Senior
The seniors had a three point victory against Holycross-Ballycahill in the opening round of the county championship on a 1-18 to 1-15 scoreline in Borrisoleigh. This may have been Kilruane MacDonaghs first senior championship game in Borrisoleigh, since the infamous 1944 county final against Thurles which was abandoned after a goalmouth melee. Mark O’Leary and Eoin Hogan were doubtful starters before the game and a number of other players were not considered for selection due to injury.
On last Sunday evening a stiff cross field breeze caused shooting difficulties for both sides. Holycross were quickly into their stride and inside ten seconds centre-back Cathal Barrett had sent the sliotar sailing over the bar. Niall O’Meara got MacDonaghs off the mark with a point from play. Holycross opened a two point gap before Seamus Hennessy launched a massive free over the black spot, from inside his own half-back line. Holycross continued to hold a slight edge and a goal gave them a five point lead. Approaching the break, the Mid team held a four point advantage. Substitute Thomas Cleary, who had a major impact, struck a point and a goal to leaves the sides all square on 1-7 each.
On the resumption, Holycross made the early running and raised three white flags. Things were looking ominous for MacDonaghs. To their credit they responded to the challenge. Justin Cahill hit a crucial point and Mark O’Leary was on target from a free. The game was delicately balanced in the final quarter, with the teams level on four different occasions. The sides were deadlocked on 1-15 each as the game entered the final minutes. Mark O’Meara won a vital free in the left corner and his brother Brian punished the indiscretion. Eoin Williams took a pass from Justin Cahill to put MacDonaghs two ahead. Kevin Ryan, who impressed when introduced, added his second point to extend the gap to three. Kilruane kept their composure in the final momements as Holycross sought the equaliser.
Team: Thomas Williams, Éanna Hogan, Seamus Hennessy (0-2), Páidí Kelly, Eoin Hogan, Kieran Cahill, Liam Gibson, Kevin Quinlan, Justin Cahill (0-2), Mark O’Leary (Capt) (0-2), Jonathan Cahill, Brian O’Meara (0-6), Eoin Williams (0-2), Shane Quinlan and Niall O’Meara (0-1). Subs: Thomas Cleary (1-1), Mark O’Meara and Kevin Ryan (0-2).
Kilruane MacDonaghs face Cashel in the second round on the weekend of April 26th/27th.
Junior
The junior hurlers pay Silvermines in the second round of the league in MacDonagh Park on this Saturday at 6.30pm.
Minor
Commiserations to Darragh Peters who was on the Tipperary minor hurling team that lost to Limerick. Cian Darcy was also on the panel.
Garda Cup
Cian Darcy and Martin Grace were on the North Tipperary U16 team that won the Plate Final in the Garda Cup competition.
Under 14
The U14 footballers got their campaign off to the best possible start with a 4-5 to 0-3 away victory against Borris-Ileigh. MacDonaghs combined well as a team, with players linking up very well together. Team: Jack Dunne, Kieran Spain, Mark O’Neill, Louis Kennedy, Patrick Hayes, Kian O’Kelly (0-1), Dylan Moran, Sean McAdams (2-0), Cian Spillane, Matthew Moyles, Owen Usman (0-1), Eoin England (1-0), Conor Quinlan, Jack Dwan (0-1) and Matthew Spain (0-1). Subs: Aaron Morgan (1-1), Páidí Williams and David Sullivan. On this Wednesday Kilruane MacDonaghs are at home to Burgess at 6.30pm.
Under 12
The U12 ‘A’ footballers qualified for the semi-final with a good away win against Toomevara. Team: Kevin McDonald, Cormac Doheny, Barry Shanahan, Shane McAteer, Aaron Morgan, Páidí Williams, James Loughnane, Colm Cleary, Nathan Lynch, Oisín Carroll and David Sullivan. Subs: Rory Grace and Darra Hannon. Kilruane MacDonaghs followed this up with a 4-6 to 3-4 home victory against Kildangan.
Parish League
The second round of the Parish League took place in MacDonagh Park last Saturday. In an absorbing opening game Cormac Doheny led the Gorry Rangers to a 9-6 victory against David Sullivan’s De Wets. In the second match Conor Quinlan’s Kyle just edged out Louis Kennedy’s Ninety Eights on a 9-7 scoreline. The third round takes place on next Saturday with all teams still in the hunt for a spot in the final. Two games were also played in the Mini League. All U8, U10 and U12 selectors should be present at 10.30 to assist in organising the Leagues. Players should be in attendance at 10.45 to facilitate a punctual start. Any boys who were unavailable for the early rounds can come next Saturday and they will be slotted on to a team.
Cumann na mBunscol
In the first round of the championship Kilruane N.S. overcame Puckane N.S. in MacDonagh Park on a 3-9 to 2-6 scoreline. Captain Dylan Moran won the toss and elected to play with the breeze. Three first half goals from Conor Quinlan laid the foundation for victory in a very competitive encounter. Team: Jamie Kennedy, James Loughnane, Louis Kennedy, Kieran Spain, Dylan Moran (0-2), Paul O’Neill, Mathew Moyles (0-2), Eoin O’Meara, Cormac Doheny, Rory Grace (0-2), Aaron Morgan (0-3)and Conor Quinlan (3-0). Sub: Shane McAteer.
New York Prize
There are now just five days left to enter the competition for the chance of a lifetime job in New York. For €10 one very lucky individual is going to win a three month job, June to August, in a Spillane Group Bar in New York. The prize includes return flights, the first month’s accommodation and two daily meals. The second and third month’s accommodation will be organised. Full training will be provided. Entrants to the draw must be eighteen years. The winner could earn up to €10,000. Terms and conditions apply. See www.kilruanemacdonaghs.com/NewYork for full details. It’s easy to enter. Dial LoCall 0818286811 with debit/credit card details or click on www.kilruanemacdonaghs.com/NewYork where you can enter using PayPal. The closing date is April 20th. Parents, relatives and friends can also enter and nominate any eligible person to win the prize.
Clothes Collection
The juvenile club is organising a clothes collection on Thursday 22nd, Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th of May. There will be collection centres in the MacDonagh Complex in Cloughjordan, Fr. O’Meara Centre in Kilruane and the Community Hall in Ardcroney. Collection times will be finalised in the next few weeks. Please donate all your clean unwanted clothes also bed linen, towels, curtains, shoes, belts and soft toys. This is a painless and environmentally friendly way to provide much needed funds for the juvenile club.
Summer Camp
The annual Cúl Camp is scheduled for June 30th to July 4th in Thomas MacDonagh Park. This year the camp will have the usual 10.00am start in the morning but finish at the earlier time of 2.00pm. Application forms will be distributed through the schools after the Easter break.
Handball
Sean McAdams gave an outstanding display in the All-Ireland U12 singles final in Newmarket-on-Fergus, just missing out on taking top honours. James Loughnane and Rory Grace acquitted themselves admirably by reaching the quarter-final of the All-Ireland U11 doubles championship.
Sympathy
The club extends sympathy to Tom Kirby and family, Kilruane on the death of Tom’s brother, Neilus in England.
