Challenge Cup
The senior hurlers lost out at home to Thurles in the first round of the Challenge Cup on a 1-20 to 1-12 scoreline. Both teams were without a number of regulars, so it was an opportunity for others to stake a claim for a place. MacDonaghs played with a slight breeze in the first half which was evenly balanced. Thurles combined better in the attack while there was a tendency for the MacDonaghs forwards to bunch, in particular under the puck outs. Coming up to the interval the sides were deadlocked on 0-8 each. Ray McLoughney was hauled down with a goal at his mercy, but unfortunately the resultant penalty was saved.
On the resumption the sides swapped a brace of points with Conor Cleary and Mark O’Leary on target for the home side. The visitors received a boost when a rather fortuitous goal put them three ahead. They opened up a six point gap but MacDonaghs kept battling. With fifteen minutes left Eoin Williams knifed though the Sarsfields defence, offloaded to James Williams who struck a beauty into the corner of the net. However, Thurles finished the stronger to clinch victory. This was a very useful workout which will have given the selectors much food for thought. Team: Ger Corcoran, Paudie Kelly, Diarmuid Cahill, Jack Peters, Pat Conway (0-1), Justin Cahill, Colm Williams, Alan Darcy, William Cleary, Jonathan Cahill, Mark O’Leary (0-3), Conor Cleary (0-3), James Williams (1-1), Ray McLoughney (0-4 frees) and Eoin Williams. Subs: Martin Walsh and Pat Williams. Thanks to Carmel Daly, Kay Cahalan, Mary McLoughney and Joan Melia who provided refreshments for both teams and officials and a bus load of visiting physiotherapy students from Michigan. Thanks also to Jimmy and Joe Cahill who acted as linesmen. Kevin McDonald had his maiden outing as scoreboard operator and everything went smoothly for him.
Hogan Cup
The senior hurlers face Roscrea in MacDonagh Park in the quarter-final of the Hogan Cup on this Saturday March 9th at 3.00pm.
Fitzgibbon Cup
Commiserations to Niall O’Meara and Eanna Hogan who were part of the Mary I team beaten by UCC in the Fitzgibbon Cup final in Pearse Stadium. This was only the Limerick College’s second time in the competition, so it was a fantastic achievement to reach the final.
Vocational Schools
Best wishes to Aidan Boyle, Tomás Hogan, Conor Austin, Paddy Ryan, Conor Cleary and Bob Dooley who are part of the Borrisokane Community College team which takes on Coláiste Phobail Roscrea in the Munster final in Dolla on this Wednesday at 1.30pm.
Medal Presentation
The presentation of medals to the U21 hurlers will take place in the clubroom on this Friday March 8th at 9.30pm. The medals will be presented by Len Gaynor. All are welcome to attend.
Under 12
On Monday March 18th the U12 hurlers will travel to play Salthill/Knocknacarra before attending the Tipperary and Galway League match in Pearse Stadium. Salthill/Knocknacarra is the adopted club of Tipperary manager Eamon O’Shea.
Under 8
U8 indoor training recommences on next Monday March 11th at 6.30pm.
Helmets
Medium and mini helmets are now available from Gilbert Williams 087-2176452 at reduced cost of €35.
Membership
Membership fees remain the same as last year: U6, U8 and U10 €10; U12, U14, U16 and U18 €20; players over minor €50 and non playing adults €20. Subscriptions are now overdue and should be paid to the respective managers. Players can only participate in games when their membership fee is paid. There is absolutely no exception to this. Non playing adults, who join the club, will automatically be put on the text list. They can also apply for match tickets and avail of discount at the Sportsmans Dream, Jim McLoughneys, Tadhg Flahertys JKCS and the Zip Yard on the production of a valid membership card. In addition all adult players and members will be entered into a draw for two County Draw subscriptions 2013/2014, and one annual Club Lotto subscription. This draw will take place at the committee meeting on March 21st. The club text list will be updated on March 31st to include only paid up members.
Handball
Congratulations to Jerome Cahill and Sean McAdams who won their respective Munster finals in Galbally at the weekend. Sean teamed up with his Lahorna colleague Daire Madden to claim the U13 doubles title, while Jerome partnered James Prentice of Ballina to take the honours in the U14 doubles. In the All-Ireland semi-finals they will face Ulster opposition.
Committee Meeting
The monthly meeting of the club committee will be held in the clubroom on Thursday March 21st at 8.15pm. All committee members are asked to make a big effort to be present.
Summer Camp
The annual Kellogs Camp takes place in Thomas MacDonagh Park July 1st to 5th. The cost remains the same as last year: first child €55, second child €45 and third child €40.
