Senior
In the first round of the County League MacDonaghs travel to Kilcolman to take on Burgess on this Saturday, 3rd March at 4.00pm. Best wishes to Niall O’Meara who suffered a shoulder injury in the National League game against Kilkenny.
Under 21
MacDonaghs travelled to Lacken Park to take on Newport in the U21 ‘B’ football final and were just edged out 2-9 to 3-5 by a very useful home outfit – they has won the minor A’ title in 2015. Deep into added time Mark O’Neill shaved the paint off the crossbar with a screamer as Newport held out to claim the title. The Magpies dominated the early possession but left the shooting boots behind as the chalked up five first-half wides, all from good positions. Newport were much more economical and raised five white flags in the opening half including two from 45s. In the 29th minute Cormac Mannion slotted over a free to leave MacDonaghs trailing 0-5 to 0-1 at the break.
On the restart Jerome Cahill fired a penalty to the net but Newport soon answered with their first green flag. However, MacDonaghs were now looking much more threatening in the attack. Kian O’Kelly, who had started between the sticks, was moved to the forwards in a switch with Cormac Mannion at the interval. Devlin Courtney was also introduced into the attack and his pace caused problems for the Newport defence. With less than ten minutes to go the game was turned on its head. Craig Morgan scored a peach of a goal. The ball ricocheted off the butt of the left post on to the right post before nestling in the net. Soon after Kian O’Kelly intercepted a short kick out and lobbed the keeper for goal number three. Mark O’Neill added a point and the Magpies were three ahead and an unlikely victory seemed possible. However, Newport responded well and a goal gave them the initiative once more and they added an insurance point from a free. In added time the Magpies attacked relentlessly but couldn’t find the net. Well done to the players and management on a great effort. They had to line out without the services of Carl Williams and Cian Darcy. Unfortunately, in the last minute Jerome Cahill suffered a hamstring injury. With the game against Lorrha in the senior championship less than five weeks away, it is hoped that the injury is not as serious as it first appeared. Kilruane MacDonaghs would like to wish the best of luck to Newport in the county semi-final.
Team: Kian O’Kelly (1-0), Kevin Oakley, Conor Lillis (Capt), Tom Dooley, Mark O’Neill (0-2), Darragh Peters, Luke Morkan, Jerome Cahill (1-0), Martin Grace, Sean McAdams (0-1), James Cleary, Craig Morgan (1-0), Kieran Brereton, Rory McCarthy and Cormac Mannion (0-1). Subs: Devlin Courtney (0-1), Owen Usman, Mathew Spain, Ben Chadwick and Paul Guidera. Manager: Brian O’Meara. Selectors: Tom Killackey and Ned Darcy.
Minor
In the ‘A’ football semi-final MacDonaghs face Kiladangan in MacDonagh Park, Cloughjordan on this Saturday at 12.00.
Membership
Membership fees are now due: U6, U8 and U10 €10; U12, U14, U16 and U18 €30; players over minor €50 and non-playing adults €30. Subscriptions are now due. Players should pay their respective managers and supporters can join with any committee member. Players can only participate in games when membership fee is paid. There is absolutely no exception to this. All paid-up subscribers will receive a specially designed club-membership card. Non-playing adults, who join the club, will be put on text list. Paid-up members can also apply for match tickets.
Club Package
Supporters can avail of a very attractive membership package which is now on offer from the club. 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 €30. Supporters have the option of paying by direct debit.
Prediction Quiz
Think You Know Your Sport? Prove it by entering the Camogie Club’s is running Sports Prediction Quiz. Cards costing €10 are available from 0879713041. All cards must be returned by 11th March.
Handball
On last Sunday Jack Mulcahy represented Tipperary in the Munster U13 semi-final in Nenagh. He had a tough game against his Cork opponent, winning 15-12 and 15-10. Jack goes on to play the final next Friday while Rory Grace will face the Ulster champion in the U15 All-Ireland semi-final in Mallow on Sunday.
