McGrath Cup
Tipperary senior footballers hosted Kerry in round 3 of the McGrath Cup in Templetuohy on Wednesday January 12th with a place in this year’s final at stake. The visitors came with a very strong squad and on the night proved too strong for David Powers men who were without a number of regulars on the night. That being said, this was a very worthwhile game for all involved and gave some of the new members of the squad an idea of what playing a division one side is like. In the end Kerry qualified for the final on a score line of 1.23 to 0-05. Tipperary now look forward to the commencement of the Allianz football league which starts with an away game against Waterford in Dungarvan on January 30th at 2pm.
FBD County Championships
Golden was the place to be last Saturday January 15th for the 2021 FBD Insurance County Under 21 “A” hurling final between Moycarkey Borris and CJ Kickhams Mullinahone. Played in front of a large attendance, both sides served up an excellent game of hurling that was in the melting pot right up to the final minutes. In the end it was the Mid Tipperary side who emerged victorious by 0-14 to 0-11. After the game county chairman Joe Kennedy presented the cup to Moycarkey Borris captain Rhys Shelly who became the first ever player from his club to raise the cup. This victory caps a fantastic run of county titles for this group of players who have now won every county championship from under 12 upwards, an achievement that deserves great credit to players, coaches and club. For Mullinahone while they will be disappointed to have lost this final they contributed handsomely to the game and the occasion and there is no doubt that success for the club at county level is not that very far away. Thanks also to match referee Alan Tierney and his officials and to the Golden Kilfeacle club who had the pitch and facilities in top order for the game.
AIB Club Championships
Tipperary’s last remaining representative in the Munster club championships, Ballina were in action against Kerry champions Gneeveguilla in Mallow on Saturday last in what was always going to be a difficult challenge for them, especially given the fact that they were without one of their leading players Willie Connors who was unavailable due to injury. Never the less Ballina gave of their all and never gave up right to the end, however they had to give way to the men from the kingdom who claimed the Munster Junior football title by 4-18 to 1-06.
Munster GAA Convention
Delegates from all Munster counties descended on the Dome Semple Stadium last Saturday evening January 15th for the annual provincial convention that saw former Tipperary GAA PRO Ger Ryan from the Templederry Kenyons club being elected as the new council chairman for the coming three year’s. Having served in numerous other roles in the association so far, it was fitting that Ger took over as chairman on home soil in Thurles and in doing so, becomes the first Munster Council Chairman from Tipperary since Moyne-Templetuohy’s Sean Fogarty held the position. Ironically Ger now resides in Moyne just a short distance away from his predecessor.
In proposing Ger, Tipperary County Board Chairman, Joe Kennedy said it was a his great pleasure to propose Ger for the position of Chairman of the Munster Council .
“Ger has served in many roles at both local and national level and is very well qualified to assume this role for the next three years.
A proud member of the Templederry Kenyons, a club which he chaired at a young age for a number of year’s. When he was living and working in Dublin he joined the Tipperary supporters club. In his Time in the supporters club he held the role of chairman, Secretary, treasurer and PRO.
At county board level he held the position of PRO for Five years. While serving in this role he was recognised as an innovative and efficient officer both within the county and at national level. On completion of his term in Tipperary he went onto serve as PRO of Munster Council for three years.
Ger has been a valuable member of Croke Park Committee’s over the years and he chaired both the Communications committee and The Player welfare committee at different stages .Over the years no matter what role Ger has served in he has always made himself available to give support to club and county officers.
In conclusion Ger has been a very capable officer at club, county and provincial level and I have no doubt that he will continue his great work as Munster Council Chairman”.
In his first address as Munster Council Chairman, Ger said that it is an honour and privilege for him to be elected to the position of Munster Council Chairman and he thanked all the counties and their delegates for bestowing the honour on him. Ger said that he looks forward to the next three years with great positivity and hopes that before too long attendances at all games will return to normal. He also said that he hoped to give as much help and support to all clubs and aid their development in what are challenging times. Ger said that it is his intention to set up a work group to provide more support to all county’s with particular emphasis on maintaining and developing county grounds and upgrading areas such as floodlighting. In a wide ranging address Ger also addressed the areas of Refereeing, Stewarding, youth development and the football championship proposals.
Ger wished all the counties of the province well both on and off the field and he hoped that 2022 will be a healthy and safe year for everyone.
Dr Harty Cup Semi Final
Best wishes to Thurles CBS who play Ardscoil Ris in this year’s Dr Harty Cup semi final, this Saturday January 22nd in MacDonagh Park Nenagh at 1pm. Having overcome Cashel Community School in the Quarter Final, the Thurles school will be hoping to continue their winning ways and qualify for this year’s final. Thurles will look to the likes of Jack Leamy, Joe Caesar, and Darragh Stakleum, along with goalie Tommy Maher, Jack O’Mara, Edward Meagher and Ciaran McCormack to lead the way on Saturday and we wish them the best of luck in their endeavours.
FBD Semple Stadium
Tipperary GAA and Semple Stadium management committee are delighted to partner with FBD Insurance as the new naming partners for Semple Stadium. This new partnership will see the field of legends now being called FBD Semple Stadium and further strengthens the strong relationship that GAA in Tipperary has with FBD who have been the main sponsors of our county championships since 2019. We welcome FBD Insurance on board and look forward to working with them in the years ahead.
Aisling Murphy RIP
News of the shocking death of young Offaly woman Aisling Murphy along the banks of the canal in Tullamore while out for an afternoon run last week has sent shockwaves across the country and beyond, a young life lost in the most horrifying of circumstances. Since the details emerged there has been an unbelievable outpouring of support and solidarity towards the Murphy family and the local community. Right across Tipperary GAA clubs have played their part and organised memorial vigils in Aislings memory. We extend our heart felt sympathies to Aislings family and friends and to the Kilcormac Killoughy club of which Aisling was such a valued and loyal member at this very difficult time for them, May Aisling Rest in Peace and may her memory live on forever.
Returning to the Playing Fields
With many young players getting ready to return to training and some joining for the first time, It is important to remember that all players must comply with the safety guidelines as set out by the GAA in relation to the wearing of safety equipment such as helmets and gum shields for all activity including training. Some key points to remember are:
Gaelic footballers must wear a mouthguard.
It is the responsibility of each individual player to use a mouthguard
A properly fitted mouthguard is the best available protective device for
reducing the incidence and severity of sports-related dental injuries
Players can be sent-off in a game for not wearing a mouthguard Players will not be covered under the GAA player injury scheme if they don’t comply with the mouthguard rule
No Mouthguard? No Game!
All players and parents are advised that in the event of a head injury occurring, they are not covered under the terms of the GAA Injury Benefit Fund. if the helmet being worn does not meet the standard or is modified or altered from the original manufactured state. Following the introduction of the rule at underage level, it was proven that mandatory helmet use reduced the number of serious facial and eye injuries by 40%. The rule was introduced across all levels.
Players are not covered under the terms of the GAA Injury Benefit Fund for facial/eye/head injuries suffered.
- Significantly increased risk of facial, dental, oral, nasal, orbital and eye injuries.
- Potential injuries suffered as a result of wearing an unapproved or altered helmet can be extremely serious including long term sight complications such as impaired vision, increased risk of cataracts, glaucoma and complete loss of sight.
- By removing bars players can potentially cause injury to their team-mates and opponents from sharp edges etc.
Clubs should ensure that their players, player’s parents/guardians, coaches and team mentors are made aware of the mouthguard rules.
Tipperary GAA Scene
If there is anything you feel should feature in this column going forward, please feel free to forward it to pro.tipperary@gaa.ie
By Jonathan Cullen Wed 19th Jan
