Senior
Last Sunday’s 1-19 to 0-11 victory over Newport in Dolla secured a spot in the North semi-final for the third time in five years. A tenacious Newport side were attempting to record their first championship victory over the Magpies since 1974 — in that year MacDonaghs lost 2-6 to 1-7 in the second round of the county championship that was played in Nenagh. In the latest encounter a perfect day for hurling saw MacDonaghs having to dig deep before securing a berth in the semi-final. Lining out without the suspended Kieran Cahill and Sean McAdams who was ill, the favourites did not get it all their own way in the first half. The early exchanges were even and after nine minutes the teams were level on 0-2 each. A pointed free by Cian Darcy a minute later put the Magpies into a lead they wouldn’t relinquish for the remainder of the game. Newport kept in touch and trailed by 0-8 to 0-4 at the break. It would have been much closer only for a superlative save from Thomas Williams that denied Newport a certain goal.
Management demanded an increased intensity in the second half and the players responded. On the resumption Cian Darcy raised a green flag and points from Justin Cahill and Cian (free) opened up a nine-point gap. Eventually MacDonaghs extended the advantage to twelve before Newport raised the last white flag of the day to leave eleven between the sides at the finish. It was mission accomplished. While the team didn’t reach the heights of the Lorrha game the defence was solid all through with Darragh Peters superb at centre-back. The attack was lack lustre in the opening half but there was a noticeable improvement in the final thirty minutes. MacDonaghs have been drawn against Toomevara in the semi-final that will be played on weekend of 5th or 22nd August. The next competitive game will away to JK Brackens in the County League on Sunday, 13th May at 2.00pm. Training will be paused for a period after that. Hopefully, all injuries will be healed by then. Competition for places will be keen so the training matches in the field are likely to played with savage intensity as players try to impress management and stake a claim for a starting jersey against Toomevara.
Team: Thomas Williams, James Cleary, Jack Peters (Capt), Stephen Cleary, Craig Morgan, Darragh Peters, Eoin Hogan, Justin Cahill (0-3), Jerome Cahill (0-1), Thomas Cleary, Conor Cleary (0-1), Cian Darcy 1-11, 0-9 placed balls), Niall O’Meara (0-2), Seamus Hennessy (0-1) and Ray McLoughney. Sub: Sean McAdams.
Junior
The first round of the championship against Nenagh Éire Óg is pencilled in for the weekend of 26th May.
Under 21
The quarter-final against Moneygall/ Clonakenny scheduled for Saturday in Toomevara has been deferred due to Cian Darcy’s involvement with the Tipperary senior panel.
Under 16
MacDonaghs qualified for the semi-final of the ‘A’ football championship with a 5-12 to 2-4 home victory over Lorrha/Rovers Gaels. The final scoreline does not accurately reflect the close contest. Only three points separated the sides at the break and it took some late scores for the winners to put a gloss on the scoreboard. Team: Kevin McDonald, Eoin O’Meara, Shane Whelan, Niosa Minogue, Colm Cleary, David O’Sullivan, Pádraig Coonan, Páidí Williams (2-4), James Loughnane, Barry Shanahan (1-1), Nathan Lynch (2-2), Oisín Carroll (0-3), Cian White, Aaron Morgan (0-2) and Kevin Naughnane. Sub: Cillian O’Neill Reidy and Paul O’Neill. In the semi-final, played in MacDonagh Park, they lost to Ballina on a 1-16 to 1-6 scoreline.
Under 14
In the latest round of the championship Newport came to MacDonagh Park and took the points on offer with a 3-5 to 2-4 victory.
Féile
On Sunday, 13th May the juvenile committee is organising a dance in the Thomas MacDonagh Complex. Music is by Declan Aungier and dancing is from 9.00pm to 12.00. Tickets, costing €10, are available from parents or any member of the juvenile committee. All proceeds go to the Féile fund.
Under 12
MacDonaghs (Dubh) qualified for the North final with a hard-earned 5-4 to 3-3 victory over Silvermines in Ardcroney. They now face Nenagh in the North final in Templederry on Saturday with time to be confirmed. MacDonaghs (Bán) missed out on a final spot in their championship when they came out the wrong side of a 4-3 to 4-2 scoreline against Burgess in Ardcroney.
Community Games
A 2-4 to 1-1 home victory over Templemore secured a county North final place for the hurling team. A tremendous first half against the strong wind helped lay the foundation for this latest win. They now take on Nenagh in MacDonagh Park, Cloughjordan this Wednesday, 2nd May at 7.00pm.
Cúl Camp
The annual Kellogg’s Cúl Camp is scheduled for 2nd to 6th July in MacDonagh Park. In 2017 we had a record attendance of 199. We are encouraging all parents to book their children on www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie. Last year 66% of participants were booked online. To secure a place for this year’s Camp parents should book immediately as the committee has decided to limit the capacity to 200. Registration will close on Thursday, 28th June and under no circumstances will bookings be accepted after that. This year gear will be distributed in the Complex on Saturday, 30th June.
Tipperary Draw
The club is making a major drive to promote the Tipperary Draw. We hope that existing members in the draw will renew their subscription and we will be carrying out a forensic canvass of the parish to enlist new clients. With a total prize fund of €500,000 and thirty prizes each month this draw represents great value for an investment of €100.
Match Tickets
The club will not be distributing tickets for the group stages of the Munster championship. Supporters can purchase tickets at Centra or Supervalu and online at Tickets.ie.
