Senior
MacDonaghs made their exit from the North championship after a 2-15 to 1-11 loss to a more streetwise Kiladangan outfit in Dolla. Few can quibble with the result as the better team carried the day. A large crowd descended on Dolla in anticipation of a fiery contest and they were not disappointed with the exchanges overheating in the first half. The Magpies had the aid of a stiff breeze in the opening period and needed a five or six-point interval lead. However, when referee Kieran Delaney called a halt to proceedings after five minutes of added time MacDonaghs were only two ahead. This was never going to be enough and so it proved to be.
Kilruane had started impressively and a goal after five minutes by Niall O’Meara put them into a five-point lead. After nineteen minutes MacDonaghs were ahead by 1-4 to a point. However, Kiladangan began to get a foothold in the game. A point for the champions was cancelled out by an effort from Niall O’Meara. Kiladangan saw momentum swing in their favour with a green flag. This goal seemed to sap the energy out of MacDonaghs. Kiladangan got a grip at midfield and apart from Niall O’Meara in attack our forwards were making little impact. The score was 1-6 to 1-4 in favour of MacDonaghs at the break.
On the resumption Kilruane were penalised for over carrying and Darragh Egan reduced the deficit to the minimum. MacDonaghs dug deep against the wind and led by 1-8 to 1-7 after 39 minutes. Kildangan scored a fortuitous goal and it was all uphill after that. While a seven-point winning margin may have flattered the victors, the spoils went to the more deserving team. MacDonaghs now face Carrick Swan in a crucial county championship game. The date for this fixture will depend on Tipperary’s progress. Hopefully, Brian O’Meara, Thomas Cleary and Thomas Williams will be available for selection. Darragh Peters who dislocated his shoulder in the second half will be a major doubt for the Swan game. It is now more important than ever that supporters get behind the team. While this result is a major setback, we have had a great start to the season and still can make an impact in the county championship.
Team: Conor Doheny, Eoin Hogan, Jack Peters, Éanna Hogan, Willie Cleary, Seamus Hennessy, Craig Morgan, Justin Cahill (0-1), Ray McLoughney (0-1), Darragh Peters (0-1), Niall O’Meara (1-2), Jerome Cahill, James Williams (0-1), Kieran Cahill (0-1) and Cian Darcy (0-3). Subs: Conor Cleary (0-1) and James Cleary.
Junior
The penultimate league game against Burgess goes ahead in Kilcolman this Friday, 16th June at 8.00pm.
Under 12
Kilruane MacDonaghs (Dubh) lost to Nenagh Éire Óg on a 7-3 to 3-2 scoreline. Panel: Peter Flannery, Zack Clarke, Shane Cleary, David Persse, Cillian Healy, Ray Quinlivan (0-1), Simon Austin, Michael Cleary (1-1), Conal Daly, Colm McAteer (1-0), Darragh Spillane (1-0), Liam Foley and Cathain Gaffney
Under 10
MacDonaghs participated in the annual Naas tournament last Saturday. Victories over Naas, Antrim and Ballyboden St. Enda’s gave them a place in the final where they overcame Kilmacud Crokes.
Under 6
On last Saturday Nenagh Éire Óg hosted a very enjoyable blitz involving Ballina, Newport, Nenagh and Kilruane MacDonaghs. Thanks to Nenagh for the invitation.
Cúl Camp
The annual Kellogg’s Cúl Camp will be held in MacDonagh Park 3rd to 7th July. Activities commence each day at 10.00am and conclude at 2.00pm. Parents are encouraged to apply online at www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie as this will lessen the administrative load on the organisers. Application forms have been distributed through the schools to facilitate parents who are not in position to register online. The first child in a family costs €60, the second child €50 and the third and subsequent children €40. Last year we had 169 participants who enjoyed a fun-filled week.
Féile Handball
The Féile na nGael Handball competition 2017 was played in Wexford on Saturday, 10th June. Lahorna entered boys’ and girls’ teams. The boys’ team played in division 1 60 x 30 in Castlebridge with three other teams Taghmon, Wexford, Ballina and Kilfane from Kilkenny. Some very close games were played with Lahorna boys finishing in third place. Team members included Rory Grace, Eoin Carroll, Jack Mulcahy, Ryan Gillick and Sean Hayes. The girls played in division 1 40 x 20 in St. Josephs, Wexford Town with five other teams Kilkishen, Windgap, Cullohill, Michael Breathnach and Clogh. The Lahorna team of Anna Mulcahy, Áine Spain, Leanne Gould, Hannah Grace and Christine Percy finished in second place.
