Challenge Cup
MacDonaghs began the season with a 4-16 to 0-12 home victory over Portroe. Considering the recent inclement weather, the pitch was in remarkably good condition. Both sides were short a number of regulars and the respective management teams were in experimental mood. Portroe won the toss and elected to play with the breeze — a breeze which all but disappeared in the second half. An eager MacDonaghs outfit hit the ground running and fired over the first three points. The visitors found their feet and drew level. A point from Seamus Hennessy put MacDonaghs into the lead once again and they kept in front for the remainder of the game. Goals from Mark O’Meara and Seamus Hennessy helped the home side into a 2-10 to 0-6 lead at the interval. MacDonaghs continued to dominate in the second period though the scoring rate dropped. An early second half goal from James Williams put the issue beyond doubt with James Cleary raising the fourth green flag just before the long whistle. It was a job well done. Seamus Hennessy at centre-forward and Justin Cahill in the number six jersey were the most influential players on the field. The teams will meet in the county championship in April and Portroe will be a different proposition in that encounter. Team: Thomas Williams (Capt), Eoin Hogan, Jack Peters, Stephen Cleary, Tomás Hogan, Justin Cahill, Willie Cleary, Alan Darcy (0-2), Declan Barrett, Mark O’Meara (1-0) Seamus Hennessy (1-12), James Williams (1-1), James Cleary (1-0), Thomas Cleary (0-1) and Robert Austin. Subs: Darragh Peters, Bob Dooley, Conor Doheny and Brendan McAdams. MacDonaghs will next see action in the Challenge Cup on the weekend of 27th March.
Junior
MacDonaghs are away to Borris-Ileigh in the first round of the league on the weekend of 27th March. They will face Knockshegowna in the opening round of the championship. There are seven teams in the group with the top four qualifying for the semi-final.
Under 21
MacDonaghs will take on Kiladangan in the first round. Newport are also in the group.
Minor
MacDonaghs have been drawn to meet Toomevara in the first round. Nenagh Éire Óg and Roscrea complete the group. The top team will qualify for the semi-final. The second and third teams go forward to the quarter-final.
Cúl Camp
The annual Cúl Camp will be held in MacDonagh Park, 4th-8th July. Last year 135 participants enjoyed a fun-filled week at the camp. Don’t miss out this year. Application forms will be available in the near future.
Helmets
Medium and small helmets are available from Gilbert Williams 087-2176452 at €35 each.
County Draw
Congratulations to Joe and Margaret Gleeson, Beechwood who won €200 in the County Draw.
Strictly Come Dancing
The countdown is now on to Strictly Come Dancing. This mammoth fundraiser, organised by juvenile and camogie clubs, will be held in the Abbey Court Hotel on Friday, 1st April. Tickets, costing €20, are now on sale. As demand will exceed supply, immediate purchase is advisable to avoid disappointment. Business owners and individuals are invited to place an advertisement in the special souvenir programme which will be on sale on the night. In conjunction with this venture, there is a raffle. You can buy a line from any of the contestants or committee and they are also available in the local shops. There are a number of prizes, including two All-Ireland hurling tickets. The couples have been allocated their dances which include the Charleston, the Argentine Tango, the Samba and the Salsa. Seamus Costello has been confirmed as MC for the evening, so patrons are guaranteed fun and laughter.
Membership
Membership fees for 2016 are now due: adult players €50; non playing adults €30; juveniles and minors €30. Membership cards are now available. Special €200 packages are also available. The deadline for renewal is 31st March.
Handball
At the recent Munster finals, Sean McAdams and John McGrath lost out to Cork in a replay of the U16 doubles. Also playing were James Loughnane and Cormac Doheny in the U14doubles and they had a good win over Cork which led on to the All Ireland semi-final against Wexford. A titanic struggle ensued with Wexford winning narrowly 15-14, 13-15 and 15-13. Best of luck to Jerome Cahill and Ballina's James Prentice who play against Cork in the Munster minor doubles final on Friday in Cappagh, Limerick.
