Kilruane MacDonaghs News
Under 16 V Burgess
The U-16 team couldn’t repeat the heroics of the drawn game when they lost out to Burgess in the replay in Puckane on a 4-11 to 1-5 scoreline. It was a case of déjà vu at the interval when MacDonaghs found themselves twelve points adrift. This time, despite a better second half performance, there was no fairytale recovery. Burgess were the dominant team on the evening and were deserving winners. MacDonaghs will be disappointed with the concession of the three first half goals. All were in the preventable category, including the deflected own goal. They could also bemoan the rather harsh decision to disallow a terrific goal from Kieran Lillis and the intervention of the crossbar to prevent another. However, there is no denying that victory went to the superior team and the result left Kilruane with one last chance for a semi-final spot in the playoff against Portroe. Team: Niall Shinners, Arran Conroy, Kieran Brereton, Ciarán Spillane, Brendan McAdams, Darragh Peters, Caolainn Conroy, Cian Darcy, Martin Grace, Conor Doheny, Kieran Lillis, Kevin Shinners, Conor Lillis, James Cleary and Keelan Troy. Subs: Jack Farrell, Jerome Cahill and Craig Morgan.
Under 16 v Portroe
The U-16 hurlers dusted themselves down after the disappointment of the replay against Burgess as they faced Portroe in MacDonagh Park, with a place in the semi-final at stake. Once again MacDonaghs were operating from a sixteen man panel. Injuries and retirements have put this panel under severe pressure all season, just reaching the quota of sixteen, with one to spare, on a number of occasions. The game against Portroe coincided with the release of the Junior Cert results and three players felt obliged to give priority to a celebratory disco in Ennis. Portroe didn’t escape unscathed, as their influential captain also headed across the Shannon. Kieran Delaney took charge of this do or die encounter. In his customary style, Kieran let the play flow and there were no easy frees earned by either side. MacDonaghs, aided by the wind, played into the village end and were slow to get into their stride. Portroe enjoyed parity of possession and had a number of gilt edged goal chances. Darragh Peters was pushed up to centre-forward to try and inject some drive into the attack. This move also helped to counteract the dominance of Andrew Duggan, the Portroe centre-back. Darragh made the crucial breakthrough just before the interval when he scythed through the Potroe defence to send a daisy-cutter to the net. This goal left the score 1-6 to 0-4 in favour of the home team at the break.
On the resumption, Jerome Cahill was switched from the attack to midfield where MacDonaghs had laboured. Jerome gave an outstanding second half performance. He continually chased and harried and scored the decisive goal when he raced from midfield to whip a ground ball to the net. He had earlier knifed through the defence and grazed the post with a rasping shot. Despite the heroics of Jerome and outstanding performances by Darragh Peters and Caolainn Conroy, Portroe edged a point ahead and the momentum seemed to be with them. While this MacDonaghs side may not be the best ever to wear the black and white, it has heart and determination. Both sides fought ferociously for supremacy in the final minutes as the referee spared the whistle and let the play flow freely. Jerome Cahill, who had shipped some heavy challenges, fired over the equaliser. Darragh Peters, who had a great tussle with Andrew Duggan, gave MacDonaghs the lead and Cian Darcy raised two further white flags to seal victory on a 2-13 to 2-10 scoreline. Ballina will be red hot favourites in the semi-final but this Kilruane side has nothing to lose and should give a good account of themselves. Team: Niall Shinners, Arran Conroy, Brendan McAdams, Ciarán Spillane, Conor Lillis, Darragh Peters (1-5), Martin Grace, James Cleary, Caolainn Conroy, Kevin Shinners, Kieran Lillis, Jerome Cahill (1-2), Conor Doheny, Keelan Toy (0-1) and Cian Darcy (0-5). Sub: Craig Morgan.
Minor
The minor hurlers lost out to Lorrha/Rovers by the minimum of margins in Lorrha on a 2-17 to 2-16 scoreline. Playing up the hill and against the wind in the first half MacDonaghs had a number of early opportunities but found Eanna McLoughney in fine form in goals. The home team took control and led on a 2-12 to 0-6 scoreline at the interval. To MacDonaghs credit they stormed into the game in the second half. Goals from Darragh Peters and Kieran Cahill helped the recovery. The visitors got back on level term, but the concession of two frees proved costly and the combination had the narrowest of victories. Team: Niall Shinners, Bob Dooley, Tomás Hogan, David Mooney, Stephen Cleary, Jack Peters, Conor Austin, Sean Cleary, Kieran Cahill, Paddy Ryan, Conor Cleary, Aidan Boyle, Darragh Peters, Mark Tierney and Finnian Mannion. Sub: Caolainn Conroy.
John Joe Nevin Tournament
The U10 hurlers participated in the ninth annual John Joe Nevin tournament in Ballina. MacDonaghs had wins against Smith O’Briens and Ballina (Red) to book a spot in the final where they lost out to Ballina (Blue). The players received a beautiful set of medals for their efforts and Aaron Morgan was presented with the player of the tournament trophy. Thanks to the Ballina club for the invitation and their hospitality on the day.
Paddy Quinlan Tournament
The annual Paddy Quinlan U10 tournament takes place on Saturday October 6th. All U10 players are expected to make themselves available for this prestigious tournament in memory of one of the great stalwarts of the Kilruane MacDonaghs club. The juvenile club has invested a great deal of time and money in the development of our teams and expect our players to give first allegiance to Kilruane MacDonaghs.
Parish League
The Parish League Finals were played in a splendidly prepared MacDonagh Park on last Saturday. In the Plate Final Seamus O’Meara led the De Wets to victory against a Kyle side captained by Luke Dervan. Final Score: De Wets 2-7 Kyle 1-3. A brace of goals from Conor Quinlan and Sam Darcy gave De Wets a tonic start. They dominated the first half but a goal from Luke Dervan just before the break had the Kyle supporters in full voice. At the interval De Wets were four ahead, with the scoreboard reading 2-3 to 1-2 in their favour. Defences were on top in the second period and no green flag was raised. Despite their best efforts Kyle couldn’t reel in the opposition and it was De Wets who were celebrating at the final whistle. Scorers: De Wets Sam Darcy (1-1), Mark O’Neill (0-4), Conor Quinlan (1-0), and Seamus O’Meara (0-2); Kyle Shane McAteer (1-2) and Kevin Oakley (0-1). In the Parish League Final The 98s, captained by Kevin Oakley got the better of the Gorry Rangers led by Nathan Ryan on a 4-8 to 3-1 scoreline. The Rangers got a grip early in the game with Dylan Moran, Sean McAdams and Jack Dunne particularly prominent. They had an eight point lead at the break and although The 98s reduced the gap to six, Rangers finished with a point from Kevin Oakley and a goal from Dylan Moran. Scorers: 98s Dylan Moran (3-4), Jack Dunne (0-3), Sean McAdams (1-0), Kevin Oakley (0-1); Gorry Rangers Nathan Ryan (1-1), Owen Usman (1-0) and Rory Grace (1-0). After the finals Tipperary minor star Jack Peters presented the trophies to the successful captains Seamus O’Meara and Kevin Oakley and the gold and silver medals to the respective teams. All the players were treated to refreshments. Thanks to Helen O’Meara and Patsy Dunne who served the tea and sandwiches to parents and supporters.
Under 6
The U-6 hurlers hosted Silvermines in MacDonagh Park on last Friday evening. MacDonaghs had twenty eight players on duty and they were divided into three teams to take on the visitors. The following players played: Fiachra Ahearne Woods, Stephen Armitage, Jamie Burris, Tommy Burris, Sarah Cleary, Shane Cleary, Michael Cleary, Michael Costello, Arran Costello, Fergal Doheny, Cathal England, Peter Flannery, Joe Grace, Cian Hayes, Cillian Healy, Michael Hennelly, William Jones, Barry Keays, Cian Moyles, Johnny Naughnane, Darragh O’Leary, Dara O’Looney, Brian O’Meara, Donncha O’Meara, Ray Quinlivan, Tom Smyth and Darragh White. Selectors; Mark O’Leary, Mick Cleary, Matt Cleary, Michael O’Meara and John O’Meara. Thanks to the parents who supplied and served the refreshments to players, mentors and supporters.
Junior Football
The junior footballer made their exit from the championship when they lost out to Shannon Rovers under lights in Ballingarry on a 2-10 to 2-4 scoreline. MacDonaghs started impressively and had registered 1-2, before Rovers got off the mark. Scores dried up for Kilruane and at half-time the teams were tied at 1-2 each. In the second period possession was divided evenly, but Rovers were more adept at creating and taking chances. Selectors Pat Murphy and Liam Tierney succeeded in rooting out twenty two players for the game, no mean feat in itself. Team: Thomas Williams, David Reddan, Diarmuid Cahill, Kevin Prout, Freddie Williams, Ray McLoughney, Declan Barrett, Brian O’Meara, Justin Cahill (0-1), David Williams, Kevin Quinlan (0-1), Ger Corcoran (0-1), Pat Conway, Ruan Casey (0-1) and Mark Spain (1-0). Subs: Conor Austin, Cian Williams, Thomas Cleary, William Cleary and Timmy Walsh.
All-Ireland Tickets
Application for All-Ireland hurling tickets should be made to Michael Cahill 0505-42234 by this Thursday September 20th.
Juvenile Meeting
A meeting of the juvenile committee will be held in the club room on this Friday at 8.00pm. All selectors are requested to attend.
Committee Meeting
The next committee meeting is scheduled for Friday October 12th in the clubroom at 8.00pm. This advance notice should help to ensure a large attendance. This will be a very important meeting with an extensive agenda, which will help lay the groundwork for what will hopefully be a successful AGM on Friday December 7th.
Australia
Best wishes to Morgan Conway and Stephen Oakley who have emigrated to Australia and joined the large Kilruane MacDonaghs contingent now residing in Perth.
