Senior
Toomevara will provide the opposition in the third round of the County League in MacDonagh Park on this Sunday, 11th July at 12.00 noon.
Junior
The Magpies flew across the border to take on Toomevara in the League and recorded a well-deserved six-point victory against our neighbours on a 1-17 to 0-14 scoreline. In contrast to the earlier rounds, MacDonaghs settled quickly and when the impressive Conor Cleary put them 0-2 to 0-1 ahead in the 3rd minute they always managed to keep some daylight between themselves and their hosts. At the first water break Kilruane led by 0-5 to 0-2. The crucial score in the game came in the 25th minute when Tom Dooley rifled the sliotar to the roof of the net after taking a pass from Paddy Ryan. At the interval MacDonaghs led by 1-9 to 0-7.
The Greyhounds began impressively in the second half and hit three points on the trot. A point from Niall Shinners 65 in the 36th minute kept the scoreboard ticking for the visitors. At the second water break Kilruane enjoyed a two-point advantage. A spirited final quarter by MacDonaghs, that featured some solid old style defending, saw them finish strongly in the home strait to take the points on offer. Conor Cleary and Kevin Ryan took the scoring honours, raising four white flags each. Niall Shinners was very reliable from placed balls and helped himself to seven points. Diarmuid Cahill, in the number six jersey anchored a stubborn defence, which laid the platform for a good team victory.
Team: Thomas Williams, Oisín O’Meara, Gavin McAvinchey, Conor Austin, Tomás Hogan, Diarmuid Cahill, Martin Grace, Pat Conway (0-1), Caoilainn Conroy, Niall Shinners (0-7), Conor Cleary (0-4), Paddy Ryan (0-1), Kevin Ryan (0-4), Tom Dooley (1-0). Subs: Mark O’Meara, Eoin Hogan, Kevin Oakley, Eoin England, Brendan McAdams.
Minor
MacDonaghs (1-21) and Burgess (2-18) played out an exciting draw in MacDonagh Park. On a tropical evening both teams served up a real championship encounter. Considering that the Magpies lost a man overboard in the 17th minute, this can be viewed as a point gained rather than a point lost. MacDonaghs were first on the scoreboard with a point from Aaron Morgan but Burgess replied with a goal in the 3rd minute. Kevin Naughnane had made a great save but the rebound was finished to the net. Burgess were playing just two inside forwards and the Kilruane defence struggled to cope with their pace. At the first water break the visitors were ahead by 1-3 to 0-5. Matters could have been worse for Kilruane but keeper Kevin Naughnane saved a certain goal when he advanced off his line to make a courageous save.
On the resumption Kevin McDonald got inside the Burgess defence and finished with aplomb to raise a green flag. A minute later disaster struck when David O’Sullivan got his marching orders. Worse was to follow when Burgess found the net for the second time and tacked on two points. It seemed that the tide had turned but MacDonaghs showed true grit and only trailed by two points at the interval with the scoreboard reading 2-8 to 1-9.
Tom Larke was introduced for the second half and his presence helped solidify the defence. When play resumed the visitors stretched their lead with two points and the omens didn’t look good for MacDonaghs. However, the Magpies rose to the challenge and at the second water break the sides were level. They now had the bit between their teeth and by the 54th minute had opened up a three-point lead with substitute Niosa Minogue now very prominent in the attack. The numerical disadvantage now began to tell and as the home side tired Burgess edged a point ahead deep into injury time. MacDonaghs were not to be denied and in the 65th minute Páidí Williams slotted over the equaliser from a close range free. It had been a spirited performance by MacDonaghs.
Team: Kevin Naughnane, Ross Austin, Cormac Doheny, Shane McAteer, Ciaran Coffey, Aaron Morgan (0-2), Paul Dwyer, David Sullivan (0-1), Rory Grace, Eoin Carroll (0-1), James Loughnane, Pádraig Coonan (0-2), Jack Gleeson, Kevin McDonald (1-0), Páidí Williams (0-14, 0-12 frees). Subs: Tom Larke, Jack Mulcahy, Niosa Minogue (0-1), Tadhg O’Brien.
Under 9
Last Saturday Kilruane MacDonaghs and Ballina enjoyed a great morning’s hurling in MacDonagh Park. Thanks to Ballina for making the journey.
Cúl Camp
The first Cúl Camp commenced on Monday with one hundred attendees.
Lotto
The Jackpot now stands at a very attractive €3,400. Tickets are available from the usual outlets or you can join on Clubforce.com. Thanks for your continued support.
Summer Camp
Niall O’Meara and Eanna Hogan are organising a Summer Camp in Ardcroney School 9th to 13th August from 9.00am to 2.00pm each day. Activities include hurling, football, soccer, tag rugby and much more. Participants will be in with a chance to win numerous spot prizes such as Bourke Sports Vouchers and a signed Tipperary jersey.
The cost of camp is €60 for the first child and €50 for subsequent children. To book a place in the Camp text the name, date of birth, parental contact number and any medical condition of child to Niall 0862587189 or Eanna 0872189512.