By PRO Joe Bracken
SENIOR HURLING
The proposed challenge match which would have seen Tipperary hurlers back in action in Cloughjordan on Sunday next will not go ahead as planned as St. Thomas’ (Galway) have withdrawn.
The focus turns therefore to Sunday week, January 29th as Antrim welcome Tipperary up North for a challenge match as part of a weekend to remember the late Fr. Alec Reid, Redemptorist Priest, originally from Nenagh and who played a pivotal role in the Peace Process.
Fr. Reid was a member of the Tipperary minor hurling panel which won the All-Ireland title in 1949 and he was joint recipient of the 1995 Tipperary International Peace Award and was also awarded the Tipperary Person of the Year by the Tipperary Association Dublin in April 2006.
On Sunday morning, 29th, at 9.30am mass in Clonard Monastery, 3 commemorative plaques will be presented in memory of Fr. Reid. One plaque will be for Clonard Monastery, one to be placed in the redeveloped Casement Park and one brought back to Tipperary.
Later at 12.30pm in Corrigan Park, Belfast, the match against Antrim will take place.
CIVIC RECEPTION
This Friday night, January 20th at 7pm, in the Dome, Semple Stadium, Tipperary County Council, acting for and on behalf of the Citizens of Tipperary, hereby accords a Civic Welcome and Reception to Tipperary County Teams in Hurling, Football and Camogie in recognition and appreciation of their significant achievements during 2016. Special guest on the night will be legendary Gaelic games commentator Mícheál O’Muircheartaigh.
MCGRATH CUP
The Tipperary senior footballers bowed out of the McGrath Cup last Wednesday night following their Round 2 defeat to Cork 2-22 to 1-10 in Templetuohy. Again, an experimental Tipperary side put it up to the visitors in the first half with Alan Moloney (Rockwell Rovers) scoring a cracking goal before the break following great work by the industrious Liam McGrath (Loughmore-Castleiney). However, as the game wore on Cork were more efficient in front of the posts and secured the win they required to keep their run alive. That’s it until February 5th when Tipperary welcome Antrim to the Premier County for Division 3 Round 1 of the Allianz Football League.
PETER MCNULTY U21F TOURNAMENT
The Tipperary U21 football team played Laois in Round 2 of the Peter McNulty tournament last Saturday and had to settle for second best as Laois emerged winners on a score line of 2-15 to 1-11. Round 3 goes ahead this Friday night, January 19th at 7.30pm in Dr. Morris Park as Tipp welcome Carlow to Thurles. With both sides yet to register a win, the winner of this match should have on paper an easier draw in the Shield Semi-Finals which will take place on Wednesday week January 25th. Brian Tyrell (Clonmel Commercials) will referee this round 3 fixture.
COUNTY CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP DRAWS
Next Monday night, January 23rd, between 7 and 8pm the County Senior Hurling, Senior Football and Intermediate Hurling Club Championship draws for 2017 will be broadcast live on Tipp FM from the home of the County SH Champions, Thurles Sarsfields. The centre of attention focuses on Sarsfields Social Centre when Ronan Quirke brings all the news live on his ‘Extra Time’ show.
REFEREES
Last weekend Tipperary was represented well in two major games in Munster competitions as Philip Kelly (Ballinahinch) was in charge of the Co-Op Superstores.ie Munster Hurling League fixture between Cork and Limerick while Derek O’Mahoney was in the middle of the McGrath Cup tie between Kerry and Cork.
HARTY CUP
There was no repeat of the 2008 encounters in the Harty Cup last week between Our Lady’s Templemore and Thurles C.B.S. as the shift in momentum was deservedly in Our Lady’s favour who ran out comfortable winners 3-14 to 1-10 to see them qualify for the semi-final before a huge attendance in The Ragg. A brace of goals from Ray McCormack (Borris-Ileigh) and one from David O’Shea (JK Brackens) steered Our Lady’s on their way, while Darragh Woods (Holycross-Ballycahill) was in super form for Thurles CBS as he contributed all ten points for his side.
Elsewhere, Nenagh C.B.S. progressed to meet Our Lady’s in the semi-final after their extra time victory over De la Salle College 0-20 to 2-13 AET. Kevin McCarthy (Toomevara) was the saviour for Nenagh as his injury time point took the game to extra time where three points in that period from Jake Morris (Nenagh Eire Óg) were crucial to his sides win.
The other two fixtures see Ardscoil Ris, Limerick and CBS Midleton draw after extra time 1-15 to 2-12. Their Quarter-Final Replay is this Thursday January 19th at 1:30pm in Bansha with Willie Barrett (Tipperary) in charge. Elsewhere, Coláiste Cholmáin, Fermoy defeated Christian Brothers College, Cork 3-12 to 1-12 and await the winners of Ardscoil Ris, Limerick and CBS Midleton in the semi-final. The Harty Cup semi-finals are scheduled for Saturday January 28th.
For all fixtures and results please check http://munstergaapps.ie/
ONLINE SURVEY
The Tipperary County Board Strategic Review Committee has embarked on an Online Questionnaire on a range of topics, to get a real insight into opinions about the GAA in Tipperary. The exercise is part of a broader strategic review currently underway, to form an understanding of where we stand at present and how we can develop in the future. Feedback received will form the basis of a new Strategic Plan for the GAA in the county.
In seeking to be a successful organisation that is supported by effective strategies, structures and systems, it is important that all stakeholders, including members, officials, players and the wider community are consulted to elicit as broad a range of views as possible.
Details of the surveys have been sent to all clubs and the cooperation of club officers is sought to ensure that the views of a wide range of players and officials are included.
Details of a further survey to gauge the views of the general public on GAA activities throughout the county will issue next week. All surveys are set to close on 31st January
SEMPLE STADIUM – NEW VOLUNTARY STEWARDS
Semple Stadium hosts many of the major games in the GAA calendar each year and has a long standing reputation as a well-run and welcoming venue among players and spectators from all over Ireland. This is due in no small measure to the professionalism and courtesy of the staff and voluntary stewards at the Stadium.
The Management Committee now wishes to recruit additional stewards from the clubs of Tipperary to add to the existing pool of volunteers. The Committee would like to hear from club members, male and female, who would like to become involved in this important work for Semple Stadium and Tipperary. A comprehensive programme of training and mentoring will be provided for all new stewards.
Please contact Siobhain at Tipperary GAA Office, Thurles on 0504 22702, email reception.tipperary@gaa.ie by Friday January 27th if you wish to be considered.
TIPPERARY GAA DRAW
In the January GAA draw held last Friday night, congratulations to Tara Walsh the main prize winner of a Skoda Rapid or €15,000 with the Golden Kilfeacle Club selling the winning ticket. Second prize of a Florida Family Holiday (or €5,000) went to Tadgh Ryan with St. Mary’s, Clonmel the selling club.
MID REFEREES TABLE QUIZ
The Mid Tipperary adult and juvenile referees are holding a fundraising table quiz in Everard’s Pub, Templetuohy on Saturday night, February 4th. It is hoped all senior and juvenile clubs will support this fundraiser. An auction will also take place on the night as well and there will be several spot prizes too. A great night is assured and more details to follow when available.
CLUB REFEREE TRAINING COURSE
Basic Club Referee Training Courses are provided every two years by trained Referee Tutors in County Tipperary. Held over 4 nights in Thurles, the course is developed in conjunction with Croke Park and supported through the Provincial Munster Referees Administrators.
Dates for the Tipperary Training Course are as follows; Foundation Course (Sarsfields Centre, Thurles – all 8pm) Thursday – January 26th, Thursday – February 2nd, Thursday – February 9th which is an on line timed module and Thursday – February 16th.
For further information / clarification please contact – Jim O’Shea Chairperson, Tipperary Referees Administration Committee on 085 1744791 or Paul Stapleton Secretary on 085 1983325.
SCÓR
The dates for Scór na nÓg and Scór Sinsear County Finals have been finalised as follows;
Scór na bPáistí –Sunday, March 12th in Cashel – All divisional semi-finals and final dates will be posted in the coming weeks. The Scór committee would encourage as many clubs as possible to take part. A full list of rules will be reissued to all divisional chairpersons.
Scór Sinsear –Saturday, March 18th in Birdhill. Tráth na gCeist will take place on the night at an earlier time. Information will be posted. And again here we would encourage as many clubs as possible to take part.
What is Scór na bPáistí? It is a county wide competition for all primary school children and there are nine competitions in Scór – Solo Singing, Ballad Group, Instrumental Group, Recitation , a short drama or léiriú, Sean nós Dancing, Tráth na gCeist agus Set Dancing and Rince Foirne. More information to follow on this nearer competition time, so now is the time to get participants organised.
Coiste Scór an Chontae would like to extend our sincere sympathies to the family of Philip Ryan Bawn who passed away recently. A minutes silence was observed at the Munster Finals in Ovens on Sunday week last and no doubt many fond memories of Philip were had as the Rince Seite competitors took to the floor. Beidh na cuimhní breatha san mar sólás agus mar chuideachta ag muintir Ui Riain sna laethanta atá rompu agus fear uasal ildanach caillte acu.Comhbhrón ó chroí libh uile.
HANDBALL
Cashel hosted the Juvenile County Finals on Sunday last, where there were seven finals played with some great games of handball. Thanks to the referees, coaches and all who helped out. County Chairman Pat O Flaherty was on hand to present the winners with their medals, Tipperary are now away to Cork in the Munster Championships. Next weekend the Cumann na mBunscol County Finals are hosted by Nenagh & Kilcoleman.
CAMOGIE
Templetuohy was the setting on Sunday last for the Munster Schools Senior ‘A’ Camogie Final between two Thurles schools, Presentation Secondary School and Ursuline Secondary School with the Ursuline shading it by 0-6 to 0-5 after a very exciting finish. Level at half time there was little between the sides throughout and it is a credit to both schools and the clubs of Tipperary and neighbouring counties to have two Thurles teams in the Munster final. Congratulations to all involved.
TIPPERARY CALENDARS
There are still a number of Tipperary GAA 2017 Calendars available as we head into the New Year. It contains many of the iconic images of a hugely successful year for Tipperary and will be also be a wonderful keepsake for years to come. Available in Lár na Páirce, Elvery’s Sport stores and other retail outlets around the county please make sure to get your calendar before they are all gone.
TIPPERARY OFFICIAL SH TEAM PHOTO
The official Tipperary SH team photograph is also on sale as is continuing to be quite popular. All enquiries should be made to Tim Floyd, Co. Secretary secretary.tipperary@gaa.ie, 087 2591747 or any county board officer or SH team panellist.
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.
GAA SEASON TICKETS
The Season Ticket is still on sale until the start of the leagues and is an ideal way of ensuring match tickets as the season progresses.
Enjoy another year of great value with the GAA Season Ticket. Prices are as follows: Adult – €99, Juvenile (U16) – €20 and Adult Club+ – €200
The benefits of the season tickets are – Great value – great price plus more discounts throughout the Championship; Convenience – you have your ticket for your team; Exclusive Extras – ‘bring a friend’ options, special purchase options for other matches
Adult Club+ Version – includes club championship fixtures within your chosen county and guaranteed All-Ireland Final ticket should your county qualify. (Selected code only – Please note that there will not be a Club+ Upgrade option for 2016. If you wish to purchase a Club+ GAA Season Ticket this must be done at the time of purchase.)
You will also enjoy discount prices during the Championship – Pay & Play kicks in after your opening Championship fixture.
Please note that as per Point No. 56 in the GAA Season Ticket Terms & Conditions, the significantly increased ticket demand for the All-Ireland Finals means that the seats allocated to qualifying Season Ticket holders for the finals will not be located in the same section as seats allocated for prior championship games at Croke Park.
For any queries in relation to the GAA Season Ticket please contact seasonticket@gaa.ie
The following link is to what is included in and the benefits of the Season Ticket: http://www.gaa.ie/tickets/gaa-season-ticket/
While the next link provides the option to buy: https://www.seasontickets.ie/
TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB 2017
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.
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)
All proceeds from membership go towards the preparation and training of the Tipperary Senior Hurling Team.
FRIENDS OF TIPPERARY FOOTBALL
The membership scheme of the Friends of Tipperary Football for 2017 is also available 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.
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.
