By PRO Joe Bracken
SENIOR HURLING
This weekend January 28/29, a huge Antrim welcome awaits the Tipperary senior hurling panel and management to Belfast for a challenge match as part of ‘A Festival of Hurling’ weekend in honour of the late Fr. Alec Reid, Redemptorist Priest, originally from Nenagh 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 Saturday, Michael Ryan’s squad will undergo a training session at the Woodlands Playing Fields (2pm) where a special Cumann na mBunscol Belfast v North Antrim Primary 7 game of hurling will take place afterwards for the perpetual Fr. Alec Reid trophy while the Tipp players will meet and greet young Gaels.
On Sunday morning, a mass for Fr Reid will be celebrated in the Redemptorist Monastery Clonard Belfast at 9.30am and following the mass a plaque to Fr Reid will be unveiled by Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Aogán Ó Fearghail. The highlight of the weekend sees Tipperary take on Antrim at Corrigan Park in a hurling exhibition showcase on Sunday. Throw-in at Naomh Eoin’s Whiterock Road grounds is scheduled for 12.30pm.
COUNTY CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP DRAWS
On Monday night last, the County Senior Hurling, Senior Football and Intermediate Hurling Club Championship draws for 2017 were held live on Tipp FM from the home of the County SH Champions, Thurles Sarsfields. With huge interest in the draws there are plenty of highly anticipated fixtures in prospect once the CCC make the first round draws.
The following then is a recap of the groups;
Tipperary Water Senior Hurling Championship
Roinn 1 Group 1 – Kiladangan, Borris-Ileigh, Upperchurch-Drombane, Loughmore-Castleiney
Roinn 1 Group 2 – Clonoulty-Rossmore, Drom & Inch, Portroe, Ballina
Roinn 1 Group 3 – Thurles Sarsfields, Kilruane MacDonaghs, Nenagh Eire Óg, Carrick Swan
Roinn 1 Group 4 – Killenaule, Mullinahone, Eire Óg Annacarty, Burgess
Seamus O Riain Cup
Roinn 2 Group 1 – Roscrea, Ballingarry, Toomevara, Newport
Roinn 2 Group 2 – Templederry Kenyons, Moycarkey-Borris, Silvermines
Roinn 2 Group 3 – JK Brackens, Borrisokane, Clonakenny
Roinn 2 Group 4 – Lorrha-Dorrha, Holycross-Ballycahill, Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams.
Tipperary Water Intermediate Hurling Championship
Group 1 – Thurles Sarsfields, Golden Kilfeacle, Gortnahoe-Glengoole, Ballinahinch
Group 2 – Moneygall, Roscrea, Drom & Inch
Group 3 – Moyne-Templetuohy, St. Marys, Boherlahan-Dualla
Group 4 – Sean Treacys, Shannon Rovers, Carrick Davins, Cashel King Cormacs
Group 5 – Lattin Cullen Gaels, Cappawhite, Kiladangan, Arravale Rovers
Group 6 – Kilsheelan-Kilcash, Galtee Rovers, Moyle Rovers
Tipperary Water Senior Football Championship
Group 1 – Kilsheelan-Kilcash, Drom & Inch, JK Brackens, Killenaule
Group 2 – Moyle Rovers, Arravale Rovers, Aherlow Gaels, Fethard
Group 3 – Loughmore-Castleiney, Galtee Rovers, Eire Óg Annacarty-Donohill, Ardfinnan
Group 4 – Clonmel Commercials, Ballyporeen, Cahir, Upperchurch-Drombane
TIPPERARY GAA CLUB ALL COUNTY MATCH PASS 2017
Following on from Monday night’s draws it is now a timely reminder to all supporters about the match pass for 2017 which is still 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.
PETER MCNULTY U21F TOURNAMENT
In round 3 of the Peter McNulty tournament the Tipperary U21 football team played Carlow last week and secured a fine win defeating Carlow 4-17 to 0-10. In the Shield semi-finals, Tipperary now play Wexford in Dr. Morris Park this week, though date not confirmed at time of going to press while Kildare take on Carlow. The Shield final is scheduled to take place this weekend with venue and time dependant on finalists.
REFEREES
Last week in the Co-Op Superstores.ie Munster Hurling League Fergal Horgan (Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams) was in charge of the Cork and Waterford clash in Mallow. On Sunday last in the same competition John McCormack (Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams) watched over proceedings between Limerick and Kerry in the Gaelic Grounds.
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 this Friday January 27th if you wish to be considered.
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. A further survey to gauge the views of the general public on GAA activities throughout the county is also available. This can be accessed on the Tipperary GAA website. The closing date for all surveys has been extended to 5th February.
Tipperary County Board Strategic Review Survey
HARTY CUP
All the attention from a Tipperary viewpoint will be in Toomevara this Saturday, January 28th where Nenagh C.B.S. play Our Lady’s Secondary School, Templemore in the Dr. Harty Cup semi-final at 1.30pm with John McCormack (Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams) the man in the middle. With both sides laced with magnificent talent a hum dinger of a contest is in prospect.
Whatever the results it is going to be a Tipp v Cork decider anyhow as CBS Midleton defeated holders Ardscoil Ris, Limerick in last weeks replayed quarter-final to set up a clash with Coláiste Cholmáin, Fermoy also at 1.30pm on Saturday in Mallow.
For all fixtures and results please check http://munstergaapps.ie/
CLUB REFEREE TRAINING COURSE
The Basic Club Referee Training Courses which are provided every two years by trained Referee Tutors in County Tipperary. Held over 4 nights in Thurles, a Foundation Course commences this Thursday – January 26th in the Sarsfields Centre, Thurles at 8pm with subsequent dates as follows – Thursday – February 2nd, Thursday – February 9th which is an on line timed module and Thursday – February 16th. The course is developed in conjunction with Croke Park and supported through the Provincial Munster Referees Administrators.
For further information / clarification please contact – Jim O’Shea Chairperson, Tipperary Referees Administration Committee on 085 1744791 or Paul Stapleton Secretary on 085 1983325.
MID REFEREES TABLE QUIZ
The Mid Tipperary referees table quiz takes place in Everard’s Pub, Templetuohy on Saturday night week, February 4th. Preparations are well under way for what promises to be a great night. Quiz master will be Jim O’Meara and items included in an auction will be signed Tipperary jerseys by the All-Ireland senior hurling winning team as well as the senior football panel of 2016. It is hoped all clubs in the Mid Division will put forward a team on the night.
HANDBALL
The Cumann na mBunscol County Finals were hosted by Nenagh and Kilcoleman last weekend with all finals played in Kilcoleman. Thirteen schools entered and after 26 rounds of action the winners go forward to represent Tipperary in the Munster finals hosted by Limerick in Broadford and Cappagh on Sunday, February 12th next.
The County Co-Ordinator Paddy Collins thanked both Kilcoleman and Nenagh for hosting the games. He thanked all who helped out in particular Eamon Spillane, Martin Spain and Pat O’Flaherty. Medals were presented by North Board Chairman Martin Spain and refreshments were provided for all. The Cumann na mBunscol continues to be one of the top competitions for promoting the game of Handball and hopefully more Tipperary Schools will enter in the County finals next January. Full report of all games is up on the Tipperary Handball website Cumann na mBunscol page http://handball.tipperary.gaa.ie/home/schools-scene
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.
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.
MUNSTER CONVENTION
The 2017 Munster GAA Annual Convention will take place on Saturday next in the Anner Hotel Thurles. Munster GAA Public Relation Officer (PRO) Ger Ryan will step down from his role following the completion of his three year term. Ger will remain on the Munster Council having been elected one of Tipperary’s delegates along with Jimmy Minogue (Nenagh Eire Og) at the recent County Convention. Outgoing Munster GAA Treasurer Anthony Walsh (Waterford) will replace Ger as Munster GAA PRO for the next three years. Meanwhile, Eamon Buckley (Lattin-Cullen) is one of four candidates running for the position of Munster GAA Treasurer along with John O’Sullivan (Clare), Pearse Murphy (Cork) and Donal Morrissey (Limerick). Best wishes to Eamon and congratulations to Ger on the completion of a successful three year term as PRO.
TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB 2017 MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL DVD A POPULAR GIFT
A record number of members have signed up already for 2017 and we thank you for your support. The member’s gift in 2017 is a specially-produced DVD of Tipperary’s 2016 season. The membership and DVD is an ideal gift and we can send it to you or forward it on directly anywhere in the world if you wish.
The membership pack also includes a membership card, car/window sticker and entry in to draws for five pairs of tickets for each of Tipperary’s Munster and All-Ireland Senior Championship matches with two nights’ accommodation for two people in the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel, Naas Road, Dublin included for one winner for the All-Ireland Hurling Final if Tipperary reach the senior final. Members are entitled to discounts including 10% on purchases in the Tipperary GAA Shop, Thurles. Members also get text alerts with team announcements before Tipperary’s League and Championship matches.
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 from the Tipperary Supporters Club website at http://www.tippsupportersclub.com/join/ 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
Sunday February 5th kick-starts the National League campaign for Tipperary Senior Football with their first game against Antrim and on the back of last year’s fantastic successes, promotion has to be the main aim.
The Friends of Tipperary Football have been very busy lately selling membership at a very affordable price of €20. Membership enters each supporter into the following draws: 2 All Ireland Final Football tickets 2017; 2 All Ireland Final Hurling tickets 2017; 2 Tickets for each Tipperary Senior Football Championship matches 2017; 2 All Ireland Club Final tickets 2017 and 2 National Football League tickets for each Tipperary League match in 2017
As the Friends first draw will be held next Monday January 30th, they would really appreciate a large take up in membership for this year to support our football teams.
Membership is available from each division: South – Aidan McNamara; West – Kevin Barron; North – Joe Hannigan and Kevin McLoughlin and Mid – Trish Gavin.
Membership is also available online through the Friends website www.friendsoftipperaryfootball.com and there is also a link on the Friends Facebook page.
At the very successful Friends Membership 2017 launch which was held recently at the Horse & Jockey Hotel are left to right Joe Hannigan (Chairman Tipperary Football Committee), Eddie Ryan (Friends of Tipperary Football), George Hannigan (Shannon Rovers – Tipperary SF player), Hugh Coghlan (Secretary Tipperary Football Committee), Liam Kearns (Manager – Tipperary SF), Michael Power (Chairman, Friends Tipperary Football) and Michael Power (Co. Board Treasurer).
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 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.
