Senior Hurling
Kilruane MacDonaghs got the better of Burgess in the first round of the Challenge Cup in windy Kilcolman on 0-20 to 0-7 scoreline. MacDonaghs fielded eight of the team that lost last year’s semi-final while Burgess has seven of the side that lined out in that encounter. Billy O’Shea and Pat Cremin took the opportunity to experiment with neither manager anxious to show their hand before the upcoming county championship clash — this game is expected to take place on Saturday, April 5th. Brian O’Meara won the toss and surprised nobody by taking advantage of the gale-force wind. Conor Cleary struck the first point and MacDonaghs raised ten successive white flags to go into a 0-11 0-0 lead. A Stephen Murray free got Burgess off the mark — their only score of the half— and by the time the teams adjourned for half-time refreshments, the scoreboard read 0-13 to 0-1 in favour of the visitors.
At the interval manager, Billy O’Shea, and coach, Noel Larkin, asked the players to win the second half and this they duly did by 0-7 to 0-6. Burgess got no point from play with all their scores coming from Stephen Murray frees. The free count against MacDonaghs was very high, particularly in the second half — shades of last year’s semi-final. While there was nothing substantial at stake in this game, MacDonaghs can be pleased with the display. The attitude was good and the work rate was high. The concession of needless frees will undoubtedly be addressed by management. Portroe have a very competent free-taker — the second round is away to Portroe on St. Patrick’s Day at 12 noon —so John Sheedy’s tally from placed balls will be very informative. In the first half Burgess could have scored two goals – they were only playing five forwards against the wind— as some of our defenders were absent without leave. This tendency for the defence to go AWOL cost us dearly in last year’s semi-final. Nevertheless, it was an encouraging start. It’s off to Portroe on St. Patrick’s Day.
Team: Thomas Williams, Ray McLoughney, Seamus Hennessy, Stephen Cleary, Éanna Hogan, Kieran Cahill (0-1), Declan Barrett (0-1), Liam Gibson (0-2), Kevin Ryan (0-1), Conor Cleary (0-3), Thomas Cleary (0-2), Tomás Hogan, Cian Darcy (0-2), Brian O’Meara (Capt) (0-8) and Páidí Kelly. Subs: Willie Cleary, James Williams, Jack Peters, Brendan McAdams and Bob Dooley.
Under 14
In Féile na nGael Kilruane MacDonaghs take on Borrisokane in the quarter-final. In Féile Peil MacDonaghs will play Inane Rovers or Lorrha in the semi-final. Fixtures will be posted on both our twitter accounts and Facebook page.
Helmets
Medium and small helmets —black is the only colour available — can be purchased from Gilbert Williams 087-2176452 at the subsidised price of €35.
Clothes Collection
The juvenile club’s clothes collection takes place on Monday, May 18th to Saturday, May 23rd. Clothes may be left in the Thomas MacDonagh Complex during that week. All club members are urged to do a spring clean and donate all clean unwanted clothes, also bed linen, towels, curtains, shoes, belts and soft toys. This is a painless and environmentally-friendly way to provide much-needed funds for the juvenile club.
Kellogs Cúl Camp
The annual Kellogs Cúl Camp is scheduled for June 29th to July 3rd in Thomas MacDonagh Park. The camp will have the usual 10.00am start in the morning and finish at the 2.00pm. The camp is open to all primary school children.
Membership
The March 30th deadline is looming ever nearer. All players and supporters should renew their subscriptions immediately. Parishioners can avail of a very attractive membership package which is now on offer. For just €200 you will have a full year’s Lotto subscription, entry to the County Draw as well as your membership. In effect, supporters who subscribe to this package will have free membership — a saving of €20. Supporters have the option of paying by direct debit.
