Senior Championship
The senior team has been drawn against Nenagh Eire Og in the first round of the championship. This game will take place on the weekend of April 8th or April 15th, depending on the progress of Tipperary in the National League. Roscrea, Kildangan, Borris-Ileigh, and Moneygall are also in the group.
Junior Leagues
The junior A team travels to Kilcolman to face Burgess in the opening league game. Knockshegowna, Toomevara and Kildangan complete the group. The junior B team is away to Portroe in round one. They will also play Burgess, Toomevara and Newport.
U-21 Hurling
The U-21 hurlers take on Borris-Ileigh in the first round of the championship. This is scheduled for July.
Minor Football
The minor footballers have been drawn against Silvermines in the first round. Borris-Ileigh and Newport are also in the group.
County League
The senior hurlers are away to Holycross-Ballycahill in the first round of the county league on Monday March 19th at 2.00pm.
Junior Hurling
The junior hurlers had a 4-13 to 1-10 win away to Toomevara in a challenge game. Team: Robert Ward, Fergal England, Shane Quinlan, Timmy Walsh, Tomas Hogan, Alan Darcy, Cian Williams, Willie Darcy, David Williams, Robert Austin, Conor Cleary, Scott Hodgins, Morgan Conway, Sean Hayes and Kieran Cahill.
Juvenile Reunion
The Kilruane MacDonaghs juvenile team which won the 1951 North championship and the nine surviving members of the 1944 team which won North and county titles were honoured at a function in the Thomas MacDonagh Complex on last Friday night. Guests travelled from the four provinces of Ireland and from all corners of the parish for this very special occasion. It was a night for reminiscing and remembering, and an opportunity to rekindle old friendships and forge new ones. The bunting and balloons in black and white and in the traditional club colours of green and gold helped create a brilliant atmosphere for the capacity attendance. Gilbert Williams acted as fear a’ ti for the night. George O’ Leary welcomed everybody and paid special tribute to the Lotto promoters who were also guests at the function. Eamon O’Shea in his eloquent address highlighted the importance of the local club and stressed how proud he was of his roots in Kilruane MacDonaghs. As Gilbert Williams read out the citations, Eamon made the presentations to the players and family representatives of deceased players. Ger McCarthy spoke on behalf of the ’51 and ’44 sides. George O’Leary made a special presentation to Eamon O’Shea. The club would like to thank the management and staff of the Gourmet Gallery for serving up an excellent three course meal. A special word of thanks to the ever reliable Bridget Delaney who was on hand to record the event on camera. By common consent, it was one of the best social nights ever hosted by the club. A full account, including all the player citations can be viewed on www.kilruanemaccdonaghs.com
Clash Without The Ash
The time for talking is over as Kilruane MacDonaghs take on Toomevara in ’The Clash Without The Ash’ on this Friday night in the Ormond Hotel. The first of eleven bouts gets underway at 8.00pm. The boxing squad has been overwhelmed by the level of support from all sections of the community and is particularly grateful for all the emails, tweets and text messages received from parish exiles. The weigh in passed off peacefully, with the clubs deploying extra security personnel as a precautionary measure. Kilruane MacDonaghs are winding down training with some light road work around the village and all are reported to be ready to rumble. Win, lose or draw a huge homecoming is planned for the team in recognition of the huge effort they have put in over the last six weeks.
Coaching Course
The club is hosting a coaching course in the Thomas MacDonagh Complex on Wednesday March 14th and on Thursday March 15th. There is huge interest in this course which starts at 7.30pm each night. Contact John O’Meara (087)2749187 to book your place.
Astro Turf
A team of fifteen volunteers helped lay the Astro Turf at the hurling wall last Saturday. Great progress was made. The next shift will take place on Monday March 19th at 10 o’ clock and we are looking for more help. No previous experience is necessary. When this work is completed it will greatly enhance the usage of the hurling wall and will provide an all weather practice area for our U-6s and U-8s.
Membership
Membership is overdue and should be renewed immediately as all teams will see action in the next few weeks. Fees for 2012 are: non playing adults €20; U-12, U-14, U-16 and U-18 players €20; U-6, U-8 and U-10 players €10. The club has devised a membership package for all players over minor. This also covers insurance and Lotto subscription. Membership is compulsory for all players. Juvenile managers are now distributing membership forms to all their panels.
Summer Camp
The annual Kellogs Summer Camp takes place in MacDonagh Park, July 2nd to July 6th inclusive. Last year we had record numbers attending the camp. The cost is: €55 for one child; €45 for second child and €40 for third and subsequent children.
Helmets
Medium and small helmets are now available from Gilbert Williams (087)2176452 at a discounted price of €35. This is a €5 reduction on last year’s price.
County Draw
Congratulations to Joan Melia Clermont who won €1,000 and to Derval Keenan Dunne who won €200 in the county draw.
Hurleys
As the playing season commences, all adult players are reminded that they must have three hurleys. In continuance of last year’s very successful policy, players are once again responsible for replacing broken hurleys. There are no free hurleys for either adult players or juveniles. Pat Shanahan has juvenile sticks for sale at a subsidised rate of €10. He also has a supply of adult hurleys which can be bought at full price. All sticks for repair should be given to David Reddan and the club will fund this cost. The finance committee is briefing all managers and players on the above arrangements and we anticipate the full co-operation of all involved.
Defibrillator Course
The following volunteers completed the defibrillator course in the clubroom on last Wednesday night: George O’Leary, Freddie Williams, Jody Hurley, Sean Ward, Jonathan Cahill, Shane Hodgins, Sinead Williams, Mona England, Lily Da Silva, Tina Coen and Pa Finucane. Thanks to John Sherlock, Shane Mulcahy, Tom Ryan and Michael Fitzsimons who proved to be very professional and affable tutors.
Lotto Online
You can now play the Club Lotto online. This facility will enable our supporters across the globe support the weekly Lotto. Log on to www.kilruanemacdonaghs. to avail of this facility.
