Senior
For the second time in two years MacDonaghs have qualified for the North semi-final. On last Friday evening a 3-24 to 2-18 victory over Borris-Ieigh in Toomevara booked a place in the last four. When the sides met in last year’s championship MacDonaghs had sixteen points to spare against a Borris-Ileigh side without the services of Brendan Maher. This time Brendan lined out at centre-back, while the Magpies were without Darragh Peters. MacDonaghs made a dream start to the game. Inside the first two minutes a goal from Cian Darcy was sandwiched between a brace of points from Conor Cleary and Kieran Cahill. Borris-Ileigh gradually settled into game and by the tenth minute were just three points adrift. However, that was as close as Borris-ileigh got. MacDonaghs were dominating in most sectors of the field with Seamus Hennessy and Justin Cahill very impressive in the middle of the park. With twenty-four minutes gone MacDonaghs had opened a five-point gap. Borris-Ileigh finished the half well to reduce the deficit to five at the interval. Score: MacDonaghs 1-13 Borris-Ileigh 0-11.
MacDonaghs began the half impressively with a point from Eoin Hogan. Borris-Ileigh found the net and it was game on. However, the Magpies responded quickly to this setback. Thomas Cleary raised a white flag and in the thirty-second minute James Williams collected a great cross from Cian Darcy, sidestepped his marker and buried the sliotar in the net. Brian O’Meara, Seamus Hennessy (free) and Justin Cahill added points in quick succession and the gap was out to ten after thirty-six minutes. To Borris-Ileigh’s credit they hung in and with five minutes left they were eight points in arrears. A goal gave them a brief flicker of hope but in the fifty-ninth minute Seamus Hennessy rifled a penalty in the roof of the net and Brian O’Meara capped a tremendous display with his fifth point of the game.
It had been MacDonaghs best display of the season. A score of 3-24 will win every game. All six forwards, the two midfielders and two backs scored from play. Some brilliant scores were taken and there was no mad shooting from impossible angles. However, all will be concerned that 2-18 was conceded. The concession of such a total will lose most games. No motivation should be necessary for the semi-final — MacDonaghs will play the winners of the Borrisokane and Burgess game. The hurt from the defeat in the 2014 semi-final is still raw. With Darragh Peters almost certain to be available for the semi-final and a number of substitutes chomping at the bit to gain a starting berth competition for places is going to be intense. Training should be very interesting over the coming weeks. With Tipperary making welcome progress in both hurling and football the date for the semi-final remains clouded in a dense fog of uncertainty. It appears that county managers have control of the fixtures — A case of the tail wagging the dog.
Team: Thomas Williams, Ray McLoughney, Jack Peters, Éanna Hogan, Willie Cleary, Niall O’Meara (0-1), Eoin Hogan (0-1), Justin Cahill (0-5), Seamus Hennessy (1-4), Kieran Cahill (0-4), Conor Cleary (0-1), Thomas Cleary (0-2), James Williams (1-1), Brian O’Meara (0-5) and Cian Darcy (1-0). Subs: Conor Austin (Blood), James Cleary,Tomás Hogan and Mark O’Meara.
Football
Congratulations to the Tipperary senior football team and management on a magnificent victory over Galway.
Junior
MacDonaghs will play Borris-Ileigh in the penultimate round robin game. No date has been finalised for this fixture.
Minor
MacDonaghs take on Nenagh Éire Óg in the final group game in Puckane on this Wednesday, 3rd August at 7.00pm. The winner will progress to the quarter-final.
Under 14
MacDonaghs had mixed fortunes in recent games. They had a 7-6 to 2-10 victory over Ballina but lost to Roscrea on a 6-13 to 5-6 scoreline.
Under 12
After a great campaign MacDonaghs lost to Moneygall in MacDonagh Park on a 3-8 to 1-4 scoreline. Team: Tristan Madden, Zack Dervan, Sean Hayes, Jack Ryan, Eoin Carroll, Billy Harty, Tom Larke (0-1), Oisín Williams (1-2), Jack Mulcahy (0-1), Jack Gleeson and Eamonn Coonan. Subs: Danny Cahalan and Thomas Coonan. The team made great progress during the year. Thanks to the players and management for all their efforts. Although the championship is over it is hoped to play some tournament games later in the season.
Under 10
Toomevara visited MacDonagh Park and played two competitive games against the home teams.
Under 8
MacDonaghs hosted Toomevara on last Thursday for two very enjoyable games.
Under 6
On last Saturday morning MacDonagh Park was a hive of activity as Kilruane MacDonaghs and Nenagh Éire Óg played three games. Thanks to Jack Mulcahy who played the music as the teams paraded before the start.
Tickets
Ticket applications for the All-Ireland hurling semi-final must be with Carmel Daly 087-2409854 or Matt Cleary 087-4171382 by 9.00pm on this Thursday, 4th August. No late applications will be entertained. Applications are also been taken for the football semi-final.
Club History
Thanks to the 108 patrons who have now pledged €6,170 — €5,170 has been paid over. We have contributions from Arizona, Chicago, Perth, Kilkenny, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Shannon Rovers, Burgess, Lorrha, Nenagh and all corners of the parish. Contact Gilbert Williams 087-2176452 to have your name included as a patron. “Kilruane MacDonaghs 1970-2013, Heirs to a Proud Tradition,” will be launched on Friday, 14th October by Len Gaynor. For as little as €50 you too can become part of the club history by becoming a patron. All patrons will be acknowledged in the publication. There are just three weeks left to get your name on the list. Pledge your contribution now and avoid the inevitable stampede that will occur in the last few days before book goes to print.
