by PRO Joe Bracken
MUNSTER MINOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP
Congratulations to the Tipperary minor hurlers and management on their victory in last week’s playoff match against Clare to decide who would go forward to meet Cork in the Munster Semi-Final on June 30th. Thankfully, Tipp progress to Pairc Uí Rinn for that fixture having come out of Ennis on the back of a 2-15 to 12 point win, with the Tipperary goals coming late in the match from Cian Darcy and Dylan Walsh.
MUNSTER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP
On Sunday week May 22nd, Tipperary take to the field in Semple Stadium to meet Cork in the Munster Championship Quarter-Final. It will be full on preparation for the panel now as the countdown continues for this hugely anticipated clash of these two great traditional rivals. Tickets are now on sale and the ticket information is as follows; Adult Covered Stand: €25; Adult Uncovered Stand: €20; Adult Terrace: €15 (Tipperary have been allocated the Killinan End terrace, Cork the Town End terrace)
Students/OAP: Purchase Adult tickets and receive a €5 concession at designated turnstiles prior to entry.
Under 16’s: €5. Tickets can be availed of from usual outlets i.e. selected SuperValu and Centra Stores and also online at http://gaa.tickets.ie. There is also the Juvenile Package available when clubs purchase juvenile (under 16) stand tickets for €3 and get one mentor free entry for every 10 juveniles.
Juvenile Clubs wishing to avail of this package will need to complete the Juvenile Groups Application Form and return it to Mary O’Mahoney (mary.omahoney.munster@gaa.ie) by next Monday May 16th.
MUNSTER CHAMPIONSHIPS LAUNCH
The launch of this year’s Munster Hurling and Football Championships took place in Cashel on Monday night last where Tipperary was represented by Declan Fanning and Brendan Maher for the hurling squad, while Liam Kearns and Peter Acheson were present from the football squad. The official launch took place in the beautiful setting of Bru Ború beneath the majestic Rock of Cashel. MC for the evening was Tipperary’s own Ger Ryan, Munster PRO.
COUNTY SENIOR HURLING & FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
The County Senior Hurling Championship final league rounds went ahead last weekend with clubs across the county assessing their circumstances following the weekend’s action with some heading to the knockout stages, others retaining their status while more head for the relegation playoffs and the nervousness that lies in store.
In “Roinn 1” “Group 1” Killenaule qualified to the last sixteen following their draw with Drom & Inch. and will be joined by either Upperchurch-Drombane or Drom following the result of their outstanding first round tie which is scheduled to take place within the week after Tipperary’s Munster Quarter-final clash with Cork.
In “Roinn 1” “Group 2” Thurles Sarsfields as expected made it to the knockout stages unbeaten though Éire Óg Annacarty-Donohill made them work hard for victory. Borris-Ileigh join Sars as their draw with Roscrea was enough to see them over the line.
Kiladangan unbeaten in “Roinn 1” “Group 3” are joined by Mullinahone in the last sixteen, with both clubs recording wins over Templederry Kenyons and Nenagh Éire Óg respectfully on Sunday to see them safely through.
Another unbeaten side Clonoulty-Rossmore progressed in “Roinn 1” “Group 4” to the knockout stages where they will be joined by Kilruane Mac Donaghs at the expense of Portroe and Lorrha-Dorrha.
In “Roinn 2” “Group 1” Holycross-Ballycahill and Burgess met to decide the outcome in this group and it was the North club who advance following their five point win. Elsewhere, Toomevara and Moyne-Templetuohy met to decide third and fourth place with Toome recording a comfortable win here.
In “Roinn 2” “Group 2” Carrick Swans were already through and that left Moycarkey-Borris and Moneygall meeting to decide their own faith. Moycarkey it was then who claimed second spot in this group of three following the seven point win.
In “Roinn 2” “Group 3” Loughmore-Castleiney also progressed unbeaten from this second group of three with Borrisokane and Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams making up second and third placings.
It was all to play for in “Roinn 2” “Group 4” between Ballina and Ballingarry and in the end they couldn’t be separated with the game ending in a draw. The result of which sent Ballina through by merit of a greater scoring difference albeit only four points, but enough to see them progress nonetheless. Clonakenny got their first win on return to senior status as they overcame Silvermines by seven points.
All the Roinn 2 results mean that Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams, Moneygall, Silvermines and Moyne-Templetuohy are now locked in the relegation series. Two of these four teams will be relegated. However, should any of those two win their divisional championship, they will be spared the fall.
It will be back to the divisional affairs next for all clubs to enable some a second bite at the cherry to progress; interesting times are ahead for many.
COUNTY U21 ‘A’ FOOTBALL FINAL
There should be great interest in Leahy Park, Cashel on Saturday evening next, May 14th at 7pm as Clonmel Commercials and Drom & Inch meet in this year’s final. For a full round up of all fixtures and results across the Premier County please view the county website at https://tipperary.gaa.ie
NEW TIPPERARY GAA DRAW LAUNCHES
The new 2016-2017 Tipperary Draw is up and running and clubs and promoters are requested to put in a great effort to maintain and hopefully build on the number of members in last year’s draw. As proved at recent divisional launches, the draw continues to be of huge financial benefit to clubs with good membership and with a concerted push it can be a means of great revenue return to all clubs. The New Draw has plenty to offer in terms of prizes and should prove extremely popular with members again this year, so again please push the draw for the next number of weeks before the first draw as that is when the majority of members are signed up.
SCHOOLS
Congratulations to Thurles C.B.S. winners of the Cusack Cup County PPs U15 A Football following their victory over Clonmel High School in the final last week.
UP FOR THE MATCH
In advance of the clash of great Munster Hurling Championship rivals Tipp and Cork, the South Tipperary G.A.A Centre and Tipp FM have joined forces to present a programme on this Friday, May 13th entitled ‘Up For The Match’. The programme will feature former stars from both counties who will reminisce on some of the great games of the past and analyse the chances of both sides in the forthcoming clash on Sunday week May 22nd, in Semple Stadium, Thurles.
Supporters of both counties are invited to come along decked out in their county colours. Ceol agus craic will be on the agenda with songs of Tipp and Cork holding pride of place on the night.
The programme which will commence at 8pm on Friday night and will be compered by Eamon O’Dwyer of ‘Down Your Way’ fame which airs on Tipp FM.
MID SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP LAUNCH
This Wednesday night May 11th at 8pm, the Centenary Agri Mid Senior Hurling Championship will be launched in the Centenary Thurles premises on the Templemore Road. Best wishes to all Mid clubs in their divisional championship.
CELTIC CHALLENGE
South Tipperary got their U17 2016 Celtic Challenge underway last Wednesday with victory over Carlow by 3-11 to 12 points, South Tipperary’s goals coming from Conal Donovan – Arravale Rovers, Cathal Bourke – Clonoulty Rossmore and Niall Hoctor – St. Mary’s.
The team has a bye in the second round of games which will take place nationwide this Wednesday May 11th so therefore South Tipperary’s next game will take place in Golden on Wednesday 18th May next at 7.30pm against Waterford City. The following link contains results of the first round which may be of interest, http://www.gaa.ie/celticchallenge/results
HANDBALL
Tipperary girls were to the fore as they starred on Munster Girls Inter Provincial team which retained their 40 x 20 All Ireland crown last weekend to record a remarkable four in a row All-Ireland series of titles. The 2016 event which took place in Kingscourt on Saturday last May 9th and saw Munster beat a very strong Leinster outfit in the Semi Final. They then proceeded to take the overall honours against Ulster in the decider by thirty aces. All girls on the panel played over the course of the two games-a credit to the management team in charge of the girls.
A lot of work and time goes into any All-Ireland success and huge credit must go to the people in charge, namely Eamonn Spillane (Nenagh), Rose Mc Mahon and Pat Murphy (Broadford) who have led the Munster girls through some titanic struggles over the years. Many thanks to all the girls involved for their commitment and dedication over the last few weeks, clubs, coaches and parents for all their support and help.
Team consisted of Chloe Philpott, Aine Spain, Amy Mc Keogh, Amber Nolan, Orla O’Brien, Aisling Shanahan, Katie Morris, Bridin Dinane, Aoife Floyd, Niamh O Brien, Sinead Meagher and Katie McCarthy, congratulations to one and all.
TEACHERS GAA SUMMER COURSE
A GAA summer course for Primary School teachers will take place in Dr. Morris Park Thurles from July 5th – 7th. The course combines three days face to face with 8 hours of accessing online content. Please contact marygtroche@gmail.com for more information.
TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB
The Tipperary Supporters Club for 2016 is available and at €30 per person it is unchanged again this year. The Tipperary Supporters Club member’s gift in 2016 will be a trolley coin keyring, 43 mm x 33 mm, featuring The Tipperary Supporters Club Official Logo.
Supporters can join on line on www.tippsupportersclub.com by credit card or debit/laser card. 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. 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.
