by PRO Joe Bracken
TIPPERARY WATER U21 HURLING
As the County Championship season finally came to a close on what was quite a remarkable year by any standards, the Tipperary Water U21 Hurling A and B finals proved without doubt that this grade is still hugely valued and relished by clubs such was the level of performances witnessed again last Sunday. In the ‘A’ final Thurles Sarsfields and Toomevara lived up to expectations with little or nothing between the sides for the most part. Level at half time Toomevara were ahead by two in the third quarter before Thurles Sarsfields got the vital scores to run out 2-16 to 2-11 winners. After the match County Chairman Michael Bourke presented the cup to Thurles Sarsfields captain Kevin Dunne.
In the ‘B’ final, Gortnahoe-Glengoole and Ballinahinch-Templederry went at it again in Holycross following their drawn match a week previous. In another epic encounter neither side failed to disappoint in a highly entertaining final. It was a day to savour for the Mid Division as Gortnahoe-Glengoole secured the title following a three point victory on a score line of 0-18 to 0-15. County Vice Chairman John Devane together with County Secretary Tim Floyd was on hand later to present the cup to winning Gortnahoe-Glengoole captain Ronan Teehan.
Congratulations to Gortnahoe-Glengoole and Thurles Sarsfields as they brought the county action to a fitting finale on Sunday.
COUNTY CONVENTION
With all divisional conventions out of the way the focus of attention this week is towards the Dome, Semple Stadium where the County Convention will take place this Friday, December 16th at 7.30pm. It will be preceded by mass celebrated by Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly at 7pm. All outgoing officers have been nominated unopposed for the coming year.
GAA AWARDS
At the Munster GAA Awards in Cork last Saturday night, there was rightful recognition for the Tipperary senior and minor hurling teams as they claimed the three of the night’s awards.
Congratulations to John McGrath (Loughmore-Castleiney) – Senior Hurler of the Year, Jake Morris (Nenagh Éire Óg) – Minor Hurler of the Year and Michael Ryan (Upperchurch-Drombane) – Manager of the Year.
John McGrath has been involved with Tipperary Senior Hurling inter-county team since 2015. He showed terrific early season promise last year but injury curtailed much of his season. This year John made his championship debut against Cork in the Munster Quarter-Final scoring one point and doing the same in the Semi Final against Limerick. John was at his explosive best in the Munster Final shooting 3-2 including a penalty goal picking up on the way the RTE Man of the Match Award. Following his sides success in the All-Ireland Final as he picked up his first All-Ireland medal, John also received his first All-Star Award last month. He has graced the fields of play for Tipperary at Minor level in both codes winning Munster and All-Ireland Hurling Medals in 2012 as well as 2 Munster Minor Football Medals in 2011 & 2012 and All-Ireland Medal in 2011. John also won a Fitzgibbon Medal with University of Limerick in 2015.
Jake Morris was noted within the county as an excellent player at underage level and certainly one to watch for the future. He lived up to that expectation in 2016 by turning in marvellous performances in his first year at minor for Tipperary. His minor championship debut was back in April last when Tipperary lost to Waterford in their opening round. Undeterred Jake and Tipperary took the championship by storm after that culminating in a hugely impressive performance in the Munster Minor Final whereby they saw off a fancied Limerick outfit with apparent ease. Central to that performance was the contribution of Jake Morris who scored 1-4 from play as Tipperary secured their 39th Munster title with Jake securing the Man of the Match Award after his outstanding performance. He would later add an All-Ireland medal to that in September in a match where his second half goal proved crucial to Tipperary’s victory.
Heading into 2016 Tipperary Senior Hurling had a new man at the helm in Michael Ryan. The Upperchurch-Drombane clubman won an All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship medal in 1991 at left corner back.
In 2010 when Tipperary last lifted the Liam McCarthy Cup Michael was a selector alongside his immediate predecessor and coach that year Eamon O’Shea and manager Liam Sheedy. With a vast amount of experience to his credit Michael played a pivotal part during Eamon O’Shea’s reign and carried through a seamless managerial transition into this year.
In a county rich in GAA tradition that tradition fell lightly on the big man’s shoulders as both his and the management team’s hurling viewpoint reaped rich rewards in his first year at the helm. In guiding his side to back to back Munster titles, 2016 would prove to be a wonderful year for Tipperary as his side would later go on to lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup in September.
Tipperary referees were also to the fore at the Munster Awards night where they received their medals for officiating Munster finals this year. Congratulations to David Grogan (Aherlow) who was in charge of the Munster Junior Football Final, Sean Lonergan (Moyle Rovers) who had a busy year taking charge of the U21 Football Final, McGrath Cup Final and the Intermediate Football Club Final.
The recent Canon Hayes Awards were also another occasion where the exploits of Tipperary hurling and football was given much prominence. The Outstanding Achievement Award for 2016 went to Tipperary Hurling following the terrific double success of the senior and minor teams on All-Ireland Final day in September. The players present to collect the award on behalf of their colleagues were, John O’Keeffe (Clonoulty-Rossmore) Tipp seniors and Shane Neville (Lattin Cullen) and Rian Doody (Cappawhite) Tipp minors.
The Tipperary senior football team were also nominated in the County Award category and had Alan Moloney (Rockwell Rovers) and selector Shane Stapleton (Golden Kilfeacle) on hand to collect the award nomination. The County Award was won, by the way, by NH trainer Mouse Morris.
This Saturday night the RTE Sport Sportstars of the Year Awards will take place in the studios in Donnybrook where the Tipperary SH team will be vying for the team of the year award while Seamus Callanan is in contention for Sportstar of the Year and Michael Ryan is nominated in the Manager of the Year category, best wishes to all on the night.
TIPPERAY PHOTO AND CALENDAR
The official Tipperary SH team photograph and also an official Tipperary GAA calendar containing iconic images of our senior and minor hurlers and senior footballers in action this year as well as GAA/GPA All-Star Award photographs are now on sale. All enquires for SH team photographs should be made to Tim Floyd, Co. Secretary secretary.tipperary@gaa.ie, 087 2591747 or any county board officer or SH team panellist.
The official calendar costing €10 is on sale in Lár na Páirce, Thurles and in all towns across the county. It is proving a hugely popular item and is certain to be a great Christmas stocking filler for all Tipperary supporters.
TIPPERARY GAA YEARBOOK 2017
The Tipperary G.A.A. Yearbook 2017 is now available in the bookshops and usual outlets. What a year of memories to have and the 2017 Yearbook is extended to cater for all the action of an outstanding year for Tipperary. Congratulations to Seamus King and John Smith and their committee for pulling out all the stops with this terrific publication. As usual it has a huge selection of photographs which illustrate the stories and gives shape and colour to all the events of the year.
TIPPERARY GAA CLUB ALL COUNTY MATCH PASS 2017
The match pass for 2017 is currently on sale at the price of €120. This pass gives supporters access to all adult matches within the County during 2017. Passes can be ordered through the GAA Office Slievenamon Rd, Thurles or by contacting 0504 22702 where payments can be made over the phone. Anyone wishing to avail of this offer is advised to purchase tickets before Wednesday, December 21st to ensure Pre-Christmas delivery.
MICK ROCHE RIP
There was widespread grief when news broke last week of the untimely passing of former Tipperary and Carrick Davins legend, Mick Roche. A three time senior All-Ireland medallist, Mick was a hugely popular household name and his passing was felt right across the hurling spectrum.
County Board Chairman, Michael Bourke on behalf of Tipperary County Board and all Tipperary supporters, extended condolences to his wife Mary, his family Elaine and Siobhan and Michael on the very sad passing of a husband and father. He also extended that sympathy to all his colleagues and friends in Carrick Davins as well as those in and around the Horse & Jockey where Mick lived.
DR. HARTY CUP
The Tipperary derby between Thurles CBS and Abbey CBS goes ahead this Wednesday, December 14th at 1.30pm in Dundrum, best wishes to both schools. The winners will go in to the Quarter-Final draw this Thursday evening where they will be joined by fellow Tipperary schools Our Lady’s Templemore and Nenagh CBS.
CORN BHRATHAIR UI DHALTUIN
Congratulations to Cashel C.S. who claimed the Corn Bhrathair Ui Dhaltuin U/18.5 (B) Football title following their victory over Carrick on Suir C.B.S. in the final last Thursday.
For all results and fixtures concerning Tipperary Post Primary Schools please log onto http://munstergaapps.ie/
SCÓR NA MUMHAN
Halla na Féile, Caiseal na Rí was the venue for an excellent afternoons entertainment at the Scór na nÓg Munster semi-finals on Sunday last. Four counties Kerry, Limerick, Waterford and Tipperary contested the seven competitions and the winners will go forward to the Munster Final on Sunday, January 8th, in Ovens in Cork. Bean an Tí was Josephine Cahill, Cathaoirleach Scór an Chontae and it was wonderful to see Tipperary qualify for six out of the seven competitions on the evening. Judges were loud in their praise of the standard of performance in all disciplines and all four counties entertained all present to such a wonderful feast of music, song, drama and dance. We can be in no doubt as to the excellence of the performers and the encouragement from mentors and audience was excellent. Go néirí go geal libh go léir in Ovens
The Tipperary qualifiers are as follows; Rince Foirne – Newcastle; Amhránaíocht Aonair –Seosamh Ó Baoill, Borrisoleigh; Aithriseoireacht – Martin McCabe, Newport; Bailéad Ghrúpa – Portroe; Léiriú – J.K. Brackens Clonmore and Ceol Uirlise – Killea.
Portroe Ballad Group and Martin McCabe Newport (aithriseoireacht) celebrate following their qualification to Munster Finals of Scor 2017.Maith sibh.
Seosamh Ó Baoill Borrisoleigh celebrates with Máire De Búrca as he qualifies for the Munster Finals of Scór na nÓg 2017 . Maith thú a Sheosamh.
Newcastle set dancers are to be congratulated on another excellent performance, however, Spa and Sliabh gCua go on to represent their respective counties.
Scór an Chontae would like to thank all competitors, families, mentors and supporters. Go néirí libh sa chéad babhta eile.
TIPPERARY COUNTY BOARD DRAW
Congratulations to the two main winners in the Tipperary County Board draw which took place in Kelly’s Bar Cappawhite last Wednesday night. First out was Fr. Loughlin Brennan whose winning ticket was sold by Upperchurch-Drombane GAA Club. Fr. Loughlin will receive a Skoda Rapid or €15,000. Second prize of a Florida Holiday or €3000 sold by Kilruane MacDonaghs went to Len Gaynor.
MUNSTER INTER-PROVINCIAL TEAMS
There was a change in plan with the Inter-Provincials following the sad passing of Ulster GAA Rúnaí Danny Murphy last week.
In the football semi-final Munster lost out to Ulster on Sunday by 3-17 to 1-15 in Parnell Park with Conor Sweeney (Ballyporeen) and Brian Fox (Éire Óg Annacarty-Donohill) both on the scoresheet for Munster.
In the hurling semi-final in Semple Stadium also on Sunday, Munster were comfortable winners over Ulster by 3-21 to 0-15 in a match where Seamus Callanan (Drom & Inch) captained the province. Seamie ended up Munster’s leading scorer with 1-7 while Michael Breen (Ballina) returned 1-1 for his toils, with John O’Dwyer (Killenaule), Padraic Maher (Thurles Sarsfields) and Dan McCormack (Borris-Ileigh) also on the score sheet.
Munster will now contest the final against Leinster under lights in Semple Stadium this Thursday night, December 15th at 7.45pm with Alan Kelly (Galway) in charge.
THE ‘MARK’ PLAYING RULE
January 1st next sees the introduction in all football games of the ‘Mark’. Passed in Congress rule 3.12 states, ‘when a player catches the ball cleanly from a Kick-Out without it touching the ground, on or past the 45m line nearest the Kick-Out point, he shall be awarded a ‘Mark’ by the Referee.
The player awarded a ‘Mark’ shall have the options of (a) Taking a free kick or (b) Playing on immediately.’ For more information please go to gaa.ie/themark
TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB 2017 MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL GIFT DVD AVAILABLE NOW
The Tipperary Supporters Club are delighted to announce that the member’s gift in 2017 is a specially-produced DVD of Tipperary’s 2016 season which includes:
· Full coverage of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final 2016
· Highlights of the All-Ireland Minor Hurling Final
· Highlights from other senior championship games during the year
· Footage of the memorable homecoming in Semple Stadium
· Exclusive interviews with Michael Ryan and several players reflecting on the year.
Each member will also receive a Tipperary Supporters Club car/window sticker featuring Brendan Maher with the Liam McCarthy Cup and a 2017 Membership Card. The Membership Card entitles the holder to a range of discounts including a 10% discount at the Tipperary GAA Shop, Lár na Páirce, Thurles.
Members will also be entered into:
· A draw for five sets of stand tickets for all Tipperary games in the Munster and All Ireland Senior Hurling Championships.
· In the event of Tipperary Senior Hurlers reaching the All-Ireland Final, there will be a special draw for 2 night’s accommodation for 2 people in the Four Star Louis Fitzgerald Hotel (match tickets included).
Members also get regular email updates on news along with a text for each Tipperary team announcement for the Allianz League and all Senior Hurling Championship games.
Supporters can join on line now on tippsupportersclub.com/join by credit card or debit/laser card. Membership is €40 per person. 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. We are encouraging members to switch to Direct Debit payment by offering a reduced charge of €30 for all Direct Debit members in 2017. It’s easy to sign up for Direct Debit, just download the two-page form, fill it out and send it to Jim Reidy at the address below.
If joining by post please send a cheque or postal order for €40 payable to Tipperary Supporters Club to Jim Reidy, 13 Castleknock Close, Dublin 15 (086-3580718, email: info@tippsupportersclub.com )
Keep up with all the news: www.tippsupportersclub.com find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/TippSupportersClub and follow the Tipperary Supporters Club on Twitter @TippSupporters
All proceeds from membership go towards the preparation and training of the Tipperary Senior Hurling Team. Membership is also an ideal Christmas/New Year gift for someone at home or abroad. The Tipperary Supporters Club can send the pack to you to pass on or we can post it on directly for you if you prefer.
FRIENDS OF TIPPERARY FOOTBALL
The new membership scheme of the Friends of Tipperary Football for 2017 is already up and running and tickets at €20 each can be had from any committee members or the Divisional coordinators, Kevin Barron (West), Trish Gavin (Mid), Aidan McNamara (South) and Joe Hannigan (North) and will carry prizes of tickets to the All-Ireland and National Football League fixtures. Supporters can also join online at the following link http://www.friendsoftipperaryfootball.com/
All monies raised from the membership go directly towards Tipperary Football teams and the support and fundraising efforts of the ‘Friends’ was instrumental in the success of Tipperary Football in 2016.
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.
