The View: Titles, headlines and full stops – page turning fare unfolding in Tipp
By Noel Dundon
Not being a betting man, an accumulator on the divisional senior hurling championships would not have generated much personal interest. And, it’s likely that predicting the winning teams would not have generated much by way of odds either. In other words, the divisions went, more-or-less the way you would have thought.
Clonoulty Rossmore made it eight-in-a-row in the west; Thurles Sarsfields made it title number 47 in the mid; Nenagh Éire Óg retained their title to make it eleven in total; and in the south, Killenaule won their 23rd title to come within one of their opponents Carrick Swans who have 24 crowns.
None of the four victors will rest on their divisional laurels too long though as the FBD Insurance county championship will occupy their thoughts this week ahead of commencement next weekend. The championship was launched in Semple Stadium on Friday last and also launched was the County Board’s partnership with Clubber TV which see some 60 club games streamed live from Tipperary. Games will cost €12 each but there are various packages available for those who wish to avail of them.
It’s a new departure for the County Board and one which will seek to beam the games all over the globe and make them accessible to all. The move represents further evidence of the appeal of club championships – hopefully the games will match the ambitions of Clubber and of the County Board in terms of quality action.
Thurles Sarsfields joint captains Aidan McCormack and Ronan Maher accept the Treacy Cup after their victory over Upperchurch Drombane
Last week’s three divisional senior finals were absorbing affairs with little enough between any of the pairings. Upperchurch Drombane are still awaiting their first title after Thurles Sarsfields finished the stronger to claim the Treacy Cup at a rainy Littleton. It looked for a while as though extra time could be on the cards, but that preserve was left to the premier intermediate final where it took penalties to separate eventual winners Gortnahoe Glengoole and Clonakenny in an exciting contest. A hard way to lose their crown, Clonakenny had to give best to the Gortnahoe Glengoole who didn’t really care what way they won it. Penalties are an exciting, it not entirely satisfactory, way of deciding such contests, but sympathies would have to rest with those who failed to shake the net.
Nenagh Éire Óg’s Barry Heffernan accepts the north title.
In the north, the injury to Jake Morris made the headlines as Nenagh Éire Óg stamped their divisional authority by holding onto the crown. Kiladangan will perhaps be concerned at their unwanted distinction of losing finals, but they will get back on the horse immediately with Thurles Sarsfields on the horizon next weekend in the county series – a big game in Tipperary.
Killenaule have a young side and winning a south senior hurling championship title will be a big fillip to them. They must back it up now in the county championship if they are to truly point to progress made in the ’23 season. Unlike the other three divisional champions, Killenaule would not be fancied for the Dan Breen Cup, but they could still have a fair say in the destination of the silverware.
While club fare dominated our thoughts last weekend, our neighbours at the other side on the eastern and western fronts were focusing on affairs in Croke Park on All-Ireland Final day when three-in-a-row became four-in-a-row for that mighty Limerick machine. Kilkenny gave it their best shot, but they fell short by a distance and as Limerick thundered past the winning post, one could only but wonder if there is anyone who can stop a new drive-for-five.
Of course there is, is the answer to that. Clare defeated Limerick in 2023; Tipperary drew with them; and one would have to be optimistic that the champions can be toppled in 2024. Each team will now be setting out their stall to try and do that – it won’t be an easy task but it one that they will all relish. What a tribute that is to Limerick – they all want to square up to them, take them on and pit their wits against the best.
For now, we salute a marvellous team, a brilliant management set-up, and a proud hurling county which is enjoying unprecedented success. Limerick people are enjoying the time because they know that it will not last indefinitely – it simply cannot. Through the years they endured plenty of dour days with heartbreak and disillusionment, so now that the sun is shining they are basking in its warm glow.
Mixed fortunes for our camogie ladies but at least Tipperary will be represented in Croke Park on All-Ireland Final day. Our seniors came up short against Waterford in the semi-final and they will be disappointed with their showing. They didn’t play to expectation, especially in the second half, but they will regroup and go again once the disappointment of ’23 fades away.
Tipperary made great progress in the senior grade under Manager Denis Kelly and winning the Munster title is a pretty decent return. But still, it is two other Munster counties who will contest the All-Ireland and that must surely irk the players and management. After all neither Cork nor Waterford were even in the provincial final!!
The juniors are in the All-Ireland final and congratulations to them on a fine victory over Roscommon – they now take on Clare in Croke Park in another all-Munster affair. The call is out now for Tipperary supporters to get along to Headquarters on August 6th and support the girls in the curtain raiser which will throw-in at 12:50pm.
By Jonathan Cullen Tue 25th Jul
