Tipperary GAA Scene 5th August 2026

2026 FBD Insurance County Football Championships

The FBD Insurance County Football Championships got underway last weekend with the opening rounds of the Senior, Intermediate and Premier Junior Championships serving up a number of impressive performances.

Senior Football Championship

In Group 1, Ballina and Clonmel Commercials made impressive starts to their campaigns with victories over Aherlow and Ardfinnan respectively. Group 2 saw Thurles Sarsfields make a winning start to the senior grade with victory over Ballyporeen while Kilsheelan/Kilcash produced an excellent performance to overcome JK Brackens. In Group 3, Upperchurch/Drombane opened their campaign with a win over Grangemockler Ballyneale while Moyle Rovers edged Loughmore Castleiney by a single point in one of the ties of the weekend.

Championship Format: The top two teams in each of the three groups will qualify for the knockout stages. The two best group winners will advance directly to the Semi Finals while the remaining group winner will join the three group runners up in the Quarter Finals.

Kevin Fahey of Clonmel Commercials in action against Ardfinnan. Photo Credit: Paul Morris.

Intermediate Football Championship

In Group 1, Rockwell Rovers got the better of Cahir. The meeting of Fethard and Éire Óg Annacarty Donohill was abandoned following an injury to Fethard’s Joedy Sheehan. Tipperary GAA wishes Joedy a speedy recovery and asks supporters to keep an eye on Tipperary GAA channels for an update regarding a re fixture. Group 2 saw Killenaule record a four point victory over Moyne Templetuohy while Clonmel Commercials claimed local bragging rights with a one point win over Clonmel Óg. In Group 3, Galtee Rovers St Pecaun edged Moycarkey Borris by two points while west rivals Golden Kilfeacle and Arravale Rovers shared the spoils.

Championship Format: The top two teams in each of the three groups will qualify for the knockout stages. The two best group winners will progress directly to the Semi Finals while the remaining group winner will be joined by the three group runners up in the Quarter Finals.

Premier Junior Football Championship

CJ  Kickhams Mullinahone enjoyed an entertaining five point victory over Borrisokane while Carrick Swan produced an excellent second half comeback to defeat JK Brackens. The meeting of Loughmore Castleiney and Seán Treacys was postponed following the sad passing of Seán Treacys Club President and founding member, Mick Ryan Darby. The fixture has been rescheduled for Thursday 13th August at 7.00 pm in Castleiney following agreement between both clubs. Tipperary GAA extends its sympathies to everyone in Seán Treacys GAA Club and thanks both clubs for their cooperation in facilitating the refixture. In Group 2, Fr. Sheehys recorded a four point win over Moyle Rovers while Clonoulty Rossmore had a bye in the opening round.

Championship Format: The top two teams in Group 2 will progress to the Quarter Finals, where they will face the third and fourth placed teams from Group 1. The top two teams in Group 1 will advance directly to the Semi Finals.

2026 FBD Insurance County Hurling Championships

Attention turns back to the FBD Insurance County Hurling Championships this coming weekend with another full programme of games across the Senior, Premier Intermediate and Intermediate grades. Supporters are reminded to check the Tipperary GAA website, app and social media channels for full fixture details. Supporters are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance through the Tipperary GAA website. Entry to all venues is by Tap & Go but purchasing tickets beforehand will help avoid delays at the gate. Please allow extra time for parking and arrive early to ensure you’re in place before throw in. A number of games will also be streamed live on Clubber for those unable to attend. Check Clubber for the full list of live fixtures and broadcast details.

In the Senior Hurling Championship, Group 1 sees Holycross Ballycahill and Thurles Sarsfields renew their rivalry while Kilruane MacDonaghs and Upperchurch Drombane will both be targeting a vital victory. In Group 2, Moycarkey Borris, fresh from their opening round win over Loughmore Castleiney take on Clonoulty Rossmore while Borris Ileigh meet Loughmore Castleiney. Group 3 features a repeat of this year’s County League Division 1 Final as Cashel King Cormacs face Kiladangan while Drom & Inch take on Roscrea. In Group 4, Toomevara meet JK Brackens while CJ Kickhams Mullinahone face Nenagh Éire Óg.

The Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship also resumes with two games in each group. In Group 1, Moyne Templetuohy face Sean Treacys while Gortnahoe Glengoole take on Silvermines. Group 2 features an all South derby as Carrick Swan meet St Mary’s before Killenaule take on Thurles Sarsfields. It’s an all North affair in Group 3 with Lorrha Dorrha taking on Moneygall and Burgess facing Templederry Kenyons. Group 4 sees Boherlahan Dualla play Golden Kilfeacle while Ballina take on Éire Óg Annacarty Donohill.

In the Intermediate Hurling Championship, Group 1 sees Kilsheelan Kilcash face Portroe while Clonoulty Rossmore take on neighbours Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams. Group 2 features Arravale Rovers against Shannon Rovers with Carrick Davins meeting Clonakenny. In Group 3, Ballingarry face Cappawhite while Holycross Ballycahill take on Skeheenarinky. The action concludes in Group 4, where North rivals Borrisokane and Newport go head to head while Ballybacon Grange face Moyle Rovers in an all South clash.

Tipperary Under 20 Hurling Manager

Tipperary GAA is delighted to announce the appointment of James Woodlock as Tipperary Under 20 Hurling Manager on a three year term. James brings a wealth of experience to the role having successfully managed Tipperary teams at underage level over recent seasons. During that time, his teams achieved significant success (winning two All Ireland and three Munster Minor Hurling titles) while consistently developing players capable of progressing through the Tipperary pathway and representing the county at the highest level. The appointment reflects Tipperary GAA’s continued commitment to player development and high-performance excellence across the county. James and his management team will work closely with the senior management team to ensure strong alignment across Tipperary GAA’s development pathway, supporting players as they progress through the grades while creating a shared vision for long-term success. This collaborative approach will further strengthen the connections between teams, coaching structures and player development programmes throughout the county, ensuring that Tipperary GAA continues to provide the best possible environment for players to reach their full potential.

The Tipperary County Board would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Brendan Cummins and his management team for their outstanding contribution over the past five seasons. Under Brendan’s leadership, Tipperary enjoyed significant success, capturing one All Ireland Under 20 title and two Munster Under 20 titles, while helping to develop a generation of players who have gone on to represent Tipperary at senior level. His commitment, dedication and service to Tipperary GAA have been greatly appreciated.

Tipperary GAA wishes James, his management team and all involved with the Under 20 panel every success over the coming years and looks forward to supporting them as they continue to build on the proud tradition of Tipperary GAA.

Electric Ireland Minor Hurling Team of the Year

Congratulations to Colm Ryan (Newport), Conor Collins (Galtee Rovers St.Pecaun’s), James Finn (Golden Kilfeacle), Shane Ryan (Borris-Ileigh), Conall Morrisson (Moyle Rovers) and Chris Dunne (Gortnahoe Glengoole) who have been named on the 2026 Electric Ireland GAA Minor Hurling Team of the Year. A magnificent achievement for all

2026 Electric Ireland Hurling Minor Star Team of the Year

1. Sam Collins (Limerick and Crecora/Manister)

2. Colm Ryan (Tipperary and Newport)

3. Rowan Collins (Limerick and Adare)

4. Conor Collins (Tipperary and Galtee Rovers-St. Pecaun’s)

5. John O Riordan (Limerick and Bruff)

6. James Finn (Tipperary and Golden-Kilfeacle)

7. Eoin Hennessy (Limerick and Patrickswell)

8. Shane Ryan (Tipperary and Borris-Ileigh)

9. Xavier Neligan (Limerick and Kilmallock)

10. Joe Dowling (Kilkenny and Dicksboro)

11. Conall Morrisson (Tipperary and Moyle Rovers)

12. Shane Waters (Limerick and Na Piarsaigh)

13. Bobby Power (Cork and Ballincollig)

14. Chris Dunne (Tipperary and Gortnahoe-Glengoole)

15. Anthony Poniard (Galway and Athenry)

FBD Semple Stadium Sculpture

A landmark bronze sculpture celebrating the birthplace of the GAA was officially unveiled outside FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles on Thursday last. The three metre artwork, titled Ár gCluichí Féin (Our Own Games) and created by sculptor Aidan Harte, depicts a male hurler and female footballer in motion, becoming the first permanent GAA sculpture to feature a female player. Commissioned by Tipperary County Council, the sculpture was unveiled by Cathaoirleach Cllr Fiona Bonfield in the presence of GAA President Jarlath Burns, Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly, representatives of Tipperary GAA and invited guests, celebrating Thurles’ unique place as the birthplace of the GAA.

2026 AIB Munster Club Championship Draw

The draws for the 2026 AIB Munster Club Championships took place last week with Tipperary clubs now learning their provincial championship paths. The Tipperary Senior Hurling Champions will receive a bye to the Semi Finals where they will face the winners of the Quarter Final between the Cork and Clare champions. In the Senior Football Championship, the Tipperary champions will meet the Cork champions in the Quarter Finals with the winners advancing to a Semi Final against the Limerick champions. The Intermediate Hurling Champions will also begin their campaign in the Quarter Finals against the Cork champions. The winners will progress to a Semi Final against the winners of the Waterford champions and the Kerry Senior champions. In Intermediate Football, the Tipperary champions have been paired with the Limerick champions in the Quarter Finals with the winners going on to face the Cork champions in the Semi Finals. The Junior Hurling Champions will take on the Clare champions in the Quarter Finals. Victory there would see them face the winners of the Cork and Waterford clash in the Semi Finals. Finally, in the Junior Football Championship, the Tipperary champions have been drawn against the Limerick champions in the Quarter Finals with the winners progressing to a Semi Final against either the Clare or Cork champions.

Munster GAA Club Development Grants Scheme Opens

Munster GAA has launched its 2026 Club Development Grants Scheme, with applications now open to clubs across the province until 28th August.

The €1.5 million scheme, funded in partnership with GAA Central Council, will support a wide range of club development projects including pitch development, changing rooms, floodlighting, gyms, hurling walls, spectator facilities, accessibility improvements, land acquisition and handball facilities.

Munster GAA Chairperson Tim Murphy encouraged all eligible clubs with development plans to apply, highlighting the scheme as an important investment in the future of clubs and their communities.

Applications must be submitted through the online portal on the Munster GAA website with successful grants due to be announced in October.

For full details and to apply, visit http://www.munster.gaa.ie.

Handball News by Paddy Collins

Tipperary players were to the forefront once again at the weekend, competing in the Virginia Elite 8 Softball Tournament in Cavan and the Clonquish Open Wallball Tournament in Longford.

The Virginia Elite 8 invitational tournament featured some of the top 60×30 players in the country. Ballina’s James Prentice and Ger Coonan enjoyed an excellent run to the final, defeating David Walsh and Paddy Murphy in the semi-final before narrowly losing to Gary McConnell and Brian Carroll in the decider.

Tipperary was also well represented in Clonquish, bringing home a host of titles and podium finishes.

• Boys U10 Final: Cathal Monaghan (Ballina) defeated Daire Conneely (Galway).
• Boys U12: Sean Organ (Carrick-on-Suir) reached the semi-final.
• Girls U14 Final: Emily Monaghan (Ballina) defeated Aishling Roche (Wexford).
• Girls U16 Final: Erin Neville (Ballina) defeated Ruth Daly (Cork).
• Men’s B Final: Christy McGrath (Carrick-on-Suir) defeated Zach Daly (Cork).
• Ladies B: Ballina’s Noreen Vaughan and Karen Monaghan both competed.

Karen added another code to her recent national titles by capturing the Ladies B title, defeating Aoibhinn Muldoon McGurk in the final. She also competed in the Open Singles, where she claimed the Plate Final title.

Overall, it was another hugely successful weekend for Tipperary Handball, with players once again showcasing the county’s strength across both Softball and Wallball competitions.

Tipperary GAA Fundraiser Draws Strong Support at Galway Races

Tipperary GAA’s annual fundraising event at the Galway Races held at Ballybrit on Monday 27th July proved another outstanding success with more than 320 supporters gathering in aid of the county’s ambitious Centre of Excellence development. Now in its 10th year, the event has become a highlight of the social calendar for Tipperary supporters and sponsors, bringing together members of the GAA community for an enjoyable afternoon of racing, networking and fundraising.

Guests enjoyed an excellent seven-race card at Ballybrit, while a superb three-course gourmet meal was served throughout the afternoon’s racing. The occasion also featured an exciting raffle with prizes including All Ireland Senior Hurling and Football tickets, Katie Taylor fight tickets, tickets to Irelands home games in the six nations Rugby and a unique framed photograph which was signed by Aidan O’Brien along with many other fantastic prizes, all adding to the atmosphere and excitement of the event.

Among those in attendance were current Tipperary senior hurling manager Liam Cahill and minor hurling  manager James Woodlock, who joined former county greats, including Pat Fox, in supporting the event. Their presence highlighted the strong unity that exists throughout Tipperary GAA as the county looks towards the future.

Funds raised will contribute towards the development of Tipperary GAA’s new Centre of Excellence at Coolmore Morris Park, a landmark project that will provide world-class facilities for players and teams for generations to come.

Tipperary GAA expressed its sincere appreciation to everyone who attended, sponsored tables, donated prizes and supported the fundraiser, making the event another memorable and successful occasion.

Murtagh Brennan (CEO Tipperary GAA), Eleanor Lahart (Treasurer Tipperary GAA), Dee Ahearn (CEO Barretstown), Liam Cahill (Tipperary Senior Hurling Manager)

Tipperary GAA Clubs Draw

The 2026–2027 Tipperary GAA Clubs Draw offers supporters a fantastic opportunity to win exciting prizes while supporting their local club and Gaelic Games throughout the county. The August Star Prize is a brand-new Ford Kuga ST-Line X Edition or €50,000 in cash, with winners having the choice of either prize. The draw features 10 monthly draws, a total prize fund of €500,000 and over €40,000 in prizes to be won each month. By joining the draw, members and supporters make a valuable contribution to the development of their club and the promotion of Gaelic Games across Tipperary. Your Club. Your County. Your Draw.

Tipperary GAA 50/50 Draw

The next Tipperary GAA 50/50 Draw will be held this coming weekend. Supporters can purchase tickets via the Tipperary GAA App or through the following link: member.clubspot.app/club/tipperary-gaa/fundraisers. Well done to last weeks winner Brendan Heffernan (Borrisokane) who won the €1,600 Jackpot.

2026 Tipperary Club Season Pass

The 2026 Tipperary GAA club season pass is now on sale and can be purchased via the events section of the Tipperary GAA App. The pass which will entitle the holder entry into all adult divisional and county games at adult level will cost €170.

GAA Regional Youth Forums

The Gaelic Games Associations are inviting young members aged 12 to 21 to attend the GAA Regional Youth Forums taking place in September. The forums will give young people the opportunity to have their say on the future of Gaelic games through discussion, debate and interactive workshops.

This year, the Youth Forum is coming to regional venues, with The Dome, FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles, hosting a forum on Sunday September 6th from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm.

The forums have been developed by the National GAA Youth Committee and will help shape the future direction of the Association.

Young people are encouraged to attend and have their voices heard. Further information, including registration details, is available on the GAA Youth Forum page on the GAA website.

Sympathy

Tipperary GAA extends its deepest sympathies to the Seán Treacys GAA Club and the Ryan family on the sad passing of Club President and founding member Michael (Mick) Ryan Darby. Mick played a pivotal role in the establishment of Seán Treacys GAA Club and dedicated a lifetime of service as both a player and administrator. His commitment, passion and unwavering support helped shape the club and his legacy will endure for generations to come. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Mick Ryan Darby – RIP

Tipperary GAA Scene

To include any item of interest in the Tipperary GAA Scene, please email the Tipperary GAA Communications Officer at communications.tipperary@gaa.ie