by PRO Joe Bracken
TIPPERARY WATER U21 HURLING
After a hectic weekends action in the Tipperary Water U21 hurling championships it is all to play for once again next weekend as both A and B finals will go ahead on Sunday.
In the ‘A’ championship Thurles Sarsfields will meet Toomevara in The Ragg at 12.15pm in what promises to be a cracking final.
Thurles Sarsfields were waiting a week to find out their opposition and now they will have Toomevara firmly in their sights on Sunday. The Greyhounds overcame the Carrick Swan challenge on Sunday in the county semi-final 0-19 to 1-5 after having a tough match against Kilruane MacDonaghs in the North final the previous day. A match which incidentally ended all square after extra time 0-19 apiece so they will have to go at it again in the North final on a future date, but for now Toomevara are focusing on the threat Sars will pose in The Ragg on Sunday.
In the ‘B’ final Gortnahoe-Glengoole and Ballinahinch-Templederry ended all square 1-19 apiece after extra time in Holycross last Sunday. Both sides go at it again in Holycross next Sunday, December 11th, with throw in at 1.15pm. Extra time will once again be played here if required.
For a full round up of all fixtures and results across the Premier County please view the county website at https://tipperary.gaa.ie
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 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.
MUNSTER JUNIOR FOOTBALL
Arravale Rovers bowed out of the Munster Junior ‘B’ Football Quarter Final following defeat to Oola (Limerick) last Sunday, so commiserations to the side after their great efforts this year losing out 1-10 to 1-8 after extra time.
DR. HARTY CUP
In the Dr. Harty Cup last week Our Lady’s Templemore had a very comfortable win over Árdscoil Uí Urmaltaigh, Bandon 6-27 to 0-3 and Nenagh CBS also reached the last eight following a tight contest with Castletroy College, Nenagh winning this one 1-20 to 1-13. The other game of interest from a Tipperary perspective saw Scoil Na Trioniode Doon lose out to CBS Midleton 1-15 to 1-12.
The fixture between Thurles CBS and Abbey CBS scheduled to go-ahead last Thursday in Dundrum was called off due to a frozen pitch. The re-fixture goes ahead next Wednesday, December 14th at 1.30pm in a venue to be confirmed.
Elsewhere in post primary schools action, congratulations go to Thurles CBS and Borrisokane C.C. who had successes last week. Thurles CBS claimed the Croke Cup defeating Cashel C.S. while Borrisokane took the Hennessy Cup following their victory over Carrick on Suir CBS.
The Corn Bhrathair Ui Dhaltuin U/18.5 (B) Football Final takes place in Monroe this Thursday, December 8th between Cashel C.S. and Carrick on Suir C.B.S. with throw in at 12.30pm.
For all results and fixtures concerning Tipperary Post Primary Schools please log onto http://munstergaapps.ie/
REFEREES
Congratulations to Derek O’Mahony (Ardfinnan), Fergal Horgan (Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams), John O’Brien (Arravale Rovers) and Johnny Ryan (Boherlahan-Dualla) who received their All Ireland medal from an Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Aogán Ó Fearghail and Seán Walsh, Chairman of National Referee Development Committee, at the GAA National Referees’ Awards Banquet 2016 at Croke Park in Dublin on Saturday night last. Johnny Ryan with 26 Championship matches under his belt also received his Silver Referee Recognition Awards (25 or more Championship games).
SCÓR NA nÓG CRAOBH AN CHONTAE 2016
Halla na Féile Cashel was once again the venue for the County Finals of Scór na nÓg 2016 on Friday night last December 2nd. Nine competitions took place on the night and each was very well contested with the winners going forward to the Munster semi-finals on Sunday 11th December. Bean an Tí for the night was Aoife Fogarty who did an excellent job of hosting the competition. We thank all the contestants and their mentors for showcasing such talent and representing their clubs with pride and accomplishment.
It was heartening to see so many teams battle it out in the Tráth na gCeist with Loughmore Castleiney winning against very keen competiton. These young people Conor Ryan, Jack Cullen, Gearóid Treacy and Eimear McGrath will go on to represent Tipperary in the All-Ireland Finals in Belfast. Mark Dunne did an excellent job as Máistir na gCeist in Paddy Kellys’ absence ably helped by Liz Byrne and Seamus Bourke. We wish all our contestants Ádh mhór as they represent their club and county again next weekend.
Special guest last Friday was Tipperary Football star Josh Keane who congratulated all winners and presented the daoine óga with their medals, who were as follows; Rince Foirne – Newcastle; Amhránaíocht Aonair –Joseph Boyle, Borrisoleigh; Aithriseoireacht – Martin McCabe – Newport; Ceol Uirlise – Killea; Sean-nós-Killea agus Léiriú Stáitse – JK Brackens.
TIPPERARY COUNTY BOARD DRAW
The Tipperary County Board draw will take place in Kelly’s Bar Cappawhite this Wednesday night, December 7th and will coincide with the 88th West Tipperary GAA Convention which takes place in the Cappawhite Community Centre at 8.30pm.
MUNSTER INTER-PROVINCIAL TEAMS
Tipperary is well represented on the Munster Inter-Provincial panels which were announced last week.
In hurling, reigning Munster and All-Ireland champions, Tipperary, lead the way with 9 players who are James Barry (Upperchurch-Drombane), Michael Breen (Ballina), Seamus Callanan (Drom & Inch), Darren Gleeson (Portroe), Brendan Maher (Borris-Ileigh – Captain), Padraic Maher (Thurles Sarsfields), Dan McCormack (Borris-Ileigh), Noel McGrath (Loughmore-Castleiney) and John O’Dwyer (Killenaule), Waterford follow with 8 players, Limerick with 5, Clare with 3 and Cork and Kerry with 1 each.
In football, Tipperary has five players on the panel – Alan Campbell (Moyle Rovers), Evan Comerford (Kilsheelan-Kilcash), Brian Fox (Éire Óg Annacarty-Donohill), Michael Quinlivan (Clonmel Commercials) and Conor Sweeney (Ballyporeen). Clare lead the way with 6 players, while Cork have 5 like Tipperary, Waterford have 3 and there are 2 from each of Kerry and Limerick.
The hurling and football semi-finals will be played on Saturday next December 10th as a double header, with the finals staged the following day. In football, Leinster will face holders Connacht at 6pm and Munster will face Ulster at 4pm in Parnell Park with the final taking place there the next day, December 11th at 2pm.
In hurling, Munster will meet Ulster a 1pm and reigning champions Leinster will face Connacht at 2.45pm in a double bill at MacDonagh Park, Nenagh with the following day’s final fixed for Semple Stadium.
Tipperary’s Tommy Dunne (Toomevara) joins John Mullane (Waterford) as hurling selectors where Anthony Daly (Clare) is Manager.
While on the football management team, Declan Browne (Moyle Rovers) joins Dave Geaney (Kerry) as selectors with Ger O’Sullivan (Cork) as Manager.
CONVENTION DATES
The following are upcoming dates for the diary; this Wednesday December 7th – West Board Convention in Cappawhite; Thursday December 8th – North Board Convention in Cloughjordan; Friday December 9th – Mid Board Convention in Gortnahoe; Tuesday December 13th – Tipperary Supporters Club AGM in the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel, Dublin and finally on Friday December 16th – County Convention in The Dome.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS QUIZ
The 2016 County Final of the GAA Primary Schools Table Quiz was held in Thurles Sarsfields Social Centre on Sunday evening last. Congratulations to the winners Monastery, Tipperary Town. The runners up were Golden while in third place was Newport, followed by Borrisoleigh with Loughmore in fifth place.
Prizes were sponsored by Centenary Thurles Co Op and presented by Mr. Joe Kerrigan Chief Executive.
County Vice Chairman John Devane thanked all who took part and also the teachers and other adults who coached the teams.
TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB
Supporters are requested to note that the AGM of the Tipperary Supporters Club will be held in the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel, Dublin on Tuesday next, December 13th. In what was a wonderful and successful year for Tipperary hurling, the Supporters Club would like to see as many attend their AGM as possible.
The work of the Supporters Club is instrumental in the success of our teams and it needs the backing of all to continue their fantastic work in fundraising which is hugely appreciated by senior manager Mick Ryan and his team.
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 by clicking here, 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!
SOUTH TIPPERARY GAA CENTRE CHRISTMAS PARTY
The South Tipperary GAA Centre Christmas Party Night will take place this Friday, December 9th kicking off at 830pm. There will be a mulled wine reception, party food, music and only the best entertainment on the night. The GAA Centre committee would like to invite two people from each club in the division to attend.
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.
