Allianz League
Best of luck to Craig Morgan and the Tipperary team in the Allianz League semi-final against Clare.
Senior
In the first round of the County League, we travelled to Templemore and recorded a 1-19 to 0-11 victory over JK Brackens. This was a home game for MacDonaghs, but the foul weather ruled out MacDonagh Park as a venue. The ground conditions were a severe test for the players. The MacDonaghs management gave senior debuts to Cian Moyles and Cathal England, and both can be very satisfied with their performances. Brian O’Meara, Eamonn Coonan and Sean Quinlan were introduced in the second half for their maiden appearances in a senior jersey.
Defences were on top in the opening ten minutes with the sides level on 0-2 each. In the eleventh minute, Páidí Williams finished superbly for the only goal of the game. With eighteen minutes gone, Kilruane were in the ascendancy and led by 1-6 to 0-3. The foot was taken off the pedal, and Brackens reeled off five unanswered points to leave the score 1-6 to 0-8 in favour of the visitors at the break.
On the resumption, MacDonaghs started on the front foot, and Conor Austin fired over a point inside the opening minute. With forty-eight minutes gone, Kilruane had a four-point cushion with the scoreboard reading 1-12 to 0-11. The floodlights were now on, and MacDonaghs finished with a flourish, hitting seven points without reply to secure victory.
Team: Conor Doheny, Ciaran Coffey, Jack Peters, Eanna Hogan, James Cleary (0-1), Niall O’Meara (0-1), Cian Moyles, Conor Austin (0-1), Cathal England, Kieran Cahill (0-5), Páidí Williams (1-2), Willie Cleary (0-5, 0-4 frees), Paddy Ryan, Kian O’Kelly (0-3), Cian Darcy (0-1). Subs: Brian O’Meara, Conor Cleary, David O’Sullivan, Eamonn Coonan, Sean Quinlan.
In the second round, we are away to Mullinahone on the weekend of 31st March.
Junior
In the first round of Division 5 of the County League, we were away to Silvermines and came out the wrong side of a 1-17 to 0-12 scoreline. Six of the team who started with the seniors the previous evening were not available for selection, and this put a severe strain on resources.
MacDonaghs had the aid of the breeze in the first half, but it was the home side that led 0-10 to 0-7 at the interval. The signs looked ominous for Kilruane, but to their credit, the players dug in and entering the final quarter were just five points adrift. However, we couldn’t close the gap, and Silvermines emerged deserving winners
Team: Kevin Naughnane, Danny Cahalan, Eoin England, David Mooney, Eamonn Coonan, Keith Broderick, Sean Hayes, Sean Quinlan, David O’Sullivan (0-2), Eoin Carroll (0-7 frees), Cormac Doheny, Robert Austin, Cian Hayes, Oisín O’Meara (0-2), Paul Dwyer, Subs: Cormac Mannion, Brian O’Meara (0-1), Conor Doheny, Tom Austin.
In the second round, we have home advantage against Gortnahoe Glengoole on the weekend of March.
Colleges Hurling
Congratulations to Borrisokane Community College U17 team on their 2-10 to 0-11 victory over Cahir in the County ‘B’ final. There were twelve MacDonaghs players in the squad Johnny Naughnane, Dara Gaynor, Tommy O’Meara, Fiachradh Ahearne Woods, Ray Quinlivan, Tommy Burriss, Andrew Austin, Dara O’Looney, Shane Cleary, Paul Molloy, Michael Cleary and Cathal McIntyre.
Mighty Macs
We had a great attendance at our second session last Saturday. The Mighty Macs continue this Saturday on the Astro Turf at 10.00am. All 4 to 6 year-old boys and girls are invited to attend. Wear runners. No hurls nor helmets are needed. The emphasis will be on fundamental movement and fun. Contact Brian 0872535695, Paddy 0868356007 or Helen 0872035677 for further information.
Primary Game
Congratulations to Tiarnán Casey, St. Michael’s NS, Cloughjordan, who has been selected on the Tipperary Primary Game football team to play Waterford in Dungarvan on Sunday, 7th April.
Medal Presentation
A capacity crowd assembled in the MacDonagh Complex for the presentation of medals to our U13 hurling teams. In 2023, the ‘A’ team retained their North title while the ‘D’ team completed the North and County double for the second year in succession. Juvenile chairman, Lenny Gaynor welcomed everybody to the function, congratulated the players and management on their achievements, and expressed his gratitude to the parents for their support during the season. Our senior manager, Thomas Williams, addressed the gathering and had some well-chosen words of advice and encouragement for the players. Jack Mulcahy, Brian O’Meara and Páidí Williams presented the medals. Each of the thirty-eight players received club togs and socks. The management team of Martin O’Looney, Mark O’Leary, Aidan Ryan, John O’Meara, Liam Grace, Enda McLoughney, Michael Dollery and Matt Cleary received presentations in recognition of the tremendous work they did with both teams during 2023. Thanks to the parents who came up trumps once again by supplying copious amounts of refreshments and looking after the catering on the night. Thanks also to Eoin Campbell, who was on hand to take photographs.
Easter Camp
The annual Easter Camp takes place in MacDonagh Park from 26th to 28th March from 10.00am to 2.00pm each day. The Camp is open to boys aged 6 to 13. The cost is €30 per child, €55 for two children and €75 for three children. Places can be booked by purchasing a ticket in the events section on the Kilruane MacDonaghs App. Participants must bring hurl, helmet, mouthguard, drink and lunch. Places are limited, so early booking is advisable. For further information contact Mike O’Meara 0872474768.
Membership
Membership is now due and can be paid on our app ClubSpot. The fees are as follows: Family Membership to include Tipperary Draw and Lotto €250; Non-Playing Adult to include Tipperary Draw & Lotto €200; Adult Player to include Gym & Lotto €165: Adult Player & Lotto €100; U18 €50; and Non-Playing Adult €50.
Handball
Congratulations to Jerome Cahill (Lahorna) and Colin Ryan (Cashel), who won the 40x20 All-Ireland final with a victory over their Kilkenny opponents.
Lotto
The jackpot stands at €2,700. Tickets are available from the usual outlets, or you can play on ClubSpot. Thanks for your continued support.
Bingo
The weekly Bingo session resumes on Saturday night in the Fr. O’Meara Centre, Kilruane at 8.00pm. The jackpot is now a very attractive €1,650.
Sympathy
Sympathy is extended to the family of the late Sean Murphy, Leicester and formerly the Windmill, Cloughjordan. Sean played corner-back on the Kilruane MacDonaghs U15 team that won the North Rural & Urban/Rural titles and the County Urban/Rural title in 1962. He won a North minor medal in 1964. Sympathy is also extended to Noel Foote, MacDonagh Avenue, Cloughjordan on the death of his brother John Foote, New York.
