Senior
Kilruane MacDonaghs cemented a place in the last sixteen of the county championship with a hard-earned 4-10 to 0-13 victory against Drom & Inch in Dolla. Since MacDonaghs returned to senior ranks in 2004, this is the most high-profile scalp claimed by the team. Dolla has often proved to be a happy hunting ground for the Magpies and last Sunday brought further joy. The stiff wind and driving rain made conditions difficult for the players. The plan was to take first advantage of the wind but Buggy lost the toss and Drom, to nobody’s surprise, elected to play with the wind.
The Mid team got the perfect start when Kevin Quinlan was penalised inside thirty seconds and Seamus Callanan bisected the posts from the resultant free. Kieran Cahill had the sides all square from a free after Justin Cahill was fouled. David Collins nosed Drom ahead with a white flag. Cian Darcy struck a decisive blow for MacDonaghs when he kicked the sliotar to the net in the seventh minute. Seamus Callanan fired over a point to leave just the minimum between the sides. Seamus brought the sides level with a free in the seventeenth minute. Thomas Williams made a fantastic reflex save in the twentieth minute to keep his goal intact. The impressive Johnny Ryan pointed to edge Drom ahead. Seamus Callanan extended the gap after Cian Darcy, now operating as an extra midfielder, was penalised.
Thomas Cleary and David Butler swopped points. The Drom corner-back, Michael Campion, who had followed Cian Darcy outfield, scored Drom’s eighth point to give them a three-point advantage. Seamus Callanan was on target to push the Mid team further ahead. Conor Cleary had the final score of the half to leave the interval score 0-9 to 1-3 in favour of Drom. The selectors were forced to reshuffle the deck at the interval as Niall O’Meara had taken a heavy knock at the end of the half. Ray McLoughney went to centre-back and ‘Bill’ was despatched to wing-forward. Early in the first half Willie Cleary, who had been injured in training, had to exit the action and he was replaced by Liam Gibson.
Against the elements Drom made a very positive start to the second half. Thomas Williams did well to deflect a shot from Tommy Nolan over the bar. MacDonaghs responded when Kieran Cahill was on target from a 65. Brian O’Meara cut the deficit to two with a point in the eighth minute. Kevin Quinlan was rather harshly penalised in the 41st minute and Seamus Callanan restored the three-point cushion. Niall O’Meara, now operating on the edge of the square, fired home a goal in the 44th minute and MacDonaghs scented victory. Cian Darcy tacked on a point a minute later and the Magpies were ahead. Ray McLoughney was booked for a foul on Seamus Callanan — it was a hardly a free, never mind a yellow card— and Johnny Ryan had the sides level. However, MacDonaghs had the bit between their teeth and Darragh Peters hit an inspirational point in the 55th minute. Kevin Quinlan split the sticks with a superb effort from the left wing. In the 58th minute a free from Ray McLoughney, after a foul on Thomas Cleary, went off a defender and into the net. Tomás Hogan, who had replaced Niall O’Meara, raced through for a green flag in the 57th minute and the gap had widened to eight points. Kieran Cahill (free) and Seamus Callanan traded points. And similar to the first half, Conor Cleary had the final say with his second white flag.
A tremendous win for MacDonaghs that sees them top the group. The spirit, work rate and determination were a throw-back to the halcyon days of the club. The defence is looking more compact with every outing and the movement in the forwards is helping to create space and scores. Justin Cahill and Jack Peters are regaining their form after being hampered by injury. So far so good.
Team: Tomas Williams, Éanna Hogan, Seamus Hennessy, Jack Peters, Willie Cleary, Niall O’Meara (1-0), Ray McLoughney (1-0), Justin Cahill, Kevin Quinlan (0-1), Darragh Peters (0-1), Kieran Cahill (0-3), Conor Cleary (0-2), Thomas Cleary (0-1), Brian O’Meara (0-1) and Cian Darcy (1-1). Subs: Liam Gibson and Tomás Hogan (1-0).
North Championship
Kilruane MacDonaghs pay Burgess in the first round of the North championship in Nenagh on this Sunday, 17th May at 2.30pm. This is an absolutely massive test for the team. Niall O’Meara is a doubtful starter and his absence will be a huge loss. Other leaders in the team will have to emerge and the players will have to dig deeper than ever. The hurt from last year’s defeat will drive the team on so motivation will not be an issue. They will need YOUR support. Unless you are out of the country on Sunday we hope to see and HEAR you on Sunday — No silent supporters please—The team needs YOU. The players will be ready. Hope YOU are as well!
Junior Hurling
MacDonaghs chalked up their third successive win in the league when they just shaded the verdict against Kildangan in MacDonagh Park on a 2-9 to 0-14 scoreline. On a wet and miserable evening for hurling both teams served up a heart-warming contest. As in the previous games, MacDonaghs were slow to settle, even though they had the advantage of the breeze. Kildangan had four unanswered points on the board inside the first quarter before MacDonaghs opened their account in the fourteenth minute. James Cleary struck a free from the left wing and it ended up in the net. This score seemed to galvanise the home side and there was a noticeable improvement in the second quarter. The full-back line of Páidí Kelly, Brendan McAdams and Colm Williams began to impose their authority on the game. Pat Conway improved as a the half went on and the attack began to look more menacing. At the break the teams were level: MacDonaghs 1-4, Kildangan 0-7.
MacDonaghs got a dream start to the second half. In the third minute a great move involving Mark O’Meara, James Williams and David Williams saw the latter rifle the sliotar to the net. Kilruane were now in the driving seat. James Williams tapped over a point and Declan Barrett slotted a 65 between the posts. Both teams fought tooth and nail for supremacy. David Williams did a power of hurling in this period. MacDonaghs edged into a five-point lead. The visitors clawed their way back point by point. It was all hands on deck as the game entered added time and Kildangan sought the equaliser. The defence was heroic in the closing moments and Kilruane had a point to spare when Mike Murphy sounded the long whistle. It was a victory fashioned by sheer grit and determination, the traditional qualities of MacDonaghs teams. This win guarantees a spot in the semi-final with one home game to come against Burgess.
Team: Niall Shinners, Páidí Kelly, Brendan McAdams, Colm Williams, Stephen Cleary, Declan Barrett (0-3), Pat Conway, Jonathan Cahill, Caoilainn Conroy, Finnian Mannion, Mark O’Meara (0-1), David Williams (1-0), James Williams (0-1), James Cleary (1-4) and Tom Dooley. Subs: Cian Williams and Mark Spain.
Parish league
The Parish and Mini Leagues continue on this Saturday in MacDonagh Park at 11.00am. All players should be present at 10.45 so that we can have a punctual start.
Under 14 Football
In the final group game Kilruane MacDonaghs had a 3-5 to 2-6 victory away to Nenagh. They have now qualified for the semi-final and await the winners of the game between Nenagh and Lorrha/Rovers. Team: Kevin McDonald, Louis Kennedy, Kian O’Kelly, Conor Quinlan, Paidí Williams, Dylan Moran, Kieran Spain, Matthew Moyles (0-4), Nathan Lynch (3-1), Matthew Spain, Shane McAteer, James Loughnane, Colm Cleary, Owen Farrell and Aaron Morgan. Subs: Paul O’Neill and Pádraig Coonan.
Under 10
Kilruane MacDonaghs travelled to Puckane and, despite the unfavourable weather, played two very enjoyable games against the hosts. Thanks to the Kildangan club for their hospitality on the evening.
Under 8
The U8s also hit the road and played three very competitive games against Silvermines in Dolla. Thanks to Silvermines for their hospitality.
County Draw
The new County Draw has been launched with a €500,000 prize fund. There are two cars to be won every month plus twenty-eight other prizes. Last year Maura Grace came out of the drum for a Skoda Octavia car worth €15,000. The club is hoping that all existing members will rejoin and a forensic trawl of the parish will be undertaken to enlist new subscribers. The County Draw is a major source of revenue for the club. By joining you have an opportunity to win fantastic prizes and also have the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping Kilruane MacDonaghs and Tipperary. There are four payment options available: One payment of € €100; Two payments of €50; Monthly payment of €10; and Direct Debit.
Clothes Collection
The juvenile and camogie clubs are joining forces to organise a clothes collection from Monday, 18th May to Saturday, 23rd May. 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 and camogie clubs.
Kellogs Cúl Camp
The annual Kellogs Cúl Camp is scheduled for 29th June to 3rd July 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.
Going to the Dogs
The parish is “Going to the Dogs” on Saturday, 30th May in support of Lahorna Handball club.
The alley is temporarily closed as the roof is being replaced. The handball club is having a fundraising night in Thurles Greyhound Track on Saturday, 30th May to raise funds for the building of a 40 x 20 court. Tickets are €10 each and the club is asking for your support. A fun night is guaranteed with great prizes.
