by PRO Joe Bracken
TIPPERARY MUNSTER U21 HURLING SEMI-FINAL
Congratulations to the Tipperary U21 hurlers and management who capped off a wonderful week for Tipperary last Thursday night, in defeating Limerick 2-12 to 1-13 in the Bord Gáis Energy Munster Semi-Final in Semple Stadium. Their victory sets them up for a Munster Final clash against Waterford in Walsh Park, Waterford, on Wednesday week next July 27th.
Again, rain made conditions difficult but William Maher’s side went about their task with purpose and were well prepared for the serious challenge Limerick set before them. A first half goal by Andrew Coffey (Nenagh Éire Óg) and a late second half strike from Ronan Teehan (Gortnahoe-Glengoole) were crucial in ensuring Tipperary emerged from the late Limerick comeback two points to the good. Congratulations also to Paul Maher (Kilsheelan-Kilcash) who was named the TG4 Man of the Match.
With preparations now focused towards the Munster Final, Tipperary will once again go in as underdogs to an impressive Waterford side who signalled their intent in this year’s championship with a dominating second half display against Clare in the semi-final the evening before. William Maher and his management team will have little enough time to plot a course on scuppering the Déíse challenge who will be eager also to make amends for their senior side’s loss to Tipp in their Munster Final.
Tipp will be seeking to add the U21 title to the senior and minor titles secured in the Gaelic Grounds last Sunday week for the first time in the counties history and that in itself is more than enough to contend with before a ball is thrown in.
ALL-IRELAND FOOTBALL QUALIFIERS
In the football qualifier draw on Monday morning the Tipperary senior footballers drew Derry in round 4A of the qualifiers which takes place this Saturday, July 23rd in the Kingspan Breffni Park in Cavan at 5pm.
Tipperary as we know are there on merit having recently lost to Kerry in the Munster Final following their win over Cork in the semi-final and Waterford prior to that in the quarter final.
Derry on the other hand now have a number of hugely important games under their belt, the most recent of which was a two point defeat of Cavan in the same venue last Saturday in round 3. Previous to that Derry lost their Ulster Championship quarter-final to Tyrone, eventual provincial champions, 3-14 to 0-12. That took Derry on the qualifier route where they had successive wins over Louth 1-18 to 2-10 in round 1A and then over Meath in round 2A on a score of 1-14 to 1-11, rounding off with the win over Cavan last weekend.
It’s the last qualifying round now and at stake is a quarter-final berth versus the Connacht Champions Galway in Croke Park on Sunday July 31st, should Tipperary win. That would result in huge progress for Tipperary football this year and should prove invaluable in experience for the team who would then be down to the last eight in contention for Sam Maguire.
We send our best wishes to the team and management in this hugely important qualifier and appeal to as many supporters as possible to make the journey to Cavan in support of the team. They really need and deserve support at this critical stage of the championship. The referee for this game will be Martin Duffy (Sligo).
The curtain-raiser in Cavan on Saturday will also be of interest to Tipperary as Galway and Antrim meet in the Electric Ireland GAA Hurling All-Ireland Minor Championship Quarter-Final which throws in at 3pm. Depending on the weekends minor results, Tipperary could be meeting either of these two teams on August 14th in Croke Park in the All-Ireland Semi-Final.
TEAM TIPPERARY GAA RACE DAY
All roads lead to Ballybrit next Monday, July 25th for the Team Tipperary GAA Race Day at the Galway Races. 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.
Please join us as last minute bookings are still being taken for what is a wonderful fundraising event in aid of Team Tipperary. 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. Seats are available at €160 or a table of 10 for €1600.
As we have four teams, 2 x senior, 1 x under 21 and 1 x minor still in competitive action ahead of the event 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 enjoyable day out you are providing invaluable support for Team Tipperary.
HURLING QUALIFIERS
Semple Stadium will the focus of national attention this weekend as it hosts the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Quarter-Finals on Sunday with Waterford meeting Wexford at 2pm, followed by Galway v Clare at 4pm. The curtain raiser will be the second All-Ireland Minor Hurling Quarter-Final fixture between Wexford and Limerick. That game throws in at 12 noon. All these games will have a huge Tipperary interest as they will have a bearing on our semi-final opposition in August 14th at both senior and minor levels. Well done to the ground staff at Semple Stadium for the wonderful work in ensuring the pitch will be in pristine condition for Sunday once again. Sunday also sees the big screen on show for Hawkeye should it be required, in what is another first for the venue.
REFEREE
Well done to Fergal Horgan (Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams) who was in charge of the Munster U21 Hurling semi-final between Waterford and Clare last Wednesday night in Walsh Park.
TIPPERARY FIXTURES
In the County Intermediate Hurling League semi-finals last weekend, Ballinahinch had the measure of Clonoulty-Rossmore to reach the final where they will play Roscrea who got the better of Cashel King Cormacs in their final. Action also continued in the County Intermediate Hurling Championships.
In the semi-finals of the County Adult Football League Premier Division played last Tuesday, Clonmel Commercials and Arravale Rovers came through their respective games as winners and will now meet in the final of that competition.
Senior divisional action also took centre stage last weekend and for a full round up of all fixtures and results across the Premier County please view the county website at https://tipperary.gaa.ie
FRIENDS OF TIPPERARY FOOTBALL GOLF CLASSIC
Following a recent Friends of Tipperary Football Board meeting the dates for their annual Mr Mister sponsored golf classic were finalised and it will go ahead on the weekend of Friday August 5th and Saturday August 6th at Thurles Golf Club.
Now in its twentieth year this is the Friends of Tipperary’s major fund raiser with all proceeds being ploughed back into the development and promotion of Football at all levels within the county.
Again there will be good prizes and hospitality on offer and we ask all GAA Clubs, Golf Societies and other sport enthusiasts to support what is now a well-established weekend of golf on the sporting calendar.
Team entries cost €120 with tee boxes costing €50 and again all support will be greatly appreciated.
To arrange entry and tee times supporters should contact golf classic coordinator Martin O’Dwyer at 086 2549154.
TIPPERARY LADIES
Congratulations to the Tipperary Camogie and Ladies Football teams who continued the great success for the county with Munster Final successes in the past week also.
The Tipperary Camogie team won the Munster Intermediate title defeating Cork 0-19 to 1-7 in Bruff to secure a first for Tipperary at this grade since 1999.
Elsewhere, the Tipperary Ladies Football team who won the Munster Intermediate title for the first time following their 1-16 to 1-13 win over Clare on Sunday in Mallow.
SYMPATHY
On behalf of all Tipperary supporters we extend our sympathy to the family of the late Tony Fitzpatrick Carrick Swan GAA Club, who passed away last week. An accomplished player in both hurling and football Tony won many honours at club level and at inter-county level he won a Munster U21 medal with Tipperary in 1972 and also played in 1973 and 1974. He was also on both the senior hurling and senior football panels of 1977 and was later named was named Nationalist hurler of the year in 1990. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis’
MEMORABILIA FAIR
South Tipperary G.A.A Centre which adjoins Clonmel Sportsfield on the Western Road opposite South Tipperary General Hospital will host a Fair of Sporting Memorabilia on Bank Holiday Monday, August 1st, from 12 noon to 4pm. Collectors and sellers are cordially invited to attend and sales positions, which are free of charge, are to be booked prior to the 25th of July by contacting the G.A.A. Centre on 052 6121806 or either Sean Nugent 087 2669304 or Derek Williams 087 6392693
Donations of memorabilia, G.A.A books, match programmes or items of sporting interest are very welcome. Items for the sale can be left into the G.A.A Centre or can be collected by arrangement, again contact Sean or Derek. All proceeds go to South Tipperary G.A.A. Centre.
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.
