by Acting PRO Joe Bracken
ALL IRELAND SENIOR HURLING SEMI FINAL
Another marvellous journey came to a heart breaking conclusion for the Tipperary Senior hurlers, management and supporter alike with the agonising one point defeat to Galway in Croke Park on Sunday last as Tipperary’s register of 3-16 was pipped by Galway’s 0-26 in added time. In a game of small margins, from early on it seemed destined to go one way or the other, alas the diced rolled against this Tipperary side.
What you crave for unfortunately you don’t always get and for all who were in Croke Park on Sunday and for those that weren’t, the players and management acknowledge and thank you for your support throughout the year as you rowed in behind the side in such fantastic numbers.
For those who craved it the most, the players and management, commiserations to you all at the abrupt end on Sunday evening of another epic journey, a journey which saw many of you secure the Munster Championship title in July for the first time. All involved with this team lost nothing in defeat on Sunday and are thanked for their commitment and for the pleasure provided to so many during the year.
The unique bond between manager Eamon O’Shea and his players was pivotal in the progression of this team over the past three years, culminating in the knowledge that at least one if not two games remained in that bond before it would be unclasped by Eamon’s parting. That bond was also unique in that it was a two way strand; the players wanted Liam McCarthy for Eamon, while Eamon unquestionably wanted Liam for the players.
With much said, written and discussed elsewhere, a line is now drawn in the Tipperary sand of the 2015 championship in the twilight of Eamon O’Shea’s reign; while a new dawn will rise under the watch of Michael Ryan. And in that dawn new hopes, visions and dreams will be planned and realised and leaders will emerge, many from the present and some still to come and who will take the Tipperary flagship over the top to the summit of All Ireland glory, of that there is no doubt.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Congratulations to Seamus Callanan from Drom and Inch on his outstanding contribution for Tipperary on Sunday, scoring 3-09 on his way to earning the Man of the Match Award.
NOEL’S RETURN
Without question radiant in the Tipperary highlights of the day and of the year was the return to inter-county action, to a rapturous and warm standing ovation, the wonderful and welcome sight of Noel McGrath back on the playing fields once more in the Blue and Gold. Showing his trademark accuracy Noel’s point to put Tipp one ahead was undone in that added time ensuring there would be no fairy-tale ending. That’s the cruelty of sport; but would we want it any other way?
FAREWELL
Already planned and known in advance all was missing was the date, unfortunately, that date arrived three weeks early for a truly inspirational and passionate Tipperary manager Eamon O’Shea, as he led his side into combat one last time in Croke Park on Sunday. Of course like the rest of us, going out on the pitch at 3.36pm the thought of an end game was the furthest thing on Eamon’s mind but undesirably it came to pass.
It is with a huge amount of gratitude and thanks Tipperary Co. Board mark and acknowledges the contribution of Eamon O’Shea, a Tipperary man through and through who never wanted more than to see Tipperary be successful. He leaves behind a solid structure, a fabulous group of players who held Eamon in such high esteem. His is the torch they carried; his is the badge they wore with pride. Eamon’s belief in his players was and is unequivocal and also resilient in his belief that they will succeed when he is gone.
Giving up a tremendous amount of his time to Tipperary, Tipperary Co. Board is indebted to the contribution Eamon O’Shea has given in his term as manager. The Board also thanks Eamon’s family who played their part in Eamon’s voyage and shared in his highs and some lows too.
For your energy, passion, dedication, honesty and integrity on behalf of all Tipperary players, supporters and officials alike, we extend every best wish and more to Eamon O’Shea and his family now and for the future. You are more than a “footnote” you are the foundation, the platform, the genesis of things to come. The future is bright, the future is Blue and Gold because of your contribution and for that the players salute you; we salute you, farewell and thanks.
Tipperary Co. Board Chairman, Michael Bourke said “Eamon O’Shea’s contribution to Tipperary is immense. I have witnessed at first hand that the only thing on his mind was getting Tipperary hurling to the pinnacle of All Ireland success and keeping it there, which was his total ambition. Eamon is a man of huge belief in his ideals and in those around him and whose determination and approach was unquestionable in trying to get there. I wish to thank Eamon and his family most sincerely for his contribution to Tipperary. He gave his all unfailingly and I really appreciate it.”
ALL IRELAND MINOR HURLING SEMI FINAL
All-Ireland semi-finals day got off to the best possible start for Tipperary with the terrific result earned by the minor hurlers who defeated Dublin 2-17 to 1-15and in doing so set up an All-Ireland Final appearance against Galway on September 6th.
Congratulations to all the involved on this wonderful performance and Liam Cahill and his management team can be rightly proud of their players who answered questions manfully when asked of them as they tore open the Dublin defences in the last quarter on the way to victory.
With three weeks to prepare for that All-Ireland final appearance, it will involve the great work of many to ensure all are ready for the biggest day in the lives of these young players.
ALL IRELAND MINOR FOOTBALL
The Tipperary Minor Football panel will play Kildare in the Electric Ireland All-Ireland Semi-Final on Sunday week, August 30th at 1.30pm.
FIXTURES FORUM
There was an excellent turnout at the Fixtures Forum in LIT, Thurles last Friday night. Opened by Co. Board Chairman, Michael Bourke and chaired by Liam Sheedy, the Forum ran smoothly and under Liam’s guidance to time also, it proved to be an informative session with many club officials availing of the opportunity to air their views.
Those views will be digested and formulated by way of continuing the process which should help to allay the concerns of some in future fixture planning.
REFEREE
Best wishes to Fergal Horgan – Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams who will take charge of the Bord Gais Energy GAA Hurling All Ireland U21 Championship 2015 semi-final between Galway and Limerick this Saturday, August 22nd, in Semple Stadium at 6pm. It is the second of a Semple Stadium double header, as Wexford and Antrim contest the other semi-final.
COUNTY FIXTURES
It is the divisions that take centre stage this weekend as the four divisions host their Senior Hurling Championship Final.
The West final takes place in Leahy Park, Cashel at 2.30pm between Éire Óg Anacarty/Donohill and Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams, the South final is between Killenaule and Mullinahone in Fethard at 3.30pm, the North final is on in McDonagh Park, Nenagh at 5.30pm between Kildangan and Templederry Kenyons while the Mid final takes place in Drombane at 6pm between Thurles Sarsfields and Loughmore Castleiney, so a lot of mouth-watering action to look forward to this weekend.
Elsewhere around the county play continues in the Clean Ireland Recycling County Senior Football Championships, County Adult Football League, County Junior Hurling as well as many other divisional intermediate, junior games, please check the fixtures section for all current information on dates, times and venues across the Premier County.
THE BOY WONDER OF HURLING
The launch of “The Boy Wonder of Hurling” the story of Tipperary hurling legend the late Jimmy Doyle, will take place at Thurles Sarsfields’ Social Centre on this Wednesday August 19th at 7.30 pm. Written by former Irish Examiner GAA correspondent, Diarmuid O Flynn, and edited by former Tipperary Star Editor, Michael Dundon, the book is published by Sliabh Ban Productions, which is headed up by RTE GAA correspondent/commentator, Brian Carthy.
It will be launched by the President of the GAA, Aogan Ó Fearghaill before a gathering that will include a host of GAA celebrities, past and current. All are welcome to attend.
NATIONAL HERITAGE WEEK
As part of National Heritage Week, Lár na Páirce will host a talk by Pat Bracken on Thursday 27th August next at 7.30pm entitled “Not Quite Yet on Death’s Door – Hurling 1840-1884” and all are welcome.
TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB MEMBERSHIP 2015
With the Tipperary Minor Hurlers gearing up for their All-Ireland Final on September 6th next, what better way to support the side than by taking up Membership of the Tipperary Supporters Club for 2015.
Membership is €30 per person, unchanged since 2006.
Supporters can join on line on www.tippsupportersclub.com by credit card or debit/laser card. 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. Membership is also available in the following premises, Moynihan’s in Gladstone Street, Clonmel, O’Donoghue’s in Cashel, Noel Ryan’s in Parnell Street, Thurles and from Jackie Shanahan and Carroll’s in Roscrea. If joining by post please send a cheque or postal order payable to Tipperary Supporters Club to Jim Reidy,13 Castleknock Close, Dublin 15 086-3580718, email:info@tippsupportersclub.com
FRIENDS FOOTBALL LOTTO
The Friends of Tipperary Football Lotto is continuing to build and all Tipperary supporters are encouraged to please support by playing online now – http://bit.ly/1HU6W9H
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.
