Tipp GAA Scene 22/01/19

By PRO Joe Bracken

ALLIANZ LEAGUES

“To begin again” were the words spoken by the character Columba in the play ‘The Enemy Within’ by Irish playwright Brian Friel, and that is what our county teams will commence this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, our senior hurlers and footballers will usher in their respective Allianz league campaign where they will once more ‘begin again’ a new season of action which will keep our minds and hearts occupied as we awake from the slumber of inter-county fare.

Starting with the Allianz hurling league division 1A fixture in Semple Stadium on Saturday night at 7pm, Tipperary will play Clare in the first of 5 league rounds, 2 home and 3 away.

Tipperary hold a significant advantage in terms of league success between the sides with 40 wins of out 56 games played, while Clare have 13 wins and there have been 3 draws.

The last 10 meetings (all group games unless stated) start with the reverse fixture last year, which incidentally was also the first league game for both sides on 28/1/2018 in Ennis, as the home side edged out the Premier County on a score line of Clare 1-21 Tipp 0-19; 5/3/2017 in Thurles, Tipp 0-28 Clare 0-21; 2/4/2016 Ennis, Clare 2-13 Tipp 0-18 (quarter-final), 8/3/2015 Ennis, Tipp 2-19 Clare 0-20; 20/4/2014 Limerick, Tipp 2-24 Clare 2-17 (semi-final); 9/3/2014 Thurles Clare 4-15 Tipp 0-20; 31/3/2013 Thurles Tipp 3-19 Clare 1-14; 1/3/2009 Thurles Tipp 0-23 Clare 0-16; 16/3/2008 Ennis Clare 0-17 Tipp 0-14 and finally 10/4/2005 in Thurles, Clare 1-16 Tipp 0-15 which was Clare’s first win over Tipp at Thurles in the league.

The referee on Saturday night will be Colm Lyons (Cork).

Then on Sunday next, January 27th, the Tipperary footballers travel to Páirc Tailteann, Navan to play Meath in their Allianz football league division 2 fixture where throw in will be at 2pm

Last year in Semple Stadium, the chill in the air was warmed by the solid display of the Tipperary footballers as they secured a 2-15 to 1-10 victory over Meath with the Tipp goals coming from Michael Quinlivan (Clonmel Commercials) and Bill Maher (Kilsheelan-Kilcash)

Niall Cullen (Fermanagh) will referee this fixture.

We send best wishes to each panel and their management teams and hopefully both will get off to very positive starts this weekend.

Tickets for these matches are on sale at GAA.ie, selected SuperValu and Centra stores and usual outlets – adults €20 and U16’s go free. Buy before match day and get adult tickets for €15.

TIPPERARY SENIOR HURLING CAPTAIN

Congratulations to Seamus Callanan (Drom & Inch) who is the new Tipperary senior hurling captain and Noel McGrath (Loughmore-Castleiney) who is vice-captain for 2019. We wish Seamus, Noel and the entire panel every success for the year ahead.

TIPPERARY SENIOR HURLERS FUNDRAISING EVENT

The current Tipperary hurling panel, supported by past players, took on one of their most important challenges when they embarked on a major fundraiser in aid of the ‘Running for Josie’ project and Amanda Stapleton Benefit Fund, on Saturday December 22nd last.

At four venues throughout the county, in Nenagh, Thurles, Cashel and Clonmel, players gave dedicated training sessions in each venue to U-12 players from clubs across the divisions. In tandem, other players working in relays, cycled the equivalent distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head on exercise bikes in the town centres.

At half time in Saturday night’s league match the proceeds from these fundraising events will be made to Paddy Stapleton and Seamus Hennessy on behalf of their respected causes by Tipperary players Brendan Maher and Niall O’Meara. Brendan will present half of the proceeds raised to Paddy while Niall will present the other half to Seamus, all in the company of juvenile members from both clubs, Kilruane MacDonaghs and Borris-Ileigh.

Congratulations to the senior players on this wonderful initiative and to all who supported them in the events.

REFEREE

Best wishes to our referees on inter-county duty this weekend. Derek O’Mahoney (Ardfinnan) will take charge of the Allianz Football League Roinn 1 fixture between Galway and Cavan, while Fergal Horgan (Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams) will preside over the Allianz Hurling League Roinn 1 tie between Wexford and Limerick.

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DRAWS

Tipp FM will transmit the draws for the Tipperary Water Co. Senior and Intermediate hurling and football championships from Thurles Sarsfields Centre on next Monday night January 28th.

The draws will go out live on Tipp FM’s ‘Extra Time’ programme between 7pm and 8pm and representatives from all the participating clubs are welcome to attend.

POST PRIMARY SCHOOLS

At the second time of asking Thurles CBS made no mistake as they progressed to the Dr. Harty Cup U19 A semi-finals following a 0-16 to 0-11 victory over John the Baptist Community School, Hospital in the quarter-final replay last Saturday in Dundrum. Without reaching the intensity or perhaps the excitement of the drawn match, it was still a dogged affair with no quarter asked or given.

It’ll be a quick turnaround for Thurles as they play Christian Brothers College, Cork in the semi-final in Mallow this Saturday, January 26th at 2:30pm

Also on Saturday in Corn Thomais Mhic Choilm 19 B hurling semi-final Cashel C.S. will play Árdscoil Uí Urmaltaigh Bandon at 12:30pm

Then on Monday next, January 28th in the Corn Risteard Ui Mhathuna 19 C hurling semi-final, Borrisokane C.C. will take on Coláiste An Phiarsaigh Glanmire.

Best wishes to the three Tipperary schools this weekend.

GAELTACHT SCHOLARSHIPS

The following will be the procedure for obtaining a Gaeltacht Scholarship from Coiste Chontae Thiobraid Árann in 2019.

• The scholarships are confined to 2nd Year, TY and 5th Year Students in 2019 and previous recipients of Tipperary GAA Gaeltacht scholarships cannot apply in 2019.
• Students should immediately book a course directly from one of the three nominated Munster Irish Colleges on the application Form. This should be done ASAP as popular dates are booked out quickly.
• Students wishing to secure a scholarship from Tipperary GAA should complete the attached application form and submit it through their own local GAA Club.
• The secretary of the GAA Club must sign the form and attach a reference letter supporting the applicant’s application before returning it to the Co Rúnaí. Please note the club recommending the successful applicant will be contributing €75 to the scholarship along with the Division, Co Board and Munster Council.
•  Interviews for the scholarships will be held in Lár na Páirce during February to establish each candidate’s suitability.
• Once the student is notified that they have been successful they must secure a receipt for their fee payment from the Irish College where they have registered.
• Once this receipt is received by the Co Rúnaí the scholarship cheque for €300 will be posted out directly to the student’s home.

The closing date for the receipt of Gaeltacht Scholarship applications is Friday, February 8th, 2019.

CRAOBH NA MUMHAN – MUNSTER FINAL SCÓR NA nÓG

Tipperary secured two Munster titles in the Community Centre, Cappoquinn, Co.Waterford which was the venue for the Munster Final of Scór na nÓg on Sunday afternoon last. Joseph Boyle from Borrisoleigh was the wonderful deisbhéalach agus eloquent fear an tí for the evening and was very much complimented for his role. His was definitely a demanding task as competitors from all 6 Munster counties participated in the event. Those present assuredly had a great evening’s entertainment as had those who represented in all disciplines. Tributes must be paid to all competitors, families, mentors and supporters for their loyalty and support on the day.

Success came Tipperary’s way firstly in the Rince Foirne competition when the young ladies from Newcastle, pictured right with Munster Chairman Jerry O’Sullivan, were crowned champions in the Rince Foirne category. Putting their best foot forward yet again they did their dance teacher Kathy McGrath and all Tipperary folk present proud.

Going forward to represent Tipperary also in Castlebar will be Canice Ryan – Seán Treacy’s, pictured below with fear an tí Joseph Boyle. His rendition of ‘Walter the Ass’ was clever, funny and well-articulated and was excellently received by the audience. Well done Canice, go néirí go geal leat i gCraobh na hÉireannn.

Cork and Kerry took the honours in the other competitions and while congratulating the winners we truly commend the excellent performances from Portroe in the Ballad Group, Newcastle in Rince Seite, Killea in Ceol Uirlise, JK Brackens in the Léiriú and Caoimhe Ní Chradóg Holycross-Ballycahill in Amhránaíocht Aonair.

The All-Ireland of Scór na nÓg will take place in Castlebar on Saturday, February 16th next. We wish Canice, Newcastle’s Rince Foirne and Loughmore-Castleiney Tráth na gCeist all the best sa Chraobh Uile Éireann.

Míle buíochas arís to all our loyal supporters.

Congratulations to all those participating in the Jubilee Concert which takes place on Saturday night in Páirc Uí Chaoimh at 7pm. Ádh mhór oraibh.

The following are the proposed dates for county finals; Scór Sinsear on February 23rd and Scór na bPáistí on March 31st.

THIRD LEVEL COLLEGES COMPETITIONS

The following is a short review of the Electric Ireland HE GAA Fitzgibbon Cup matches involving Tipperary players last weekend.

In Group A there were 2 games down for decision. UCC with Mark Kehoe (Kilsheelan-Kilcash) at full forward and Killian O’Dwyer (Killenaule) introduced in the second half saw off the challenge of defending champions UL 0-26 to 0-20. For UL, Paul Maher (Kilsheelan-Kilcash) lined out at left corner back with Jack Shelly (Mullinahone) in midfield. Up front Jake Morris (Nenagh Éire Óg) scored 3 points from top of the left position. Cian Darcy (Kilruane MacDonaghs) was introduced midway through the second half. This game was refereed by Fergal Horgan (Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams).

The second game in the group between UCD and NUI Galway ended in a draw 3-12 to 1-18. For UCD Brian Hogan (Lorrha-Dorrha) was between the posts with Michael Purcell (Thurles Sarsfields) at left corner back and Diarmuid Ryan (Clonakenny) at right half back. Rory Purcell (Thurles Sarsfields) and Stephen Quirke (Moyle Rovers) were both introduced in the second half. Tipperary had a second keeper on the field as Shane Hennessy (Nenagh Éire Óg) was on the line for NUIG while the Roscrea pairing of Shane Fletcher and Conor Sheedy were at 12 and 13, with Sheedy scoring 1-1 from play.

There was two games also in Group B and first up the tie between Limerick IT and IT Carlow which was a thriller, with LIT getting over the line in injury time by the narrowest of margins, 1-14 to 1-13. Rian Doody (Cappawhite) scored 2 points for LIT from right half forward while Robert Byrnes (Portroe) lined out at right corner back with Sean Ryan (Sean Treacy’s) at centre back. For IT Carlow, Tommy Nolan (Drom & Inch) played at right half forward.

In the other game TCD surprised many with a 1-15 to 0-13 win over Garda College in Borrisoleigh. Cormac Keating (Portroe) is the only Tipp player with TCD and was introduced in the second half. For the Garda College, Kevin Slattery (Gortnahoe-Glengoole) was their top scorer with 0-5 (0-4f) from the full forward berth, with Joey O’Keeffe (Clonoulty-Rossmore) and Aidan Ryan (Thurles Sarsfields) occupying right coner back and full back positions for the Gardaí.

In Group C, there was just the one game where DCU Dóchas Éireann had 2 points to spare over Waterford IT 0-16 to 0-14. There is no Tipp representative with DCU while for WIT Kevin Hassett (Drom & Inch) was at left corner back with Michael Whelan (Carrick Davins) in midfield and on the mark with a point from play.

While the only game in Group D saw Mary Immaculate with 5 Tipperary players starting scoring a 1-19 to 1-14 win over DIT. For Mary I, Eoghan Ryan (Loughmore-Castleiney) started at right corner back, with Craig Morgan (Kilruane MacDonaghs) outside him at right half back. In the half forward line, Philip Hickey (Nenagh Éire Óg) played centre while Colin English (Fr. Sheehy’s) was to his left. Colin was the only Tipp player to score with a point from play. Ray McCormack (Borris-Ileigh) made up the quintet in the left corner. For DIT Patrick Maher (Lorrha-Dorrha) was the only Tipp representative with ‘Bonner’ lining out at midfield.

Turning the attention now to the Electric Ireland HE GAA Sigerson Cup, UCC had a huge 7-26 to 2-3 win over Athlone IT in round 1. Jack Kennedy (Clonmel Commercials) was at midfield for UCC.

Fellow Cork outfit CIT were defeated by UCD 5-8 to 0-10. Ben Hyland (Fr. Sheehy’s) was the only Tipp player to get game time when introduced for CIT at half time.

The only other tie of the eight Sigerson matches to feature a Tipperary player was the fixture between Maynooth University and Queens University. Maynooth won this contest 0-9 to 0-8 where Emmett Moloney (Drom & Inch) lined out at left half back.

HURLBALL TOURNAMENT

The following is notice of a Hurlball tournament which will take place in Holycross-Ballycahill GAA Centre on Sunday, February 10th. Entry is free and is open to all boys born in 2007 and 2008. The tournament is a great way to develop both sides for hurling where the emphasis is on enjoyment, fun and participation. The closing date for entries is Thursday 31st January.

The following are the rules which will be applied on the day

• Use hurley and racquetball
• Every second serve
• The ball can bounce twice before being returned.
• Serve must strike front wall first and pass the short line before bouncing
• Goggles must be worn (Will be provided on the day if required).
• All matches are 8 minutes- whoever is leading at this stage wins.
• Final is up to 15 points.

As stated above closing date for entries is Thursday January 31st. Entries to be submitted to Andy Ryan GDA via text or email 087 9090985 andy.ryan.gda.tipperary@gaa.ie After the closing date a draw will be made and entrants will be emailed or text exact match timetable.

If any participations would like to practise before the competition commences, the alley will be free and open on Thursday and Friday  7th and 8th of February, and this can be booked through Donal Ryan 087 9663959.

Any further queries contact Andy Ryan. This year’s Hurlball Tournament will be sponsored by Stakelums Office Supplies, Thurles.

TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB

Best wishes to Terry O’Neill who takes over as chairman of Tipperary Supporters Club and also to Billy Coman who comes in as new secretary. At the same juncture we thank and acknowledge the fantastic contribution of John Tierney who vacates the chairman’s seat after ten wonderful years at the helm and also Eamonn Buckley who served three years as secretary. Both will remain on the supporters’ club committee.

To join the Tipperary Supporters Club please do so at www.tippsupportersclub.com or by calling Jim Reidy, Membership Officer on 086 3580718.

The membership pack includes the following benefits:

A specially-designed Tipperary Supporters Club pen with stylus for use on touch-screen devices
All members are entered into a prize draw for championship match tickets for all Tipperary Senior games.
2019 Car Sticker
Text alerts for all League and Championship team news
Regular news to your email about all the latest in Tipperary GAA circles

FRIENDS OF TIPPERARY FOOTBALL

Membership for the Friends of Tipperary Football for 2019 is now available and costs only €20. There are some great prizes to be won throughout the year by becoming a member.

The Friends are a fantastic group that help with the development of Tipperary Football. To join please go to www.friendsoftipperaryfootball.com

HANDBALL

The county juvenile 40 x 20 Finals were hosted by Cashel on Sunday last and many thanks to all who helped out in running those finals. Trials will continue shortly to pick our county reps for the Munster championship quarter-finals against Limerick in 2 weeks’ time. Best of luck to all going forward to represent the county.

Tipperary handball county secretary Ken Conway is a candidate in the upcoming President Elect on Sunday 3rd February which will be decided at congress by the county delegates from each province.

Elsewhere, PRO Paddy Collins is nominated for the All Star Awards Clubman of the Year Award and this is decided by a public vote. You can cast your vote by going on the GAA Handball website https://www.gaahandball.ie/news/all-star-finalists-announced-1

CLUB OFFICER TRAINING

The County Development Committee has held successful and well-attended training nights for Club Officers in all 4 divisions over the past 2 years. This year, to cater for those unable to attend previously and for new club officers, just one night will be held as follows on Wednesday 6th February at 7.30pm in The Anner Hotel, Thurles.

Format: The programme will commence at 7.30pm with a general gathering of all officers. Following a cup of tea, representatives will then break into different groups to focus on their own roles in the club. The programme will run for approx. 2½ hours.

Who should attend? There will be separate presentations for Club Chairpersons, Secretaries, Treasurers and PRO’s and officials from adult clubs and juvenile clubs are invited.

Facilitators: The programme will be conducted by 4 experienced facilitators from outside the county.

Content: The Club Leadership Development Programme is designed to provide GAA Club Officers with the basic knowledge and core leadership skills required to fulfil their roles effectively. It will help them

• Gain a better understanding of what their role involves
• Develop basic leadership, management and communication skills
• Experience increased role satisfaction
•  Have an awareness of where to access resources and supports
•  Be able to share ideas and solve problems with fellow officers
• Be better prepared for future roles in the Association

Will club secretaries please advance a list of names and roles of those who will be attending, by Wednesday January 30th to the contacts following below.

The development committee are looking forward to your support, Denis Floyd, Secretary Co. Development Committee 087-9355750 dfloyd@eircom.net and PJ Maher, Co. Development Officer 087-2489064 pjmaher3000@yahoo.ie

CLUB SURVEY

At the November 2018 County Management Committee meeting, it was agreed that the County Development Committee would undertake an online Club Survey.

The survey is in two parts. The initial questions relate to club facilities and fundraising activities, so as to establish relevant information for insurance purposes and the remainder of the survey relates to Club Governance etc.

Before commencing the survey, please note the following insurance related information on club owned facilities will be required

• If club has an Astro Turf (Q6), dimensions will be required.
• If club has a Spectator Stand (Q9), length will be required.
• If club has a Gym (Q19), number of pieces of equipment will be required.
• Dimensions (sq. feet) of all Club House facilities (Q21) will be required.
• Details of known club fundraising activities including expected attendance (Q29) will be required
• Details of non GAA use of club facilities (Q26) will be required and club person completing survey may want to double check this in advance.

Closing date for return of survey is next Sunday, 27th January

The following is a link to the survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WKVVGDP

Clubs are also asked to note that the next County Board meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, 29th January, will include a presentation on GAA Insurance (Property & Liability) and GAA Injury Scheme by Croke Park & Willis. The current GAA insurance’s contain numerous conditions and exclusions and this is an opportunity for club’s to familiarize themselves with all aspects of the Association’s insurance covers. In the event of a claim against a club and it is subsequently discovered there was a breach of a policy condition, the Insurer could well refuse to deal with the matter. The club involved would then be forced to deal with the claim in its entirety (including legal costs), with potential disastrous consequences”

TIPPERARY GAA CLUB ALL COUNTY MATCH PASS 2019

Again a reminder that the match pass for 2019 is currently on sale at the price of €120. This pass gives you access to all adult matches within the County during 2019. Passes can be ordered through the GAA Office Slievenamon Rd., Thurles or by contacting 0504 22702 where you can pay over the phone.

NEW CODE OF BEHAVIOUR LAUNCHED FOR THOSE INVOLVED AT UNDERAGE LEVEL

Croke Park has issued the new Code of Behaviour (Underage), which highlights the levels of behaviour that the GAA seeks from those who are playing, coaching, officiating or attending our underage games.

Packed with 10 different sections the Code of Behaviour (Underage) has been updated to reflect recent child safeguarding legislative requirements that are now enshrined in its Rules and in the day to day organising of its games.

Sections include guidance on maintaining appropriate levels of behaviour when working with children and young people, how to promote the Code and also deal with breaches of the Code, useful guidance on recruiting coaches and managers for underage teams, how to plan away trips, the Club child safeguarding statement, dealing with bullying of children and young people, social media guidance and how to report any concerns or allegations of abuse.

The Code of Behaviour (Underage) applies to all of the Gaelic Games Associations – GAA, Ladies Football, Camogie, Handball and Rounders – and may be downloaded at https://www.gaa.ie/the-gaa/child-welfare-and-protection/

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.