All-Ireland Final
Best wishes to Jack Peters and the Tipperary minor team in the All-Ireland final.
Under 16
The U16 hurlers made their exit from the championship, losing out by a point to Ballina in the semi-final on a 1-13 to 2-9 scoreline in Kilcolman. Captain Caolainn Conroy lost the toss and MacDonaghs faced the light breeze in the opening half. The Lakesiders opened the scoring when Kieran Lillis was rather harshly penalised for over carrying and full-back Thomas McGrath lofted over the resultant free from his own sixty five. Kieran quickly cancelled this out when he raised MacDonaghs first white flag. There was very little between the teams in the opening half and as the interval approached Ballina had a slender one point lead. However, a rather fortuitous goal from a long delivery gave them a four point cushion, when referee Noel Coffey brought proceedings to a halt.
On the restart, Cian Darcy pointed from play. Ballina responded with three points in succession. Conor Doheny reduced the gap to five. Cian Darcy buried a twenty metre free and it was game on. Ballina pointed to leave them three ahead. James Cleary whipped a ground ball to the net and the teams were level. MacDonaghs had two opportunities from difficult frees to edge ahead, but both efforts were off target. It looked like extra time was looming. Darragh Peters took a heavy frontal charge as he surged out of defence and to the amazement of all no whistle sounded. Ballina had one final chance for victory and they snatched it. MacDonaghs gave an excellent account of themselves and were very gracious in defeat after a terrific tussle. Darragh Peters was the outstanding player on the pitch and looks a certain starter for the Tipperary minor team in 2013. Jerome Cahill worked tirelessly at corner forward, while Brendan McAdams gave a wholehearted performance at wing-back. Kieran Brereton had his best game of the season in the number three shirt. MacDonaghs can look back with satisfaction on a championship in which they played eleven games. They operated with very tight numbers, but their direct style of hurling and the judicious team selections helped maximise resources. The North Board is to be commended for adopting a structure which provided all teams in this competition with plenty of competitive games. Team: Niall Shinners, Arran Conroy, Kieran Brereton, Ciarán Spillane, Conor Lillis, Darragh Peters, Brendan McAdams, Cian Darcy (1-6), Caolainn Conroy, Conor Doheny (0-1), Kieran Lillis (0-1), Martin Grace, James Cleary (1-1), Keelan Troy and Jerome Cahill. Sub: Craig Morgan. Thanks to the players and management for their efforts during the season.
Uner 16 Final
Christy Morgan refereed the North U16 final last Saturday in Nenagh, with Ballina coming out on top in a terrific contest after extra time on a 2-27 to 4-15 scoreline. This was Christy’s first final and he won plaudits from both sides for his performance with the whistle. Ballina had pipped MacDonaghs by a point in the semi-final.
Paddy Quinlan Tournament
Plans are now well advanced for the annual U10 Paddy Quinlan tournament which takes place in MacDonagh Park on Saturday morning October 6th. Ballina (2), Kilruane MacDonaghs (2), Borrisokane and Kildangan will be participating. The club is also producing a souvenir programme for the tournament. All members of the juvenile committee are asked to attend on that morning to help ensure the smooth running of this tournament.
Schools Football
Kilruane N.S. travelled to Puckane for the first round of the championship to take on the home side. After a very even game Puckane prevailed on a 6-6 to 5-4 scoreline. Puckane started brightly and went into a seven point lead. The introduction of Matthew Moyles, who hadn’t started due to illness, helped galvanise Kilruane. They had drawn level at the break, with both sides on 3-2. The game was in the balance right to the end when Puckane kicked a goal and a point to take the spoils. There were outstanding performances from Aaron Morgan, Jack Dunne Matthew Moyles, Dylan Moran and Jack Dwan. Team: Jack Dunne, Kieran Spain, Daniel Clarke, Louis Kennedy, Dylan Moran, Cormac Doheny, Aaron Morgan (1 -2), Owen Farrell, James Loughnane, Conor Quinlan (1-0), Shane McAteer (1-0), Jack Dwan (1-2) and Sam Darcy. Sub: Matthew Moyles.
Under 10
On Sunday September 16th a convoy of cars headed to Ballina as the U-10 hurlers participated in the ninth annual John Joe Nevin tournament. MacDonaghs were in a group with Smith O’Briens (Killaloe) and Ballina (Red). Newtownshandrum, Ahane and Ballina (Blue) comprised the other group. In their first game MacDonaghs took on Smith O’Briens. The Banner boys were against the wind but they drew first blood with a green flag. However, with the elements at his back, keeper Páidí Wiiliams was launching massive puck outs deep into enemy territory. Nathan Lynch and James Loughnane were making hay from these deliveries. Aaron Morgan latched on to a missile from Páidí and displaying some deft footwork he slotted the sliotar to the net. Oisín Carroll, Paul O’Neill, Eoin O’Meara tackled tigerishly and defended stubbornly on the inside backline to keep the Killaloe boys at bay. David Sullivan anchored the defence in the number six jersey and on the flanks Cormac Doheny and Colm Cleary ensured a constant supply to the MacDonaghs attack. At the final whistle the Tipperary lads emerged victorious on 2-7 to 1-1 scoreline. In the next game they faced Ballina’s second team and they proved too strong for the Shannonsiders. The boys in black and white began at a blistering pace. Aaron Morgan and Nathan Lynch were on target for some early scores. Rory Grace was rampant in the middle of the field and Barry Shanahan was causing havoc on the wing. The Troika of Kevin McDonald, Fionnan Hurley and Paul Dwyer on the inside forward line formed a lethal strike force and converted the liberal supply of ball into scores. A healthy lead was established and in defence Cian White, Shane McAteer and Padraic Coonan gave little leeway as MacDonaghs chalked up their second win.
These victories booked a spot in the final against Ballina’s first team. It was the home side who hit the ground running. A goal and a brace of points helped them establish a firm foothold. However, MacDonaghs responded in typically spirited fashion and the influential Craig Morgan rattled the net. This goal inspired the visitors and at the break Kilruane had edged into a two point lead. Unfortunately, Colm Cleary had to depart the scene with an injury and his loss was sorely felt in the second half. On the restart, Ballina had the benefit of a strengthening wind. The MacDonaghs rearguard came under severe pressure and although David Sullivan, James Loughnane, Oisín Carroll and Páidi Williams defended heroically, Ballina hit the crucial scores to take the title on 2-7 to 1-5 scoreline.
All the games were played in a very competitive and sporting manner. The MacDonaghs players conducted themselves impeccably and were a credit to themselves, their families and the club. Aaron Morgan was presented with the player of the tournament trophy. Thanks to Ballina who were very gracious hosts and helped make it a very enjoyable day for all present. Our players, officials and supporters were treated to very welcome refreshments.
Committee Meeting
The monthly meeting of the committee will be held in the clubroom on Friday October 12th at 8.00pm. All members are asked to give priority to this very important meeting. We anticipate a full attendance. A text reminder will be sent early that week.
Astro Turf
Some tidying up and trimming needs to be completed after the erection of the fencing at the Astro Turf. All committee members are asked to make themselves available on Saturday October 13th at 9.00am to finish this work. No previous experience is necessary. Onsite training will be provided. To celebrate the completion of the work a BBQ will be held. All are welcome.
AGM
The Annual General Meeting will be held in the clubroom on Friday December 8th at 8.00pm. It will be preceded by Mass for deceased members in Cloughjordan Church at 7.30pm.
Sympathy
The club would like to extend its sympathy to the Cavanagh family Ballystena on the death of Sandra Cavanagh.
