by Acting PRO Joe Bracken
MUNSTER SENIOR FOOTBALL QUARTER-FINAL
Congratulations on a job well done to the Tipperary Senior Footballers and management who completed what could so easily have been a difficult assignment as they defeated Waterford in the Munster Championship Quarter-Final last Sunday by 1-24 to 05. Thanks to the high level of preparation and attention to detail being executed in clinical fashion, the side over ran their opponents with ease, with many stars on show for the Premier County. Such was his display on Sunday; Steven O’Brien has been nominated as GAA.ie Football Player of the Week, so here’s hoping Steven gets the nod after his superb display.
A point that will certainly not have gone unnoticed by Kerry manager Eamon Fitzmaurice in the stand as he sets about his sides challenge against Tipperary in the Munster Championship Semi-Final, again in Semple Stadium, on Sunday week, June 14th.
It is the match Peter Creedon’s men were hoping for and that in itself shows confidence and determination from a side looking to build on the firm foundations that have been solidly laid over the past number of years.
The only blip on the compass in plotting success against Kerry was a hip injury to Colin O’Riordan sustained in an awkward slip on the greasy surface. Colin though as we know is made of stern stuff and his single-mindedness approach should have him hopefully answering the door for selection when Peter comes knocking.
The Tipperary Junior Footballers got the show up and running on Sunday as they too defeated Waterford in the Munster Junior Football Championship Quarter-Final on a score-line of 1-12 to 1-09, thanks in no small part to two excellent penalty saves from Gearóid Slattery. They also go on to play Kerry in the Munster Junior Football Semi-Final in Semple Stadium on Sunday week, June 14th.
TIPPERARY GAA – LONDON CORPORATE LUNCH FUNDRAISER
Tipperary GAA returned to London’s West End for its second Team Tipperary Corporate Lunch Fundraiser last Friday afternoon, May 29th. And similar to the inaugural event just over a year ago, the event in the Intercontinental Hotel proved to be an outstanding success as well as being a most enjoyable occasion for all the three hundred diners who were privileged to be present.
A party of over twenty travelled from Tipperary for the occasion including Tipperary GAA officers Michael Bourke (Chairman), Tim Floyd (Secretary), Eamon Buckley (Treasurer) and Central Council Delegate and former Chairman Sean Nugent together with Tipperary Senior Hurling Selector Mick Ryan. Also present were special guests including Declan Browne (Tipperary’s only All-Star footballer), Eamon Corcoran (Tipperary 2001 All-Ireland medal winner) and recently retired and one of Tipperary’s most decorated hurling forwards Eoin Kelly.
One of the highlights of another memorable afternoon was the auction that followed a most entertaining Question and Answer forum conducted by Today FM broadcaster – the amazing Paul Collins who also persuaded London-based Drangan man Johnny Whyte to part with £3,000 for Eoin Kelly’s last No. 21 jersey, as worn in the 2014 All-Ireland Hurling Final Replay. And since Johnny happens to be Eoin’s No. 1 fan, the jersey is certainly gone to the right home.
REFEREE
Best wishes to Johnny Ryan and his officials, as he takes charge of the Leinster Senior Hurling Quarter-Final clash between Westmeath and Wexford in Mullingar on Sunday next.
NEW TIPPERARY GAA DRAW
Hayes’ Hotel, Thurles, is the venue this Friday night June 5th, for the first draw in the New Tipperary GAA Draw. The extra time given before the first draw takes place was to enable all clubs to reach all their supporters, so the last few days ahead of the draw will no doubt be extremely busy as clubs try to maximise their potential as much as possible.
EIRGRID 21 U21 AWARDS
Fresh from their All-Ireland final appearance six of the Tipperary panel have been selected as recipients of the inaugural ‘EirGrid 21 U21 Awards’. Congratulations to the players on their achievement who are; Evan Comerford (Kilsheelan Kilcash), Ross Mulcahy (Moyle Rovers), Bill Maher (Kilsheelan Kilcash), Steven O’Brien (Ballina), Colin O’Riordan (JK Brackens) and Kevin O’Halloran (Portroe).
The awards honour the 21 standout players from the 2015 EirGrid GAA Football U21 All-Ireland Championship as selected by members of the Gaelic Writers Association and EirGrid Ambassadors Bryan Cullen and Michael Meehan.
In addition to the 21 U21 awards, Colin O’Riordan has been shortlisted as EirGrid GAA Football U21 All-Ireland Championship Player of the Year. Results of which are imminent at time of going to press as entries closed on May 31st.
TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB GOLF CLASSIC IN DUBLIN
Continuing their busy fundraising efforts the Tipperary Supporters Club Dublin Golf Classic takes place again at Edmonstown Golf Club this Thursday, June 4th. The package includes a team of four and a 4 course meal with many attractive prizes, all for €600. Please send payments made out to Tipperary Supporters Club to Denise Dowling, KPMG, Stokes Place, St Stephens Green, Dublin 2. Further details and last minute team details are available from denise.dowling@kpmg.ie or on www.tippsupportersclub.com
FOOTBALL ‘FRIENDS’ GOLF CLASSIC
All roads lead to Thurles Golf Club this Friday and Saturday, June 5th and 6th for The Friends of Tipperary Football annual Golf Classic kindly sponsored by Mr Mister Menswear, for which your support is also requested.
Following the wonderful display by our Senior Footballers last Sunday, fundraising activities like this venture are crucial in ensuring that all Tipperary football teams are prepared and backed to the highest possible standards so as to enable them compete at the highest level and attain the success they deserve.
With that in mind a large entry is expected for the golf classic as Blue and Gold followers throw their weight behind the fundraising activities of the ‘Friends’ and as indicated all proceeds of the event will go towards the training and preparation of all Tipperary football squads.
The 2014 classic, also held in the magnificent Thurles course, was an outstanding success with teams from all over Tipperary and adjoining counties taking part. The Friends deeply appreciate the kind sponsorship once again of Mr Mister Menswear, Cahir and Cashel, for the 2015 classic. Entries are now being taken for the event; Teams of 4 – €120, Teebox sponsorship- €50. The Friends would greatly appreciate your support for the event. Entries may be submitted to Martin on (086) 2549154.
PREMIER PLAN
Tipperary GAA has enjoyed unprecedented success in recent years and this success has not happened by accident. It has been based on a formula of investment in pitches and infrastructure to ensure the best possible facilities are available to our players. The Tipperary County Board has a programme for developing coaches to ensure there is a constant stream of coaching talent available for all our teams from underage development squads to our senior inter-county panels.
Tipperary County Board launched a 5 year strategic plan in 2011 to guide the development of the GAA in Tipperary over the last 5 years. Called the Premier Plan, it focused on the development of our games, clubs, facilities and the achievement of greater success at inter-county level.
However, the County Board needs to develop additional income streams to achieve our ambitious but realistic goals. Therefore the Tipperary County Board are seeking commercial sponsorship to do this. Tipperary GAA is a strong brand. It is instantly recognisable nationally and even beyond.
Association with Tipperary GAA is association with success, with tradition, with progress and with the nation’s strongest sporting brand, the GAA.
Next up on the menu is an appetising day out for the Team Tipperary GAA Race Day at the Galway Races on July 27th 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. It’s true to say that once you go racing in Galway; you’ll want to make it an annual event. It’s a unique occasion filled with colour, atmosphere, passion and craic.
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.
For bookings and further details contact Tim Floyd, County Secretary, 087 2591747 secretary.tipperary@gaa.ie
TOM SEMPLE AND THE THURLES BLUES
The long-awaited biography of Tom Semple and his legendary Thurles Blues, by Liam Ó Donnchú, will be launched at Thurles Sarsfields Centre, beside Semple Stadium, on Saturday June 13th at 8.00 p.m. Tom Semple, the GAA icon, whose name is immortalised at Semple Stadium, is synonymous with the game of hurling, since he led the Thurles Blues to All-Ireland glory in 1906 and 1908. Read about these earlier heroes of the camán and of Tom Semple’s training regime and tactics. Follow the Blues on their amazing tour to Brussels and historic Fontenoy in 1910.
Find out about the fascinating story of the early years of Thurles Sportsfield, now Semple Stadium, and how it developed into today’s ‘Field of Legends’.
The role Semple and others played in the War of Independence is also detailed in this hardback publication, which contains more than 400 pages. The book is illustrated throughout and offers new insights into the life and times of yesteryear. All are welcome to attend the book-launch. Books costing €30 will be available from bookshops in Tipperary or online from www.bookworm.ie
Books may also be ordered by post (€35) from: Liam Ó Donnchú, Lár na Páirce, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
FRIENDS FOOTBALL LOTTO
The Friends of Tipperary Football GAA Lotto is now available and all Tipperary supporters are encouraged to please support by playing online now at the following link http://bit.ly/1HU6W9H and help ensure that this worthwhile venture continues to thrive and prosper.
TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB MEMBERSHIP 2015
Membership of the Tipperary Supporters Club for 2015 continues to be available.
Membership is €30 per person, unchanged since 2006. We are delighted to announce that the member’s gift in 2015 is a Gold Plated Tiobraid Ãrann Crossed Hurley, 19.5mm x 20.0 mm, lapel pin specially designed and produced in the traditional Blue & Gold colours of Tipperary. Each member will also receive a Tipperary Supporters Club car sticker and a 2015 Membership Card.
Supporters can join on line on www.tippsupportersclub.com by credit card or debit/laser card.
STATE EXAMINATIONS
Best wishes to all students sitting their Leaving and Junior Certificate Examinations commencing this week.
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.
