Tipperary GAA Scene
by Acting PRO Joe Bracken
ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 1A
TIPPERARY V CLARE
Tipperary showed tremendous graft and desire on Sunday last and came away from Cusack Park in Ennis with deserved acclaim following an extremely satisfying day on the park in making it two wins out of three in the current league campaign. Never an easy venue to win at Sunday’s result has galvanised support ahead of next Sunday’s home league tie in Semple Stadium.
Topping off the day it was delightful to see John McGrath awarded man of the match in this his only second league outing, adding five points from play to add to his two which he scored on his debut against Galway.
Another Galway debutant Michael Breen got his first league points also with two fine scores from play.
TIPPERARY V KILKENNY
So with two great results behind this Tipperary side, what better way to whet the appetite ahead of the fixture next Sunday, March 15th, against Kilkenny in Semple Stadium, in round 4 of the Hurling League Roinn 1A at 2pm. Always an eagerly awaited contest, no one will need reminding of the last occasion both sides met.
With the prospect of Tipp in Thurles looming large in their headlights, nothing is surer to bring the best out of Kilkenny, who will no doubt try to put the brakes on the current Tipperary drive. As recent contests have shown, each was a classic in its own right and who says next Sunday will be any different.
So, how have previous encounters in the league fared? Tipp have played Kilkenny 66 times in the league with Tipp holding the advantage with 31 wins while Kilkenny have 29 and there were 6 draws. Of that total 26 games were played in Thurles with Tipp on 13 wins, Kilkenny 11 and 2 draws. Other Tipp venues which hosted games were Cashel 2, Carrick on Suir 2 and Nenagh 1.
To summarise then, out of 31 ties played in Tipperary venues, Tipperary have won 15, Kilkenny 14 and 2 draws. While across the border 26 ties were played in Kilkenny venues, Tipperary have won on 9 occasions, Kilkenny 13 and 4 draws. Out of 9 neutral venues Tipp hold a commanding lead with 7 wins to Kilkenny’s 2.
James McGrath (Westmeath) will referee his first ever National League game between Tipperary and Kilkenny on Sunday; he also took charge in Thurles for the Galway fixture on February 22nd last. James is only the second Westmeath man to referee this pairing in the past 65 years. Barry Kelly has handled 4 games, the 2006 semi-final, the 2007 round fixture, the 2010 round fixture and the 2013 league final.
A huge Tipperary following is anticipated and positively encouraged to roar on the team and support them on their charge in the league. As this is the last home game in the league rounds it would be of enormous support and an extra spur to the team to see as many as possible in attendance.
Both stands will be open and patrons are reminded to get your tickets early in the week to avail of the €5 discount which closes on Saturday night.
ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 3
TIPPERARY V CLARE
Semple Stadium was certainly the place to be last Saturday afternoon as Peter Creedon’s side gave a commanding display in defeating Clare 2-11 to 1-8 in their Football League round 4 encounter. Getting the weekend off to a great start for the county, our senior footballers put their recent disappointment firmly behind them as they got the promotion hopes back on track. Although some analysts consider the Fermanagh/Armagh draw a poor result for promotion prospects, remaining results will dictate affairs before any chickens are hatched. That aside, this was a terrific performance and hugely encouraging as the team board the bus next weekend.
TIPPERARY V LOUTH
Once again then the footballers take to the road with another long trip up the country, this time to take on Louth, next Sunday, March 15th in the Gaelic Grounds, Drogheda at 2pm. Unfortunately clashing with the hurling fixture in Thurles, all support available would be more than welcome for this talented group of players and management. If you have relatives residing in Louth or its neighbouring counties, pass on the word and get the message out up the country to support the side as they bid to build momentum of their own in search of a promotion spot.
A favourable result in Louth would tee up things nicely for a perfect drive in the two remaining ties at home, Sligo in Thurles and Wexford in Clonmel. The referee in Drogheda will be Brendan Rice.
COUNTY CHALLENGE CUP, HURLING LEAGUES, ADULT FOOTBALL LEAGUE
There is plenty of action this weekend with matches down for decision across the county. With fixtures in the County Senior Hurling Challenge Cup, Intermediate Hurling Leagues, Junior Hurling Leagues and Adult Football League, supporters will have plenty of opportunity to get out and support your club. Please check fixtures section on the Tipperary GAA website or in your local paper.
REFEREES
This weekend in the Allianz Hurling Leagues, Fergal Horgan (Knockavilla Kickhams) will take charge of the Roinn 1A round 4 fixture between Galway and Cork in Pearse Stadium.
New Referees: Tipperary GAA is pleased to confirm that we now have 24 new referees following the completion of the Referee Foundation course held recently. This is one of the highest numbers of new recruits that has completed the course in recent times in the county. The recruitment committee which was set up in 2014 would like to thank everyone who helped in ensuring this great achievement. We would like to wish all the new referees the very best in their new future role and also request respect for all referees within the current, both existing and new. The breakdown of the new referees per division is as follows: Mid 11, North 6, West 4 and South 3.
SCÓR SINSEAR
The County Final of Scór Sinsear was held in the Marian Hall, Borrisoleigh last Saturday night and was a marvellous success. The array of talent on display was breath-taking with the standard extremely high in all seven competitions and the elements of enjoyment, enthusiasm and fun were part of the whole night’s entertainment and sets the county up well for gComórtas Leath-Chraobh na Mumhan in Cappamore on Saturday, March 21st, next at 6 30pm. Full results are up on the website.
TRATH NA gCEIST SCÓR SINSEAR
Don’t forget our Brains of Tipperary, Scór Sinsir Quiz. The Senior County Scór table quiz will take place in the new Community Hall in Littleton on Saturday night next March 14th, at 8pm.The winning teams will go on to represent Tipperary in the All-Ireland Finals in Citywest Hotel, Dublin, on Saturday April 25th, as part of the All-Ireland Scór Sinsir Finals. Teams of four to compete and the parish rule applies. Please see rules on Gaa.ie (Scór) and it is imperative to let Máire de Búrca 087-2160430 or Seosaimhín Ní Chathail 086-8212258 know as soon as possible if your club is taking part.
TIPPERARY COACHING & GAMES
Go Games Blitz Programme: Last Saturday saw the opening day of Tipperary Coaching and Games – Go Games Programme with two Under 10 Football Blitzes being held in Rockwell College and The Ragg. Over 300 children took part in these blitzes with every child playing 3 games. Some terrific skill was shown in both venues where the future Conor Sweeneys and Brian Foxes to name just two of our current crop of football stars, were on view.
The following clubs took part – Mullinahone, Clonmel Commercials, Ballingarry, Fr. Sheehys, Cahir, Clonmel Óg, Rosegreen, Rockwell Rovers, Kilsheelan Kilcash, Moyle Rovers, Eire Óg Annacarty, Cashel King Cormacs, Arravale Rovers, Killenaule, Boherlahan Dualla, Moyne Templetuohy, Loughmore Castleiney and Borris Ileigh. Thanks to Rockwell College and Drom & Inch Club for the use of their facilities.
It will be the turn of the Under 8 Footballers on March 28th next and all clubs will be informed by their GDA of venues nearer the date.
SEACHTAIN NA GAEILGE
Bain úsaid as cúpla nath cainte, mar shampla, “Lá le Pádraig shona duit. An bhfuil tú ag dul go Stáid Semple? Tá súil agam go mbeidh an bua againn ar na cait. Agus laoch na himeartha, cé hé?”
COLLEGES HURLING
Best wishes to the Tipperary players involved in the Fitzgibbon Cup final replay tonight, Wednesday March 11th in Páirc Uí Rinn between University of Limerick and Waterford IT.
Also, best wishes to St. Patricks College, Thurles who play Ulster University Jordanstown in the Independent.ie HE GAA Senior Hurling League Division 2 final in Belfield tonight Wednesday, March 11th, at 7.30pm
POST PRIMARY SEMI-FINALS
Congratulations to two Tipperary Post Primary Schools who both qualified All-Ireland finals following their respective semi-final successes last Saturday.
Cisterican College, Roscrea defeated Ballyhaunis CS in Ballinasloe on a score line of 0.15 to 2.06 to qualify for the All-Ireland Post Primary Schools Michael Cusack Cup Senior Hurling “C” final on March 28th next.
While Ballingarry Presentation Secondary defeated Magherafelt NRC on a score line of 3.12 to 2.12 AET in Trim, as they qualified for the All-Ireland Post Primary Schools Rice Cup Senior Football ‘D’ final.
And with Thurles CBS due to play the Croke Cup semi-final on Saturday week, the dedication and hard work of so many in our schools, from Nenagh to Clonmel, Tipperary to Templemore has laid firm foundations on avenues to success for our schools and to ensure all augers well for GAA in the county not only for the present but into the future as well. This is warmly welcomed and most encouraging to see.
TIPPERARY GAA MEMBERS DRAW
Congratulations to all winners of last week’s draw please check results on the website.
TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB MEMBERSHIP 2015
The Tipperary Supporters Club membership for 2015 is now available and is growing steadily. With hundreds of memberships bought, the goal to extend the adult membership base early in the season will help alleviate the burden on the supporters club later in the year. Membership is €30 per person, unchanged since 2006.
The Committee is actively seeking more people interested in helping the Tipperary hurling effort. Anybody who would like to take some Supporters Club memberships to join up their friends is welcome to contact Supporters Club PRO, John Coman on 087-9087105 or by email at 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.
