All-Ireland
Congratulations to Niall O’Meara and the Tipperary intermediate team on their victory over Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final. Niall, who helped himself to four points, became the second MacDonaghs player to win an All-Ireland intermediate medal. Billy Boyle was a member of the victorious 1963 team.
Junior
For the second year in succession the junior hurlers lost out in the extra time in the quarter-final. On this occasion they came out the wrong side of a 1-15 to 0-16 scoreline against Knockshegowna. At half-time MacDonaghs appeared to be in a good position. They had played against the breeze and only trailed by a point, with the score 0-7 to 0-6 in favour of Knockshe. The MacDonaghs defence was well on top and Knockshe’s only score from play in that period was from midfielder Graham Gohery. However, the free count was 10 to 6 in favour of Knockshe and veteran Declan Costello was on target from six frees. Most of the indiscretions fell into the lazy or careless category. Although MacDonaghs hit four first half points from play, there was a glaring lack of urgency and a visible absence of work rate from some of our attackers.
Defences continued to dominate in the second period and although Michael Rafferty netted for Knockshe, points by Liam Gibson and Pat Conway had the teams all square inside the last quarter. Knockshe edged two points ahead as time ticked away. Two brilliant pointed frees from Liam Gibson salvaged a draw for MacDonaghs. Kilruane led by a point after the first period of extra time, but a hungrier Knockshe prevailed in the end. MacDonaghs will rue letting this slip. They had the outstanding player on the field in the person of Eoin Hogan. However, the concession of unnecessary frees and the deficiencies in the attack, particularly in the second half of normal time, cost us a place in the semi-final.
Team: David Reddan, Colm Williams, Martin Walsh, Freddie Williams, Stephen Cleary, Eoin Hogan (0-1), Conor Austin, Alan Darcy (0-1), Liam Gibson (0-6), Declan Barrett (0-2), Robert Austin, Pat Conway (0-4), David Williams, Pat Williams (0-1) and Shane Quinlan (0-1). Subs: Cian Williams, Bob Dooley, Caoilainn Conroy and Conor Doheny.
Thanks to the players and the management team of Matt Cleary, Brian Gaynor and Pat Quinlan for their efforts during the year. Best wishes to Knockshegowna in the semi-final. Former MacDonaghs players Denis Cahill and Scott Hodgins line out with Knockshe.
Under 16
The U16s will play the winners of the Toomevara and Roscrea game in the semi-final on Monday September 16th.
Under 21
The U21 team has been drawn against Roscrea in the first round. This game be played will probably be played in late September.
County Teams
Cian Darcy lined out on the Tipperary U15 team which won the Carrigdhoun tournament in Cork. Darragh Peters was on the U16 team which lost to Kilkenny in the final, while James Cleary was a member of the B team which found Cork too strong in the decider. Jerome Cahill, Craig Morgan and Nathan Ryan were part of Tipperary U14 teams which enjoyed no luck in the Tony Forristal tournament in Waterford.
Under 8
The U8s hosted Kildangan last week and had three very enjoyable games against the visitors.
Parish League
The annual Parish League commences on Saturday Sept 14th at 2.00pm. All boys from third up to sixth class and first year boys are eligible to participate. Teams will be selected on the first day. The Little League will also commence on that day. Boys in first and second classes are invited to play in this league.
Gooch Cooper
On this Saturday Dr. Crokes, Killarney and Na Fianna, Dublin play a senior football challenge in MacDonagh Park at 4.00pm. The star of the Crokes side is Colm ‘Gooch’ Cooper. Hopefully, he will still line out after the disappointment of the defeat to Dublin.
Bag Packing
Lahorna handball club is holding a Bag Packing fundraiser in Dunnes on this Friday Sept 6th. The handball club is looking for volunteers who will help out on the day. Please contact Eithne Spain 0876177949 if you are available.
Lotto
The Lotto jackpot has grown steadily and now stands at €7,100. Tickets cost €2 each and three are on offer for €5.
Sympathy
Sympathy is extended to Lara Gaynor, Carriganagh on the death of her father William Fogarty.
