 30th , 1914 and Clare won by 4-2 to 2-0 with ‘Sham’ Spellissey of Ennis scoring 2 goals.
Now the stage was set for the Munster final and Clare were pitted against the might of Cork. The result was a victory for Clare by the narrowest of margins 3-2 to 3-1. Tom McGrath who played for Clare in all their matches of the Championship in 1914,was specially interviewed for this book. Though his memory is now rather fragmented, the one thing of note he recollects is the performance of Jim Guerin in the Munster final. Tom informs us that Guerin passed two balls to Jim Bawn Clancy who scored two goals and Guerin passed a third one to McGrath himself which McGrath doubled on and scored a point.
Now the scene was set for the proudest moment ever of the Clare G.A.A. On 18th October, 1914, the Clare team accompanied by William Redmond, M.P marched out on the green turf of Croke Park. 15,000 spectators were present to witness a first class match between Clare and Laois. According to the Clare Champion, this how the scores came:
In the seventh minute Jim Bawn Clancy opened the scoring for Clare with a goal. Shortly after this Sham Spellissey retired injured and was replaced by John Rodgers. Jim Guerin added a goal for the ‘Banner’ followed by a Brendan Considine point, and Guerin closed the first half scoring with another goal. Half time 3- 1 to 0- 0.
On the resumption Laois rallied and found the Clare net. John Fox had to leave the field mid-way through the second half having sustained an injury and was replaced by "Buchie" Maloney (Feakle). Maloney marked his arrival on the scene with a goal and Clancy ensured the title was bound for the Banner County with another goal.
Score: Clare: 5-1, Laois 1-0.
By Con Woods

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· 1932 Munster Final (J.J Doyle)

I have been asked to write a few lines about the Munster Hurling Final in 1932 in which Clare defeated Cork. I regard this request from my native parish as a great honour but I’m afraid my effort will not come up to expectation because that is one of my weak points – ability to recall matches. Some are great at this for as the saying goes, they can remember ‘every puck of the game.’ As I said already, I haven’t that gift and a lapse of forty-one years makes it almost more difficult. However I must try.
I do not intend to make this a long drawn out contribution by eulogising personalities or indulging in over-sentimentality. Playing in a Munster Senior Hurling Championship is a very practical assignment with little or no room for sentiment except, perhaps to be used as a driving force to greater efforts. That’s what you are up against in your opponents. Anybody who thinks otherwise is fooling himself whether he be player, official or supporter.
We had a period of collective training in Mountshannon but whether or not that helped to produce a strong team spirit it is not possible to say for certain. Perhaps it did, but anything less than a full team effort would not have succeeded against that Cork team who, let it be remembered, were still All-Ireland Champions after their three memorable matches with renowned Kilkenny the previous year. And their great experience was a big advantage.
As I said in the beginning, I cannot recall much about the match itself, in fact, the first half is a complete blank now. But I do remember the wonderful air of confidence that permeated the camp at half time for our forwards had given us a comfortable lead. We had a nice breeze in our favour. Before we resumed the second half a nasty shower came and the breeze increased. I delayed coming from the dressing room hoping the shower would end, as I did not like facing the rain on account of wearing glasses. All the players were in their places so I had no option but to do the same. As I trotted down the side line to my corner, I heard a few boos from some Cork supporters who saw a advantage to Cork slipping by as the shower and breeze would make things extra difficult for us in the backs. Cork pressed very hard at that stage and got some scores and things were not looking too good at all. I remember a Cork forward making a frontal charge on our goalie, Dr. Tommy Daly, as he moved to clear a ball. The little doctor was badly shaken and I can still see him half-staggering in a kind of circle when he was able to stand up again. I prayed that he would be alright. In those days, play was stopped until the injured player was able to resume or a substitute was brought on. The great little goalie, however, was ok. in a few minutes. I remember too, Jimmo Higgins, right corner back, telling that Cork forward, in no uncertain terms, what to expect if he tried that sort of thing again. I remember too what a great game Dr. Jim Hogan played at centre back. He wasn’t a stylist, but he played his heart out in that second half when the pressure was relentless. And isn’t it sad to recall that those four hurlers I’ve just mentioned have long since gone to their eternal reward . I wonder what are they doing now?
Of course, we couldn’t have won if the half backs, the centres and forwards did not do their share of work, but as I was playing corner back, I hope I’ll be pardoned if my few recollections seem to be confined to the struggle at that end of the field. Well, the result is history by now but it was hard earned.
However , I think what really impressed me was the wonderful enthusiasm, happiness and hope that this victory gave our thousands of faithful supporters from all over the county from Kilkee to Killaloe and from Lisdoonvarna to Bunratty. They had waited 18 years for that day and it was a tremendous feeling of satisfaction for me that I was part of the team to bring such happiness and joy to so many Clare people at home and abroad. It is a great thrill and one must live through it to really appreciate it.
In conclusion, I fervently hope that before long another Clare team will do the same and perhaps win an All-Ireland for a county that richly deserves it. Such success demands many sacrifices, but the sacrifices are as nothing compared to victory.
It is up to you Clare hurlers of to day. Are you willing to make the sacrifices?
And as you finish reading this short account of the lasting impressions and hopes of one of that team, please say a silent prayer for those other members of the team whom God has called home: (Dr) Tommy Daly, Jim Higgins, (Dr) Jim Hogan, Jack Gleeson, Larry Blake, Tom Burnell, Jim Houlihan.

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· Blessing and Opening of the Park

The Clare Champion of Saturday, August 25th devoted the entire front page to the coverage of this impressive ceremony. It described the field as follows:
‘The playing pitch proper is 148 yards long and 87 yards wide. It is bounded on the south side by a plantation and a river whilst on the other side, that facing the public road, there is a ten foot concrete wall with arched entrance in the centre. Around the pitch is an eight foot paling whilst immediately behind, the bank has so far been raised about three feet, which enables people on it to see in comfort into the field, even if the sideline is crowded. There are also four suitably laid-out dressing rooms with lavatories whilst around the grounds there are two public lavatories. After the blessing of the park the local Brass and Reed Band played ‘Faith of our Fathers’ and when Fr. O’Dea had finished his speech, he formally declared the Park open and named it ‘Fr. Murphy Memorial Park.’ He then hoisted the tri-colour, whilst the band played the National Anthem and all stood bareheaded. The proceedings were opened by Mr. Lewy Halpin who praised the hard work and initiative of Dr. Clune and proposed that he be ‘selected to occupy the chair on this auspicious occasion.’ Dr. Clune spoke in Irish and English and paid tribute to the Park Committee and their helpers. ‘A small group of men, to whom this parish is deeply indebted, have joined with me in taking over responsibility for the project. I refer of course to the Parochial Hall Committee. I have known them for the past four years, I have had the pleasure and the honour of being associated with them in more than one field of activity, and I have invariably found that where there was work to be done and where talk would have been so cheaper and easier, they faced the work to be done and did it, not merely willingly but with enthusiasm. And I think you will agree that to undertake responsibility for a Park which cost over £1,000 is a striking proof of their sincerity and public spirit, just as the manner in which it has been carried through bears witness to their capacity. They are Messrs J.J Doyle, M. Crimmins, J. McNamara (Newmarket), James Hannon and J. McNamara (Kilnasoolagh). With them as a Park Committee has been associated Mr. G. O’Dea, Clare Co. Board, and Mr. M. Murphy, captain of the Newmarket Hurling Club. To each and every one I offer my personal thanks of the entire parish.
‘The mason-work - this front wall and imposing entrance, and the dressing rooms and lavatories and this magnificent paling – was done by. Peter Nealon. There is an Irish proverb: ‘Molann an obair an fear’ – the work commends the man. It does, and the excellent craftsmanship here displayed bears eloquent witness to the efficiency of Mr. Nealon. And Mr. George O’ Dea superintended the making of the playing pitch, a difficult job, which was carried through superbly. The paling, which is the best of its sort in Ireland, was designed by Mr. J.J. Doyle. Mr. J.J. Hayes is responsible for the carpentry, for the goal-nets and for the woodwork in the dressing rooms, and the work has been done by him with his usual excellence.’
Fr. J. O’ Dea then officially opened the Park and on behalf of the Gaelic Athletic Association, whom he represented, he congratulated the people of Tradaree and hoped that ‘Fr. Murphy Memorial Park would soon be a source of joy and pride, not only to those who had been present at its opening, but to the generations to come, who would, he felt sure, continue the tradition which had made Tradaree famous.’
After the tri-colour had been raised and the National Anthem played, Mr. Frank Moloney from Ennis spoke to the assembled crowds on the part played by Fr. Murphy in the fight for Catholic Emancipation. The last speaker was Rev. Ml. Hamilton, Chairman of the Clare Co. Board, who, speaking in Irish and English congratulated the parishioners on their fine park and welcomed the hurlers of Tipperary ‘for coming such a long distance to facilitate the inauguration ceremony here today.’
A vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Clune and seconded by Rev. M.C. Galvin, Chaplain, St. Michael’s, Carrigoran, terminated the ceremonies.
To add to the occasion three hurling matches were played. In the juvenile match Newmarket beat Clarecastle 4-4 to 4-1. While in the senior match Clare played Tipperary, the home side being victorious on a scoreline of 9-4 to 6-1.

Note: Mick Hennessey from Clooney was Clare’s leading marksman with six goals to his credit, but it is interesting to record that Newmarket man Pakie Lillis, playing at wing-back scored the first point in the first senior match played in the new field.

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· Newmarket Undisputed Kings of Munster Club Hurling 1968

‘Behind every cloud there’s a silver lining’, they say . So adhering to tradition, the cloud of gloom which has hovered over Clare hurling for nigh on 15 years, drifted flamboyantly at the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick, on Sunday, when Newmarket abridged the title famine by beating Carrick Davins of Tipperary in the Munster Club Senior Hurling final . In conjunction with bringing Clare its first Southern crown since 1953 Newmarket have unlocked the golden gate, which has proved impenetrable to Clare teams over the years. For this, Clare hurling owes a debt of gratitude to Newmarket.’
Newmarket were magnificent in victory, as they gave a display of all that is best in Munster hurling and, in this respect, they were met more than half way by Carrick who never gave up the ghost. It was a spine tingling affair from start to finish. It was typical Munster hurling, endowed with the customary attributes that go with it. It was teak-tough, exhaustingly fast and brimful of top-class hurling and flawless finesse. It was unquestionably the hour of glory for Newmarket as they were not only the paramount team in Clare, but also in Munster. Newmarket deserved every score of their 5-point win. Always aggressively confident they played power-packed hurling to lead 3-3 to 1-4 at half time. Indeed, a bad mistake in the last minute of this first half gave the Tipp. men a goal they hardly deserved. In this brilliant first half’s hurling corner forward Michael O’Leary, gave his greatest display ever in a Newmarket jersey as he slotted home two opportunist goals. But ‘the prescription for victory was well and truly inscribed in the indomitable half-back partnership of Jim Cullinan, Gus Lohan and Joe Hannon. This trio offered granite-like resistance right through and was the rock on which many of the Carrick Davin attacks perished. At first glance Carrick appeared to have an ideal antidote in Mick Roche who spearheaded the attack from the 40 yards mark, but he got no chance whatever from a rampant Lohan, who turned in a stormer.
Roche moved over on Hannon in the later stages of second half.
But here too he found the red haired wing back on top of his game and was once again subjected to take a back seat. On the left, Jim Cullinan
played the game of his life, he gave a display that is unlikely to be witnessed in any hurling field in Ireland. He literally threw defiance at Roche and his men with timely anticipation and quick-silver reflexes.
Behind this trio J. Woods, M. Considine and L. Halpin seldom budged an inch. Woods in particular had a great game. In goal, Kevin Toomey came to the rescue with many first-class saves. The splendid cohesion between centre field and the half forwards was another vital factor in Newmarket’s make-up. This tactic resulted in three goals and brought about the downfall of Carrick. Liam Danagher after a slow start came out of his shell in the second half to play a major role in his side’s triumph. V. Arthur, first at mid field and then at wing forward enhanced his growing reputation with another mature play. Wing forwards Pat O’Leary and Jim McNamara are lethal weapons in any attack and on Sunday caused much anxiety to the Carrick defence. Paddy McNamara got through an amount of good work in the centre where his alertness off the mark left many defenders in their wake and instilled panic into the opposition. Although not as prolific as the previous Sunday Mick Arthur used his great hurling brain to telling advantage. He distributed some clever balls, and over the hour, created many openings for his colleagues. MI. O’Leary was the success of the full forward line. O’Leary moved to every ball with tigrish enthusiasm and took his first half goals with deadly opportunism. On the other flank John McMahon carved a niche of glory for himself with another progressive performance."
Newmarket team: K. Toomey, J. Woods, M. Considine, L.Halpin, J.Cullinan, (Capt.) G. Lohan, and J. Hannon, L. Danagher, and V. Arthur, J. McNamara, P. McNamara, P. O’Leary, J. McMahon, M. Arthur and M. O’Leary.

The first to congratulate Newmarket on this superbly executed win was the Chairman of the Carrick Davin’s Club. He said ‘What a great team ye are and ye proved your greatness with a polished display of all that is good in the game. I would dearly love to see ye play an All-Ireland final against Bennettsbridge. I would travel anywhere to such a game.’ Many Newmarket people would too, but alas an All-Ireland Club Championship was not yet approved by Central Council.
When writing about this historic win, I am sure the team would like to pay special tribute to the men behind the scenes who did trojan work for them all through the year. I have already mentioned Fr. Tuohy, (coach) and Kevin Marren, that marvellous and great secretary, but the selectors too did more than their share. They were former captain Buddy McMahon, his name sake Murrough McMahon of Tradaree song and fame and Pat Halpin who gave years of service as a player. The Chairman of the Club Michael McMahon and curate Fr. Rodgers were two other people who were also deeply involved.

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Edward Bennett (1845 - 1910)

A native of Newmarket-on Fergus and the shortest serving president (two months - 1887). Bennett, who had taken part in the 1867 Rising, was involved in athletics and in the Land League and Home Rule movements in Clare in the 1870s. Became the first chairman of the Clare GAA county committee. At the stormy convention in Thurles in November 1887 was the nominee of the Fenians for the GAA presidency, defeating Davin when P. N. Fitzgerald of Cork led the Fenian take-over of the principal posts in the GAA. When Archbishop Croke mediated in the ensuing split Bennett faded out, losing his post on the Clare board and on the Clare delegation to the 1889 convention.

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