Under 12
The U-12 B team qualified for the North Final with a deserved one point home win against Kildangan on a 4-0 to 2-5 scoreline. The sides had clashed on two previous occasions this year, with one victory each. Both of these matches were in Puckane. For the latest encounter, Owen Farrell was back in the fold, with Daniel Costello an absentee because of holidays and Ben Cahalan out of the equation with a broken finger. Luke Morkan, who was on holidays when the teams met in the playoff, returned to action and his presence helped to strengthen mid-field. MacDonaghs played against the breeze in the first half and struck for the first goal when Conor Quinlan finished superbly from close range. Conor added a second and Cian Spillane hit a splendid line ball which went all the way to the net. Kildangan couldn’t breach the home rearguard in the opening half and had to be satisfied with three points, leaving the interval score 3-0 to 0-3 in favour of MacDonaghs.
On the turnover, Kildangan began to enjoy more possession and the Kilruane defence was severely tested but rose to the occasion. A goal from Sam Darcy gave MacDonaghs extra breathing space. Kildangan pressed strongly coming to the finish, but deep into a surprisingly long period of added time MacDonaghs still held a four point advantage. A deflected Kildangan goal, with the second last puck of the game, left the home side ahead with the minimum to spare. Final score: MacDonaghs 4-0 Kildangan 2-5. This was probably MacDonaghs best performance of the season and caught the opposition off guard. Páidí Williams was very sound in the number one jersey and couldn’t be faulted for the two goals that beat him. Eoin England and Kieran Spain have been two of our most consistent performers during the campaign and maintained their high standards in this game. Cian Spillane has improved with every match and the quality of his line balls have been a feature of recent games. Patrick Hayes gave another whole hearted performance. At midfield the strength of Luke Morkan and the industrious Joseph Donnelly helped MacDonaghs achieve parity in this area. Up front, Conor Quinlan helped himself to two goals and can look back with satisfaction on his display. Owen Farrell was always in the thick of the action and contested every ball. Pheilm Quinlisk is new to the team and will benefit from this game. Sam Darcy took his goal well and was a constant threat. In the final, next Saturday in Ballinderry at 11.00, MacDonaghs will be rank outsiders against a formidable Roscrea outfit who have been comfortable winners in all their games. However, MacDonaghs have nothing to lose and are guaranteed a quarter-final spot in Semple Stadium.
Munster Final
Best of luck to Niall O’Meara and Justin Cahill who line out on the Tippeary U-21 team which takes on Clare in the Munster final on this Wednesday evening . The sides’ last clash in Cusack Park was in 2008, when Seamus Hennessy captained the Premier County to a controversial one point victory. Ten MacDonaghs players have won Munster U-21 hurling medals: Len Gaynor 1964 & 1965; Gilbert Williams 1972; Eamon O’Shea 1978 & 1979; Enda Hogan 1978 & 1979; Stephen Murphy 2006; Kevin Quinlan 2006; Ray McLoughnney 2006 & 2008; Eoin Hogan 2008; Seamus Hennsssy 2008 & 2010 and Brian O’Meara 2010.
Activity Day
The U-12 hurlers participated in the Munster Council Activity Day in Páirc na nGael Limerick on last Wednesday. They had games against Cahir, Ennistymon (Clare) and Ballinahassig (Cork). They were taken on a tour of the stadium by James Ryan who plays centre-field on the Limerick senior team. This included a visit to the dressing rooms. Photo can be viewed on www.kilruanemacdonaghs.com. On Monday August 13th they head to Croke Park where they will have an opportunity to play on the famous sod and they will also visit the museum.
Minor
The minor hurlers are at home to Nenagh on this Thursday evening at 7.00pm.
Junior
The junior hurlers take on Moneygall in the final group game in Toomevara on Sunday @ 6.30pm. They are still in contention for a place in the knockout stages.
Match Tickets
Applications for All-Ireland semi-final tickets must be with Michael Cahill 0505-42234 by Friday August 10th. Stand tickets cost €40 and terrace €25. A limited number of Davin Stand tickets are available at €10. Names for Davin Stand tickets must be in by Thursday August 9th.
Féile Photos
Twenty Féile photos have been uploaded on to the website. Log on to www.kilruanemacdonaghs. com and check out the Féile gallery to get a flavour of this memorable weekend.
Sympathy
The club would like to extend its sympathy to the Williams family Cloughjordan on the death of Sadie Williams, the Maher family Southill on the death of Frank Maher, the Hill family Ardcroney on the death of Maura Hill and the Floyd family Birdhill on the death of Kathleen Floyd.
