By PRO Joe Bracken
FESTIVAL OF HURLING WEEKEND
What an outstanding success the Festival of Hurling last weekend in honour of the late Fr. Alec Reid, turned out to be as Antrim GAA pulled out all the stops as West Belfast opened its arms in welcome to the Tipperary senior hurling team. Blessed with exceptional weather as well the weekend will live long in the memory of all who travelled in what was a unique occasion for both counties.
The highlight of the weekend was the SH challenge between Tipperary and Antrim at Corrigan Park, home of Naomh Eoin’s Club, which Tipperary won on a score of 4-22 to 2-15. Not that the result mattered too much it was the fact that Tipperary travelled up to play and be a part of such a wonderful occasion are valued points which struck a deep chord with all promoting the weekend and indeed hurling in Antrim and its neighbouring counties. An occasion to be savoured so and held dear in the memory, moments like this are to be treasured.
Waiting in the wings are Dublin in Croke Park on Saturday week, February 11th at 5pm as the Allianz Hurling Leagues throw-in with the thrills and spills once again ready for lift off in what has all the hallmarks of an explosive league in 2017.
SENIOR FOOTBALL
Returning to league action on Sunday next, February 5th at 2pm in Semple Stadium the Tipperary senior footballers welcome Antrim to the ‘Field of Legends’ in a Division 3 round 1fixture. With huge interest now following Tipperary football it is vitally important a large attendance is in the Stadium on Sunday to support the team. Following on from the tremendous exploits of Liam Kearns’ side right up to the All-Ireland Semi-Final against Mayo last year, they are deserving of greater support as the start off their league run with a very realistic chance of gaining promotion to Division 2 following their league run.
All Tipperary supporters are encouraged to be part of this campaign and to get behind the side early and give them every encouragement possible. Tickets are on sale at gaa,ie and selected SuperValu and Centra stores, with adult tickets €10 and U16’s free.
PETER MCNULTY U21F TOURNAMENT
Commiserations to the Tipperary U21 footballers who lost out to Kildare in the Peter McNulty Shield Final 3-13 to 0-4 last Saturday, the side will now focus on training ahead of their Munster Championship Quarter-Final clash against Limerick on March 8th next at 7.30pm in the Gaelic Grounds Limerick.
REFEREES
Well done to Tipperary referees on duty over the weekend, Philip Kelly (Ballinahinch) was in charge of the Co-Op Superstores.ie Munster Hurling League Final between Cork and Limerick on Sunday last, while Sean Lonergan (Moyle Rovers) was in the middle when Rock (Tyrone) played Dunedin (Scotland) in the All-Ireland Club JFC Semi-Final.
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 is this Sunday February 5th.
TIPPERARY GAA CLUB ALL COUNTY MATCH PASS 2017
There is a little time left to attain 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.
FITZGIBBON CUP
The Independent.ie HE GAA Fitzgibbon Cup got underway last week with a number of Round 1 games in the Group stages. The defending champions Mary Immaculate College Limerick (Mary I) got their campaign off to a winning start with a comfortable 2-31 to 0-16 victory over GMIT. The Mary I starting line-up included goalkeeper Ciaran Barrett (Clonmel Óg), corner-back David Sweeney (Kiladangan), centre-back Ronan Maher (Thurles Sarsfields, scorer of 0-3), wing-back Alan Flynn (Kiladangan) and midfielder Stephen Cahill (Thurles Sarsfields) while Tadhg Gallagher (Kiladangan) and Colm Stapleton (Upperchurch-Drombane) were introduced as second half subs. On the GMIT starting line-up, Brendan Toohey (Moneygall) lined out at midfield.
Last year’s beaten finalists University of Limerick (UL) also got off to a good start with a 2-23 to 0-16 victory over Cork Institute of Technology (CIT). The UL starting line-up included wing-back Barry Heffernan (Nenagh Eire Óg, scorer of 0-2), centre-back Jason Forde (Silvermines, scorer of 0-1) and corner-forward John McGrath (Loughmore-Castleiney, scorer of 1-8). Andrew Coffey (Nenagh Eire Óg) started at corner-forward for CIT and scored a point.
The third Limerick college in action the Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) also secured a victory, defeating Trinity College Dublin by 4-21 to 0-7. The LIT starting line-up included wing-back Willie Ryan (Clonakenny) and midfielder Willie Connors (Kiladangan). Cormac Keating (Portroe) started at corner-back for Trinity while Daire Murray (Moneygall) is also part of the Trinity panel.
University College Cork (UCC) defeated Ulster University by 5-13 to 2-4. The UCC starting line-up included wing-back Seamus Kennedy (St. Mary’s) and centre-forward Michael Breen (Ballina).
IT Carlow defeated Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) by 4-18 to 1-15. Mark Russell (Lattin Cullen Gaels) started at centre-forward for IT Carlow while Tommy Nolan (Drom & Inch) was introduced as a sub. Bill Maher (Kilsheelan-Kilcash) started at midfield for DIT and scored 1-2. University College Dublin (UCD) defeated Maynooth University by 0-21 to 0-13. Stephen Quirke (Moyle Rovers) was introduced as a sub for UCD scoring a point. The Maynooth starting line-up included goalkeeper Brian Hogan (Lorrha), corner-back Emmet Moloney (Drom & Inch), full-back Michael Campion (Roscrea) and centre-forward Niall Kenny (Borris-Ileigh).
NUI Galway (NUIG) defeated DCU St Patricks Campus by 4-14 to 1-12. The NUIG starting line-up included Conor Ryan (Nenagh Eire Óg) and full-forward Sam Conlon (Roscrea, scorer of 2-2).
Finally, the upset in Round 1 saw DCU Dóchas Éireann defeating the Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) by 1-14 to 0-10. The DCU Dóchas Éireann team included wing-forward Liam Fahey (Rockwell Rovers). The WIT team included corner-back Tom Fox (Eire Óg Annacarty), centre-back Joe O’Dwyer (Killenaule) and corner-forward Liam McGrath (Loughmore-Castleiney, scorer of 0-7).
SIGERSON CUP
The first round of the Independent.ie HE GAA Sigerson Cup also took place last weekend. The game of the round was the extra time victory of UL over Maynooth University on a scoreline of 3-19 to 4-15. Emmet Moloney (Drom & Inch) started at wing-back for Maynooth. The Garda College defeated the Cork Institute of Technology by 0-8 to 0-3. Jason Lonergan lined out at wing-forward for CIT. The other first round results in the Sigerson Cup were DCU Dóchas Éireann 3-10 Queens University Belfast 0-3, NUI Galway 4-12 Trinity College Dublin 1-7 and IT Sligo 3-13 GMIT 2-7.
HARTY CUP
Following a keenly contested semi-final in Toomevara last Saturday, Our Lady’s Secondary School, Templemore defeated close rivals Nenagh CBS 1-15 to 0-14 to progress to the Dr. Harty Cup Final for the second year in a row where they will take on Coláiste Cholmáin, Fermoy. Fermoy also had a four point win over Midleton CBS 1-8 to 0-7.Wih Andrew Ormonde (JK Brackens) scoring the goal for Our Lady’s they also needed late point to ensure another tilt for the title and on recent form there is no doubt they will take a lot of beating this year in the competition. The final is scheduled for Saturday February 18th. For all fixtures and results please check http://munstergaapps.ie/
MID REFEREES TABLE QUIZ
The Mid Tipperary referees table quiz takes place in Everard’s Pub, Templetuohy this Saturday night, February 4th at 9.30pm sharp. Preparations are well under way for what should be a very entertaining night. An auction will follow the table quiz which includes signed Tipperary jerseys by the All-Ireland senior hurling winning team as well as the senior football panel of 2016. There will be signed hurls from some of our outstanding Tipperary senior hurlers and one also signed by the SH management. A raffle will also take place with plenty of prizes up for grabs, so there is plenty to suit all pockets. The main thing is come early with full pockets, you may not be going home empty handed. It is hoped that a large attendance will turn out for this referee’s fundraiser.
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
Commiserations to Eamon Buckley (Lattin-Cullen) as he failed to secure enough votes in his bid for treasurer of the Munster Council at its Convention in the Anner Hotel, Thurles, last Saturday; Pearse Murphy (Cork) is the new treasurer.
WILLIE PERKINS RIP
Tipperary Co. Board on behalf of all supporters wishes to express its sympathy to the family of Willie Perkins (Upperchurch-Drombane) who passed away last week. Willie was a member of the 1949 Tipperary All-Ireland Minor Hurling winning panel.
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 (See opposite).
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
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.
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.
