National League
Well done to Cian Darcy who helped himself to 0-2 in Tipperary’s victory over Dublin. Best of luck to Cian and Tipperary in the semi-final against Limerick in Semple Stadium on Saturday evening.
Senior
In the second round of the County League MacDonaghs travelled to Newport and took the points on offer on a 3-22 to 1-17 scoreline in testing ground conditions — this was the third match in Lacken Park in as many days. The visitors had the first use of the breeze but the early exchanges were evenly balanced and after the first quarter the sides were tied on 0-4 each. In the eighteenth minute Thomas Cleary rattled the net and the Magpies dominated the rest of the half and led by 1-12 to 0-6 at the interval.
On the resumption, two pointed frees by Kieran Cahill extended the advantage. In the 37th minute Newport breached the MacDonaghs defence for a goal and they added two white flags to cut the deficit to five points. These scores seemed to galvanise Kilruane into action and they controlled the remainder of the game. A brace of goals from Kieran Cahill in the 21st and 27th minutes helped seal victory. With two minutes left the gap had widened to thirteen before Newport hit two points in added time.
Team: Thomas Williams, Eoin Hogan, Jack Peters, Stephen Cleary, Tomás Hogan, Niall O’Meara, Darragh Peters, Seamus Hennessy (0-4), James Cleary (0-1), Justin Cahill (0-2), Kieran Cahill (2-10 including 0-7 from frees), Conor Cleary (0-2), Thomas Cleary (1-1), Paddy Ryan and Sean McAdams (0-2). Subs: Pat Conway and Caoilainn Conroy. The next game is away to JK Brackens.
Junior
In the opening round of the league MacDonaghs lost out to a much sharper Éire Óg team in Nenagh on a 2-20 to 0-12 scoreline. With numbers seriously depleted due to injuries it was a feat in itself to field a side and have three substitutes available. At the weekend at least thirteen adult players were on the injured list and not available for selection on either senior or junior panels. Tribunals have been set up to investigate less serious matters!
The home side pointed in the first minute and were always control of this encounter. Nenagh led by 1-12 to 0-6 at the interval. MacDonaghs hurled much better after the break and by the 39th minute had reduced the leeway to 0-5. However, a Kilruane attack broke down and Nenagh struck on the break for their second goal. This effectively ended the games as a contest. As the Magpies ran out of steam Nenagh put more daylight between the sides to record a deserved victory.
Team: Conor Doheny (0-1 free), Bob Dooley, Stephen Cleary, Colm Williams, Martin Grace, Alan Darcy, Cormac Williams, Cormac Mannion (0-2), Caoilainn Conroy, Pat Conway (0-2), Paddy Ryan (0-1), Jonathan Cahill (0-2), Rory McCarthy, Mark O’Meara (0-4 including 0-3 from frees) and Tom Dooley. Subs: Shane Williams, David Williams and Kevin Oakley. MacDonaghs host Knockshegowna in the second round.
Minor
MacDonaghs get their campaign underway on Thursday, 12th May when they face Borrisokane in Gardiner Park.
Under 16
The footballers take on Éire Óg in the first round of the football championship on Monday, 2nd April in Nenagh. Congratulations to Páidí Williams who was a member of the North Tipperary U16 team that got the better of West Tipperary in the Inter-Divisional Shield final.
Féile
Congratulations to the U14 hurling team on winning the North Féile ‘B’ final in Ballina on last Saturday. In the semi-final they had a great tussle with Burgess, just shading the verdict by 2-4 to 0-7. In the decider they came out on top against Newport on a 7-1 to 3-0 scoreline, having led at the interval by three points. After the game Philip Delaney, secretary of North Tipperary Bord na nÓg, presented the trophy to captain Sean Hayes. Thanks to Alan Carroll (Manager), Jimmy Cahill (Coach) selectors Martin Cahalan and Niall Shinners who have done tremendous work with this team MacDonaghs now advance to meet the South champions in the county semi-final which is scheduled for this Saturday, 31st March with time and venue to be confirmed.
Féile Skills
Eoin Carroll, who played a pivotal role in the Féile victory, capped a great day when he took the honours in the North Féile skills final. We wish Eoin the best as he goes forward to represent the division in the county final.
Under 12 Football
It was honours even against Lorrha in Ardcroney on Friday evening. MacDonaghs (Dubh) came out on top while MacDonaghs (Bán) had to give second best to the visitors. On this Friday, 30th March MacDonaghs (Bán) are away to Burgess in Kilcolman at 6.45pm while MacDonaghs (Dubh) journey to Roscrea to play Inane Rovers at 6.00pm.
Tipperary Supporters Club
Anybody interested in joining the Tipperary Supporters Club should contact Matt Cleary 087-4171382 or Bríd Morgan 087-9556875.
Membership
With the 31st March deadline imminent supporters are urged to renew membership without delay. The fees remain the same as last year: 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.
Handball
The All-Ireland juvenile handball finals were played last week in Kingscourt, Cavan where Rory Grace represented Tipperary in U15 singles. The opposition was a Kilkenny player from Galmoy. The first game was a tight affair with the scores level on four occasions until Rory pulled away to win 15-9. The second game also had the scores level four times but the Galmoy man showed fierce determination to win 15-10. In the tie break Rory upped his game, serving much better, hitting some great passing shots and taking his kills to win 15-0. Comhghairdeas le Rory.
Borrisokane CC
Congratulations to Borrisokane CC on winning the North Munster Senior Soccer final. There was a healthy representation of MacDonaghs players on the winning squad.
