U-14 Hurling
The U-14 hurlers just shaded the verdict against Moneygall in their opening game in the championship on a 3-6 to 0-13 scoreline in MacDonagh Park. Goals win games and a brace from Kevin Shinners, one in either half, and another from Luke Dervan were crucial in chiselling out this hard earned victory. MacDonaghs led by two points at the break with the score 1-4 to 0-5 in their favour. On the resumption Moneygall hit three unanswered points to take the lead for the second time. This prompted a quick response from the home side. Kevin Shinners fielded a long delivery and buried the sliotar in the net. He fetched another ball in the large square, offloaded to Luke Dervan, who rifled home from close range. Moneygall kept plugging away and whittled the lead down to two. They had an opportunity to draw level with a late penalty, but the effort sailed over the bar. Jerome Cahill was very impressive, Arran Conroy, Craig Morgan and Rory McCarthy featured prominently, Martin Grace did some nice hurling and Kevin Shinners took his goals well.Team: Mark O’Neill, Luke Dervan (1-0), Arran Conroy, Eoghan Mulcahy, Craig Morgan, Rory McCarthy, Nathan Ryan, Jerome Cahill (0-3), Oisín O’Meara (0-1), Jake O’Kelly, Martin Grace (0-2), Sean McAdams, Kevin Shinners (2-0) and Liam Hannon. Subs: Christopher Moyles, Devlin Courtney, Jack Dunne and Alan Spain.
U-12 Hurling
They U-12 hurlers hosted Nenagh on last Monday for the very competitive games in MacDonagh Park. The MacDonaghs B team recorded a great win against Nenagh on a 3-2 to 2-2 scoreline. They had to come from behind to pick up their first points in the championship. Team: Páidí Williams, Patrick Hayes, Kieran Spain, Eoin England, Joseph Donnelly, Owen Farrell, Daniel Costello, Luke Morkan, Ben Cahalan (1-0) and Conor Quinlan. The MacDonaghs A team had a great tussle with Nenagh, with the town team just edging it on a 3-5 to 2-5 scoreline. The visitors made a great start with an early goal and a point. However, the home side began to find their feet, thanks mainly to an inspirational performance by Mark O’Neill in the half- back line. Kilruane trailed by four points at the break and Nenagh managed to keep the gap to the finish. Team: Jack Dunne, Louis Kennedy, David Sullivan, Mark O’Neill (2-5), Dylan Moran, Sean McAdams, Owen Usman, Jack Dwan, Matthew Spain and Kian O’Kelly. Subs: Cian Spillane and Matthew Moyles.
On Friday a resplendent MacDonagh Park saw MacDonaghs take on Toomevara in two games. The B team chalked up their second on a 1-5 to 1-2 scoreline. A solid defence with Páidi Williams, Eoin England, Kieran Spain and Joseph Donnelly very impressive laid the platform for victory, with Luke Morkan having a powerful game in the middle of the park Scorers: Luke Morkan (0-3), Ben Cahalan (1-0) and Owen Farrell (0-2). The A team just came up short against the Greyhounds on a 4-3 to 2-2 scoreline. However, there was very little between the teams in general play and MacDonaghs are showing gradual improvement. Scorers: Jack Dunne (1-0), Matthew Spain (1-0) Mark O’Neill (0-2).
Parish League
The second round of the Parish league was held in MacDonagh Park last Saturday. In the opening game the Gorry Rangers had three points to spare against Kyle on 5-6 to 3-9 scoreline. Kyle played with the wind in the first half and were full value for their five point lead with the score 1-5 to 2-0. A peach of a goal from Rory Grace in the third minute of the second half turned the game in favour of the Rangers. A goal from Ben Healy in the twenty first minute snatched victory for Nathan Ryan’s side who go to top of the table. Gorry Rangers Scorers: Ben Healy (2-3), Rory Grace (2-0), Nathan Ryan (0-3) and Ben Cahalan (1-0). Kyle Scorers: Matthew Spain (2-1), Luke Dervan (0-6), Shane McAteer (1-0), Eoghan Mulcahy (0-1), Jack Dunne (0-1) and Kevin McDonald (0-1).
In the second game the Ninety Eights had to survive a late spirited comeback by the De Wets to hold out for a two point win. De Wets had the backing of the elements in the first half and had a three point advantage at the interval. A goal in the twenty second minute from Eoin O’Meara helped clinch the points for the Ninety Eights. Scorers Ninety Eights: Alan Spain (4-1), Sean McAdams (1-0), Eoin O’Meara (1-0), Owen Usman (0-1), Dylan Moran (0-1) and David Sullivan (0-1). Scorers De Wets: Mark O’Neill (4-2), Sam Darcy (1-0) and Conor Quinlan (1-0). Round three takes place next Saturday with places in the final at stake. Gory Rangers head the table with four points, Kyle and the Ninety Eights have two each while the De Wets still have to get off the mark.
U-10 Hurling
On Saturday June 10th the u-10 team participated in the prestigious Naas tournament. In the first game they faced a tough challenge against Naomh Eanna. MacDonaghs made a great start and fought hard to maintain their early advantage. An injury to one of the Kilruane defenders forced the selectors to reshuffle the deck. Naomh Eanna gradually seized the initiative and emerged victorious on a 6-2 to 2-1 scoreline. There were encouraging performances from Aaron Morgan, David Sullivan, Nathan Lynch, Barry Shanahan and Eoin O’ Meara. MacDonaghs regrouped and took on Edenderry in the second round. The sides were all square at the interval. After some great hurling in the second half the boys in black and white took the points. Rory Grace, Colm Cleary, James Loughnane, Oisín Carroll and Fionnán Hurley impressed while Georgie O’Leary, Paul Dwyer and Jack Meehan all caught the eye when called into action. In the third round James Stephens of Kilkenny provided the opposition. This was the toughest game of the group with a semi-final spot at stake. The city team was strong in every department but the Tipperary boys gave as good as they got. Dara Hannon, Pádraig Coonan and Páidí Williams excelled in defence. The skillful Kevin Naughnane was outstanding between the sticks and looks like one for the future. Kevin McDonad was always dangerous up front while Cormac Doheny and Shane McAteer did not let the side down when introduced. The final score of 3-3 to 1-2 did not reflect the efforts of a gallant MacDonaghs side. The club would like to thank Naas for their hospitality on the day. Players, selectors and parents were very impressed with the whole tournament, which was run in a very professional manner.
Junior Hurling
The scheduled junior hurling match against Toomevara was deferred for the second time.
Match Tickets
Tickets for the Tipperary and Cork match must be collected by 9.00pm on Thursday night. Any tickets not collected by this time will be returned to the North Board.
Bag Packing
The juvenile club would like to thank all the parents who assisted with the bag packing in Dunnes last weekend. Thanks in particular to Jody Hurley who spearheaded the venture, with invaluable assistance from John O’Meara. The fundraiser was a resounding success, yielding proceeds of €2,548.14. This was a 31% increase on last year’s return. The money raised will enable the club to invest in a badly needed jet of jerseys for the U-10s and it will also facilitate the purchase of T Shirts for the successful U-11 team, Tipperary Community Games champions 2012 and the U-12 team which plays in Croke Park on August 13th.
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
Congratulations to Sean Morrissey Birr who won €200 in the County draw. He is joined with Tommy Rohan
Sympathy
The club would like to extend its sympathy to the guest family Ardcroney on the death of Bill Guest, the Heenan and Cleary families on the death of Ger Heenan Ballinderry and the Doheny family Ardcroney on the death of Baby Neasa.
