Tipperary GAA Scene – March 15th 2017

By Joe Bracken, County PRO

SENIOR HURLING

Semple Stadium was set alight last Saturday night as a thrilling contest between Tipperary and Kilkenny ended all square 2-17 to 3-14 after seventy odd pulsating minutes, in what was round 4 of the Allianz League Division 1A. A bumper crowd of 14,763certainly added to the occasion as the electric atmosphere both on and off the field lit up the Field of Legends to heavenly acclaim.

Tipperary’s goals came courtesy of John McGrath (Loughmore-Castleiney) and Niall O’Meara (Kilruane MacDonaghs) while Steven O’Brien’s (Ballina) late point ensured the match would end in a draw which was generally accepted as the right result from all present and beyond.

Next up for Tipp is a trip to face Cork in Pairc Uí Rinn on March 26th next. Already assured of top spot in the league Mick Ryan’s side will head south looking to keep their unbeaten run intact.

SENIOR FOOTBALL

Congratulations to the Tipperary senior football team as they recorded an emphatic 3-17 to 0-18 victory over Longford in near balmy conditions in Semple stadium last Saturday evening.  Full of purpose from the word go in this round 4 tie, Liam Kearns’ side were in no mood for complacency and worked tirelessly and created the opportunities to deliver results on the board. Conor Sweeney (Ballyporeen) was in sparkling form and rounded off his performance with 2-7 while Jimmy Feehan (Killenaule) was the other Tipperary goal scorer.

Best wishes to the team as they head to Tullamore to meet Offaly in round 5 of the Allianz League Roinn 3 on Sunday next with throw in at 2pm. When the sides met last season Tipp came out on top 2-11 to 0-12 so the emphasis will be on another win on Sunday to maintain second place in the league table. Tipp’s remaining opposition Louth and Armagh meet in Drogheda so there will be keen interest on that fixture to see whether Louth can maintain their unbeaten run or if Armagh can put a halt to their gallop. It all makes for a huge finale on the run in to the end of the league.

Tickets are on sale at selected SuperValu and Centra stores, adults €10 and U16’s go free.

The referee will be John Hickey (Ceatharlach).

U21 FOOTBALL

Commiserations to the Tipperary U21 footballers who suffered an agonising loss to Limerick in their Quarter-Final encounter of the EirGrid Munster U21Football Championship last week, on a 0-16 to 0-14 score-line.

COUNTY LEAGUES

Action continues this weekend in the Tipperary Water County Hurling and Football Leagues.

For a full list of fixtures please check the Tipperary GAA website https://tipperary.gaa.ie/

REFEREES

Best wishes to Fergal Horgan (Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams) who will referee the AIB GAA All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship Final on St. Patrick’s Day between Cuala (Dublin) and Baile Aodha (Clare) in Croke Park.

Elsewhere, Derek O’Mahoney (Ardfinnan) is standby referee for the AIB GAA All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship Final between Dr. Crokes (Kerry) and Slaughtneil (Derry).

Best wishes also to Sean Lonergan (Moyle Rovers) as he takes charge of the Allianz Football League tie between Longford and Sligo on Sunday next.

MICHAEL MAHER RIP

Another legend of Tipperary hurling and administration, Michael Maher (Holycross-Ballycahill) passed to his eternal reward last week after a long illness. Tributes poured in for Michael whose achievements on the field include 5 senior All-Ireland medals, 8 League medals, 4 Railway Cup medals as well as 1 minor All-Ireland and 3 County Senior Medals with his club during a distinguished career.

Michael became involved in GAA Administration after his playing career and was Tipperary Co. Chairman 1979-1982, also serving as a Senior county selector in the 1980/81 season. He followed this as Munster Chairman 1989-1992.

Our sympathy and that of all Tipperary supporters is extended to his wife Margaret and family, his brother Francis and wide circle of friends.

CROKE CUP

Best wishes to Our Lady’s Templemore who will meet Kilkenny CBS in the Croke Cup All-Ireland College’s Senior Hurling (Under 18.5 A Hurling) Semi-Final this Wednesday, March 15th in O’Moore Park Portlaoise with a 2pm throw in.

QUALIFIED REFEREES

A divisional listing of qualified referees in Tipperary totalling 98 has been circulated to all club secretaries and this list includes ten newly qualified referees.

Please note only qualified Referees are permitted to officiate at games to ensure clubs, players and our grounds are fully compliant with insurance protocols.

These modules are now under the remit of Croke Park and all results of our In-Service / Fitness Assessment / Rules Test have to be furnished directly to them as of last year.

All clubs are requested to please ensure all officials, players, and referees are made aware of these issues and are implemented in full.

If any secretary needs further clarification on this matter contact Jim O’Shea, Chairman referees Committee on 085 1744 791 jmcoshea@eircom.net

FRIENDS OF TIPPERARY FOOTBALL TABLE QUIZ

The Dublin working group of The Friends of Tipperary Football are hosting a table quiz at 8pm on Thursday March 23rd in Chaplin’s of Hawkins Street, Dublin. Tables of 4 €40euro per table, for further information and booking of tables please contact Jimmy Darcy darcyjim@gmail.com

SCÓR NA bPAISTÍ 2017

Halla na Feile, Caiseal na Rí was the venue for the County Final of Scór na bPáistí on Sunday afternoon last. Proceedings took off promptly at 2pm and the nine evening competitions were introduced by our young Bean an Tí for the evening Máirín McGrath of Newcastle. What an evening of entertainment it was with children from our four divisions representing their clubs with pride and accomplishment. Our judges were extremely impressed with the standard of performance and complimented all involved in fostering and mentoring these páistí in the various disciplines and helping them to be the best that they can be. Over 19 clubs were represented in the final competition an indication that Scór na bPáistí is going ó neart go neart.

John McGrath Loughmore-Casteliney club man and Tipperary Hurler was our special guest of the evening and spoke of the constant commitment to excellence. He praised all those taking part and emphasised the part that family plays in fostering young talent. Mol an Óige agus tiocfaidh sí was certainly the adage of the evening and there was great excitement in the hall as runners  up and winners all came to the stage to receive their medals. County Chair Josephine Cahill thanked John for his kind words and again expressed a sincere focal buíochais to all involved. Our County Secretary Tim Floyd was also present and no doubt enjoyed the proceedings, in particular the Léiriú where he was portrayed as a rather absent minded Secretary and custodian of the Liam MacCarthy Cup.

Our Tráth na gCeist competition was hotly contested and 4 tie breakers failed to separate these young maestros from Seán Treacys and Newport. Scór an Chontae decide to declare joint winners as it was like the previous evenings encounter between Kilkenny an Tipperary where a draw was considered to be the best result. Maith sibh.

The Cathaoirleach presented prizes to the winners of our Comórtas Ealaíne  and complimented the young children who had produced such wonderful work at home and at school. Over 250 entries were received.

Results as follows: Rince Foirne – Newcastle; Runner up – JK Brackens. Amhránaíocht  Aonair – Eamonn Long (Gortnahoe Glengoole), Runner up – Anna Harkin (Borris Ileigh). Aithriseoireacht- Scéalaíocht – Nora Martin (Kilsheelan-Kilcash), Runner up – Danielle Butler (Seán Treacys). Bailéad Ghrúpa – Seán Treacys, Joint second -Templederry and Killea. Ceol Uirlise – JK Bracken, Runner up – Shannon Rovers. Rince ar an Sean Nós –Sarah Hogan (JK Brackens), Runner Up – Tara Burke (Killea). Tráth na gCeist – Joint Winners Seán Treacys and Newport. Novelty Act – Moyne Templetuohy, Runner up – Templederry. Rince Seite – Newcastle, Runner Up –Drom & Inch.

A reminder that videos can be bought from Donal Lee, details were on the programme.

SCÓR SINSEAR

All roads lead to Newport on Saturday evening next, March 18th, for the County Final of Scór Sinsear 2017. Please note the starting time of 7pm and the Tráth na gCeist will take place at the same time to facilitate proceedings. As the Chairperson urged – look to the children for inspiration and discover those latent talents. Please have all entries to Máire De Búrca, Rúnaí an Chontae by Thursday morning please.

SEACHTAIN NA GAEILGE

Agus Seachtain na Gaeilge buailte linn ná dean dearmad ar an cúpla focal a chleachtadh. There are some excellent websites to keep up to date with current affairs, cúrsaí spoirt, cúrsaí cultúrtha srl nuacht.ie tuairisc.ie peig.ie www.snag.ie san áireamh. Ní binn béal ina thost i rith Seachtain na Gaeilge.

Bain triail as – Is leatsa í. Try a cúpla focal, it’s yours to speak.

HANDBALL

The Munster Juvenile Team 40×20 Championships were played last weekend March 11th and 12th in Mallow & Ballydesmond.

In the U14/15 Team in Ballydesmond, Tipperary beat Cork in the Quarter-Final 74-67. In the first Semi-Final Waterford beat Limerick 84-81 while in the second Semi-Final Tipperary beat Clare 72-41. In the Final Tipperary beat Waterford 60-21.

Congratulations to the Tipperary U14/15: Munster Champions comprising of Cian Donnelly, Nathan Lenihan, Rory Grace, Stephen Coffey, Eoin Healy and Jack McGrath.

Tipperary players also fared well in the Munster Adult Championships winning 5 Munster titles and are as follows; JBD David O’Brien & Declan Gleeson (Ballinahinch/Ballina). MBD Brian O’Brien & John Kennedy (Silvermines), MAD David Moloney & John Corbett (Cashel/Ballyporeen), GMAD John O’Donoghue & Eddie Corbett (Cashel/Ballyporeen) and RMD Jim Ryan & Denis Gleeson (Silvermines), congratulations to all the adult winners as well.

In the Senior Doubles, Ger Coonan & Fergal Collins (Ballina) beat Ollie & Pat Conway Galway 19/21, 21/10, 21/0. They now meet Joe McCann & Vinny Moran in the next round. David Moloney & Daniel Hayes (Cashel) were beaten by Gavin Buggy & Daniel Cavanagh Wexford 21/3, 16/21, 21/3.

Best of luck to all taking part in the All-Ireland Adult Singles Finals this coming weekend and to our Juvenile Girls Doubles U14 & U15. For all handball fixtures and results please check out the handball website http://handball.tipperary.gaa.ie/

PATRICKS DAY & BOOK FAIR

Celebrate St Patricks Day in the South Tipperary G.A.A Centre, Clonmel as they welcome all to come along after the big parade for music and song from 4.30pm onwards. Ceili starting at 6pm with music by Danny Webster.

Then on Saturday, March 18th, from 12 noon to 4pm there will be a Fair of sporting memorabilia and collectors and sellers are cordially invited. Bar facilities, tea and coffee will be available. Sales Positions, free of charge to be booked prior to the event, contact 0 Sean Nugent 087-2669304 or email sean.nugent.cb@gaa.ie Admission €3 – accompanied children free and all proceeds go to South Tipperary G.A.A Centre.

TG4 LAOCHRA GAEL

Two time All-Ireland medal winner in 1989 and ’91 Pat Fox (Eire Óg Annacarty Donohill) will feature on the new season of TG4 Laochra Gael with the episode featuring Pat broadcasting on April 26th next.

BOOK LAUNCH

‘Cuttin or Atein the Bushes’  a history of the G.A.A. in the parish of Kilcommon will be  launched  in Chaplin’s Bar, Hawkins St Dublin, (2 minutes’ walk from O’Connell Bridge) on Tuesday next March 21st at 8 pm, and all are welcome.

SONG LYRICS REQUIRED

In what could be a first for the GAA Scene, we are seeking song lyrics honouring the Horse and Jockey team of 1899, two lines of which are as follows –

‘They whitewashed the gables and painted the walls, To dazzle the eyes of Condon and Wall.’

The two players referred to are Tim Condon and Mike Wall. If anyone can assist in locating or providing the lyrics please email same to pro.tipperary@gaa.ie

TIPPERARY GAA YEARBOOKS 1970-1992 NOW ONLINE

For the past couple of months staff at the Tipperary Studies department of Tipperary Co. Council Library Service have been busy digitising back issues of the Tipperary GAA Yearbook, with the kind support of the Yearbook Committee and Tipperary GAA Co. Board.

The Tipperary Studies digitisation project aims to make available online a range of sources, both historical and genealogical, which are part of the fabric which makes up the history of Tipperary.

Many of these documents are unique to Tipperary Studies and one of the aims of the project is to make these sources available to everyone, free of charge.

One aspect of the project was to make available back issues of the yearbook, of which twenty-two copies from 1970-1992, can now be viewed online at www.tipperarystudies.ie

It is the intention of those involved in the project to make all yearbooks available in time, in conjunction with a broad range of material pertaining to Tipperary which has yet to be digitised. Tipperary Studies welcomes the donation of material for this project, which they may not have, ranging from match programmes and annuals to photographs and negatives.

All items are currently archived at the Tipperary Studies Department, Source Library, Cathedral St., Thurles, where a range of other material may be seen, including the Sam Melbourne scrapbook collection.

TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB 2017 MEMBERSHIP

Supporters can join on line now on tippsupportersclub.com/join by credit card or debit/laser card. Membership is €40 per person. Also on the website details are available of the direct debit facility; as the Club is run on a completely voluntary basis it would be a great help if members could join by direct debit. We are encouraging members to switch to Direct Debit payment by offering a reduced charge of €30 for all Direct Debit members in 2017. It’s easy to sign up for Direct Debit, just download the two-page form from the Tipperary Supporters Club website at http://www.tippsupportersclub.com/join/ fill it out and send it to Jim Reidy at the address below.

If joining by post please send a cheque or postal order for €40 payable to Tipperary Supporters Club to Jim Reidy, 13 Castleknock Close, Dublin 15 (086-3580718, email: info@tippsupportersclub.com ) All proceeds from membership go towards the preparation and training of the Tipperary Senior Hurling Team.

FRIENDS OF TIPPERARY FOOTBALL

The Friends of Tipperary Football membership for  €20 enters each supporter into the following draws: 2 All Ireland Final Football tickets 2017; 2 All Ireland Final Hurling tickets 2017; 2 Tickets for each Tipperary Senior Football Championship matches 2017; 2 All Ireland Club Final tickets 2017 and 2 National Football League tickets for each Tipperary League match in 2017

Membership is also available online through the Friends website www.friendsoftipperaryfootball.com and there is also a link on the Friends Facebook page.

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.