Early season shock sees Kilruane MacDonaghs dumped out of the North Championship

Munster Solar North Tipperary Senior Hurling Championship Quarter-Final

Roscrea 1-26

Kilruane MacDonaghs 1-21

Roscrea booked their place in the North Tipperary Senior Hurling Championship semi-final following a deserved five-point victory over Kilruane MacDonaghs in a high-quality quarter-final encounter.

Roscrea were the sharper and more clinical side throughout, building a four-point interval lead before withstanding a determined Kilruane fightback to emerge victorious on a scoreline of 1-26 to 1-21.

Roscrea signalled their intent from the opening whistle and raced into an early advantage. Evan Fitzpatrick was in outstanding form from the start, landing two early points from play as Roscrea moved 0-2 to 0-0 clear inside the opening minute.

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Luke Cashin and Fitzpatrick continued to punish the Kilruane defence, helping Roscrea establish a 0-5 to 0-1 lead after five minutes.

Kilruane struggled to gain a foothold in the opening quarter, relying heavily on the accuracy of Willie Cleary from placed balls. Roscrea’s movement and efficiency in attack proved the difference, with Fitzpatrick, Cashin and Leigh Loughnane all finding scores as they stretched their advantage.

By the 28th minute, Roscrea led 0-11 to 0-6, and they maintained that margin to the break, turning around with a deserved 0-13 to 0-9 advantage. Fitzpatrick was particularly influential, contributing five points from play in an excellent first-half display.

Kilruane needed a response and got exactly that immediately after the restart. Within seconds of the throw-in, Cian Darcy struck for a crucial goal, finishing clinically to reduce the deficit to a single point and breathe life into the MacDonaghs’ challenge.

Further points from Craig Morgan and Cormac Kennedy helped Kilruane edge closer, but Roscrea refused to panic. Jack Lee, Glenn Loughnane and Shane Fletcher all chipped in with important scores as the sides traded points during a lively third quarter.

The defining moment arrived in the 19th minute of the second half when Roscrea struck for the game’s only goal from their side. Conor Dooley found the net to push Roscrea into a commanding 1-23 to 1-18 lead and restore valuable breathing space.

Kilruane continued to battle hard and remained within touching distance thanks to the scoring exploits of Willie Cleary, who finished with an impressive 0-10, including eight frees. Darcy, Kennedy and Kieran Cahill also contributed valuable scores as the MacDonaghs searched for a route back into the contest.

However, Roscrea always looked capable of finding a response. Luke Cashin delivered an excellent display, finishing with 0-7, while Fitzpatrick ended with 0-6 from play.

Shane Fletcher added 0-3, while Leigh and Glenn Loughnane, Jack Lee, Darragh Tynan and Dan Ryan all played their part on the scoreboard.

Roscrea’s attacking efficiency ultimately proved decisive. While Kilruane finished with 1-21, they were left to reflect on a large wides tally, something that prevented them from fully capitalising on periods of momentum.

Roscrea, by contrast, were far more economical in front of goal and finished with an impressive 1-22 from play. The victory sends Roscrea through to the semi-finals full of confidence after a polished attacking display.

For Kilruane MacDonaghs, there were encouraging performances from Cleary, Darcy and Kennedy, but they were unable to recover from Roscrea’s strong opening half and clinical finishing.

Scorers: Roscrea: Luke Cashin (0-7, 0-3f), Evan Fitzpatrick 0-6, Conor Dooley 1-1, Shane Fletcher (0-3, 0-2f), Leigh Loughnane 0-3, Jack Lee , Glenn Loughnane 0-2 each, Darragh Tynan, Dan Ryan 0-1 each.

Kilruane MacDonaghs: Willie Cleary (0-10, 0-8f), Cian Darcy 1-2, Kieran Cahill, Cormac Kennedy 0-2 each, Thomas Cleary, Craig Morgan, Kian O'Kelly, Niall O'Meara, Jerome Cahill all 0-1 each.

Roscrea: Enda Moloney; Conor Booth, Michael Campion, Aidan Booth; Darragh Tynan, Conor Phelan, Conor Sheedy; Alan Tynan , Dan Ryan; Leigh Loughnane, Shane Fletcher, Evan Fitzpatrick; Luke Cashin, Conor Dooley, Jack Lee.

Subs used: Glenn Loughnane for Phelan (41); Owen Tynan for D Tynan (49, inj).

Kilruane MacDonaghs: Paídí Williams; Cormac Kennedy, Aaron Morgan, Jack Peters; James Cleary, Niall O'Meara, Kieran Cahill; Shane Cleary, Craig Morgan; Willie Cleary, Jerome Cahill, Cian Darcy; Michael Cleary, Kian O'Kelly, Tommy O'Meara.

Subs used: Thomas Cleary for O’Meara (HT); Tommy O’Meara for M Cleary (54).

Referee: Conor Doyle (Silvermines)

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