McDonaghs maintain united front

DIVISIONAL forces have been commonplace in Cork and Kerry senior championships for several years but embracing the concept in Tipperary has led to an unlikely football success story.

Thomas McDonaghs, whose squad is comprised of players from six clubs in the north of the county, qualified for the county senior football decider on November 6 when they overcame Clonmel Commercials at the semi-final stage last Sunday and ensured they will be the first north Tipperary team to appear in the final since 1975.

In an area traditionally regarded as a hotbed of hurling, the footballers progress is a remarkable feat considering that three of the clubs represented on their side — Lorrha, Borrisokane and Kilruane McDonaghs — did not enter an adult football team into competition in 2011.