Junior
In a fiercely contested semi-final, we were just pipped 1-11 to 0-12 by Nenagh in Puckane. The team had shown dramatic improvement since the first round against the same opposition when there was a margin of sixteen points between the sides. MacDonaghs were fired up on this occasion and took the game to their opponents. A high work rate throughout the team denied Nenagh the freedom they enjoyed in their previous encounter. MacDonaghs deservedly led by 0-10 to 0-6 at the interval.
Scores were at a premium in the second half and the sides were deadlocked on 0-11 each as the end of normal time approached.
Then came the turning point of the match. Justin Cahill was rather harshly penalised for throwing the ball to Jonathan Cahill who was bearing down on goal. As the resultant free lobbed into the goalmouth the referee missed a blatant push on a Kilruane player by Bob O’Brien who grabbed the sliotar and fired it to the net. MacDonaghs refused to throw in the towel and went in search of the equaliser. However, a point from Justin Cahill was their only reward. It was the team’s best performance during the year.
Team: Thomas Williams, Oisín O’Meara, Gavin McAvinchey (Capt), Brendan McAdams, Caoilainn Conroy, Tomás Hogan, Martin Grace, Conor Austin (0-2), Shane Williams, Niall Shinners (0-5 frees) Declan Barrett, Mark O’Meara, Pat Conway, Justin Cahill (0-4), Mark O’Neill (0-1). Subs: Kevin Ryan, Jonathan Cahill, Robert Austin.
Thanks to the players and management for their efforts throughout the campaign. They played four challenge games and six championship matches since the end of the lockdown.
Junior Football
In the quarter-final of the ‘B’ championship we have been drawn against Silvermines. There are seven teams participating in this competition.
Under 21 Football
We have been nominated to represent the North division in the County semi-final of the ‘A’ championship. We face the West champions in this fixture on the weekend of 3rd October.
Under 14
In the final of the ‘A’ Plate we had a 4-7 to 2-8 victory over Éire Óg in Nenagh. The home team made the brighter start and led by two points at the first water break. By the interval MacDonaghs had edged three points ahead and managed to keep sufficient daylight between the sides until the final whistle. After the game referee Brendan Ryan presented the trophy to captain Cian Moyles.
Team: Tom Austin, Cillian Healy, Colm McAteer, Eamonn Coonan, Cian Moyles (1-0), Brian O’Meara (1-0 free), Cian Hayes, Cathal England, Paul Molloy, Colin Doris, Ray Quinlivan, Michael Cleary (1-6, 0-4 frees), Shane Cleary (0-1), Thomas O’Brien, Cathal McIntyre (1-0). Subs: Tommy Burriss, Tommy O’Meara, Cormac Kennedy, Charlie Kennedy.
Our second team booked a place in the final of the ‘D’ championship with a 4-5 to 0-5 victory over JK Brackens in Templemore. Both clubs agreed to play thirteen a side in order to maximise participation. The final score was not a fair reflection on the game as William Jones scored a fortuitous goal from a long range free and Cillian Franks made some great saves in goal.
Panel: Cillian Franks, Johnny Naughnane, Fearghal Doheny, Jack Quinlisk, Cormac Gaynor, Cathan Gaffney, Simon Austin, William Jones (1-0 free), Donnacha O’Meara, John Hannan (1-0), Jack Kenneally, Dara O’Looney (0-2, 0-1 free), Michael Hennelly, Daniel Connolly, Zack Clarke (2-2), Darragh White. Fiachradh Woods was out injured.
In the final they will play Fr. Sheehys on Saturday in Páirc na nÓg, Thurles at 1.00pm.
Juvenile Football
In the first round of the U12 ‘D’ championship Kilruane MacDonaghs play Ballinahinch in MacDonagh Park on Wednesday evening at 6.15pm. On Saturday we play Nenagh in the U14 ’A’ championship in MacDonagh Park at 1.00pm while our second team have a home game against Fr. Sheehys on Sunday at 12.00 noon in the ‘C’ competition.
U10 & U8
Last Saturday morning MacDonagh Park was a hive of activity. Our U10s were first into action against Durlas Óg with the U8s then taking the field against Toomevara.
Tipperary Draw
Thanks to everybody who joined the Draw which is a crucial fundraiser for the club. If you missed out on the first Draw you can still join by contacting Carmel 0872409854.
County Final
Congratulations to Kiladangan on winning the Dan Breen in an epic County Final which was a credit to both teams and a great advertisement for club hurling in Tipperary.
Sympathy
The club extends sympathy to the family of the late Molly Hassett, (née Hennessy), Templemore Road, Cloughjordan and to Noel Foote, MacDonagh Avenue on the death of his brother Paddy in San Francisco.
