Senior
In the second round of the County Championship, Willie Cleary converted a 65th-minute free to seal a dramatic 1-20 to 1-19 win over Upperchurch Drombane in Templederry. Conor Fahey’s goal on the hour had put the Mid side a point ahead, and when Keith Ryan added a point two minutes later, MacDonaghs looked set to exit the championship. But the famous Magpies spirit came to the fore once more as the team refused to accept defeat. Our leaders stood up to be counted. Niall O’Meara reduced the margin to a point before Craig Morgan, pushed forward into attack, struck the equaliser. In one last-gasp attack, Upperchurch goalkeeper Ciaran Shortt was penalised for barging into Craig, and Willie Cleary arrowed the sliotar over the black spot. Referee Cian Ryan blew the final whistle from the puckout, keeping Kilruane in contention for qualification. In the opening round against Holycross, a late free had denied us a draw; this time, the fortune was reversed.
A huge crowd gathered in Templederry for this crucial encounter. Playing against the breeze, MacDonaghs led 1-8 to 0-9 at the break. Thomas Cleary struck the goal in the seventeenth minute after Niall O’Meara rose into the clouds to claim the sliotar and offloaded to Kian O’Kelly. His shot was saved, but Thomas was on hand to hammer home the rebound. MacDonaghs suffered a setback at half-time when Aaron Morgan was forced off, with Jerome Cahill replacing him before also having to leave the action in the thirty-ninth minute.
Despite those setbacks, Kilruane enjoyed a productive spell and led 1-15 to 0-12 at the end of the third quarter. Upperchurch then thundered into the game, hitting six of the next eight points to cut the gap to two before a dramatic finale gripped the large attendance.
Team: Darragh Peters, James Cleary, Aaron Morgan, Jack Peters, Shane Cleary (0-1), Craig Morgan (0-1), Cormac Kennedy (0-1), Cathal England, Kieran Cahill, Tommy O’Meara, Niall O’Meara (0-4), Kian O’Kelly (0-1), Willie Cleary (0-9, 0-6 frees, 0-1 65), Thomas Cleary (1-1), Cian Darcy (0-2). Subs: Jerome Cahill, Mark O’Neill, Michael Cleary.
Our final group game is against Thurles Sarsfields on Saturday, 22nd August, in Templederry at 6.30pm, with all teams still chasing a quarter-final place.
Junior
We play Roscrea in the North final, this Saturday, 15th August in Templederry, at 6.30pm. Best of luck to the team ad management.
Minor
A 3-22 to 1-19 home victory over Toomevara secured a place in the semi-final where we will play Roscrea on Wednesday, 19th August in Toomevara, at 6.45pm.
Under 16
Our first team has claimed a spot in the semi-final with fixture details to be confirmed.
Under 14
We salvaged a draw against Toomevara in MacDonagh Park, with Conn Foley landing a free with the second-last puck of the game to leave the sides level at 2-13 each. The visitors looked sharper and deservedly led 1-8 to 1-6 at the break. After the restart, MacDonaghs raised their game, and two points apiece from Conn Foley and Tommy Ryan edged the home team into a one-point lead. Toomevara wrestled back control with a goal and, down the final furlong, looked set for victory with a five-point cushion. To Kilruane’s credit, they kept battling. A Conor O’Meara goal offered a glimmer of hope, before Tommy Ryan added a delightful point from the right wing. In one final attack, the Magpies won a free, which Conn Foley converted to snatch a draw from the jaws of defeat in a game where we were second best for long spells but refused to throw in the towel.
Team: Daryl King, Ben Ryan, Brian McLoughney, Cian O’Brien, Darragh Greene, Mark Gaynor (0-2 frees), David Walsh, Oran Farrell, Harry O’Meara, Tommy Ryan (0-5, 0-1 free), Conor O’Meara (1-1), Shay Ryan, Harry Williams, Conn Foley (1-5, 0-2 frees), Tommy Grace. Sub: Jack Casey.
Under 8
We were in action in Ardcroney this evening for a Blitz with Lorrha and Borrisokane. The boys hurled brilliantly and enjoyed a great evening, showing excellent skills and plenty of effort throughout. Thank you to Lorrha and Borrisokane for travelling over and for the sporting games. Well done to all the boys and thank you as always to our coaches and parents for their continued support.
Walkathon
Last Saturday’s Walkathon in aid of the New Pitch and Walkway proved a resounding success, with returns exceeding all expectations. On a glorious morning in MacDonagh Park, four generations of club members took part, led by the 1986 All-Ireland team and management. The whole community came together to walk and help build the future for generations to come. Thank you to everyone who made the day so enjoyable, including Kevin McDonald and Ruan Casey for the music; Thomas from TCX Hurleys for the swing speed test; Charlie from Friar Wood Pizza for the delicious pizzas; Nenagh and Cloughjordan Fire Brigades for the elevated platform; the Spinis from SPIN Southwest; the bake sale, book sale and gear sale crews; the raffle ticket sellers; and, of course, the tea makers. Thanks also to Yvonne Kennedy for launching our Healthy Club and to all the stewards for keeping everyone safe. We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported the many events held in the lead-up to the Walkathon. It was a day to treasure.
Scrap Metal Collection
The club is holding a Scrap Metal Collection on Saturday, 15th August. All types of metal are welcome, including cars, car batteries, hot water cylinders and sinks. The main collection point is James Last’s Filling Station from 12.00 to 5.00pm. For more information, contact Tom Scanlon on 089 4282138.
Tipperary Draw
The new Tipperary GAA Clubs Draw has launched, with the first draw taking place on Friday, 28 August. This important fundraiser for Kilruane MacDonaghs gives supporters the chance to win excellent prizes while backing the club and GaelicGames across the county. The August Star Prize is a brand-new Ford Kuga ST-Line X Edition or €50,000 cash,with the winner choosing their preferred option. Across 10 monthly draws, the total prize fund is €500,000, with more than €40,000 in prizes available each month. By entering, members and supporters make a valuablecontribution to Kilruane MacDonaghs’ development and the promotion of Gaelic Games throughout Tipperary. You Club. Your County. Your Draw. To enter go to
https://member.clubspot.app/club/tipperary-gaa/fundraisers and select Kilruane MacDonaghs as your club. For further details please contact your promoter or Tipp Draw Co-ordinator, Fionnuala Devaney on 087-6334990.
Lotto
The jackpot now stands at an attractive €4,500. Tickets are available from the usual outlets or on ClubSpot. Thank you for your continued support.
Bingo
Weekly Bingo continues on Saturday night in the Fr. O’Meara Centre, Kilruane, at 8.00pm. The jackpot has risen to €1,400.
Sympathy
The club extends sympathy to North Secretary Patsy Hanley on the death of his father, Jimmy, Cashel.
