Senior
Sunday’s 1-21 to 0-11 victory over Silvermines in Toomevara has secured a spot in the quarter-final of the North championship. It was the first meeting of the sides in the senior championship since 2000 when Silvermines prevailed on a 1-15 to 1-14 scoreline in a game that was also played in Toomevara. In this latest encounter a biting wind made hurling difficult for both sides. Justin Cahill won the toss and wisely elected to play with the elements. From the throw-in there was an intensity about MacDonaghs play that had been lacking against Killenaule. This was best exemplified by Cian Darcy who tackled and chased at every opportunity without resorting to fouling.
Silvermines opted to play Orrie Quirke as a sweeper throughout the game and although he collected several short puck outs in the first half MacDonaghs came to terms with the extra defender by playing the ball down the wings. Points from Cian Darcy and Seamus Hennessy inside two minutes put the Magpies into a lead they would never surrender. At the interval the score was 0-13 to 0-4 in favour of Kilruane. A little more zip on the inside forward line could have raised two green flags in the opening half. Kieran Cahill only lasted thirteen minutes when a hamstring injury bought his participation to a premature end. Conor Lillis did well when he was introduced on the half-forward line with Niall O’Meara pushed into full-forward.
On the resumption Kian O’Kelly was sited on the edge of the square while Niall O‘Meara was restored to wing-forward. Kian was a handful at full-forward and Niall began to play a very influential role as the game wore on. With fifteen minutes left Silvermines had cut the deficit to six points. However, MacDonaghs kept their composure and played the ball neatly through the lines into the teeth of the wind. The half backline of Craig Morgan, Justin Cahill and Darragh Peters began to dominate — while this trio are kept together we can be a match for any side. James Cleary at corner back was the target for many of Thomas Williams’ short puck outs and he generally delivered these down the left the left wing, thereby taking the sweeper out of the game. A Conor Cleary goal in the 53rd minute after clever inter-play by the forwards extended the gap to eleven points and put the game out of Silvermines reach.
Team: Thomas Williams, Eoin Hogan, Jack Peters, James Cleary, Craig Morgan, Justin Cahill, Darragh Peters (0-2), SeamusHennessy (0-3), Ray McLoughney, Kian O’Kelly, Cian Darcy (0-8, 0-6 from placed balls), Niall O’Meara (0-4), Mark O’Neill, Kieran Cahill (0-1) and Conor Cleary (1-3). Subs: Conor Lillis (13mins) and Conor Austin (50mins).
The next round is a bit like Brexit. We know it is going to happen but we are not sure when. Tipperary’s progress in the championship will determine the timing. In the meantime, focus switches to the County League with an away game against Borris-Ileigh on Sunday, 28th April at 2.00pm.
Junior
MacDonaghs travel to Templederry to take on the home side in the North League on this Saturday, 20th April at 7.00pm.
Minor
In the second round of the hurling League MacDonaghs gave a good account of themselves against Éire Óg in Nenagh. The home side were worthy winners. On this Wednesday, 17th April we host Roscrea in the third round at 7.00pm.
Under 14
In the football championship MacDonaghs lost out to Burgess in Kilcolman on a 5-6 to 2-7 scoreline. Kilruane failed to make good use of the wind in the first half and trailed by a point at the interval. The played much better into the elements in the second half. Team: Liam Foley, Trent Deane, Danny Cahalan, John Quinlisk, Brian O’Meara, Tristan Madden, John Hannan, Cian Moyles, Cathal England (0-1), Colm McAteer, Jack Mulcahy (2-2), Billy Harty (0-3), Eoin O’Neill, Andrew Hayes and Tom Austin. Subs: Tommy Burriss, Ray Quinlivan, Michael Cleary, Paul Molloy (0-1), Cathal McIntyre and Shane Cleary.
Under 12
All three teams were in action in the in the football championship last week. Kilruane were away to Inane Rovers in St. Cronan’s Park and recorded a one-point victory while at the same venue De Wets came out the wrong side of a 3-6 to 3-4 scoreline against the Roscrea side. Meanwhile, MacDonaghs got no joy from their visit to Lacken Park and lost out to a stronger Newport side.
Astro Turf
The official opening of the Astro Turf will be performed by County Chairman John Devane on Friday, 26th April at 8.00pm. On the same night the minor hurlers will be presented with their North medals. Everybody is invited to attend.
Cumann na mBunscol
Kilruane N.S. overcame a spirited Puckane N.S. in the first round of the U13 hurling championship in MacDonagh Park. Ballinahinch N.S. will provide the opposition in the next round.
MacDonagh Park
Thanks to JP McKenna who provided parking facilities for the clash of Kiladangan and Toomevara in the first round of the North championship on last Friday evening.
Tipperary Draw
The new Tipperary Draw has a prize fund of €500,000 including twelve cars. Thanks to all who subscribed to the last the Draw and we look forward to your continued support. In the next few weeks our promoters will be carrying out a forensic trawl of the parish in an attempt to increase our numbers in the Draw.
