Senior Hurling
The senior hurlers kept in the hunt for a qualification spot when they drew with Borris-Ileigh on a 2-8 to 1-11 scoreline. While disappointed to concede the equaliser from a pointed free deep into added time, they would gladly have settled for a share of the spoils when they trailed by eleven at the break. Borris-Ileigh had first use of the strong wind and at the interval had chalked up 1-9 to MacDonaghs solitary reply from a Ray McLoughney free. However, Kilruane will be disappointed to have registered seven first half wides against the wind. The game had an explosive start when Kevin Ryan and Dan McCormack received a yellow card before the throw in. Kevin was forced to retire with a hand injury and was replaced by Ray McLoughney. Jack Peters also had to depart the scene midway through the half with an injured ankle. The team displayed great character to fight back in the second half. On the restart MacDonaghs could have 1-2 on the board inside the opening three minutes. To their credit, they refused to be rattled by these misses and gradually whittled down the deficit. Goals from Brian O’Meara and Eoin Williams galvanised MacDonaghs. A brace of points from Eoin sent MacDonaghs ahead for the first time. They looked like holding on for victory until the late free. Training resumes on Friday night in preparation for the crucial final game against Moneygall. It is expected to have the full panel present. Team: Ger Corcoran, Paudie Kelly, Martin Walsh, Éanna Hogan, Willie Cleary, Justin Cahill, Jack Peters, Kevin Ryan, Kevin Quinlan, Jonathan Cahill, Niall O’Meara, Thomas Cleary, Shane Quinlan, Brian O’Meara (1-3) and Mikey Costello. Subs: Ray McLoughney (0-2 frees), Liam Gibson, Seamus Hennessy (0-1 free), Eoin Williams (1-2) and Kieran Cahill.
Schools Hurling
Kilruane N.S. had a nail biting victory against Ballina N.S. in Kilcolman on a 1-8 to 2-4 scoreline. Ballina had a chance from a fifty metre free with the last puck of the game but the attempt was poorly struck and Kilruane held on with a point to spare. However, justice was done as Dylan Moran was rather harshly penalised for over carrying to give the Shannonsiders an opportunity to level the game. Kilruane had to field without the injured Shane O’Meara but they made light of this handicap and hit four early unanswered points. Ballina had opted to play an extra man in defence, allowing Mark O’Neill to hoover up an amount of ball as sweeper. Kilruane were motoring nicely until they received a setback when a rather harmless looking delivery deceived the defence and ended up in the net. The boys and girls in black and white recovered their composure and a goal from Aaron Morgan helped them to a three point interval lead with the score 1-5 to 1-3.
With a slight wind advantage Ballina started to shade the possession stakes and the Kilruane defence received a thorough examination. However, with Mark O’Neill inspirational the backs were dogged and the boys in blue found scoring difficult. A fortuitous goal gave Ballina a huge boost and they soon drew level. The momentum seemed to be with Ballina but a magnificent point from a long range free by Mark O’Neill and well taken point by Dylan Moran gave the reigning champions a two point advantage. In a grandstand finish Ballina cut the deficit to the minimum. There were some hair raising moments in the Kilruane goalmouth before referee TP Sullivan sounded the long whistle to the audible sighs of relief from the Kilruane players and supporters. Next on the agenda is a game against Dunkerrin with the winner qualifying for the final. Team: Jack Dunne, Daniel Clarke, Louis Kennedy, Amy Quinlisk, Mark O’Neill (0-3), Laura Tierney, Ben Healy (0-3), Matthew Moyles, Alan Spain, Jack Dwan, Dylan Moran (0-2) and Aaron Morgan (1-0).
Ardcroney N.S. opened their account for this year’s schools championship with a hard earned victory over Sacred Heart Roscrea. Ardcroney N.S. will now play Ballinree N.S. in the north Tipperary Semi-final. Team; Kevin Oakley, Peter Folan, Nathan Ryan, Patrick Hayes, Tommy Murphy, Eoghan Mulcahy, Luke Carrol, Jake O’ Kelly, Devlin Courtney, Matthew Spain, Cian Spillane, Mikey Holland, Sean McAdams, Kian O’Kelly, Conor Ryan, Matthew Hodgins, Josh Geoghegan, Daniel Costell and Keelan McGrath.
Schools Camogie
Ardcroney N.S. competed in the U-13 camogie blitz held in Toomevara. Ardcroney N.S. had a narrow wins over Carrig N.S. Nenagh, Burgess and Kilruane which secured their place in the final, losing narrowly to Carrig Birr. Well done to all. Team: Gillian McSherry, Sile Spain, Katie Gould, Grannie Molloy, Caroline Hill, Amy Hill, Mickela McGrath, Katie Morris, Leah Heffernan, Aoife Coffey, Clodagh Healy, Orla Molloy, Ali Mulcahy, Laura Shinnors, Abbie Holland, Cliodhna Nevin, Katie O’ Meara, Meaghan Morris and Lauren Hill.
Ardcroney N.S. competed in the U-11 Go Games Camogie blitz. Ardcroney lost by the narrowest margin to Dunkerrin and Ballinree in their first two games. In their final game they secured a narrow win over Borrisoleigh. A very enjoyable day was had by all with some excellent camogie played. U-11 team: Katie Morris, Mickela McGrath, Amy Hill, Clodagh Healy, Leah Heffernan, Laura Shinnors, Orla Molloy, Cliodhna Nevin, Ali Mulcahy, Abbie Holland, Katie O’Meara, Meaghan Morris and Lauren Hill.
Premier 12s Football
The U-12 A team qualified for the North final with an unexpected 3-6 to 3-3 victory against Inane Rovers in MacDonagh Park. The Roscrea team had six points to spare in the group game in St. Cronans Park earlier in the season and were expected to book their place in the decider. However, MacDonaghs didn’t read the script and took the game to their opponents. They dominated possession in the first half and were full value for their two point interval lead, with the score 1-5 to 2-0. In the second half Kilruane were more on the defensive as Inane stepped up a gear. MacDonaghs fought with great spirit and determination and held on to secure a spot in the final against Toomevara. Team: Jack Dunne, Mark O’Neill, Louis Kennedy, Kian O’Kelly, Devlin Courtney, Sean McAdams, Dylan Moran, Aaron Morgan, Luke Morkan and Matthew Spain. Subs: Patrick Hayes and Matthew Moyles.
In the final MacDonaghs gave a great display against favourites Toomevara but came out the wrong side of a 3-6 to 1-6 scoreline. However, ther final tally does scant justice to the efforts of the team. Although rocked back on their heels by a Toomevara goal in the second minute they clawed their way back into the game with three unanswered points from Dylan Moran, Devlin Courtney and Matthew Spain. Kilruane then hit the front when the elusive Matthew Spain at corner forward found the net. Toomevara reduced the deficit to one at the break to leave the issue delicately balanced. The outcome of the game hinged on two second half penalties. Toomevara converted theirs but unfortunately Luke Morkan hit the post with his spot kick after Matthew Spain had been tumbled in the area. Toomevara finished strongly bur a gritty MacDonaghs outfit never gave up trying. This was the best display of the season and there were outstanding performances from Mark O’Neill, Sean McAdams and Matthew Spain with good support from Kian O’Kelly, Devlin Courtney and Aaron Morgan. Team: Jack Dunne, Mark O’Neill, Kian O’ Kelly, Devlin Courtney, Sean McAdams, Dylan Moran, Aaron Morgan, Luke Morkan and Matthew Spain. Subs: Patrick Hayes and Matthew Moyles.
Féile Funding
The U-14 hurlers will be hosted by the Clontarf club in the All-Ireland Féile Finals in Dublin, July 5th to 7th. Na Fianna and Sarsfields from Cork are also in the group. Participation is going to involve massive expenditure for the juvenile club. Sponsorship is already flowing in. A list of sponsors can be viewed on the club website. This list will be updated on a weekly basis. All contributions will be gratefully appreciated. However, sponsorship alone will not cover the huge costs that will be incurred so a Monster Fun Table Quiz and Auction are scheduled for Bomber’s Bar on Friday June 1st. A table of four costs €20 and can be prepaid. There will also be a raffle on the night for a tractor trailer of timber. Tickets for this will be on sale next week. Thanks to our loyal supporters who have already pledged car trailer loads of timber, bags of turf, fodder and vouchers for the auction. A list of items to be auctioned can be viewed on the website. Anybody who wishes to sponsor the team or donate items for the auction should contact Sean Ward 087-6537799, John O’Meara 087-2749187, Christy Morgan 087-7619593 or Gilbert Williams 087-2176452.
Féile Sponsors
Note: Sponsors are listed in the order in which the donations were pledged:
John Casey Sportsplus Physiotherapy Clinic €100
George O’Leary Goliath Lifts €100
Stephen Carty Wilton and ‘Molly Spillanes’ New York $500
Ger O’Meara Birdhill Grass Machinery €100
Jim O’Meara Knockearl €100
Barney Naughnane New Ireland Assurance €100
Kilruane MacDonaghs Camogie Club €300
Donations For Auction & Raffle
Note: Donors are listed in the order in which they were pledged:
Ian O’Brien Carry Out Roscrea Bottle of Whiskey
John O’Meara Car Trailer of Timber
Mick Cleary Load of Filling (Value €200 approx)
Florence McCarthy 10 Round Bales of Hay
Michael O’Meara 30 Bags of turf
Michael O’Neill 40 Bags of turf
Tom Grace car trailer of Timber
Len Gaynor Trailer of Timber
Pat Quinlan car trailer of timber
1980 & 2012 Féile Links
There are a number of links between the 1980 Féile team which reached the All-Ireland final and the present team:
Ned Darcy was full-back in 1980. He is now a selector and his son Cian is a key member of the new champions.
Michael O’Neill was part of the ’80 team which was based in Turloughmore and his son Mark is the current keeper and has been selected on the Tipperary Primary Game A team.
Paul Mulcahy was captain in 1980 and his nephew Eoghan lined out at corner-back against Durlas Óg.
Connie Grace was chairman of the juvenile club in 1980 and was a selector along with the late Sonny Mulcahy and Gilbert Williams. His nephew Martin is having a great year with the current crop.
Jerome Cahill is nephew of Joe and Martin Cahill who played on the 1980 side.
Michael O’Meara was a squad member in 1980 as is his son Seamus in 2012.
John Oakley RIP was part of the ‘80 panel. His son Kevin is on this year’s panel.
Juvenile secretary John O’Meara was a part of the 1980 contingent.
Juvenile Meeting
A meeting of the juvenile committee will be held in the clubroom on this Friday night at 9.00 pm. It is extremely important that all selectors are present.
Match Tickets
Tickets for the Tipperary and Limerick game must be ordered from Michael Cahill 0505-42234 by this Friday May 18th. No late applications will be entertained.
Bag Packing
The juvenile club’s annual Bag Packing fundraiser will be held in Dunnes Nenagh on Friday June 15th and Saturday June 16th. This advance notice will enable every family who has a player playing juvenile games with Kilruane MacDonaghs to be represented on one of the days. Each family is expected to provide an adult to do a two hour stint. Managers will be in touch with the parents of players on all panels from U-6 up to U-16. The juvenile committee will endeavour to accommodate parents with their preferred time on the rota. Parents are asked not to leave it to others. They might be leaving it to YOU!
Summer Camp
The annual Kellogs Summer Camp takes place in MacDonagh Park, July 2nd to July 6th. The cost is €55 for first child, €45 for second child and €40 for third and subsequent children. Application forms will be distributed through the local primary schools. Last year there was a record attendance of 119 and organisers are hoping to better that figure in 2012.
County Draw
The twenty fifth anniversary County Draw has been launched. There is a total prize fund of half a million euro, including twenty five cars. Promoters will be canvassing the parish in an effort to enlist all existing subscribers and to recruit new members for the biggest ever County Draw.
Hurling Wall
The fencing around the Astro Turf at the hurling wall is now complete. Team managers are reminded that they must book their slot on the wall with Michael Cahill.
Sympathy
The club would like to extend its sympathy to the Gleeson family Cullenwaine, the Flannery family Rathnaleen and the Austin family Ardcroney on their recent bereavements.
