by Acting PRO Joe Bracken
MUNSTER SENIOR HURLING FINAL
Though last on the billing in what was a hugely memorable weekend in Semple Stadium, the 2015 Munster Senior Hurling Championship Final took centre stage where the result answered the hopes and prayers of the county as our Tipperary Senior Hurlers left their own indelible mark in history by securing a 41st title for Tipperary by defeating Waterford 21 points to 16.
In an absorbing and tough contest, heartiest congratulations to the truly brilliant players led by captain and man of the match Brendan Maher on their wonderful achievement and also fantastic credit, congratulations and praise to manager Eamon O’Shea and his team for orchestrating this superb victory on home soil. Such was the performances from 1 to 15 and of players introduced, every Tipp supporter had their own heroes to congratulate as they revelled in the tremendous atmosphere which erupted on hearing the final whistle and which immediately banished two years of waiting.
The outpouring on the hallowed sod was spectacular in its simplicity as almost every Tipperary fan inside the gates made their way down to celebrate and share in the achievement with players and management on this historic occasion as Semple Stadiums surface became an ocean of Blue and Gold. The players’ reaction to the fans was equally magnanimous as those that were able to stay standing were still on the pitch an hour or more later still signing autographs and having pictures taken, it was a special and privileged place to be. Well done and thanks to the players for giving of their time and supporters also for respecting the players in the aftermath of such an energy sapping match. In relation to the day itself this was the first ever Minor/Senior Munster Finals day, which failed to produce a goal in either game.
Previous Senior Finals without a goal were in 1963 Waterford 0-11 Tipp 0-8, 1978 Cork 0-13 Clare 0-11 and 2013 Limerick 0-24 Cork 0-15.
Previous Minor Finals blanks were – 2008 Cork 0-19 Tipp 0-18 and in the 2014 replay Limerick 0-24 Waterford 0-18.
Next up for the Tipperary Senior Panel is a visit to Croke Park on August 16th for an All-Ireland Semi-Final at 3.30pm against Cork or Galway, we should know who by close of play on Sunday week.
MUNSTER MINOR HURLING FINAL
Congratulations to the Tipperary Minor Hurlers who got Munster Finals Day off to a terrific start with a three point victory over Limerick 20 points to 17 in their final. In what was their best match of the championship to date, the lads really stepped up to the mark when required and delivered everything that was asked of them. It was a joyous day too for manager Liam Cahill and his team who knew the potential the side had and were delighted that they got the rewards their efforts entailed.
Man of the match Lyndon Fairbrother from JK Brackens led his attack in style while Captain Darragh Peters led the charge from the back as Tipperary claimed their 38th crown, six ahead of the chasing pack.
Next up is also an All-Ireland Semi-Final at 1.30pm on Sunday August 16th against either Antrim or Dublin.
MUNSTER U21 HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL
Buoyed on no doubt by the weekend successes, the Tipperary U21 team head to the Gaelic Grounds to play Limerick in the Bord Gais Energy Munster U21 Hurling Championship Semi-Final, this Thursday, July 16th at 7.30pm. Manager TJ Connolly and his backroom team head to Limerick with the desired wish of securing a Munster Final berth on July 30th. So it’s best wishes to the team and management on Thursday as we all hope the Premier Ship continues to sail smoothly.
ALL IRELAND FOOTBALL QUALIFIERS
Congratulations to the Tipperary Senior Football team who demolished Louth in emphatic fashion in Round 2B of the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship in Semple Stadium last Saturday by 3-21 to 07.
While Peter Creedon’s side may not have learned a huge amount from the encounter, a win is a win none the less as they now prepare to meet Tyrone in the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Round 3B in Semple Stadium this Saturday, July 18th at 3pm.
All Tipperary supporters are asked to come out once again to get behind the team as that elusive All Ireland Quarter-Final spot is now in touching distance of the team and all support would be most welcome to help get the team over the line on Saturday. Again best of luck to all in this crunch fixture.
SEMPLE STADIUM
The shift put in by Semple Stadium staff over last weekend was entirely exceptional. While all supporters that were there on Saturday went on their merry way once the final whistle sounded, the ground staff got busily into action where some stayed until 4.30am Sunday morning ensuring all would be ready for Munster Finals Sunday. With smiles on their faces they came back a few hours later to complete the task, stands at the ready and pitch lined. Words cannot express enough the praise of your efforts as the carpet of grass welcomed joyously the feet of players as the famed Semple Sod once more glistened in the heat of Munster Finals Sunday. To all the crew thank you most sincerely.
TIPPERARY U14 LADIES FOOTBALL
Congratulations to the Tipperary ladies who defeated Donegal at the second attempt last Saturday and in doing so secured the U14B All Ireland title with Tipperary winning by courtesy of a six point victory at Tuam Stadium, Tipperary 2-10 Donegal 1-07.
COUNTY FIXTURES
Upperchurch Drombane took the honours in the Jim Devitt Cup Senior Hurling League last Friday overcoming Kilruane MacDonaghs in the final.
It’s make or break time for two clubs in the County Senior Hurling Relegation this Friday evening, July 17th in Pairc Ciocaim, Dundrum as Holycross Ballycahill take on Cappawhite to decide who holds onto their senior status for next year.
Elsewhere, play continues in the Clean Ireland Recycling County Intermediate Hurling Championship and also in the County Junior Hurling Leagues. While it is going to be a busy weekend also at divisional level across the county as club games take centre stage, please check fixtures section for all current updates on dates, times and venues across the Premier County.
DERMOT EARLEY YOUTH LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE
The Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative is still open to applicants from Co. Tipperary.
Following on from its successful pilot in 2014-15, the GAA, Foróige, and NUIG are delighted to announce that the innovative Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative application process is now open to 15 young GAA club members, male and female aged 15-18 years-old, in counties Roscommon, Galway, Cork, TIPPERARY, Dublin, Kildare, Donegal and Monaghan.
Fully supported by the family of the late great Dermot Earley Snr, the initiative is designed to support the next generation of young GAA leaders in achieving their full potential and in doing so to make their mark in their clubs, their counties, and indeed their country.
Prospective applicants are requested to note that the closing date for receipt of applications is midnight next Sunday July 19th.
The initiative runs over three modules between September 2015 and May 2016 and involves 30 hours of workshops designed to develop the leadership skills that Dermot epitomised on and off the field. 30 hours of self-directed learning is also required before the participants put their enhanced leadership skills into action through a club or community-based action project. Those who complete all three modules will graduate from NUIG with a Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action. The workshops will take place in Nenagh Éire Óg GAA Club. The lucky participants will also be gathered for at least one special event in Croke Park.
For more information on how to apply please contact Stacey Cannon, GAA National Health & Wellbeing Coordinator on stacey.cannon@gaa.ie or 01 8192387 or please visit: http://www.gaa.ie/community/community-development/dermot-early-youth-leadership-initiative/
TEAM TIPPERARAY GAA RACE DAY
Join us at the Galway Races
Next up on the fundraising agenda is the Team Tipperary GAA Race Day at the Galway Races on Monday week, July 27th next. The Galway Races Summer Festival is renowned as a premier and most colourful racing festival. While it is a major sporting event, it also appeals to a much wider audience than just the racing fans. With the Killanin Stand Suites, there is something for everyone whether you are entertaining family, friends or business clients. This is the ideal format for mixing business with pleasure, whilst surrounded by the atmosphere and excitement that is the Galway Races.
The Tipperary Supporters Club is among many groups organising a table of 10 for €1,500 and individuals can take seats at €150 each. If you know anyone interested enough in racing – or just a good day out – who might take a seat or two or a table, please contact Joe Tuohy on 0878170464 joetuohy22@gmail.com
For latest bookings and further details contact Tim Floyd, County Secretary, 087 2591747 secretary.tipperary@gaa.ie
FRIENDS FOOTBALL LOTTO
The Friends of Tipperary Football exciting new Lotto is well up and running now where the jackpot continues to grow, so show your support for Tipperary Football from as little as €2 per week, play online now at http://bit.ly/TipperaryFootball
TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB MEMBERSHIP 2015
With the Tipperary Senior and Minor Hurlers through to All Ireland Semi Finals it is now as important as ever to take up Membership of the Tipperary Supporters Club for 2015.
Membership is €30 per person, unchanged since 2006. We are delighted to announce that the member’s gift in 2015 is a Gold Plated Tiobraid Ãrann Crossed Hurley, 19.5mm x 20.0 mm, lapel pin specially designed and produced in the traditional Blue & Gold colours of Tipperary. Each member will also receive a Tipperary Supporters Club car sticker and a 2015 Membership Card.
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
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.
