Under 21
In the second round of the ‘B’ championship, we recorded a 0-20 to 1-8 victory over Kiladangan in Puckane. This victory has secured top spot in the group and a place in the knockout stages. A draw will determine whether we have qualified for the quarter or semi-final. When these sides clashed in the 2023 U19 semi-final Kiladangan prevailed on a 3-13 to 0-14 scoreline in MacDonagh Park. This victory for MacDonaghs represents a seventeen-point swing in two years.
Kilruane played with the aid of the light breeze in the first half. The home side were first off the mark with a Jos Slattery free. Jack Mulcahy replied with a white flag from play before another free from Jos Slattery edged Kiladangan in front. With ten minutes gone, the Magpies had gone into a 0-5 to 0-2 lead. A Jos Slattery goal levelled the game in the eleventh minute. MacDonaghs responded with a brace of Michael Cleary frees and a pair of points from play by Brian O’Meara. At the interval, Kilruane led by 0-14 to 1-4. Kiladangan began the second half on the front foot with two points to cut the deficit to five. However, that was as close as they got in the second half, with MacDonaghs managing to keep enough daylight between the sides until the final whistle.
Team: Tom Austin, Paul Molloy, Eamonn Coonan, Cormac Kennedy (0-1 free), Tommy O’Meara, Shane Cleary, Sean Hayes, Cillian Healy (0-1), Cathal England, Cian Moyles (0-1), Brian O’Meara (0-3), Jack Mulcahy (0-1), Charlie Kennedy (0-3), Eoin Carroll (Capt), Michael Cleary (0-9, 0-8 frees). Subs: Subs: Fiachradh Ahearn Woods, Michael Hennelly (0-1), Danny Cahalan, Ross Austin, Johnny Naughnane.
Referee: Mark Gennery (Portroe).
Minor
The minor footballers made their exit from the championship after a 3-7 to 1-9 semi-final loss against Kiladangan in Puckane. Illness prevented Tommy O’Meara from starting, and his absence was a severe blow. He was introduced in the final ten minutes, but the ship had sailed at that stage. We trailed 2-4 to 1-6 at the interval. With Hugo Healy dominant at centre-back and the Kennedy twins also very influential, we dominated possession but didn’t make it count on the scoreboard. Thanks to the players and management for their efforts during a long season.
Team: Ciaran Foote, Shay Óg Kennedy, Dara Gaynor, Conor McGrath, Tommy Gaynor, Hugo Healy, Tadhg Teefey, Charlie Kennedy (0-1), Jack O’Meara, Oisín Carroll (0-1), Cormac Kennedy (0-7 frees incl a two pointer), Gerard O’Looney, Emmet Dwyer, Andrew Austin (1-0), Paraic Nevin. Subs: Mark Cleary, Senan O’Leary, Stasik Setikas, James Gould, Tommy O’Meara.
Referee: Mark Houlihan (Lorrha)
Lotto
The Jackpot now stands at €4,900. Tickets are available from the usual outlets, or you can play on ClubSpot. Thanks for your continued support.
Bingo
The weekly Bingo session continues on Saturday night in the Fr. O’Meara Centre, Kilruane at 8.00pm with the Jackpot standing at €1,200.
Sympathy
The club extends sympathy to the family of the late John Grace, Ballygibbon. John played on the successful 1964 juvenile team, which won North and County titles. In the North Rural final, Kilruane MacDonaghs overcame Borris-Ileigh and got the better of Nenagh in the Urban/Rural final. In the County Rural final a victory over Moyne Templetuohy saw Kilruane win the Harty Shield. A one-point loss to Thurles in the County Urban/Rural final deprived MacDonaghs of a clean sweep. On that successful team, John formed a formidable midfield partnership with Seamus Rohan. As a mark of respect, the Tricolour in MacDonagh Park flew at half-mast, and club members formed a guard of honour at his funeral.
Sympathy is also extended to Breda Fleming, Ballybibbon on the death of her brother Paddy O’Grady, Portroe and to Margaret Williams, Templemore Road on the death of her sister Mary Sheehy (née Rohan), Newbridge and formerly Church Road, Cloughjordan.
