In this week’s Tipperary GAA Scene we take a look at the upcoming action in the Divisions, We ask for your respect for our match officials, Martin Quinn’s tribute to our Minor Hurlers and we remember former Tipperary Goalkeeper Peter O’Sullivan who has sadly passed away.
Peter O’Sullivan RIP
It is with great sadness that Tipperary GAA learned of the passing of former Tipperary goalkeeper Peter O’Sullivan, Cashel King Cormacs. Peter first came to prominence on the inter-county scene as a member of the Tipperary minor hurling team in the early 1960s. He won a Munster title in this grade in 1961, following a 7-11 to 1-6 win over Cork. He subsequently lined out against Kilkenny in the All-Ireland minor decider. A high-scoring game developed over the hour, and in the end Kilkenny emerged victorious by 3-13 to 0-15.
Peter later joined the county under-21 team. Here he won a Munster title in the inaugural year of the competition in 1964, following an 8-9 to 3-1 win over Waterford. An All-Ireland final appearance beckoned, with Wexford providing the opposition. That game also turned into a rout, as Tipp won easily by 8-9 to 3-1. The victory gave Peter an All-Ireland under-21 winners’ medal.
Peter subsequently joined the Tipperary senior inter-county team, making his debut as a substitute in the Munster final defeat by Cork in 1970. He became the first-choice goalkeeper on the team in 1971 and it proved to be a successful year. That year he started in his first full Munster final against Limerick. An exciting game developed, and at the full-time whistle Tipperary were the 4-16 to 3-18 winners. Kilkenny provided the opposition against Tipperary in the subsequent All-Ireland final, the first to be broadcast in colour by Teilifis Eireann. In an exciting and high-scoring game that saw Tipperary emerge 5-17 to 5-14 winners. The game itself is still remembered for the image of Babs Keating discarding his worn-out boots and playing the last few minutes of the match in his bare feet. The victory gave Peter a senior All-Ireland winners’ medal in the senior grade.
Tipperary GAA extends our sincere sympathies to Peter’s wife Joan, son Seamus, daughters Noelette, Siobhán, Laura and Catherine & their extended family at this sad time. May he Rest in Peace.
Divisional championship action
There is lots of action across all four divisions to look forward to this coming weekend. On Saturday in the West Tipperary Intermediate Hurling semi final, Arravale Rovers will play Golden Kilfeacle in Bansha at 7pm. At the same time in Dolla, Moneygall and Portroe will face off in the North Tipperary Intermediate Hurling semi final, and in the same grade in South Tipperary, Ballingarry and Kilsheelan Kilcash will play their semi final in Páirc na nEalaí also at 7pm.
There are six finals down for decision across the County on Sunday. In South Tipperary Carrick Swan play Killenaule in the South Senior Hurling final at 2pm in Monroe. At the same time in Templetuohy, a highly fancied Moycarkey Borris side will be hoping to end their long wait for senior success when they play Loughmore Castleiney in the Mid Senior Hurling decider. The North Tipperary Premier Intermediate Hurling final is set for a 2.30pm throw in at MacDonagh Park in Nenagh, this is sure to be one of the games of the weekend as neighbours Silvermines and Burgess do battle. This game will be followed at 4.30pm by the clash of Toomevara and Kiladangan in the North Tipperary Senior Hurling final. Again this is expected to be a fiercely contested game between two great rivals. In the Mid Tipperary Premier Intermediate Hurling final, Thurles Sarsfields and Upperchurch Drombane will meet to decide the destination of the title at 5pm in Templemore, while at 7pm in Clonoulty, Cashel King Cormacs and Eire Óg Annacarty Donohill will renew their rivalry as they do battle to decide the destination of the West Tipperary Premier Intermediate title. Best of luck to all the teams who are in action across the County this weekend.
Respect for Referees and Officials
As the club championship gets into full swing, we are asking clubs and supporters to please show those who put themselves forward to act as referees and match officials, the respect that they deserve and are entitled to. While we all want success for our own teams, we all have to remember that without referees and match officials there will be no games. Like players the match say referee walks out on to the field with the intention of doing his or her very best and adding to the spectacle of the game. Of course like players, the referee can also have a bad day, but being overly vocal or critical on the sideline or in the stand will not change what has happened on the field. Tipperary GAA have a number of referees assessors who will be attending games right across the county at each grade and it is their responsibility to adjudicate on the performance of the officials on duty and if necessary make them aware of areas they can improve on. So lets have a good club championship season and lets all aim to be fair and balanced in our views, with the aim of having a championship without any unwarranted actions on the sidelines.
Martin Quinns tribute to the Tipperary Minor’s
Well known Tipperary GAA supporter Martin Quinn has penned the following poem in tribute of the Tipperary Minor Hurlers who defeated Kilkenny in the All-Ireland Final.
Hurlers and heroes, of Tipp’s blue and gold,
In strength and in numbers, all fearsome and bold.
Pride in the jersey, both dogged and firm,
A credit to county, we all can affirm.
Half time to full time, and then some time more,
The pressure so fierce, to settle the score.
Fifteen to thirteen, the odds stacked against,
Decisions unjust, a county incensed.
Rise to the challenge, take on the fight,
Hurling like champions, put cats to great flight.
From captain O’Reilly, and all his young men,
Determination so strong, a belief that can win.
No words to do justice, all warriors so true,
Has lifted a county, from out of the blue.
Slievenamon it rings out, and the people now roar,
Young men of Tipperary, conquering heroes 24.
Work Experience Opportunity at Tipperary GAA
Tipperary GAA is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity for work experience at our headquarters, Lár na Páirce, in Thurles. Successful applicants will have the chance to work in a dynamic and supportive environment, gaining invaluable experience in financial management, fundraising, and the essential day-to-day administrative tasks involved in running a large sporting organization. These transferable skills will be valuable assets for future career endeavours. If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please email your expression of interest to secretary.tipperary@gaa.ie. All applicants must be over 18 years old. We look forward to hearing from enthusiastic candidates eager to contribute to and learn from the Tipperary GAA community.
Tipperary Clubs Draw
The all new 2024 – 2025 Tipperary Clubs Draw has been launched and tickets can now be purchased from your local GAA club, the Tipperary GAA office or on the Tipperary GAA website. This draw provides substantial financial assistance to the clubs of the county, with up to 70% of every ticket going straight in to the clubs account. The new draw will have substantial cash prizes each month and is well worth the €100 entry.
Click the following link to join online now: 2024-2025 Tipperary Clubs Draw
Moycarkey Borris and Tipperary GAA Match Forecast Fundraiser
Last Friday evening, Moycarkey Borris and Tipperary GAA launched a brand new and very exciting fundraiser that is sure to be enjoyed by people right across the county and further afield. Participants get the chance to predict the outcome of all the group games in the Senior and Premier Intermediate Hurling Championships which commence in just a few short week’s time. There are cash prizes ranging from €2000 on offer and all for an entry fee of €10. You can enter via the links on both the Moycarkey Borris and Tipperary GAA social media channels or alternatively by contacting any member of the Moycarkey Borris GAA Club. The direct link to play is: https://moycarkeyborris.com/products/17678/purchases/new
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 10th Jul
