Tipperary GAA Scene – April 12th 2017

By PRO Joe Bracken

SENIOR FOOTBALL

The highlight of a very successful week for the blue and gold belongs to the Tipperary senior football panel and their management team after their brilliant success lifting the Allianz Football League Division 3 title following their 3-19 to 0-19 victory over Louth in Croke Park last Saturday. 2-5 from ace marksman Conor Sweeney (Ballyporeen) led the Tipperary charge while Liam Casey (Cahir) was the other Tipperary goal scorer finishing with 1-1 as he opened Tipp’s goal account with Sweeney being the provider.

Congratulations to each and everyone who played a part not alone on Saturday but all through the league campaign culminating in such tremendous and glorious fashion when captain Brian Fox (Éire Óg Annacarty-Donohill) ascended the steps of the Hogan Stand to collect the trophy last held in 2009 when Andrew Morrissey (Galtee Rovers) was captain.

Typifying the unity, spirit and camaraderie which is so evident within the camp, selected Man of the Match Michael Quinlivan (Clonmel Commercials) immediately alluded to his colleague Conor Sweeney as being the rightful recipient of the award such was his display. This is team Tipperary rather than individual Tipperary at its very best.

So a hugely successful league campaign has come to a close and its mission accomplished – promotion to Division 2 and silverware to go with it. Next up on the weekend of 10th/11th of June will be a Munster Championship Semi-Final against either Cork or Waterford.

SENIOR HURLING

This Sunday, April 16th, Tipperary head to Nowlan Park, Kilkenny to play Wexford in the Allianz Hurling League Semi-Final with throw-in at 4pm. Tipperary haven’t lifted the league title since 2008 and will be anxious to correct that imbalance this year but the Wexford challenge has to be safely negotiated first before thoughts wander elsewhere.

Both counties have met in 40 previous National Hurling League games with the Model County leading the way with 20 wins to the Premier’s 17 and there were 3 draws. Of the last ten meetings Tipperary are ahead 6 to 3 with one draw.

These games were 17/4/2011, Group, at Semple Stadium , Tipp 0-17 Wexford 1-14; 15/3/2005, Group, at Semple Stadium, Wexford 2-19 Tipperary 2-15; 14/3/2004, Group, at Wexford Park, Tipperary 4-18 Wexford 1-13; 16/3/ 2003, Group, at Nenagh, Tipperary  3-21 Wexford 1-1; 18/3/2002, Group, at Wexford Park, Wexford 3-13 Tipperary 1-10; 18/2/2001, Group, at Semple Stadium, Tipperary 1-16 Wexford 1-12; 12/3/2000, Group, at Enniscorthy, Tipperary 0-20 Wexford 1-15; 21/3/1999, Group, at Semple Stadium, Tipperary 1-16 Wexford 1-8; 19/4/1998, Group, at Enniscorthy, Wexford 2-13 Tipperary 0-10 and 27/4/1997, Group, at Semple Stadium, Tipperary 2-12 Wexford 1-8

There has never been a League semi-final meeting between Tipperary and Wexford, but the counties have clashed at group, play off,  quarter final, ‘home’ final and final proper stages. The last knock-out League meeting between these rivals was a quarter-final, at Walsh Park, on March 14th 1982 where Wexford won by 0-16 to 0-11.

Tipperary hold the record for most NHL titles with 19, the last was won in 2008 as indicated while Wexford have been champions four times, most recently in the 1972/73 season.

The late John Doyle (1930-2010) from Holycross-Ballycahill holds the record for most League wins. He claimed eleven medals with Tipperary from the 1948/49 season to the 1964/65 competition.

Two of the most memorable games in this rivalry were played, at Croke Park, in the 1950s. Tipp won an exciting ‘Home’ final on  April 20th 1952, by 4-7 to 4-6, but Wexford people still relish their comeback from 2-10 to 0-1 half time arrears, to win by 5-9 to 2-14 in the final, on May 6th, 1956. Paddy Kenny scored 2-8 for Tipperary but it was all in vain and Cathal McLoughlin from St. Vincents in Dublin was the referee on that incredible occasion. Wexford had won the 1955 All-Ireland final against Galway and went on to beat Cork in the 1956 MacCarthy Cup decider. It was games like these which made hurling so popular and saw Wexford, become one of the best supported teams in the country.

Six of the forty games between Tipperary and Wexford have been won by one point. The Slaneysiders pipped the Premier County on 9/3/1969, 21/10/1973, 8/3/1981 and 3/3/1991. The blue and gold edged to victory on 20/4/1952 and on 24/10/1976.

Tipperary and Wexford have never met previously at Nowlan Park in a National League game. The only neutral venues which hosted this pairing were Croke Park and Walsh Park.

Best wishes to the team and management on Sunday and the referee will be Diarmuid Kirwan (Corcaigh).

Tickets are on sale at gaa.ie and selected SuperValu and Centra stores, with adult tickets costing €20 and U16’s €5. Buy before match day and get €5 off adult tickets.

MINOR HURLING

Congratulations to the Tipperary minor hurlers who got their Electric Ireland Munster Minor Championship off to a super start with an injury time win in their quarter-final clash with Limerick last week. In what was a tremendous match with wonderful skill and attitude, it took a late goal from Niall Hoctor (St. Marys) to secure safe passage to the semi-final for Liam Cahill’s side on a score line of 4-15 to 2-18 before an attendance of 2,567. Tipperary’s other goals coming from Conor McCarthy (Nenagh Éire Óg), Andrew Ormond (JK Brackens) and Willie Barry (Cappawhite).

MUNSTER U17 HURLING

Best wishes to the Tipperary U17 hurlers and management who will play either Cork or Limerick next Tuesday, April 18th in the Munster U17 Championship Semi-Final in Páirc Uí Rinn or the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick. The management team comprises of Trevor Hassett (Manager), Seamus Gleeson (Coach-Selector), Martin Ryan (Selector) and Declan Hickey (Selector).

MUNSTER MINOR FOOTBALL

Best wishes to the Tipperary minor football team who take on Cork in the Munster Quarter-Final in Semple Stadium this Wednesday night, April 12th at 7pm.

The team lines out as follows; 1. Jack Dolan – Fethard, 2. John Ryan – Boherlahan-Dualla, 3. Stephen Grogan – Cahir, 4. Jack Harney (Joint Captain) – Moyle Rovers, 5. Ríain Quigley – Moyle Rovers, 6. Paul Devlin – Éire Óg Annacarty-Donohill, 7. Conall Kennedy – Clonmel Commercials, 8. Jake Flannery (Joint Captain) – Galtee Rovers, 9. Eanna Mc Bride – JK Brackens, 10. Diarmuid Mulcahy – Moyle Rovers, 11. Shane Ryan – Galtee Rovers, 12. Calvin Boland – Clonmel Commercials, 13. Mark Stokes – Kilsheelan-Kilcash, 14. Ryan Lambe – Clonmel Commercials, 15. Darragh Tynan – Inane Rovers.

The minor management team are led by manager Matt O’Doherty (Arravale Rovers), coach-selector David Power (Kilsheelan-Kilcash), coach-selector Mick O’Sullivan (Drom & Inch) and selectors Johnny Nevin (JK Bracken’s) and Donal Hayes (Upperchurch-Drombane) while Jason Coffey (Ardfinnan) is Strength and Conditioning Coach.

The referee for this match will be Richard Moloney (Limerick).

MUNSTER U17 FOOTBALL

Congratulations to the Tipperary U17 football team who got the week off to a terrific start for the Premier County with an excellent win over Clare in the Munster Championship Quarter-Final in Semple Stadium last Tuesday night winning by 0-14 to 0-10.

They now go forward to meet Kerry in the Semi-Final in Austin Stack Park, Tralee on May 2nd.

COUNTY FIXTURES

The first round of the county senior hurling, football and intermediate hurling championship and the Seamus Ó Riain Cup will take place as per the following;

(1) Sunday the 23rd of April – National Hurling League Final – if Tipperary are not in the hurling league final, round (1) of the county senior and intermediate hurling championships and the Seamus O Riain Cup hurling will take place.

(2) Sunday the 30th of April – (A) If Tipperary do not reach the national hurling league final, then round one of the county senior football championship will take place.

(B) If Tipperary reached the national hurling league final then round (1) of the county senior and intermediate hurling championship and the Seamus Ó Riain Cup hurling will take place.

Fixtures for Sunday the 7th of May will be either round two of the county senior and intermediate hurling championships and the Seamus Ó Riain Cup, or round one of the county senior football championship, depending on 1) and 2) above

This weekend there is action in selected fixtures in the Tipperary Water County Hurling Leagues and one fixture in the Tipperary Water County Football Leagues, while it is down to semi-final stages in the Tipperary Water County U21A and B Football Championships.

For a full list of fixtures and results please check the Tipperary GAA website https://tipperary.gaa.ie/

REFEREES

Best wishes to our referees in action this week with Kevin Jordan (Thurles Gaels) first up as he takes charge of the Munster U17 Hurling Championship Quarter-Final between Cork and Limerick this Tuesday night April 11th. Then on Wednesday night, April 12th, David Grogan (Aherlow) is in the middle when Waterford and Limerick meet in the Electric Ireland Munster GAA Football Minor Championship Quarter-Final.

Congratulations to Derek O’Mahoney (Ardfinnan) as he took charge of the Division 2 Allianz League Final on Sunday last between Galway and Kildare.

SCÓR

Tipperary Scór Sinsir basked in success and glory at the Munster Finals of Scór Sinsir in Cappamore on Saturday night last when no less than 6 Munster titles came our way and Munster cups and medals were held aloft on stage. This feat was even more outstanding when all Munster Counties were involved in competition.

Hopes were indeed high heading to Cappamore after an extremely successful County Final but little did our competitors, mentors, loyal supporters think that we would be Belfast bound with 6 Munster Titles in our grasp.

Katie Shanahan’s beautiful rendition of the ‘Orphan Girl’ led the way. No stranger to Scór competitions Katie like Joseph Boyle in Scór na nÓg represented her club and county with composure and assurance and was a deserving winner of the Amhránaíocht Aonair Competition.

Noel Joyce, again no stranger to Scór enthusiasts won his third Munster Final in Aithriseoireacht with his memories of dancehall days in the Premier. Noel was his usual accomplished self and wooed the audience with his story of Willie Hayes the veteran Romeo and his exploits.

Newport’s Ballad Group of Theresa Galvin, Ruairí Floyd, Brian McCauliffe, Lorna Floyd and Marie Floyd represented us in the Ballad Group with ‘The Orchard and the Promise’ and again excelled in that category. Proclaimed as winners the audience erupted for a third time as Diarmaid Ó Súilleabháin Cathaoirleach Comhairle na Mumhan presented the group with their accolade.

If the audience were to be on their feet in the first part of the competitions then the same was to happen as the winners of the Léiriú, Ceol Uirlise and Rince Seite were announced. No doubt family and friends across the border heard the cheers as Newport’s Léiriú Group ‘Between Heaven and Hell’ came to the stage to accept their Munster Trophy. Well done to Lil O’Grady, Tomás McCabe, Séamas Collins, Máire Brown Ryan, Seán Tuohy and Máire Casey, dhein sibh éacht. No doubt the audience enjoyed the fire and brimstone!

The Ceol Uirlise competition was again hotly contested with 4 extremely accomplished groups taking to the stage. However when Newport were again proclaimed Munster Champions the huge Tipperary contingent were ecstatic. Ruairí Floyd and Brian McCauliffe were still backstage and joined their co-musicians Niamh Floyd, Áine Ní Mháille and Sarah McCauliffe to lift the trophy.

With 5 Munster titles now in Tipperary we waited with baited breath for the final result. This time the cheers must surely have been heard in Clonmore as the polished JK Brackens set group were announced winners. Their performance was truly magic and these young people are wonderful ambassadors all and congratulations to Máiréad Delaney, Nicole Joyce, Kaththerese Meehan, Yvonne Meehan, Eoin Bourke, Eoin Hamill, Martin Lee and Éamann Stamp.

With all winners on the stage, we were joined by Rúnaí an Chontae Tim Floyd and a stirring rendition of Sliabh na mBan was sung by all with Séamas Bourke recording the event for posterity.

Comghairdeas ó chroí le gach uile duine agus comghairdeas also to the girls from Newcastle who did us proud as always in the Rince Foirne competition which was won by Waterford’s Siabh gCua, thank you Kathy agus na cailíní uile.

The All-Ireland Finals take place in the Waterfront Theatre Belfast on Saturday, May 6th commencing at 3pm. The Tráth na gCeist team from Moyne-Templetuohy comprising of Joe Kennedy, Jim O’Meara, Tom Collier and Patrick Moran will also travel to Belfast to contest the national competition which will precede the main event. Best wishes to all. You have made us proud and we are sure that you have made the Annals of Scór History, maith sibh. A sincere mile buíochas also to all our mentors, families, supporters, and well-wishers, your support is as always appreciated.

TIPPERARY GAA DRAW

Congratulations to all the winners in the last Tipperary GAA Draw for 2016/17. The winner of the star prize of a Renault Megane or €15,000 was Pa Doyle whose ticket was sold by the Holycross-Ballycahill club. Second prize of a Golf Holiday for 6 or €5,000 sold by Éire Óg Annacarty-Donohill club went to Margaret O’Dwyer while third prize of Australian Flights for 2 or €3,000 went to Tim Egan and Tim’s ticket was sold by the Borrisokane club.

Details of the new draw for 2017/18 will be unveiled shortly. Thanks to all clubs and supporters for making the last monthly draw another tremendous success.

TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB 2017 MEMBERSHIP

Supporters can join on line now on tippsupportersclub.com/join by credit card or debit/laser card. Membership is €40 per person. Also on the website details are available of the direct debit facility; as the Club is run on a completely voluntary basis it would be a great help if members could join by direct debit. We are encouraging members to switch to Direct Debit payment by offering a reduced charge of €30 for all Direct Debit members in 2017. It’s easy to sign up for Direct Debit, just download the two-page form from the Tipperary Supporters Club website at http://www.tippsupportersclub.com/join/ fill it out and send it to Jim Reidy at the address below.

If joining by post please send a cheque or postal order for €40 payable to Tipperary Supporters Club to Jim Reidy, 13 Castleknock Close, Dublin 15 (086-3580718, email: info@tippsupportersclub.com ) All proceeds from membership go towards the preparation and training of the Tipperary Senior Hurling Team.

FRIENDS OF TIPPERARY FOOTBALL

The Friends of Tipperary Football membership for  €20 enters each supporter into the following draws: 2 All Ireland Final Football tickets 2017; 2 All Ireland Final Hurling tickets 2017; 2 Tickets for each Tipperary Senior Football Championship matches 2017; 2 All Ireland Club Final tickets 2017 and 2 National Football League tickets for each Tipperary League match in 2017

Membership is also available online through the Friends website www.friendsoftipperaryfootball.com and there is also a link on the Friends Facebook page.

TIPPERARY GAA SCENE

Information concerning all areas in the GAA will appear in this section in the future. If you wish to include any item of interest in future articles, please e-mail at pro.tipperary@gaa.ie on or before 3.00pm on Monday. Visit the Tipperary GAA web site at https://tipperary.gaa.ie to keep up to date with all the latest news in Tipperary GAA circles.