Senior Hurling
The senior hurlers lost out to Nenagh on a 2-16 to 3-10 scoreline in the first round of the championship. It was a big step up on the league form and there were many encouraging performances. MacDonaghs were motoring well in the first half when Nenagh scored a fortuitous goal. This changed the complexion of the game, with Kilruane ahead by the minimum of margins at the break. They dug in well in the second half, even though they were rocked back on their heels when a lack of composure in defence allowed Nenagh in for a second goal. However, Kilruane showed tremendous spirit in staying in touch. At the death they were on the attack, but unfortunately a handpass was a shade inaccurate as the umpire reached for the green flag. This young team, with an average age of twenty two, will hopefully learn from this defeat. Team: Ger Corcoran, Paudie Kelly, Martin Walsh, Eanna Hogan, Willie Cleary, Niall O’Meara, Justin Cahill, Kevin Quinlan, Kevin Ryan, Thomas Cleary (0-1), Shane Quinlan (1-0), Jonathan Cahill (0-1), Ray McLoughney (2-4, incl 2f), Brian O’Meara (0-3) and Mikey Costello (0-1). Subs: Pat Conway, Liam Gibson and Jack Peters. They now face Roscrea in Toomevara on this Sunday at 1.30pm.
Féile
The U-14 hurlers qualified for the Féile final with a 4-6 0-6 away win against Toomevara in St. Michael’s Park. The Arctic wind affected the game, with numbed fingers resulting in a less than assured first touch. The home side had, aided by the diagonal wind, enjoyed territorial domination in the opening half. Toomevara drew first blood with a point but Kilruane responded well when Rory McCarthy barged through and found the corner of the net. The Greyhounds put over four unanswered points, to go two ahead. They failed to raise a green flag, thanks mainly to outstanding defensive work by Cian Darcy, who was ably supported by the industrious Jerome Cahill. On a number of occasions Toomevara seemed destined to make the breakthrough but were foiled by stout defending, though a tendency by the inside backline to clear their lines out the middle invited unnecessary pressure. MacDonaghs finished the half strongly with points from Craig Morgan and Kevin Shinners, to leave the sides level at the interval. Kevin was unlucky to see his shot skim the bar and he had to be satisfied with a white flag.
With the elements at their backs Kilruane took the game to the opposition. Cian Darcy pointed from a free to fire them into the lead. A brace of goals from Kevin Shinners and one from Rory McCarthy extended the advantage to ten points. Toomevara forwards had to survive on a limited supply but they got a rare opportunity for a score when a Kilruane defender was penalised for over carrying, but the resultant free was saved. Soon after they registered a point, their only score of the second half. Successful frees from Cian Darcy and Craig Morgan widened the gap, before Craig hit the final point of the game, to leave MacDonaghs twelve in front at the long whistle. This was a satisfactory win which was achieved without hitting top form, so everybody involved will know that a massive improvement will be required if the Maher Cup is to be retained. However, this team has a good record in finals and hopefully they will rise to the occasion in the decider against either Roscrea or Newport/Ballinahinch. Team: Mark O’Neill, Sean Quinlan, Aaron Conroy, Cormac Mannion, Eoghan Mulcahy, Cian Darcy (0-2), Tommy Dooley, Jerome Cahill, Conor Lillis, Martin Grace, Rory McCarthy (2-0), Ben Healy, Oisin O’Meara, Kevin Shinners (2-1) and Craig Morgan (0-3). Subs: Liam Hannon, Jake O’Kelly, Christopher Moyles, Luke Dervan, Jack Dunne, Kevin Oakley, Devlin Courtney, Seamus O’Meara and Sean McAdams. Referee: Ger Fitzpatrick (Roscrea)
Junior B Hurling
The junior B team were beaten away to Portroe in the first round of the league. They only trailed by a point at the interval but were no match for Portroe’s number one junior side in the second half. Team: Luke Williams, Conor Austin, Fergal England, Paddy Ryan, Tomás Hogan, Cian Williams, Sean Cleary, Jack Peters, David Williams, Conor Cleary, Michael Reddan, Robert Austin, Ronan Boyle, John Reddan and Mark Spain.
U-16 Football
In a game where scores were at a premium, the U-16 footballers lost out away to Kildangan on a 2-5 to 2-3 scoreline. Both sides found it difficult to cope with the greasy conditions and defences were generally in the ascendancy. The home team opened the scoring with a point after six minutes, with Cian Darcy levelling matters, a minute later. Chances were spurned at either end, with Kildangan edging a point ahead. Conor Kelly was moved to full forward and he made an immediate impact. His height unsettled the Kildangan defence and after fourteen minutes he was first to react to a breaking ball and finished it to the net. He raised another green flag when he poked home the ball from close range. The home side eventually found the net after twenty four minutes. At the break the teams were deadlocked with the score 2-1 to 1-4.
The second half witnessed only four scores. Points from Declan Elderfield and Conor Kelly edged MacDonaghs to the front. They dominated possession but couldn’t make it show on the scoreboard. With five minutes to go Kilruane were still a point ahead. A long ball into the large square broke kindly for Kildangan and it was dispatched to the net. To their credit, MacDonaghs made a valiant effort to secure the winning goal, but all to no avail. Despite this reverse, they are still in the hunt for a place in the knock out stages. Team: Cormac Boyle, Brendan McAdams, Jack Farrell, Willie Ryan, Caolainn Conroy, Darragh Peters, Ciaran Spillane (Capt), Cian Darcy (0-1), Kieran Lillis, James Cleary, Rory McCarthy, Niall Shinners, Conor Lillis, Kieran Brereton and Conor Kelly (2-1). Subs: Declan Elderfield (0-1), Tom Dooley and Conor Doheny. Referee: Mike Hallinan (Nenagh Éire Óg)
Minor Football
The minor footballers travelled to Dolla and took the points on offer on a 2-4 to 0-5 scoreline. MacDonaghs had first use of the breeze and first half goals from Paddy Ryan and Conor Cleary proved to be decisive in this low scoring encounter. They played some neat football but the shooting didn’t often match the approach work. It was a satisfactory performance which augurs well for the remainder of the championship. Team: Cormac Boyle, Caolainn Conroy, Conor Austin, Robbie Oakley, Tomás Hogan, Jack Peters, David Mooney, Stephen Cleary, Kieran Cahill, Kieran Lillis, Conor Cleary (1-1), Bob Dooley (0-3), Sean Cleary, Paddy Ryan (1-0) and Enda Mulcahy. Subs: Darragh Peters, Niall Shinners and Conor Kelly.
Premier 12s
The U-12 footballers took on Inane Rovers in St. Cronan’s Park. In a very competitive Group 1 game the Roscrea side came out on top on a 3-9 to 4-0 scoreline. This Inane team had won the Community Games final two years ago, so MacDonaghs can be pleased with their display. Team: Jack Dunne ( Capt), Mark O’Neill, Louis Kennedy, Patrick Hayes, Devlin Courtney, Sean McAdams, Matthew Moyles (2-0), Luke Morkan, Dylan Moran Matthew Spain (1-0) and Aaron Morgan (1-0). Sub: Páidí Williams. In the Group 4 game the Kilruane second team found the going tough against a strong Inane outfit but they kept battling to the end. Team: Conor Quinlan, Cian Spillane, Daniel Costello, Kieran Spain, Eoin England, Owen Farrell, Sam Darcy, Ben Cahalan, Jack Dwan (Capt) and Paul O’Neill. Sub: David Sullivan.
U-10 Hurling
The U-10 hurlers pipped Borrisokane by a point in an exciting game in Gardiner Park. The following day they travelled to Dr. Morris Park to participate in the Blitz. They beat Holycross and Clonmel, losing out to Cashel.
Astro Turf
Great progress was made on the laying of the Astro turf on Good Friday and Easter Saturday. Thanks to the following volunteers who helped: George O’Leary, Michael Hogan, Eoin Hogan, Cian Williams, Timmy Walsh, Gilbert Williams, Michael Cahill, John Quinlan, Pat Shanahan, Jim O’Meara and Seamus Hennessy. One final push will be made on this Saturday in an effort to complete the job. All help would be greatly appreciated. No previous experience is necessary as onsite training will be provided.
