All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final – Kilkenny 3-22 Tipperary 1-28

Kilkenny and Tipperary finished level after an exciting game in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final on Sunday September 7th at Croke Park.

All-Ireland SHC: Incredibly, a draw once again

ALL-IRELAND SHC FINAL: KILKENNY 3-22 TIPPERARY 1-28

Report from GAA.ie

After 43 years without a replay, the 2012 and 2013 finals finished level, and at the end of an incredible final on Sunday, the scarcely credible scenario of a third replay in a row is now before us.

Incredibly, the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final has finished level for the third year in a row as Kilkenny and Tipperary played out a remarkable draw at Croke Park on Sunday. The replay will take place at Croke Park on Saturday, September 27.

After 43 years without a replay, the 2012 and 2013 finals finished level, resulting in replay wins for Kilkenny and Clare, and at the end of an incredible final on Sunday, the scarcely credible scenario of a third replay in a row is now before us.
It’s almost impossible to summarise what happened in Sunday’s final, so varied was the drama, so numerous the incident. Here’s an attempt anyway. In an incredibly high-scoring game – four goals and 50 points scored – Tipperary looked like they had snatched it at the end when their fans celebrated in ecstasy after John O’Dywer landed a huge free from well inside his own half.
However, referee Barry Kelly asked for HawkEye’s verdict and the shot was wide according to the score detection system. There was barely any time left and so it was a draw.
Kilkenny had looked set for victory as they led by four points with five minutes to go, but Tipperary finished the game brilliantly and points from Paddy Stapleton, Jason Forde and two from O’Dywer had them level heading towards injury-time.
O’Dywer looked like he had sealed the most incredible finish for Tipp with his late free, but after the initial joy of their fans erupted, the cold reality set in when a miss was announced on the big screen.

The game to that point had been gripping. Kilkenny had taken their goal chances – TJ Reid and Richie Power finding the net in the second half, with Power also scoring in the first – while Tipperary couldn’t take theirs. They missed penalties in either half through Séamus Callanan and O’Dywer, and also missed other goal chances, often going for green flags when white ones were on.
Tipp had led by two at the break but the goals gave Kilkenny supremacy for much of the second half, and with Richie Hogan giving a brilliant point-scoring display in the second half for Kilkenny, the Cats looked to be heading for victory until the end.

However, inspired by Callanan, Lar Corbett and O’Dywer, Tipperary hung in there and secured the draw.
An enthralling first half ended with just two points separating the teams, Tipperary leading 1-13 to 1-11. However, their lead probably should have been more given the position they held on 22 minutes when Callanan stood over a penalty.
Leading by five points following a goal a minute earlier from Patrick Maher, Callanan went for the jugular and struck for goal, but his effort was blocked on the line and Kilkenny got it away.
It was a decisive moment as just five minutes later, Kilkenny trailed by a single point following a goal from Power and points from Hogan and Michael Fennelly.
The sides were level at 0-6 apiece at the end of the first quarter, with John O’Dwyer and James Woodlock firing over superb scores for Tipperary, and Kilkenny finding their range early on through Eoin Larkin and Reid.
Tipperary enjoyed a dominant spell at the start of the second quarter, and points from Callanan and McGrath were followed by Maher’s brilliant goal, scored when the Lorrha-Dorrha man caught the ball directly from a Darren Gleeson puck-out, surged in on goal and forced it past Eoin Murphy, who probably should have saved what was a weak enough shot.

Maher then won the penalty in a similar move which Callanan missed, but Corbett extended the Tipp lead to six soon afterwards with a fine score. However, then came Power’s goal. The Carrickshock man showed fine composure to retain possession and poke it past Gleeson, after an excellent assist from Reid.
That made it 1-9 to 1-7 and Fennelly’s point left just one between them 10 minutes from the break. The two sides shared the remainder of the points before the interval and Callanan completed the first-half scoring with a free in injury-time to leave Tipperary two clear.
Kilkenny surged into the lead at the start of the second half when Reid cracked in a wonderful individual goal, turning sharply and finishing high to the roof of the net.
The second half then turned into a point-scoring fest, with the sides replying to each other seemingly score for score. Tipperary responded to the Kilkenny goal with points from Shane McGrath and Noel McGrath, Noel’s point levelling the sides for the eighth time.
Tipp were pushing for goals, no-one more so than Larry Corbett, and the enigmatic Thurles man almost found the net on 41 minutes, cracking a brilliant shot off the post.
Then on 49 minutes, Kilkenny found the net at the other end through Power for his second and his side’s third. He finished well after being set up by Michael Fennelly, and that put Kilkenny 3-16 to 1-18 ahead.
The points kept being amassed thereafter by both sides, but with Richie Hogan in strikingly impressive form for Kilkenny, finishing with 0-6 from play, it looked as though the Cats had just too much for their opponents. Tipp were hanging in there though, with Hogan’s main competitor for Hurler of the Year Séamus Callanan matching his point-scoring exploits.
On 60 minutes, Tipperary had a great chance to get back into the game when Corbett won a penalty for his side, storming through on goal before being fouled by Jackie Tyrrell. O’Dywer took it this time, Callanan having missed the first, but the result was the same, the sliotar being blocked on the line by Kilkenny and cleared.

Kilkenny led 3-21 to 1-24 after Hogan and Callanan traded scores again but even the entrance of Henry Shefflin on 66 minutes couldn’t halt Tipperary’s comeback, the Premier County showing tremendous resilience to stay with Kilkenny on the scoreboard when the game looked lost.
Corner back Stapleton got a crucial score in the revival, but John O’Dywer was the main man, the Killenaule youngster firing the key scores to level the sides up after 68 minutes.
It seemed that he had won it as the clock ticked on 72 minutes, the solitary minute of injury time having elapsed, but when HawkEye ruled that his free had actually gone wide, a great sigh – relief for Kilkenny fans, pain for Tipperary fans – rang out across Croke Park. There was no winner.
They meet again in three weeks’ time.

Tipperary-Kilkenny
Stats
Puckouts: 31-30
Puckouts Won: 14-18
Puckouts Won %: 45%-60%
Shots: 39-34
Scores: 29-25
Shot Efficiency: 74%-74%
Successful Hook/Black/Tackle: 9-11

***
Scorers for Kilkenny: TJ Reid 1-8 (6f), R Power 2-1, R Hogan 0-6, E Larkin 0-2, C Fennelly 0-1, M Fennelly 0-1, C Fogarty 0-1, W Walsh 0-1, B Hogan 0-1.

Scorers for Tipperary: S Callanan 0-7 (2f), J O’Dywer 0-7 (2f), Patrick Maher 1-1, N McGrath 0-4, L Corbett 0-2, S McGrath 0-2, J Woodlock 0-1, G Ryan 0-1, M Cahill 0-1, P Stapleton 0-1, J Forde 0-1.

KILKENNY: Eoin Murphy; Paul Murphy, JJ Delaney, Jackie Tyrrell; Joey Holden, Brian Hogan, Cillian Buckley; Richie Hogan, Conor Fogarty; Michael Fennelly, Colin Fennelly, TJ Reid; Walter Walsh, Richie Power, Eoin Larkin. Subs: A Fogarty for W Walsh (49), Padraig Walsh for J Holden (61), Henry Shefflin for C Fennelly (67), John Power for R Hogan (71).

TIPPERARY: Darren Gleeson; Cathal Barrett, Pádraic Maher, Paddy Stapleton; Brendan Maher, James Barry, Kieran Bergin; Shane McGrath, James Woodlock; Gearóid Ryan, Patrick Maher, John O’Dywer; Noel McGrath, Séamus Callanan, Larry Corbett. Subs: Michael Cahill for G Ryan (50), Eoin Kelly for J Woodlock (64), Jason Forde for S McGrath (67), John O’Brien for Callanan (71).

Referee: Barry Kelly (Westmeath)

Attendance: 82,179

***

Report: Arthur Sullivan

Preview – All-Ireland SHC Final, @KilkennyCLG v @TipperaryGAA , Croke Park, Sunday, 3.30pm: http://t.co/PjTCP0CmZZ #GAA

— The GAA (@officialgaa) September 5, 2014

Team News

The Tipperary Senior Hurling team to play Kilkenny in Sunday’s All Ireland Senior Hurling Final in Croke Park at 3.30pm has been named. There is no change to the team that started against Cork in the All Ireland semi-final.

The following 5 players will play in their first senior All Ireland Hurling Final.

Darren Gleeson
Cathal Barrett
James Barry
Kieran Bergin
John O Dwyer

Tipperary (SH team v Kilkenny) – Darren Gleeson (Portroe); Cathal Barrett (Holycross-Ballycahill), Padraic Maher (Thurles Sarsfields), Paddy Stapleton (Borris-Ileigh); Brendan Maher (Borris-Ileigh – Captain), James Barry (Upperchurch-Drombane), Kieran Bergin (Killenaule); Shane McGrath (Ballinahinch), James Woodlock (Drom & Inch); Gearóid Ryan (Templederry Kenyons), Patrick Maher (Lorrha-Dorrha), John O’Dwyer (Killenaule), Noel McGrath (Loughmore-Castleiney), Seamus Callanan (Drom & Inch), Lar Corbett (Thurles Sarsfields)

KILKENNY (SH v Tipperary): Eoin Murphy; Paul Murphy, JJ Delaney, Jackie Tyrrell; Joey Holden, Brian Hogan, Cillian Buckley; Richie Hogan, Conor Fogarty; Michael Fennelly, Colin Fennelly, TJ Reid; Walter Walsh, Richie Power, Eoin Larkin

Turn the County into Blue & Gold

We continue our appeal to all homes and businesses in the county to display the Tipperary colours on your homes and businesses in the lead up to Sunday’s All Ireland Senior Hurling Final. There is great colour and excitement in the county already and lets turn the whole county into Blue & Gold this weekend starting tomorrow Friday by everyone wearing the Tipperary colours whether you are going to work, school or out shopping or whatever you are doing. This weekend is a very special weekend for the county and why not celebrate it in style and what better way that wearing the famous Blue & Gold colours. Up Tipp.

Train update for Sunday

Extra services along with regulars now available to book online for the Hurling Finals @CrokePark Sun 7th Sept http://t.co/kj6JE9DL0Y #GAA

— Iarnród Éireann (@IrishRail) September 3, 2014

It is expected that all scheduled train services to Dublin on Sunday morning will be sold out before the weekend with one train already booked out. In response to this increase in demand Iarnrod Eireann are providing an additional service starting from Limerick junction at 08.58hrs calling at Thurles and Templemore due to arrive into Heuston station at 10.45hrs. Further information and booking through the Iarnrod Eireann website, www.irishrail.ie

Travel advice for All Ireland Hurling Final

The All Ireland Hurling Championship finals take place on Sunday 7th September at Croke Park and a sell-out crowd is expected. Stiles open at midday with Kilkenny taking on Limerick in the minor final from 1.15pm while Kilkenny play Tipperary in the senior final from 3.30pm. As always, the usual match day restrictions will be in place around Croke Park on the day, with a Garda Cordon in effect on the streets that lead to Croke Park in place two hours prior to stiles opening time and then two hours after the senior match. If you’re driving to Dublin, keep in mind that there are roadworks in place at Newlands Cross on the N7 Dublin/ Limerick Rd, which has caused delays on previous weekends.

Rail/ Tram

Industrial action at Irish Rail has been averted and tickets for Sunday can now be purchased online. Iarnród Éireann will provide additional capacity on DART and Commuter routes for fans attending the games in Croke Park Stadium. Gardai advise that attendees to park in one of the park and ride facilities on the outer limits of Dublin City and utilise the many commuter trains and tram facilities to travel to Croke Park.

Bus Information

Bus Eireann are running a special match day service direct from Limerick, departing Limerick Station at 8.30am on Sunday morning, arriving Busáras in Dublin at 11am. Return service will depart Busáras at 6.30pm that evening, arriving in Limerick Bus Station at 9pm. Tickets for this special service can only be purchased in advance from Limerick Bus Station. For further information contact Limerick Bus Station or telephone 061-313-333.

Kavanagh Travel – Website
Kelly Travel – 061-384422 / info@kellytravel.ie / Website

JJ Kavanagh will operate a special bus on Sunday from Tipperary fans coming from the Nenagh direction. It will depart Nenagh at 10am but tickets must be purchased in advance from Castle Café, Kickham St.

Match Officials confirmed

Sunday, September 7
GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Final
Cill Chainnigh v Tiobraid Árann
Páirc an Chrócaigh, 15.30
Referee: Barry Kelly (An Iarmhí)
Stand By: Brian Gavin (Uíbh Fhailí)
Linesman: Colm Lyons (Corcaigh)
Sideline: Cathal McAllister (Corcaigh)
Umpires: Michael Coyle, Seamus O’Brien, Paddy Walsh and Paul Reville

Tipperary Press Pack

Welcome and Introduction

Welcome to the Tipperary Press Pack for the All Ireland Senior Hurling Final 2014.

The purpose of this press pack is to provide you with some useful background information about the Tipperary team and the Tipperary v Kilkenny rivalry over the years.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all sections of the media for their co-operation and support during the year and the generally fair manner in which they do their work.

I want to thank the Tipperary Manager, Eamon O’Shea, his colleagues on the management team, the Tipperary players and my fellow officers of Tipperary County Board for their assistance and support and all who provided information for the Press Pack.

Andy Fogarty

PRO, TipperaryCountyBoard

Tel: 086 348 2975

Email: pro.tipperary@gaa.ie

Key Contact Numbers

County Chairman – Sean Nugent (087-2669304)

County Secretary – Tim Floyd (0504-22702 or secretary.tipperary@gaa.ie)

The team will be announced by email and local radio at 9pm on Thursday September 4^th. It will be published on the Tipperary GAA website (www.tipperary.gaa.ie) shortly after 9pm.

Brendan Maher (Captain, Borris-Ileigh)

Age 25              Height 5ft 11 in              Weight 12st 7ilbs

Brendan was born on January 5th, 1989 and plays for the Borris-Ileigh club. He made his Senior inter-county debut for Tipperary against Waterford in the 2009 Waterford Crystal Cup, lining out at left corner-back in a Tipperary victory. Brendan made his Allianz Hurling League debut against Cork in February 2009, lining out at wing-back and his Championship debut was as a substitute against Cork in the 2009 Munster Senior Hurling Championship. Brendan’s first Championship start came at left half-back in the 2009 All-Ireland semi-final vs. Limerick. He was an ever present at midfield in the 2010 All-Ireland Championship, helping Tipperary to capture the All-Ireland title at the expense of Kilkenny and scoring 2 points from play in the final.

Brendan played for the Tipperary Minor Hurlers for three years, winning 2 All-Ireland Minor medals in 2006 and in 2007 (as captain). Brendan has also a Munster Minor Hurling medal in 2007 and 3 Munster Senior Hurling medals (2009, 2011 and 2012). Brendan scored 0-12 from play in the 2007 All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship campaign following up from his contribution of 1-4 in the 2006 campaign. He was the second player from the Borris-Ileigh club to captain a Tipperary Minor team to All-Ireland success, following in the foot steps of Paddy Kenny in 1947. Brendan lined out with the Tipperary Under 21 Hurlers in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, winning Munster medals in 2008 and 2010 and an All-Ireland medal in 2010, playing at centre-back in the final. Brendan was won an All-Star award at midfield in 2010 and also captured the 2010 Young Hurler of the Year award. He was shortlisted for the 2010 Bord Gáis Energy Breaking Through Player of the Year award. Brendan captained Munster to the Inter-Provincial Championship in 2013. He was Vice-Captain of the Tipperary Senior Hurling team in 2013 before taking on the role of captain for 2014.

Championship debut – 2009 vs. Cork

Number of Appearances – 26

Scored – 0-10

Noel McGrath (Vice-Captain, Loughmore-Castleiney)

Age 23              Height 6 ft                     Weight 13st 11lbs

Noel was born on December 17th, 1990 and plays for the Loughmore-Castleiney club. Noel made his Senior inter-county debut for Tipperary against Clare in the 2009 Waterford Crystal Cup Final, scoring a point from play at right corner-forward. He made his Allianz Hurling League debut against Cork in February 2009 and his Championship debut at corner-forward against Cork in the 2009 Munster Senior Hurling Championship, scoring 3 points from play. Noel won a Munster Senior Hurling Medal in 2009, scoring 0-13 in three matches in that year’s Munster championship. He won further Munster Senior Hurling medals in 2011 and 2012.

Noel won the RTE man of the match award in the 2010 All-Ireland Senior Hurling semi-final versus Waterford, scoring 7 points, 5 from play in the centre-forward position. He won an All-Ireland Senior Hurling medal in 2010, scoring a goal in the final against Kilkenny. He also won an All-Ireland Under 21 Hurling medal in 2010, scoring 1-3 in the All-Ireland final defeat of Galway. Noel won the 2010 GAA Player of the Month award for August, sponsored by Vodafone. The award followed McGrath’s stunning display in Tipp’s impressive 3-19 to 1-18 victory over Waterford. McGrath hit five outstanding points from play against the Deise as he won a crucial battle against Michael ‘Brick’ Walsh.

Noel lined out with the Tipperary Minor Hurlers for three seasons, winning All-Ireland medals in 2006 and 2007, a Munster Minor medal in 2007 and a Munster Under 21 Hurling medal in 2010. Noel won the RTE man of the match award in the 2007 All-Ireland semi-final victory over Kilkenny. He played an impressive role as a second half substitute at wing-back in the 2006 All-Ireland semi-final defeat over Kilkenny. In all, Noel played 11 Championship matches for the Tipperary Minor hurlers, scoring 1-34 (0-15 frees, 0-2 sideline cuts, 1-17 from play) in total.

Noel won an All-Ireland Under 16 Hurling medal in 2006 and a Dean Ryan Cup medal with Our Ladys Templemore in 2007. Noel helped his club to win County and Munster Club Senior Hurling medals in 2007. He also was a member of Loughmore Casleiney’s senior hurling and senior football teams which won the Tipperary county senior titles unique double in 2013. Noel’s father Pat played for Tipperary at Minor, Under 21 and Senior level.

Noel has been nominated for All-Star awards in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, winning awards in 2009 (right corner-forward) and 2010 (centre-forward). He was also the 2009 Young Hurler of the Year. Noel is vice-captain of the Tipperary Senior Hurling team for 2014.

Championship debut – 2009 vs. Cork

Number of Appearances – 27

Scored – 3-68

Cathal Barrett (Holycross- Ballycahill)

Age 21              Height 5ft 11in               Weight 12st 2lbs

Cathal was born on July 21st 1993 and plays for the Holycross-Ballycahill club.

Cathal played Minor Hurling with Tipperary in 2010 and 2011 and was on the Tipperary Under 21 Hurling panel from 2012 through to 2014. He made his competitive debut with the Tipperary Senior Hurlers in January 2014 when he lined out at right corner-back versus the Limerick Institute of Technology in the Waterford Crystal Cup. Cathal won a Waterford Crystal Cup medal with Tipperary in 2014, lining out at right corner-back in the defeat of Clare in the final. He made his Allianz League debut at right-corner-back versus Waterford in February 2014. Cathal made his Championship debut at right corner-back versus Limerick in the 2014 Munster Championship.

Championship debut – 2014 vs. Limerick

Number of Appearances – 5

James Barry (Upperchurch Drombane)

Age 24              Height 6ft 1in                Weight 14st 2lbs

James was born on June 29th 1990 and plays with the Upperchurch-Drombane club. James played Minor Hurling with Tipperary in 2007 and 2008, winning Munster and All-Ireland Medals in 2007 at wing-back. He played Under 21 Hurling with Tipperary in 2010 and 2011, also winning Munster and All-Ireland Medals in 2010 at wing-back. James lined out at wing-back for the Tipperary Intermediate Hurlers in 2012, winning Munster and All-Ireland medals. James won a Fitzgibbon Cup medal with University College Cork in 2013 and captained UCC to the 2014 Fitzgibbon Cup semi-finals. James made his Allianz Hurling League debut as a substitute versus Dublin in March 2014. James made his Championship debut at right half-back versus Limerick in the 2014 Munster Championship. His father Seamus was a member of the Tipperary senior hurling panel in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Championship debut – 2014 vs. Limerick

Number of Appearances – 5

Kieran Bergin (Killenaule)

Age 28              Height 6ft                      Weight 13st 3lbs

Kieran was born on January 25th 1986 and plays with the Killenaule club. He played with the Tipperary Minor Hurlers in 2003 and 2004, winning a Munster medal in 2003. Kieran lined out with the Tipperary Under 21 hurlers in 2005, appearing as a substitute in their Munster Final defeat to Cork alongside current Senior panellists Conor O’Mahony, Conor O’Brien, Shane McGrath and Paddy Stapleton. Kieran then moved to the USA for a number of years where he continued playing hurling in New York. On his return to Ireland, Kieran was part of the Tipperary Senior Football panel for the 2013 McGrath Cup, appearing as a substitute for Tipperary in their defeat of Cork before joining the Tipperary Senior Hurling panel in April. Kieran made his competitive debut at senior for Tipperary in the 2013 Allianz Hurling League Final against Kilkenny, lining out at wing-back. Kieran made his Championship debut at wing-back vs. Limerick in the 2013 Munster Senior Hurling Championship.

Kieran’s brother Niall won an All-Ireland Minor Hurling medal in 2006 at wing-forward while Kieran’s uncles Liam and Jack both captained the Tipperary Senior Hurlers in 1983 and 1985 respectively. Jack Bergin was also a selector alongside Nicky English and Ken Hoganh when Tipperary won the 2001 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final. Another of Kieran’s uncles, Jimmy Leahy, won Munster and All-Ireland Minor Hurling medals in 1980 and captured a Munster Under 21 Hurling medal in 1984. Finally, Kieran is a first cousin of former Galway footballer, Joe Bergin.

Championship debut – 2013 vs. Limerick

Number of Appearances – 7

Scored – 0-5

Shane Bourke (JK Brackens)

Age 25              Height 5ft 10in               Weight 12st 6lbs

Shane was born on November 9th 1988 and plays for the JK Brackens GAA club. Shane won an All-Ireland Minor Hurling medal with Tipperary in 2006. He played Under 21 Hurling with Tipperary in 2008 and 2009, winning a Munster Under 21 medal in 2008. Shane made his Allianz Hurling League debut as a substitute against Waterford in March 2011. Shane won the man of the match award against Galway in the 2011 Allianz Hurling League, scoring 3-4 from play. Shane won a Munster Senior Hurling medal in 2011, making his Championship debut in the victory over Waterford. Shane followed this up with another Munster Senior Hurling medal in 2012, scoring a goal in the Munster Final when introduced as a substitute.

Shane was part of the team which won UCC’s 40th Fitzgibbon Cup title in 2009. Shane is a nephew of Seamus Bourke who represented Tipperary at Minor, Under 21, Junior and Senior Hurling level in the 1970s and 1980s. Shane’s father Paddy also played senior hurling for Tipperary.

Championship debut – 2011 vs. Waterford

Number of Appearances – 9

Scored – 1-4

Michael Cahill (Thurles Sarsfields)

Age 25              Height 5ft 10in               Weight 12st

Michael was born on January 3^rd 1989 and plays for the Thurles Sarsfields club. He won All-Ireland medals at Senior and Under 21 Hurling in 2010. Michael won All-Ireland Minor Hurling medals in 2006 and 2007 as well as winning Munster Minor (2007), Munster Under 21 (2008 and 2010) and Munster Senior (2011 and 2012) Hurling medals. He was a key member of the Thurles CBS team which lost to St. Flannan’s in the 2005 Dr. Harty Cup Final.

Michael made his debut with the Thurles Sarsfields Senior Hurling team in 2006. He has won 2 County U16 A Hurling medals with Durlas Og (2004, 2005). He has also won 2 County Minor “A” Hurling medals (2006 and 2007), 2 County Minor “A” Football medals (2005, 2006) and 2 County Under 21 “A” Hurling medals (2008 and 2009).

Michael won County Senior Hurling medals with Sarsfields in 2009, 2010 and 2012 and a Munster Club Hurling medal in 2012. He played Fitzgibbon Cup Hurling with UCC in 2007, 2008 and 2009, winning a Fitzgibbon Cup medal in 2009. He made his Senior inter-county debut as a substitute in the 2009 Allianz Hurling League against Limerick. Michael made his Championship debut at left half back against Cork in May 2010. Michael was nominated for an All-Star award in 2010, 2011 and 2012, winning an All-Star award at left corner-back in 2011.

Championship debut – 2010 vs. Cork

Number of Appearances – 21

Scored – 0-1

Séamus Callanan (Drom and Inch)

Age 25              Height 6ft 3in                Weight 14st 7lbs

Seamus was born on September 15th, 1988. He won an All-Ireland Senior Hurling Medal in 2010 as a substitute against Kilkenny, scoring 2 points from play. Seamus won an All-Ireland Minor Hurling medal with Tipperary in 2006, scoring the winning point as a substitute in the 2006 All-Ireland Minor Hurling semi-final against Kilkenny. He helped his club Drom & Inch win Mid Senior Hurling titles in 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2013 and captained his club to win the 2011 Tipperary County Senior Hurling title. Seamus made his Allianz League debut as a substitute against Offaly in 2008, scoring 0-3. He won an Allainz Hurling League medal as a late forward substitute in 2008.

Seamus made his Championship debut against Cork in the 2008 Munster Senior Hurling Championship semi-final, scoring 3 points from play. In his next 5 Championship matches, Seamus scored a goal in each game. Seamus has won 4 Munster Senior Hurling medals in 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012. Seamus was nominated for an All-Star award in 2008 and 2009 as well as being nominated as Young Hurler of the Year in 2008.

He is joint leading scorer in this year’s hurling championship with Paul Shiels of Antrim having scored 7-38 from 5 games.

Championship debut – 2008 vs. Cork

Number of Appearances – 28

Scored – 15-79

Lar Corbett (Thurles Sarsfields)

Age 33              Height 6ft 3 in               Weight 13st 9lbs

Lar was born on March 16th 1981 and plays for the Thurles Sarsfields club. He joined the Tipperary Senior Hurling panel at the age of 19, having never played minor hurling or Under-21 hurling for Tipperary up to that stage. Lar represented Tipperary at Under 21 level in 2001 and 2002. He made his Senior inter-county debut vs. Clare in the 2000 South East Hurling League playing at corner-forward. Lar won an Allianz Hurling League medal in 2001, scoring 4 points in the final and 4-11 in 6 games in the 2001 AHL competition. Lar won his second Allianz Hurling League medal in 2008, scoring 1-3 in the final to earn the man of the match award. He scored 5 goals and 10 points in the 2008 AHL campaign. Lar also won a Munster Senior Hurling medal in 2008, scoring 2 points in the final while he scored 2-2 in the 2009 Munster Senior Hurling Final when he captured his third medal. Lar’s fourth Munster Senior Hurling medal came with a memorable man of the match performance, scoring 4-4 from play against Waterford in the 2011 Munster Final. Lar won his 5th Munster Senior Hurling medal in 2012.

Lar won an All-Ireland and Munster Senior medal in 2001, scoring 1-1 in the Munster Final against Limerick and 2 points in the All-Ireland Final. He won his second All-Ireland Senior medal in 2010, scoring 3 goals in the Final and winning the RTE man of the match award. Lar scored 6-11 in total during the 2010 Championship. He won the 2010 GAA Player of the Month award for September, sponsored by Vodafone following his man of the match performance in the All-Ireland Final.

Lar won a County minor medal with Thurles Sarsfields in 1999 and County Senior medals in 2005, 2009, 2010 and 2012 in addition to a Munster Club Senior Hurling medal in 2012. He captained Tipperary against Waterford in the 2006 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Quarter-Final. Lar was nominated for All-Star awards in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, winning an All-Star at right half forward in 2009, at left-half forward in 2010 and at full-forward in 2011. Lar was nominated along with Kilkenny duo Henry Shefflin and Tommy Walsh for the 2009 Hurler of the Year award and won the Hurler of the Year award in 2010.

Championship debut – 2001 vs. Clare

Number of Appearances – 58

Scored – 29-74

Paul Curran (Mullinahone)

Age 32              Height 6ft 1in                Weight 13st 9lbs

Paul was born on November 11^th 1981 and plays for the Mullinahone club. He made his Senior inter-county debut vs. Cork in the 2001 Allianz Hurling League. Paul won an All-Ireland Senior Hurling medal at full-back in 2010. He has won 2 Allianz League and 5 Munster Senior Hurling medals including 1 as captain in 2012. His senior championship debut came as a sub in 2002 vs. Offaly. Paul won a County Senior Hurling medal with his club Mullinahone in 2002 and captained them to South Senior Hurling Championship honours in 2009. In total, Paul has won 8 South Tipperary Senior Hurling medals and also 3 County Intermediate Football medals.

Paul captained the Waterford Institute of Technology to Fitzgibbon Cup honours in 2003. He played full-back for Tipperary in the 2003 championship and after playing at corner-back in 2004 and 2005, he has returned to the position of full-back since the 2006 Munster Final. Paul was nominated for an All-Star award in the full-back line in 2008, 2010 and 2011, winning an All-Star at No. 3 in both 2010 and 2011. His brothers Niall and Sean have both represented Tipperary at hurling and football at different grades. Niall is also currently a Tipperary under 21 hurling selector.

Championship debut – 2002 vs. Offaly

Number of Appearances – 43

Darragh Egan (Kildangan)

Age 28              Height 6ft 3in                Weight 16st 7lbs

Darragh was born on February 5th 1986 and plays for the Kildangan club. He won a Munster minor medal as a goalkeeper in 2003 and a Munster Under 21 medal at full-forward in 2006. Darragh has also won a Munster and All-Ireland Intermediate Club hurling medal with his club in 2004 in addition to North and County Intermediate medals in the same year, all won while playing corner-forward.

Darragh is also an accomplished footballer and played with the Tipperary Minor Footballers in 2004 as well as being selected on the Irish Compromise Rules U-18 team which toured Australia in 2004. Darragh made his competitive debut with the Tipperary Senior hurlers in February 2005 when he lined out at full-forward in the Allianz Hurling League vs. Down, scoring 1-1. He scored 1-1 as a substitute against Limerick in the 2005 Allianz Hurling League before going on to make his Championship debut as a substitute versus Limerick in the 2005 Munster Championship drawn game.

Darragh won an Allianz Hurling League medal as a substitute in 2008 and also won Munster Senior Hurling Championship medals in 2008 and 2009. Darragh was a member of the Tipperary panel that won the 2010 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.

Championship debut – 2005 vs. Limerick (drawn game)

Number of Appearances – 12

Scored – 3-8

Jason Forde (Silvermines)

Age 20              Height 6ft                      Weight 13st 12lbs

Jason was born on December 22nd 1993 and plays for the Silvermines club. Jason played Minor Hurling for Tipperary in 2010 and 2011 (as captain). Jason was also part of the Tipperary Under 21 team which played in the Munster Finals of 2012 and 2013 and captained Tipperary in the 2014 Munster Under 21 Championship. He won an All-Ireland Post-Primary Schools medal with Nenagh CBS in the 2011/2012 season. At club level, Jason won North, Tipperary and Munster Intermediate Hurling medals with Silvermines in 2012. Jason made his Senior inter-county debut in the semi-final of the 2013 Waterford Crystal Cup, scoring three points from wing-forward against LIT. Jason made his Allianz Hurling League debut as a second half substitute against Cork in February 2013, scoring two points from play. Jason made his Championship debut as a second half substitute against Kilkenny in July 2013.

Championship debut – 2013 vs. Kilkenny

Number of appearances – 4

Scored – 0-1

Darren Gleeson (Portroe)

Age 33              Height 6ft 3in                Weight 15st 4lbs

Darren was born on March 19th 1981 and plays for the Portroe club. Darren joined the Tipperary Senior Hurling panel in 2008 having had previous inter-county experience as sub-goalie on the 2002 Tipperary Under 21 Hurling panel. Darren plays in goal and was sub-goalie for Tipperary in the first two rounds of the 2008 Allianz Hurling League. Darren won an Allianz Hurling League medal as a substitute in 2008. Darren has won 4 Munster Senior Hurling medals. Darren made his Allainz Hurling League debut against Galway in 2009. Darren made his Championship debut as a 10 minute blood sub against Cork in the 2009 Munster Senior Hurling Championship. Darren was sub-goalie on the 2010 Tipperary Senior Hurling panel which captured All-Ireland honours.

Championship debut – 2009 vs. Cork

Number of Appearances – 7

Eoin Kelly (Mullinahone)

Age 32              Height 5ft 9in                Weight 14st 2lbs

Eoin, who was born on January 6, 1982, plays for the Mullinahone club. Eoin made his Senior championship debut vs. Galway in the 2000 All-Ireland Quarter-Final as a forward substitute – he was also sub-goalie on that occasion if required. Eoin won an All-Ireland Colleges medal with St. Kieran’s of Kilkenny in 2000 and has 2 Munster Minor Hurling medals – 1997 and 1999 and 2 Munster Under 21 medals in 1999 and 2003 (as captain). Eoin has won 2 Allianz Hurling League medals, 5 Munster Senior Hurling medals (2008 and 2011 as captain) and 2 All-Ireland Senior Hurling medals (2001 and 2010 as captain). Eoin has played in goal for the Tipp minors and Mullinahone in the past but is better known as an excellent forward, one of the best in the modern game. Eoin is a brother of former All-Star Paul Kelly.

Eoin won a Railway Cup medal with Munster in 2001 and captained Munster in the 2006 semi-final defeat to Connacht, scoring 1-6 in the process. Eoin won an All-Star award at corner-forward and also won the Eircell Vodafone Young Hurler of the Year. He repeated both of these feats in 2002 and also won All-Stars in 2004, 2005 and 2006 to become only the second player ever to win 5 All-Star awards at the age of 24 (Pat Hartigan of Limerick was the other). Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny) subsequently equalled this achievement. Eoin won his sixth All-Star award in 2010 at left corner-forward.

Eoin is Tipperary’s all time leading scorer in Senior Hurling Championship history and finished as top scorer in the 2010 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship. Eoin won a County Senior Hurling medal with his club Mullinahone in 2002, scoring 2-7 in the replay and winning the man of the match award. Eoin has won 9 South Senior Hurling titles with Mullinahone in 1997, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2012. Eoin has also won 3 County Intermediate Football medals.

He won a Fitzgibbon Cup medal with LIT in 2005 as team captain. Eoin is a first cousin of the Moran’s from the Limerick Senior hurling team, i.e. Ollie, James and Niall.

Championship debut – 2000 vs. Galway

Number of Appearances – 62

Scored – 21-368

Conor Kenny (Borris-Ileigh)

Age 21              Height 6ft 3in                Weight 13st 4lbs

Conor was born on October 12th 1992 and plays with the Borris-Ileigh club.

Conor played his underage hurling in Kildare, representing that county at all levels. In 2013 Conor transferred to the Borris-Ileigh, from where his father Philip, who represented Tipperary at minor and under 21 hurling, hails. Conor represented Tipperary at Under 21 Hurling and Intermediate Hurling level in 2013, winning Munster and All-Ireland Intermediate Hurling medals.

Conor made his competitive Senior Hurling debut with Tipperary in January 2014, lining out as a forward versus the Limerick Institute of Technology in the Waterford Crystal Cup, scoring two points from play. He won a Waterford Crystal Cup medal in 2014, scoring a goal from the full-forward position against Clare in the final. He made his Allianz Hurling League debut as a substitute versus Clare in March 2014, scoring two points from play.

Championship Debut- N/A

Denis Maher (Thurles Sarsfields)

Age 23              Height 6ft 2in                Weight 14st 11lbs

Denis was born on July 9th 1991 and plays for the Thurles Sarsfields club.

He was part of the Tipperary Minor Hurling panel in 2008 and 2009 and the Under 21 Hurling panel in 2012. Denis won County Senior Hurling medals with Thurles Sarsfields in 2009, 2010 and 2012 as well as a Munster Club Senior Hurling medal in 2012. He made his Allianz League debut as a substitute versus Waterford in February 2014, scoring a point from play. Denis made his Championship debut as a substitute versus Limerick in the 2014 Munster Senior Hurling Championship, scoring a point from play.

Championship debut – 2014 vs. Limerick

Number of Appearances – 4

Scored – 0-3

Pádraic Maher (Thurles Sarsfields)

Age 25              Height 6ft 1in                Weight 14st 6lbs

Pádraic was born on February 9th 1989. Padraic plays for the Thurles Sarsfields club. He won All-Ireland Minor Hurling medals as a full-back in 2006 and 2007. Padraic also won a Munster Minor Hurling medal in 2007, Munster Under 21 Hurling medals in 2008 and 2010 (as Captain) and 3 Munster Senior Hurling medals (2009, 2011 and 2012). In 2010, He won an All-Ireland Senior Hurling medal playing at left half-back in the final against Kilkenny. He captained Tipperary to Munster and All-Ireland Under 21 honours in 2010, playing at centre-back in the Munster Final and at full-back in the All-Ireland Final.

With Durlas Óg, Pádraic won two County Under 16 A Hurling medals (2004 and 2005). He has also won 2 County Minor “A” Hurling medals (2006 and 2007), 2 County Minor “A” Football medals (2005 and 2006), 2 County Under 21 “A” Hurling medals (2008 and 2009) and 3 County Senior Hurling medal (2009, 2010 and 2012), winning the man of the match award in the 2009 County Senior Hurling Final. He won a Munster Club Hurling medal in 2012. Padraic won the Corn Na Mac Leinn All Ireland Football title in 2007 with the Tipperary Institute. His father, Paddy, won an All-Ireland Minor Hurling medal in 1980.

Padraic made his Allianz Hurling League debut as a substitute against Dublin in March 2009 and his Championship debut at wing-back against Cork in the 2009 Munster Senior Hurling Championship. He was nominated for All-Star awards in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, winning an award at full-back in 2009 and at left half-back in 2011. He was nominated for the 2009 Young Hurler of the Year award along with Noel McGrath and Joe Canning (Galway) and nominated for the 2011 Hurler of the Year award along with Michael Fennelly (Kilkenny) and Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny). Padraic’s brother Ronan is also a member of the panel.

Championship debut – 2009 vs. Cork

Number of Appearances – 27

Scored – 0-6

Patrick Maher (Lorrha and Dorrha)

Age 24              Height 5ft 10in               Weight 13st 5lbs

Patrick “Bonner” Maher was born on October 12th, 1989 and plays for the Lorrha and Dorrha club. He made his Senior inter-county debut for Tipperary against Waterford in the 2009 Waterford Crystal Cup, lining out at left half-forward. Patrick scored a goal against Clare in the 2009 Waterford Crystal Cup Final. He made his debut in the Allianz Hurling League in February 2009, lining out at centre-forward against Waterford and scoring a point in a 2-13 to 1-12 Tipperary victory. Patrick made his Championship debut at left half-forward against Wexford in the 2010 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Qualifiers, scoring two points from play. Patrick lined out at left half-forward in the 2010 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final. He also won an All-Ireland Under 21 Hurling medal in 2010, lining out in the half-forward line and scoring a goal in the All-Ireland final against Galway.

Patrick won Munster and All-Ireland Minor Hurling medals in 2007, scoring 3-2 from play in the 2007 Minor Championship. He won a County Intermediate Hurling title with his club in 2007 and helped Banagher Colleges win the Leinster Vocational schools title in 2007. Patrick was also on the Tipperary Intermediate Hurling panel which lost the 2008 Munster Final to Limerick. Patrick won 3 Munster Senior Hurling medals (2009, 2011 and 2012) and a Munster Under 21 Hurling medal in 2010. Patrick was nominated for an All-Star award in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Patrick was selected as the 2012 Munster Senior Hurler of the Year.

Championship debut – 2010 vs. Wexford

Number of Appearances – 21

Scored – 3-6

Ronan Maher (Thurles Sarsfields)

Age 18              Height 5ft 10in               Weight 12st 8lbs

Ronan was born on October 9th 1995 and plays for the Thurles Sarsfields club. He played with the Tipperary Minor Hurlers in 2012 and 2013, winning Munster and All-Ireland medals in 2012 at corner-back. Ronan was part of the Tipperary Under 21 Hurling panel in 2013 and 2014. He also played on the Thurles Sarsfields Senior Hurling panel which won Tipperary and Munster titles in 2012.

Ronan made his competitive debut for the Tipperary Senior hurlers in January 2014, lining out at midfield versus the Limerick Institute of Technology in the Waterford Crystal Cup. He won a Waterford Crystal Cup medal in 2014, lining out at corner-back versus Clare in the Final. He made his Allianz Hurling League debut as a substitute versus Waterford in February 2014 and scored a crucial point against Dublin in the latter stages of that league game. He made his Championship debut as a midfielder versus Galway in July 2014.

Ronan’s brother Padraic is also a member of the panel.

Championship debut – 2014 vs. Galway

Number of Appearances – 1

Liam McGrath (Loughmore Castleiney)

Age 21              Height 5ft 8in                Weighr 12st 12lbs

Liam was born on February 22nd 1993 and plays for the Loughmore-Castleiney club. He was part of the Tipperary Minor Hurling panel in 2010 and 2011 and the Tipperary Under 21 Hurling panel from 2012 through to 2014. Liam captained the Tipperary Minor Footballers in 2011 to Munster and All-Ireland honours and was part of the Tipperary Under 21 Hurling and Football panels from 2012 through to 2014. Liam played for the Tipperary Senior Footballers in 2012 and 2013.

Liam helped his club Loughmore-Castleiney to win the Tipperary Senior Hurling and Senior Football titles in 2013, winning the Gaelic Footballer award at the 2013 Annerville awards. Liam made his Allianz Hurling League debut as a substitute versus Waterford in February 2014.

Championship Debut: N/a

Shane McGrath (Ballinahinch)

Age 29              Height 6ft                      Weight 12st 6lbs

Shane was born on September 12th, 1984 and plays for the Ballinahinch club in North Tipperary. He won a Munster Under 21 Hurling medal with Tipperary in 2004 as a substitute and he started at wing-forward against Down in the 2005 All-Ireland Under 21 Hurling semi-final. He won Fitzgibbon Cup medals with Limerick Institute of Technology in 2005 and 2007.

Shane made his Allianz Hurling League debut for the Tipperary Senior Hurling team at wing-forward against Limerick in February 2006. He made his championship debut at midfield against Limerick in the first round of the 2006 Munster championship. Shane won an Allianz  Hurling League medal at midfield in 2008, scoring a point in the final and ten points during the 2008 AHL campaign. He holds 4 Munster Senior Hurling medals and played at midfield for the Tipperary Senior Hurlers in 2010 as they captured All-Ireland honours. Shane was selected at midfield in the 2008 All-Star team and was an All Star nominee in 2009 and 2010. He was captain of the Tipperary Senior Hurling team in 2013.

Championship debut – 2006 vs. Limerick

Number of Appearances – 40

Scored – 0-28

Conor O’Brien (Éire Óg Annacarty Donohill)

Age 29              Height 5ft 9in                Weight 12st 6lbs

Conor was born on May 30th, 1985 and is from the Éire Óg Annacarty Donohill club. He won a Munster Minor medal in 2003 and Munster Under 21 medals in 2004 and 2006. Conor played with the Tipperary Intermediate Hurling team in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. He finished second in the 1999 All-Ireland Féile Skills final behind Kilkenny’s James “Cha” Fitzpatrick. He helped his club to win the 2006 County Intermediate Hurling title playing at midfield. He made his Allianz Hurling League debut at left corner-back against Dublin in 2007. He won an Allianz Hurling League medal in 2008 playing at left corner-back.

Conor made his Championship debut against Cork in the 2008 Munster Senior Hurling Championship semi-final and has won 3 Munster Senior Hurling medals (2008, 2009 and 2012). He won an All-Ireland Senior Hurling medal in 2010, coming on as a substitute in the final against Kilkenny. Conor was nominated for an All-Star award in 2008 at corner-back.

Championship debut – 2008 vs. Cork

Number of Appearances – 19

Scored – 0-1

John O’Brien (Toomevara)

Age 32              Height 6ft 1in                Weight 14st

John was born on January 1st 1982 and plays for the Toomevara club. He made his Senior inter-county debut vs. Laois in the 2001 Allianz Hurling League. John has won a Munster minor hurling medal (1999), 2 All-Ireland Senior Hurling medals (2001 and 2010), 5 Munster Senior medals (2001, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012) and a Munster Under 21 hurling medal (2003). John won the RTE Man of the Match award in the 2008 Munster Senior Hurling Final, scoring 1-4 from wing-forward. He lined out at corner-forward for the Tipperary Senior Hurling team which won the 2010 All-Ireland Senior Hurling title, scoring 2 points from play in the final.

John has won 7 county senior hurling medals with Toomevara and 2 Munster Club medals in 2004 and 2006. He is a brother of former Tipperary hurler, Paddy. John won the man of the match award in the 2000, 2001 and 2006 County Senior Hurling Finals, scoring 2-1, 1-5 and 1-6 respectively. He won an Allianz Hurling League medal as a second half forward substitute in 2008. John was nominated for an All-Star in 2010.

Championship debut – 2001 vs. Limerick

Number of Appearances – 34

Scored – 3-45

John O’Dwyer (Killenaule)

Age 22              Height 5ft 10in               Weight 13st 5lbs

John was born on September 19^th 1991 and plays with the Killenaule club. He played Minor Hurling with Tipperary in 2008 and 2009 and Under 21 Hurling in 2010, 2011 and 2012 (as captain) – winning Munster and All-Ireland Under 21 Hurling medals in 2010 lining out at corner-forward. He made his Senior inter-county debut with Tipperary in the 2013 Waterford Crystal Cup Quarter-Final, lining out at right half-forward v Limerick and scoring a point from play. John made his Championship debut as a second half substitute v Limerick in the 2013 Munster Senior Hurling Championship, scoring 1-3 from play.

Championship debut – 2013 vs. Limerick

Number of Appearances – 7

Scored – 3-26

Conor O’Mahony (Newport)

Age 29              Height 6ft                      Weight 14st

Conor was born on October 18th, 1984 and plays for the Newport club. He made his competitive debut for the Tipperary Senior Hurlers against Antrim in the 2005 Allianz Hurling League. Conor won 2 Munster Minor Hurling medals in 2001 (at midfield) and 2002 (at centre-forward). Conor helped Tipperary to win the 2003 Munster U-21 final by coming off the bench to score a goal in extra time against Cork while he won his second Munster U-21 medal at full-back in 2004 before also lining out at full-back in the 2005 Munster U-21 Final. He won Fitzgibbon Cup medals with Limerick Institute of Technology in 2005 (at corner-back) and 2007 (at centre-back). Conor was nominated for an All-Star at centre-back in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011, winning an All-Star award in 2008 at centre-back and in 2009 at left half-back.

Conor won an Allianz Hurling League medal in 2008 at centre-back, scoring 9 points from long range frees in that AHL campaign. Conor won the RTE man of the match for his performance at centre-back against Cork in the 2008 Munster Semi-Final and captured his first Munster Senior Hurling Championship medal in 2008 against Clare, winning further Munster SH medals in 2009, 2011 and 2012. His first score in the Championship came from a long range free against Waterford in the 2008 All-Ireland semi-final. Conor won an All-Ireland Senior Hurling medal in 2010, lining out at centre-back in the 6 match campaign which ended with a defeat of Kilkenny in the final.

Championship debut – 2005 vs. Limerick (replay)

Number of Appearances – 40

Scored – 0-8

Niall O’Meara (Kilruane MacDonaghs) 

Age 21              Height 5ft 11in               Weight 13st 7lbs

Niall was born on December 16th 1992 and plays with the Kilruane MacDonaghs club. He was a member of the Tipperary Minor Hurling panel in 2010 and the Under 21 Hurling in 2012 and 2013 (as captain). Niall was also on the Tipperary Under 21 Football panel in 2012 and 2013 and won Munster and All-Ireland Intermediate Hurling medals in 2013.

Niall made his Allianz Hurling League debut versus Cork in the 2014 Quarter-Final scoring a goal. Niall made his Championship debut at corner-forward versus Limerick in 2014 scoring a point from play.

Championship debut – 2014 vs. Limerick

Number of Appearances – 1

Scored – 0-1 

Colin O’Riordan (JK Brackens)

Age 18              Height 6ft 3in                Weight 13st 7lbs

Colin was born on October 12th 1995 plays with the JK Brackens club. He played with the Tipperary Minor Footballers from 2011 through 2013, captaining the team in his last year and winning Munster and All-Ireland MInor Football medals in 2011 as well as a Munster Minor Football medal in 2012. Colin won an All-Ireland Minor Hurling medal as a substitute in 2012.  Colin played with the Tipperary Under 21 Hurlers in 2013 and 2014 and the Tipperary Under 21 Footballers in 2014.

Colin made his competitive debut for the Tipperary Senior Hurlers as a substitute versus Kerry in the 2014 Waterford Crystal Cup, scoring a point from play. Colin made his Allianz Football League debut as a substitute versus Clare in the 2014 Division 4 Final in Croke Park. Colin made his Championship debut at right half-back versus Limerick in the 2014 Munster Senior Football Championship. He scored 1-6 in his 5 championship football appearances in 2014.

Championship Debut – N/a

Gearóid Ryan (Templederry Kenyons)

Age 26              Height 5ft 9in                Weight 12st 8lbs

Gearoid was born on August 22^nd, 1988 and plays for the Templederry Kenyons club. He made his Allianz Hurling League debut against Cork in February 2009, scoring a point from play. Gearoid won an All-Ireland Minor Hurling medal with Tipperary in 2006, lining out at midfield in the final. He was also on the Tipperary Intermediate Hurling panel in 2007 and 2008 He was on the Tipperary Under 21 Hurling panel in 2007, 2008 and 2009, winning a Munster medal in 2008. Gearoid made his Championship debut as a substitute against Cork in the 2009 Munster Senior Hurling Championship. He has won 3 Munster Senior Hurling medals. He won the man of the match award in the 2010 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Quarter-Final against Galway, scoring 1-2 from play. Gearoid played wing-forward on the Tipperary team which captured the 2010 All-Ireland Senior Hurling title, scoring a point in the final. Gearoid was nominated for an All-Star award in 2010 in the half-forward line and in 2011 at midfield. He lost some of the 2012 and most of the 2013 season due to groin injuries.

Championship debut – 2009 vs. Cork

Number of Appearances – 22

Scored – 2-23

Paddy Stapleton (Borris-Ileigh)

Age 29              Height 5ft 10in               Weight 12st 1lb

Paddy was born on August 3rd, 1985 and plays for the Borris-Ileigh club, He made his Senior competitive debut for Tipperary in the 2006 Waterford Crystal Shield against Waterford. Paddy made his Allianz Hurling League debut against Limerick in 2008 coming on as a substitute. Paddy won a Munster Under 21 Hurling medal in 2006 at right corner-back and won a Munster Minor Hurling medal in 2003, lining out at centre-back.

Paddy won an Allianz Hurling League medal as a substitute in 2008. He has won 4 Munster Senior Hurling medals. He made his Championship debut as a blood substitute in the 2008 All-Ireland Semi-Final against Waterford. Paddy made his first Championship start at right corner-back in the 2009 Munster Senior Hurling Championship vs. Cork. He lined out at right corner back in the 2010 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final victory over Kilkenny. Paddy has won 2 Divisional Senior Hurling medals with his club in 2005 and 2007. Paddy was nominated for an All-Star award in 2009 and 2010 at corner-back.

Championship debut – 2008 vs. Waterford

Number of Appearances – 23

Thomas Stapleton (Templederry Kenyons)

Age 26              Height 6ft 1in                Weight 13st 9lbs

Thomas was born on February 21st, 1988 and plays with the Templederry Kenyons club. He played at wing-back for the 2005 Tipperary Minor team before moving to centre-back in 2006 when Tipperary won the All-Ireland title. Thomas’s father, Michael, won an All-Ireland Minor Hurling medal in 1976 playing at wing-back for Tipperary.

Thomas made his League debut for Tipperary against Dublin in the 2007 Allianz Hurling League scoring a point from midfield. He made his Championship debut as a substitute in the first replay against Limerick in the 2007 Munster Senior Hurling Semi-Final. He won an Allianz Hurling League medal as a substitute in 2008 and he won a Munster Under 21 Hurling medal in the same year lining out at centre-back. He has won 4 Munster Senior Hurling medals. He played for the Tipperary Intermediate Hurlers in 2011 against Cork, lining out at centre-back.

Championship debut – 2007 vs. Limerick (1st replay)

Number of Appearances – 11

Scored – 0-2

James Woodlock (Drom and Inch)

Age 28              Height 5ft 10in               Weight 12st 8lbs

James was born on March 24th, 1986 and plays with the Drom & Inch club. James won a Munster Minor Hurling medal in 2003, lining out at wing-forward and a Munster Under 21 Hurling medal in 2006, playing at midfield. James was a key figure in Drom & Inch’s progress to the 2005 County Senior Hurling Final and his club teams which won the Mid Senior Hurling title in 2006, 2008 and 2009 and the County Senior Hurling title in 2011. James lined out for the Garda College in the 2006 Fitzgibbon Cup competition. James made his Allianz Hurling League debut as a substitute against Limerick in February 2006. His championship debut came when he lined out at midfield against Limerick in the first drawn game in the 2007 Munster semi-final, scoring 2 points from play. James won an Allianz Hurling League medal playing at wing-forward in 2008. James has won 4 Munster Senior Hurling medals. He lost most of the 2010 season due to a serious leg break which occurred in the 2009 county senior hurling final.

Championship debut – 2007 vs. Limerick (first drawn game)

Number of Appearances – 21

Scored – 0-13 

Tipperary and Kilkenny have met 24 times previously in the championship with Tipperary winning 13 times, Kilkenny 11 times and no draws.