U21
In the ‘B’ semi-final, we came out the wrong side of a 2-17 to 1-19 scoreline against Newport after an exciting encounter in MacDonagh Park. Both sides were backboned by U19 players who had clashed in the North final. MacDonaghs had only four players up to the age. Kilruane were without the services of Paul Molloy and Eamonn Coonan. Rory Grace made a welcome return after his handball exploits.
The Magpies were off the mark in the opening minute with Eoin Carroll converting a free after a foul on Paul Dwyer. Newport soon took control and led 0-6 to 0-2 after the first quarter, and with twenty-five minutes gone were 0-11 to 0-4 ahead. MacDonaghs thundered into the game in the closing minutes of the half and trailed 0-12 to 0-8 at the interval.
The home team upped the tempo in the third quarter, and with thirty-eight minutes gone, cut the deficit to the minimum with a Jack Mulcahy point. A minute later, Newport found the net to open up a four-point gap. However, MacDonaghs responded with three points to cut the arrears to one. A second Newport goal in the 45th minute handed them the initiative once more. To Kilruane’s credit, they kept battling away after these two hammer blows. In the 59th minute, Brian O’Meara lobbed the sliotar into the goalmouth. Sean Hayes rose highest to volley to the net, leaving a point between the sides and setting up a grandstand finish. A Cillian Collins free was cancelled out by a similar effort by Michael Cleary after a foul on Johnny Naughnane. With the clock deep in the red, the Magpies went in search of an equaliser, but it wasn’t to be. It was a noble effort by the team that just came up short. Newport were more clinical in taking their scoring chances, and that was the deciding factor in this terrific game. Thanks to the players, management (Thomas Williams, Niall O’Meara, Eanna Hogan) and backroom team, for a tremendous effort during the condensed campaign.
Team: Kevin Naughnane (Capt), Ross Austin, Ciaran Coffey, Danny Cahalan, Cian Hayes, Cian Moyles, Shane Cleary (0-1), Cathal England (0-1), Rory Grace, Brian O’Meara (0-3), Jack Mulcahy (0-2), Sean Hayes (1-0), Paul Dwyer, Eoin Carroll (0-2, 0-1 free), Michael Cleary (0-10, 0-6 frees). Subs: Cillian Healy, Michael Hennelly, Johnny Naughnane.
Minor
We claimed the minor ‘A’ football time for the fourth time with a 0-13 to 1-9 victory over Nenagh Éire Óg in Puckane. Our previous titles were won in 1970 (Kilruane MacDonaghs 1-7 Silvermines 0-8), 1972 (Kilruane MacDonaghs 2-8 Sean Treacy’s 1-6) and 1984 (Kilruane MacDonaghs 1-3 Erin’s Hope 0-5). This latest victory completes the hurling/football double for this group of players. The double was also completed in 1972.
It was a perfect evening for football in Puckane. There was no wind, no rain, and the pitch was in pristine condition. Inside the first minute, corner-forward Lucas Jones slotted over a point to put MacDonaghs in front. Eight scoreless minutes followed before Nenagh took the lead with a goal. Cillian Healy kicked a sweet point in the 13th minute with Nenagh replying from a free two minutes lates. In the 17th minute. Michael Cleary bisected the posts from a free to cut the gap to the minimum. Both sides swopped points from frees before Cillian Healy’s trusty left foot brought the teams level in the 27th minute. A minute later, a Nenagh point from play left the scoreboard reading 1-3 to 0-5 in their favour at the interval.
On the restart, Nenagh increased their advantage to two before Cormac Kennedy kicked a point to leave one between the sides again. Cormac set up Michael Cleary for the equaliser in 36th minute, and three minutes later, Micheal Hennelly did the spadework for Michael Cleary to edge the Magpies ahead. A Nenagh free had the sides level in the 41st minute. Kilruane struck a purple patch with a point from Cillian Healy sandwiched between a brace from Michael Cleary. With nine minutes to go, Nenagh cut the deficit to two. Wing-back Cormac Gaynor surged up field and kicked a point to extend the advantage to three. A Nenagh point from play was cancelled out by a Michael Hennelly free. Nenagh dominated the remaining minutes, and keeper Johnny Naughnane and his defence had to be on their toes to keep their line intact. The lead was cut to the minimum in injury time. In one last-gasp attack, the town team was awarded a close-in free. The effort for the equaliser fell short, and the ball was booted to safety as referee Pat O’Mahony blew the final whistle. After the game, North Secretary Philip Delaney presented the trophy to captain Cillian Healy. Congratulations to the management team of Cathal McIntyre, Mick Cleary & Pat Murphy (Coach). Thanks also to June Whelan (Physio).
Team: Johnny Naughnane, Charlie Kennedy, Fearghal Doheny, Jack Quinlisk, Cormac Gaynor (0-1), Tommy O’Meara, Fiachradh Ahearne Woods, Cillian Healy (0-3), Tommy Burriss, Cathal McIntyre, Michael Hennelly (0-1 free), Cormac Kennedy (0-1) Lucas Jones (0-1), Shane Cleary, Michael Cleary (0-6, 0-3 frees). Sub: Andrew Austin.
Window on the Past
The minor footballers bridged a forty-year gap with the victory over Nenagh last Friday. On 19th September 1984, Kilruane MacDonaghs defeated Erin’s Hopes 1-3 to 0-5 in MacDonagh Park, Cloughjordan, to claim the Gunnell Cup for the third time. Team: William Percy, Michael O’Meara, David Keyes, Martin Cahalan, Vincent Mulcahy, Paul Mulcahy, Pat Williams, Donal Cahill, (Capt), Martin Tooher, Martin Cahill, Ned Darcy, Tom Killackey, Eamon Kirby, Tom Darcy, David Quinlan (1-2). Sub: Joe Cahill (0-1). Selectors: Billy O’Meara, Paddy Quinlan, Paddy Heffernan, Gilbert Williams.
In the semi-final against Newport in Dolla, MacDonaghs trailed by 2-10 to 1-2 with ten minutes to go. Amazingly, Kilruane banged in four goals to book their place in the final on a 5-2 to 2-10 scoreline.
Schools Hurling
Shane Cleary and Brian O’Meara lined out on the Nenagh CBS Harty Cup team that overcame St. Francis College, Rochestown, in the second round of the competition. Well done to all the Kilruane MacDonaghs players who were involved with the Borrisokane CC team’s victory over Patrician Academy Mallow.
U13
Tiarnán Casey played with the North Tipperary football team in Dr. Morris Park on Saturday.
Handball
Congratulations to Rory and Hannah Grace, who were crowned World Champions. Rory and Sean Coughlan (Clare) won the Men’s ‘A’ doubles final while Hannah and Jodie Keeling (Wexford) won the Girls’ U19 Doubles final.
AGM
The Annual General Meeting will be held in the Clubroom on Thursday, 5th December at 8.00pm. It will be preceded by Mass for deceased members in Cloughjordan Church at 7.30pm. Nomination forms are now available on our website www.kilruane.com and must be returned to secretary.kilruanemacdonaghs.tipperary@gaa.ie by Tuesday, 3rd December.
Tipperary Draw
Congratulations to Ger Cleary, Behamore, who won €500 and to Shay O’Meara, Cloughkeating who won €300 in the Tipperary Draw.
Lotto
The jackpot stands at €6,100. Tickets are available from the usual outlets, or you can play on Club Spot. Thanks for your continued support.
Bingo
The weekly Bingo session continues on Saturday night in the Fr. O’Meara Centre, Kilruane at 8.00pm. The jackpot is €1,850.
Table Quiz
North Tipperary GAA Referees are holding a Fun Table Quiz in the Hibernian Inn, Nenagh on Friday, 15th November at 8.00pm. A table of four is €40. All are welcome to attend.
Win a House
Tipperary GAA has launched its “Win a House” Draw. The grand prize is a fully furnished home in Bregawn, Cashel, valued at €350,000. Alternatively, the winner can choose a cash prize of €300,000. Tickets are priced at €100 and are available from our club officers. €30 from each ticket we sell will be retained by the club.
