All-Ireland Final
Commiserations to Hugo Healy and the Tipperary minor team on the loss to Limerick in the All-Ireland final.
The club won the Tipperary GAA Bring a Bus competition and forty-two U10 players and coaches traveled to Limerick to support Hugo and Tipperary. The day started with a Blitz against Na Piarsaigh. The boys had a great day out. Thanks to Tipperary sponsors Clover who provided the free bus.
Junior
Our junior ‘A’ team were crowned County Division 5 League champions after a 1-26 to 1-18 extra-time victory over Ballybacon Grange in sun-drenched Holycross. Having recently claimed their first North League title since 2015, the trophies are now arriving in pairs like buses. Following a subdued opening-round championship performance, the players and management were determined to respond with a win.
The sides traded scores early on and were level at 0-4 each at the first water break. The pause seemed to lift MacDonaghs, who then hit four unanswered points. By half-time, Kilruane were in control, leading 0-11 to 0-6. Ballybacon reduced the gap in the third quarter, but the Magpies still led 0-14 to 0-11 at the second hydration break. With fifty-eight minutes played, MacDonaghs were five points ahead and looked set for victory. Ballybacon narrowed the gap with a point, and when Brendan Cummins’s twenty-metre free was saved, it appeared the Bannon Cup was heading north. However, Ballybacon kept pressing and struck a goal to leave the minimum between the teams. Deep into added time, they equalised with a shot that took the paint off the crossbar. When referee Brendan Ryan blew for extra time, the momentum seemed to have shifted to the opposition.
However, Kilruane shook off the disappointment of seeing victory snatched from their grasp and chiselled out a two-point lead in the first period of extra time. On the restart, they added two points before Conor Cleary beat Brendan Cummins from close range for a crucial goal. With five-minutes left, the Magpies had a nine-point cushion and at the finish eight points separated the teams.
After the match, Nicholas Moroney, Chairman of the South Board, presented the trophy to joint captains Paddy Ryan and Eanna Hogan. Congratulations to the players, management and backroom team on winning the 64th County title to come to the parish. Manager Alan Quinlan, selectors Paddy White, Gavin McAvinchey and John Casey have put it in a huge effort with this squad.
Team: Kevin Naughnane, Paul Molloy, Eanna Hogan, Eamonn Coonan, Paddy Ryan (0-1), Cormac Doheny, Cormac Kennedy (0-3), Eoin Hogan (0-3), Cathal England, Eoin Caroll (0-1), Mark O’Neill (0-1), Brian O’Meara (0-9, 0-6 frees, 0-1 65), Cillian Healy (0-2), Conor Cleary (1-2, 0-1 free) Charlie Kennedy (0-1), Seamus Hennessy (0-3), Michael Hennelly, Fiachradh Ahearne Woods.
Next on the agenda is a crucial championship game against Toomevara on Friday, 3rd July, in Nenagh. It will be all hands on deck for this encounter with a win or at least a draw necessary to remain in championship contention.
The ‘B’ team will be away to Templederry this Saturday, 4th July, at 7.00pm, in the first round of the championship.
Under 16
In the first round of the championship, we edged Newport 4-18 to 5-13 at home after an exciting encounter. It was a terrific team performance against a strong Newport side that had a clear physical advantage. We led 3-10 to 3-6 at half-time and were four points ahead coming down the stretch. Newport converted a penalty to cut the gap to one, but Ciaran Foote arrowed the sliotar over the bar to restore our two-point lead. With the clock in the red, Newport were awarded a twenty-metre free, but the effort was saved and Kilruane claimed the points. Every player contributed to the victory with some outstanding individual performances. Shane O’Meara made a number of terrific saves between the sticks. The defence was superbly marshalled by Ben Williams and Mark Cleary. Jack O’Meara was at his rampaging best in the middle of the park while up front Michael Hutchinson took the scoring honours with a 2-6 haul.
Team: Shane O’Meara, Liam Dollery, Ben Williams, Robert Cleary, Odhran Goulding (0-1), Mark Cleary, Tiarnán Casey, Jack O’Meara (0-5), Dylan Hussey Sheahan, Michael Hutchinson (2-6), Ciaran Foote (0-5, 0-3 frees), Colin Gaynor, Tommy Ryan (1-1), Lukah Williams (1-0), Harry Gannon. Sub: Rory McLoughney
Our second team lost 2-18 to 3-3 away to Durlas Óg in the first round of the ‘C’ competition. Short a number of regulars, MacDonaghs led 3-2 to 0-6 at the break after playing with the wind. The home side got on top in the second half and were deserving winners.
Team: Daryl King, Sean Whelan, Ronan Hayes, Brian McLoughney, Conn Foley, Harry O’Meara, Kyle Kennedy, Cian O’Looney, Sam Harding, Shane Carroll (1-2, 0-2 frees), Oran Farrell (1-1), Daniel O’Brien (1-0), Conor O’Meara.
Under 14
In the first round of the ‘A’ championship, we are at home to Silvermines this Thursday, 2nd July, at 6.45pm.
Under 8
Last Saturday, we travelled to Newport. We fielded two teams. Well done to all the players on another brilliant display and thanks to Newport for hosting.
Under 6
Nenagh came to MacDonagh Park on Saturday morning for a Mini-Blitz. We had four teams in action against the visitors with each team playing three games.
Cúl Camps
The annual Cúl Camps will be held in MacDonagh Park from 6th to 10th July and from 20th to 24th July. The Camps are open to boys and girls aged 6 to 13. The cost is €82.50 for the first child, €75 for the second child and €65 for third and subsequent children. Book your place on www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie
Teenage Disco
The U14 Fundraising Committee thanks everyone who supported last Friday night’s Teenage Disco fundraiser. The event was a tremendous success and an important step forward in the group’s sponsorship efforts. Thanks to Peter Ryan and The Kenyon for sponsoring the event; DJ JP O’Meara for generously giving his time; and Amy Ryan and clubman Kevin Shinners for helping ensure everyone’s safety on the night. The committee greatly appreciates the support of all involved and everyone who attended.
Scrap Metal Collection
The club is organising a Scrap metal Collection on Saturday, 18th July. All types of metal from cars to car batteries, hot water cylinders and sinks are welcome. The main collection point is James Last’s Filling Station from 12.00 to 5.00pm. For further information contact Tom Scanlon 0894913611.
Walkathon
Preparations are well on the way for the Walkathon Fundraiser, “40 Miles for 40 Years,” to mark the 40th anniversary of the club’s All-Ireland Club Championship victory and to invest in the future of the parish. The fundraiser will support the development of a new pitch and a 1km community walking track, facilities that will benefit the wider community for generations to come. The club is calling on all members of the community — young and old - at home and abroad to get involved and support the campaign. Individuals, families, teams, and local businesses can take ownership of a mile and contribute through sponsorship and fundraising efforts. Anyone interested in participating or supporting the initiative is encouraged to contact any committee member for further details.
Lotto
The jackpot stands at €8,200. 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. The jackpot has now climbed to 1,400. As part of their fundraising drive for the Walkathon, the U8 camogie group will have a stand selling refreshments before the Bingo from 7.00 to 7.45pm.
Sympathy
The club extends sympathy to the family of the late Maureen Heffernan (née Ryan), Ardcroney and to the family of the late Teresa O’Reilly (née Teefey), Ardcroney.
