by PRO Joe Bracken
MUNSTER SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP HURLING FINAL
A result that no one in all honesty saw coming, victory perhaps but result no, earned Tipperary its 42nd Senior Munster title following the extremely hard work of our senior players who tirelessly created a comprehensive win over Waterford in the Munster Final in the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday last on a score of 5-19 to 0-13.
Congratulations to our wonderful Tipperary hurlers led by captain Brendan Maher and manager Michael Ryan and his management team on your deserved success on Sunday last. The manner of the performance is what we are coming to expect in the life as a Tipperary hurler and supporter under the guidance of manager Michael Ryan, but the manner of the win was something extra indeed. Each and every player is to be complimented on their selfless commitment in ensuring this was another box ticked in their progression this year.
Congratulations to John McGrath on receiving the Man of the Match award following his five star performance scoring 3-2 of Tipperary’s total. Tipperary’s other goals came courtesy of Michael Breen with another trademark finish in his 1-1 contribution and Seamus Callanan who finished up with 1-11with an equally impressive tally. Congratulations also to Aidan McCormack (Thurles Sarsfields) who made his senior debut when being introduced as a substitute late on and also getting on the score sheet with a point from play.
Yes, there was great relief and joy at securing a much sought after Munster title, which still is craved in the hearts and homes of Tipperary people. However, in that steely display was a desire and focus that this was only another step on a journey to hopefully a greater prize. The preparation for that journey begins in earnest now, it’s back to the grindstone as the mill wheel of training gains momentum as it draws from well of victory to energise the squad for what lies ahead. They’ve been here before, redemption beckons.
In putting two Munster Championship titles back to back Tipperary has laid down a marker. But there the similarities end; last year had the sense of a weight being lifted from the chains of time which had stifled a team perceived for a lack of success. This time round it was job done, enjoy the win and its associated plaudits, and then back to business, unfinished business which now needs serious attention and preparation in ensuring its objectives are met. Time for grounding too on and off the field, the single most important task at hand is the next match, the All-Ireland semi-final, thinking any further ahead is not in focus nor won’t be, there is a hugely important hurdle to be negotiated first on August 14th in Croke Park and that is the singular primary aim. Expectations of supporters also need to be measured as together in a collective unit, team and supporters are in unison of how and when we go about and prepare for the business end of the season.
With that in mind it’s time to leave team and management go about their work and prepare for the weeks ahead. Time will fly and with the combination of club games this weekend the actual time for serious work will be confined to a window of two weeks give or take as bodies recover for what lies ahead.
MUNSTER MINOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP
The Tipperary minor hurlers are a team who can’t stop giving; giving of their energy, honesty and work rate among many qualities in a wholly unified team effort. In doing so they justly secured a 39th Munster Minor title for Tipperary, to ensure the perfect start to the day for the Premier County in Limerick on Sunday as they overcame the home side 1-24 to 0-10 in the final.
Congratulations to the team led on the field by Brian McGrath as captain and their manager Liam Cahill and his management team who secured back to back Munster titles. Congratulations also to Jake Morris who was Man of the Match scoring 1-4 along the way.
The same principle applies here as for the seniors, job done and move on. Of course they will relish the victory but the desire of this team which is intensifying with each game is such, that the maturity and understanding that these guys have will ensure feet are firmly planted on the ground as the collective mind turns towards the main obstacle ahead with yet unknown opposition. That for now is enough to contend with and contend with it they will.
Liam Cahill’s side charted early choppy waters on their way to the title, starting out with an opening round loss to Waterford. With all games on the road this year, starting in Waterford, then Ennis and Cork and eventually to Limerick for the final, in victory Liam has found immense satisfaction with a side moulded in his ideals and character and starting to reach the potential he knows they possess.
MUNSTER FINAL TALES
The double win on Sunday for Tipperary, which also happened as we know last year, is the first double/double (senior/minor) in quite a while for Tipperary. The first consecutive double/double for the county was achieved back in 1949-50, while that was later eclipsed in the glory days of the early ’60s when the treble/double was achieved in 1960-61-62.
The finals on Sunday proved to be a wonderful day for the McGrath family from Loughmore-Castleiney with Brian captaining the minors to success, John earning Man of the Match in the senior final and both watched and encouraged by ‘older’ brother Noel.
The double success on Sunday was also achieved with the help and backing of the wonderful Tipperary Supporters, who for a third wet day in a row, came out in great numbers to support both teams. The journey started in the league and all along the way supporters have nailed their colours to the mast in support of our teams and for that the panels and their managers as well as the county board are extremely grateful. Without your help and the fantastic backing of the Tipperary Supporters Club days like last Sunday may not happen and it is only fitting that all supporters are recognised for the invaluable assistance you give to all our county teams.
TIPPERARY MUNSTER U21 HURLING SEMI-FINAL
This Thursday night July 14th, at 7.30pm, the Tipperary U21 hurlers open their Munster Championship campaign with a home semi-final fixture in Semple Stadium against the reigning All-Ireland champions Limerick in what promises to be a most entertaining clash.
Limerick will carry the favourites tag into the game and in that sense it can allow Tipp the comfort of the ‘underdog’ tag bearing in mind the enormity of the task ahead. That said, Tipperary confidence has been boosted enormously by the two Munster titles retained on Sunday but in that too an air of caution should be exercised as manager William Maher and his management team will continue the current Tipp ethos of keeping players grounded and focused on the immediate task at hand, if you take your eye off that ball, danger territory looms large.
With much of the squad experiencing two fine games in the recent Munster Intermediate Championship combined with the exploits of senior players Ronan Maher and Barry Heffernan this year, Tipperary won’t feel overawed in any way and will be relishing the opportunity to make amends for last year’s loss to the Treaty men at the same stage.
We send best wishes to the team and management on Thursday night and would dearly love to see a huge Tipperary following in Semple Stadium to support the team.
TEAM TIPPERARAY GAA RACE DAY
Join us at the Galway Races
Next up on the fundraising agenda is the Team Tipperary GAA Race Day at the Galway Races on Monday, July 25th next. The Galway Races Summer Festival is renowned as a premier and most colourful racing festival. While it is a major sporting event, it also appeals to a much wider audience than just the racing fans. With the Killanin Stand Suites, there is something for everyone whether you are entertaining family, friends or business clients. This is the ideal format for mixing business with pleasure, whilst surrounded by the atmosphere and excitement that is the Galway Races.
If you or anyone you know is interested in racing, or just a good day out and who might take a seat or two or a table, please contact Tim Floyd, County Secretary, 087 2591747 secretary.tipperary@gaa.ie for bookings and further details. With places filling up fast, there are still a number of seats available to buy either singularly or in any number you may decide.
As we have four teams, 2 x senior, 1 x under 21 and 1 x minor still in competitive action all money raised is vital in going towards preparation of our county teams and to hopefully ensuring continued success on the field as well as off it. By contributing to this wonderful day out you are providing invaluable support for Team Tipperary.
REFEREE
Best wishes to Derek O’Mahoney (Ardfinnan) as he takes charge of the Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Round 3B qualifier between Mayo and Kildare next Saturday July 16th.
TIPPERARY FIXTURES
In the second semi-final of Johnny Ryan Cup last Saturday evening, Upperchurch-Drombane defeated Holycross-Ballycahill to set up a final meeting with Burgess.
Also on Saturday in the James Holohan Cup, the final pairings were decided and results in the meeting of Ballingarry and Carrick Swans.
While in the Dr. Fogarty Cup, Moycarkey-Borris got the better of Killenaule on Friday last to progress to that final where they await the winners of Loughmore-Castleiney and Ballina.
With divisional action taking centre stage next weekend, for a full round up of all fixtures and results across the Premier County please view the county website at https://tipperary.gaa.ie
TIPPERARY GAA DRAW
The July County Board draw took place last Friday, 8th July in Campion’s Bar Templetuohy, with congratulations going to the following main winners; 1st prize of a Skoda Rapid or €15,000 sold by Grangemockler went to Anne Torpey, Butlerstown, Ballyneale. 2nd prize of a Lapland Trip (for 4) or €5,000 sold by Tipperary Hurling Club New York went to Timmy & Eileen Tully, 62 Ridgewood Ave., Yonkers and 3rd prize of an Australian trip for 2 (or €3,000) sold by Borrisokane went to Garreth Austin, Rathmore, Borrisokane. Congratulationss to all the draw winners this month and to all our promoting Clubs, Co-Ordinators and Promoters for making this draw another outstanding success.
TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB
The Tipperary Supporters Club for 2016 is available and at €30 per person it is unchanged again this year. As our senior team head into an All-Ireland semi-final, now is as good a time as any to renew or take out membership in support of the team and continue to help them on their way in the championship.
Supporters can join on line on www.tippsupportersclub.com by credit card or debit/laser card. If joining by post please send a cheque or postal order payable to Tipperary Supporters Club to Jim Reidy, 13 Castleknock Close, Dublin 15 or 086-3580718, email: info@tippsupportersclub.com
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.
