By Noel Dundon
There were some big results in the championship first rounds last weekend with a number of clubs laying down an early marker, most notably Kiladangan with their big win over Thurles Sarsfields.
Losing the county final last year did not sit easy with the Kiladangan men and losing the North decider last week only added to their sense of urgency when it came to the county campaign. They had to hit the ground running and in Thurles Sarsfields, the recently crowned mid champions, they met a side full of lethargy and ponderance. Interestingly, that lethargy extended to Upperchurch Drombane too, the Blues opponents in the mid final, who simply could not get out of the traps against neighbours Holycross Ballycahill at Littleton. Both mid finalists were soundly beaten with the Holycross Ballycahill men putting in a fine shift to oust the fancied Church men, and Kiladangan really impressing with their purposeful play.
Elsewhere, draws were the order of the day across the grades and these could have consequences down the line with Borrisoleigh and Clonoulty Rossmore sharing the spoils in the senior ranks, to go along with Knockavilla Kickhams and Drom-Inch, and Sean Treacy’s and Carrick Swans in the Premier Intermediate grade. Roscrea and Moycarkey Borris could not be separated either on Friday evening with the Roscrea lads coming from behind to make a point and claim a point.
Speaking of Drom-Inch, they had a big win over last weeks crowned north champions Nenagh Éire Óg while Loughmore Castleiney ran up 4-26 against Templederry but conceded 4-18. And, Toomevara’s victory over county champions Kilruane MacDonagh also raised a few eyebrows – a ten point gap hardly seemed likely at the start, but didn’t really flatter the victors in the end. Mullinahone defeating JK Brackens by seven points adds to the difficult campaign the Templemore lads are enduring so far in ’23 with key men out of commission.
Speaking of being out of commission, Cashel King Cormacs will have to plan without three key men following their straight red cards in the clash with Moyne Templetuohy at Holycross on Sunday evening. Imagine finishing the game with just twelve men against fourteen, and still winning. Indiscipline could have cost them in that clash, and still might in the next – Andy Moloney (formerly Cahir) and Ollie Moran (Limerick) will have some thinking to do around the scenario that faces them in their next outing. Moyne Templetuohy will have to do likewise and figure out why they could not make the numerical advantage pay.
Clubber made its debut in Tipperary last weekend and, by-and-large, the comments have been very positive. There was certainly plenty to watch and for €100 it represents great value, especially for those who simply cannot get to the games but would love to watch them. The Tipp games are not the only ones featured either and viewers are spoiled for choice. A great service in fairness.
A random Thought
In light of events at the Centenary Agri mid Tipperary senior hurling final where referee Sean Everard shipped a very heavy accidental blow and was removed from the pitch concussed, should referees be pressed into wearing protective headgear? Think about it, the referee is the only person on the field of play who does not wear a helmet, but should they? A stray ball, or flying hurley, or in Sean’s case, an accident collision going at full tilt, could cause a lot of damage to the man right in the middle of the action. Admittedly, you don’t see it too often, but referees are vulnerable without headgear – even as they attempt to break up skirmishes, they are wide open to receiving a blow – just ask former inter county referee Brian Gavin who received a bloody nose for his trouble in the 2009 All-Ireland Final between Tipperary and Kilkenny when a stray hurley accidentally felled him. Referees are usually adept at side-stepping the play while at the same time keeping up with proceedings, but accidents do happen – should a special helmet be introduced?
Back to the big ball
It’s football next weekend in Tipperary and the code takes on additional significance given that the Football Board is currently try to secure the service of a new senior management team. So keep your eyes peeled around the county and if you see somebody having a good old gawk at the games – somebody you might not normally associate with attending the championships – then you could be onto something. The games will generate a lot of interest and any potential management team will certainly be watching very closely as they attempt to unearth new talent, and run the rule over current panellists.
It is more likely though that the new management team will come from an already well established and well known set of people from within the county – rabbits will not be sprung from the hat, one would imagine and given Tipperary’s drop to the bottom tier, attracting a big name would be a difficult prospect. There are plenty of passionate and knowledgeable Tipperary football people about who can assist with the process of replacing David Power and his team – people who brought a lot and gave a lot to Tipperary football.
Rud Eile
There has been plenty said and written about the All-Ireland senior hurling and football All-Ireland’s over the last few weeks and days. But none could have captured the colour of the occasions better than the retired Irish Independent journalist and proud Nenagh man, Vincent Hogan. His loss to the profession is huge – you would be just dying to buy the paper on Monday to read his take on the big games and how he would describe the goings on. Of course, it wasn’t just GAA he penned his pieces on – he has a very wide knowledge of sport in general and he brought the same level of excellence to whatever subject he tackled.
Vincent is a total gentleman and so down to earth. I for one am looking forward to seeing what he will tackle in the next chapter of his career.
By Jonathan Cullen Fri 4th Aug
