Senior Hurling
After their loss to Moneygall the senior hurlers must regroup for the county championship which is expected to take place in early July. They had played reasonably well in the previous four games but the wheels came off the wagon against a very determined Moneygall outfit. The selectors have much to ponder before selecting the first fifteen the next day. A few chickens came home to roost, so changes in personnel are inevitable for the first round of the county championship. This disappointing exit from the North championship will test the resolve of the panel and reveal the character of the players. The next training session will be the first indication of whether the players are going to go on or give up.
Community Games
The Kilruane MacDonaghs U-11 hurling team defeated Cashel on a 3-8 to 5-1 scoreline in Semple Stadium on Monday to capture the Community Games county title for the second time. The previous success was in 2009. Although only the minimum separated the sides at the finish, there was no denying that MacDonaghs were clearly the better team and they would not have been flattered by a much bigger winning margin. On the previous Thursday Kilruane had travelled to Thurles and overcome the home side by a point after an epic contest. In the county final they dominated possession from the off, with Dylan Moran starring at centre-back. However, the possession wasn’t translated into scores and it wasn’t until the seventh minute that MacDonaghs got off the mark when midfielder David Sullivan raised a white flag. Kian O’ Kelly took a pass from Matthew Moyles and fired over the second point. In the tenth minute Kian found the net and the outstanding Dylan Moran added a point to leave the score 1-3 to 0-0 with twelve minutes elapsed. MacDonaghs could have been out of sight at this stage but lacked a cutting edge in front of goal. In a rare foray into the Kilruane half Cashel raised a green flag and found themselves just four points adrift, having played second fiddle since the throw in. This goal helped them grow in confidence and they added a second goal and a point. Totally against the run of play, MacDonaghs found themselves a point in arrears. To their credit they remained composed and a point from Matthew Moyles brought the sides level. As both teams adjourned for the break Cashel must have wondered how they were still in the game while MacDonaghs must have reflected ruefully on the amount of possession that was squandered.
Kilruane hit the ground running in the second half and points from Matthew Moyles and Kian O’Kelly put them two ahead. Cashel responded immediately with a goal but there was an instant riposte from the boys in black and white when Aaron Morgan raised a green flag. Kian O’Kelly put MacDonaghs three ahead when he slotted over a point, after latching on to a cross from Aaron Morgan. Cashel hit back with their fourth goal and the sides were deadlocked once again. Kian O’Kelly drifted in towards full forward and from this position he helped himself to a goal and a point to give Kilruane a four point cushion. Cashel struck for their fifth goal and the lead was only a point. The MacDonaghs defence came under sustained pressure in the closing minutes but they resisted stubbornly without conceding a free which would have given Cashel an opportunity for an equalizer. Four minutes of injury time were added before Ger Fitzpatrick blew the final whistle to the delight of the large MacDonaghs following. Having defeated the large urban centres of Nenagh, Roscrea, Thurles and Cashel nobody could deny MacDonaghs right to be crowned the Community Games champions of Tipperary. This was an outstanding team performance with Dylan Moran giving a man of the match display in the number six jersey. David Sullivan and James Loughnane ruled the roost at mid-field. Kian O’Kelly was a constant threat in the attack and he finished top scorer with 2-4. Matthew Moyles had his best game of the season while Aaron Morgan was busy all through. After the game Billy Jones of Moneygall, chairman of the County Community Games Committee, presented the trophy to captain Louis Kennedy. The panel then adjourned to Supermacs for a well deserved treat. On the team’s return to Cloughjordan, the traditional cavalcade of cars made a tour of the village. Congratulations to the entire panel and the management team of Jody Hurley, Michael O’Neill, Martin Walsh and Michael Loughnane who have put in a tremendous amount of work since the start of the year. This was Kilruane MacDonaghs 48th county title and the sixth in three years. Team: Páidí Williams, Eoin O’Meara, Louis Kennedy, Paul O’Neill, Shane McAteer, Dylan Moran(0-1), Cormac Doheny, James Loughnane, David Sullivan (0-1), Matthew Moyles (0-2), Kiann O’Kelly (2-4), Aaron Morgan (1-0), Ben Cahalan, Nathan Lynch and Rory Grace. Subs: Daniel Costello, Colm Cleary, Barry Shanahan, Kevin McDonald and Oisín Carroll. Kilruane MacDonaghs now go on to represent Tipperary in the Munster championship.
Junior Hurling
The junior hurlers lost out to Nenagh in Borrisokane in the league semi-final on 1-13 to 0-13 scoreline. At the interval MacDonaghs trailed by a point with the score 0-8 to 0-7 in favour of Nenagh. A goal in the tenth minute of the second half, which put them into a five point lead, tilted the balance in favour of Nenagh and they managed to keep ahead until the finish. Team: David Reddan, Fergus England, Sean Hayes, Freddie Williams, Pat Conway, Liam Gibson (0-4, 3 frees & 65), Tomás Hogan, Cian Williams, Scott Hodgins, David Williams (0-1 free), James Williams (0-2), Robert Austin (0-1), Stephen Cleary, Kieran Cahill (0-3 frees) and Declan Barrett (0-2). Subs: Shane Quinlan, Michael Reddan and Luke Williams. On this Friday they face Tomevara in the first round of the championship in MacDonagh Park at 7.30pm.
Schools Hurling
Best wishes to Ardcroney N.S. who play Knockavila in the U-11 county final in Semple Stadium on Friday at 1.00pm. In the U-13 North final Ardcroney had to give second best to a good Carrig N.S. team. Kilruane N.S. participated in the U-11 Blitz in Drombane. Victories against Ballinahinch N.S. and Ballytarsna N.S. set up a meeting with Upperchuch N.S., with a place in the county final in Semple Stadium at stake. A poor start by Kilruane allowed Upperchuch seize the initiative and they emerged victorious on a 3-6 to 1-5 scoreline. Team: Conor Quinlan, Jack Dunne, Louis Kennedy Dylan Moran, Matthew Moyles, Daniel Clarke, Sam Darcy and James Loughnane.
U-12 Hurling
The second team is away to Ballina at 7.00pm on Friday evening in the first round of the championship. In group 1 the first team is at home to Nenagh on Monday at 7.00pm.
Leinster Championship
Former Kilruane MacDonaghs player Stephen Murphy lined out at corner-back on the Wexford team which played Offaly in the Leinster senior hurling championship.
Christy Ring Cup
London defeated Down to claim their place in the Christy Ring Cup final. Injury prevented Tomas Williams taking his place between the sticks but it is hoped that he may fit enough to face Wicklow in the final in Croke Park on Saturday.
End Games
The U-12 footballers lost out to Cahir in the End Games quarter-final in Semple Stadium. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience of playing in the famous venue. Team: Jack Dunne, Mark O’Neill, Louis Kennedy, Kian O’Kelly, Dylan Moran Sean McAdams, Owen Usman, Mathew Moyles, Aaron Morgan, Matthew Spain and Luke Morkan. Subs: Cian Spillane and Patrick Hayes.
Féile Fund
The juvenile club would like to thank all who helped make the Table Quiz and Auction in Bombers Bar such a resounding success. The final proceeds, which were over €7,000, exceeded all expectations. Thanks to our sponsors, contributors, parents and supporters for rallying behind this team. A special word of thanks to Tom and Rene who hosted the fundraiser, Liam Tierney who was a very efficient quizmaster and Liam Murphy who provided the amplification. A full list of sponsors and contributors can be viewed on our website.
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 (€388)
Ger O’Meara Birdhill Grass Machinery €100
Jim O’Meara Knockearl €100
Barney Naughnane New Ireland Assurance €100
Kilruane MacDonaghs Camogie Club €300
Barry O’Meara ‘ O’Meara Construction’ €100
Lulus Milkshakes ‘Set of Togs’ (Value €180 approx)
Mike McCarthy Carney Pub €100
Tom Cleary €50
Martina Cleary €100
PJ Slevin €20
Tom Moyles €50
Tom Cahalan €10
Glenn Austin €20
Tom Killackey & Rene Lynch €100
Tom Hogan €20
Martin Ryan €20
Seamus Brislane €20
Joe Whelan €20
John Cahill €100
Dinny & Marion Cahill €100
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 Tractor Trailer of Timber (10’ by 6’)
Pat Quinlan Car Trailer of Timber
John Conroy ’Proctor & Gamble’ Hamper of Products
Joe McDonald ‘Furniture & Kitchens’ Coffee Table
Ivers & Cullinan Car Service (Value €150)
Michael Cahill 20 Tags of Turf
Steve Blagdon ‘Steve’s Driving School’ 6 Driving Lessons (Value €125)
Carmel Morgan McCarthy ‘Star Hair Creations’ Voucher (€100)
Banaghans Ltd Roly Tractor
Declan Souch ‘Carphone Warehouse’ Mobile Phone (Value €80)
Simon Reale Butcher Voucher (Value €50)
Enda Heenan Floor Rug (Value €50)
Sean Gaynor Pallet of Eco Bricks (Value €120)
Tipperary Mineral Water 2 Hampers of Products (Value €100 each approx)
Nenagh Golf Club 4 Green Fees (Value €100 approx)
Cloughjordan Pharmacy Hamper of Products
Joe Lillis 20 Round Bales of Hay (Value €400)
Sean Melia ½ Tonne Bag of Turf (Value €80)
Charles Williams Butcher Voucher €20
Spillane Sand & Gravel Voucher €245
EEC Direct Toomevara Swivel Chair (Value €90)
Sportsmans Dream Tipperary Top (Value €40)
Regina Treacy Two Tickets for Olympic Soccer Matches Old Trafford July 26th
Brian England Energy Audit Survey Voucher (Value €150)
Sheila Treacy Voucher (Value) €35
Pat Quinlan ½ Tonne Bag of Turf ( Value €60)
Hibernian Inn Voucher (€50) Martin Morris
Bottle of Wine Michelle Shinners
Food Store Nenagh Voucher (Value €20)
Andy Flynns Voucher Joe Mulqueen
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 have been distributed through the local primary schools and should be returned to Gilbert Williams.
County Draw
The new County Draw is more attractive than ever. There is a total prize fund of half a million euro, including twenty five cars. Promoters are presently trawling the parish in an effort to enlist all existing subscribers and to recruit new members for the biggest ever County Draw.
Sympathy
The club would like to extend its sympathy to Susan O’Brien Ballygibbon on the death of her sister Christine Ryan Portroe and to Nora O’Leary on the death of her sister Johanna Fleming Limerick.
