Senior Hurling
The senior hurlers booked their place in the county league semi-final with a nine point home victory against Cashel King Cormacs on a 3-17 to 2-11 scoreline. Playing against the wind, MacDonaghs began impressively and hit the first three points. Cashel settled and raised four unanswered white flags. A great move involving Mark O Meara and Mikey Costello saw Justin Cahill bat the ball to the net from close range. In the 28th minute a speculative shot found its way to the Kilruane net to give Cashel the lead. This seemed to shake MacDonaghs out of their lethargy and they finished the half strongly with a goal from Mark O Meara and a point from Mikey Costello to leave the scoreboard reading 2-6 to 1-6 in their favour at the interval. With the wind at their backs in the second half MacDonaghs began to take control of the game and a third goal from substitute Darren Killackey extended the advantage to seven points. The gap eventually increased to twelve before a goal from a free by Cashel left nine points between the sides at the finish. Team: Ger Corcoran, Liam Gibson, Stephen Murphy, Gavin McAvinchey, Ray McLoughney (0-3), Mark O Leary, Pádraig Kelly, Diarmuid Cahill, Alan Ryan (0-1), Martin Walsh (0-1), Denis Cahill, Jonathan Cahill, Justin Cahill (1-4), Mark O Meara (1-2) and Mikey Costello (0-4), Subs: Darren Killackey (1-1), Colm Williams, James Williams (0-1), William Cleary and Freddie Williams. Check website www.kilruanemacdonaghs.com for more full report.
Féile
In the first round of the Féile the u-14 hurlers had a good one point home victory against Nenagh Éire Óg on a 1-10 to 2-6 scoreline. The team played with great heart and determination and were unlucky to be in arrears at the break with the score 2-1to 0-5 in favour of the visitors. The selectors moved Abhain Coleman to centre-back for the second half and his display inspired his colleagues to greater heights. Aidan Boyle took the scoring honours with a tally of 0-9 and Conor Cleary chipped in with a crucial goal. Team: Anthony Spillane, Kieran Brereton, Abhain Coleman, Conor Austin, Tomás Hogan, Stephen Cleary, Caolainn Conroy, Darragh Peters, Sean Cleary, Aidan Boyle (0-9), Peter Blessing, Bob Dooley, Cian Darcy (0-1), Conor Cleary (1-0) and Jack Farrell. Sub: James Cleary.
U-14 Football
The u-14 footballers drew with Ballina in MacDonagh Park in the first round of the championship. Both sides scored 1-6. Ballina dominated the first half and could have been out of sight at the break but MacDonaghs were on level terms. Responding to the prompting of manager Pat Shanahan the team showed considerable improvement in the second period and their spirited display deserved a share of the spoils. Team: Anthony Spillane, Kieran Brereton, Abhain Coleman, Cormac Boyle, Jack Farrell, Stephen Cleary, Tomás Hogan, Darragh Peters, Sean Cleary, Cillian Finn, Aidan Boyle, Bob Dooley, Cian Darcy, Conor Cleary and Conor Austin.
U-12 Hurling
On last Friday the u-12 hurlers travelled to Cork to pay Na Piarsaigh. The players had a most enjoyable day and were treated royally by their hosts. Thanks to John Cahill, Christy Morgan, Ned Darcy, Sarah Ryan, Johnny Peters and Michelle Shinners who accompanied the team.
U-8 & U-10 Hurling
U-8 and U-10 training has now moved outdoors and continues every Monday evening in MacDonagh Park at 6.30 p.m.
Parish League
The annual Parish League will commence on Saturday May 2nd. All boys from third class upwards are eligible to participate. Since it was revived a few years ago, it has proved to be a resounding success and the young hurlers eagerly await this year’s competition.
Coaching Course
Sixteen juvenile mentors recently completed a three night hurling coaching course in the Thomas MacDonagh Complex. The club would like to thank the tutors Len Gaynor, Tadhg O Connor and Ken Hogan who conducted proceedings in a very professional manner and ensured that all participants derived maximum benefit from the course.
County Draw
Congratulations to James Last who won €200 in the April County Draw.
Club Lotto
The jackpot in the Club Lotto has grown steadily and now stands at a very attractive €6,600. This tidy sum would make a welcome Easter present. Tickets are available from any committee member and can also be purchased in the local shops and taverns.
Sympathy
The club would like to extend its sympathy to the Naughnane family on the death of Johnny Naughnane to Rachel Melia and Margaret Walsh on their recent bereavement.
