Under 16
The U16 hurlers qualified for the North Final for the first time since 2006 with a hard fought victory over Roscrea in Moneygall. Final score: Kilruane MacDonaghs 3-9, Roscrea 2-4. Captain Darragh Peters lost the toss and Roscrea elected to play with the stiff breeze. MacDonaghs were a goal behind inside the first minute when a miscued ground clearance fell kindly into the path of the Roscrea full-forward and he promptly dispatched the sliotar to the net. They quickly added a point from a free and another from play to open up a five point lead. Roscrea were deploying a sweeper and operating a two man full forward line in an attempt to create space for their danger man Alan Tynan. The MacDonaghs selectors responded quickly to the situation. Jerome Cahill was summoned from full forward to act as a sweeper and Mark O’Neill went from defence to the attack. Brendan McAdams was delegated to shadow Alan Tynan. These moves helped to stabilise the situation and although MacDonaghs were playing second fiddle at mid-field and a number of other players were peripheral to the action Roscrea’s early momentum was stalled. Cian Darcy fired over two points and Mark O’Neill chipped in with another to cut the gap to two. However, just as MacDonaghs were clawing their way back into the game they were rocked with another Roscrea goal. This setback could have deflated the team, but to their credit they rose to the challenge. They held Roscrea scoreless for the remainder of the half and Cian Darcy hit three points to leave the interval score 2-2 to 0-6. Considering the lightning start by Roscrea, this wasn’t an unhappy position for MacDonaghs.
On the resumption Darragh Peters was deployed at centre-forward and Kieran Brereton went to number six. MacDonaghs hit the ground running and James Cleary scythed through the Roscrea defence for a goal. Cian Darcy added a point from a 65 and Kevin Shinners raised a white flag. Roscrea replied with a point and at this stage the selectors wisely abandoned the risky strategy of playing Darragh Peters at number eleven. Roscrea were still playing with only five forwards and Darragh assumed the free role behind the centre-back. Cian Darcy struck for two quick goals. He bundled one over the line after his initial shot had been stopped and soon after the Roscrea keeper deflected an innocuous delivery from a free to the net. Roscrea could only muster a point in reply, with Cian Darcy having the final say with a pointed free after James Cleary had shipped a heavy late tackle.
In the final MacDonaghs will play the winners of the Nenagh and Newport replay and while they will head into the final as outsiders they can make a bold bid for honours. Players know that they will have to improve on this display to claim the title. This MacDonaghs team lost the 2011 U14 final and hopefully both players and management will have learned valuable lessons from that defeat.
Team: Niall Shinners, Mark O’Neill (0-1), Brendan McAdams, Arran Conroy, Nathan Ryan, Darragh Peters, Kieran Brereton, James Cleary, Tom Dooley, Cian Darcy (2-7), Rory McCarthy, Martin Grace, Conor Lillis, Kevin Shinners (0-1) and Jerome Cahill. Subs: Craig Morgan, Declan Elderfield and Sean McAdams.
Under 21
The U21 hurlers play Roscrea in the first round of the championship in Moneygall on this Saturday September 21st at 4.30pm. Support would be appreciated.
Parish League
The semi-finals of the parish League were played last Saturday on a sunny autumnal day. In the first game De Wets captained by Jack Dunne got the better of Kyle led by Devlin Courtney. In the second game The Ninety Eights skippered by Owen Usman saw off the challenge of Cian Spillane’s Gory Rangers. The League and Plate finals take place on this Saturday. Time will be confirmed by text.
Under 8
Our two U8 teams participated in a blitz in Puckane last Saturday. Thanks to Kildangan for the invitation.
Under 10
The U10s travelled to Kilcolman on last Friday and played two games against the host club Burgess.
Junior
Congratulations to Knockshegowna on winning the junior final. Former Kilruane MacDonaghs players Denis Cahill and Scott Hodgins were part of the successful team. Denis lined out at wing-forward and scored two crucial points, approaching half-time, after he had moved into the corner. Scott was introduced into the action in the second half.
Meeting
The monthly meeting of the club committee will be held on Wednesday September 25th at 8.30pm. All committee members are requested to attend.
Lotto
The Lotto Jackpot wasn’t won this week and now stands at €7,400. The numbers drawn were: 2,5,15 20. The Tickets cost €2 and three are on offer for €5. Next week’s draw is in Carney.
Handball
Jerome Cahill qualified for the All-Ireland U14 60x30 final with a victory over his Armagh opponent in Loughmacrory, Tyrone. His sister Róisín qualified for the All-Ireland U16 final at the same venue. Jerome and Róisin play in the finals in two weeks time.
Sympathy
Sympathy is extended to the Hogan family, Ballyhasty on the death of Mick Hogan.
