by PRO Joe Bracken
MUNSTER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP
The appointed day is almost upon us in what is the true start of summer as next Sunday, May 22nd, heralds in the latest instalment in the gripping and hugely significant role of hurling’s illustrious history between Tipperary and Cork who meet once again in the Munster Championship Quarter-Final. Two traditional powerhouses deeply ensconced in the mind and hearts of hurling folk not alone at county and provincial level, but nationally also, once again stride out on the revered sod of Semple Stadium, the ‘Field of Legends’ to renew a rivalry like no other. The passion, hunger and determination is massive in each camp and so too is respect and from that respect is sown the rich tapestry of tradition that makes any Munster Championship fixture between the counties special. But when it comes to Thurles and Liberty Square before the real battle commences, then that tradition becomes extra special and takes on a life all of its own.
Shadow boxing aside, next Sunday will be man to man stuff. A fact no doubt not lost on the Tipperary management and backroom team who will have their arsenal well and truly primed to meet the assault the Rebels will bring to the heat of battle in Semple Stadium. With little more than a whisper travelling north from the boys down south one can sense the feeling that the cute Cork lads are prepared to let their hurling do the talking. And so in that Tipp best beware. Tipperary have the edge in historical stats however marginal and above all else now have the players who can and will hopefully deliver as this is their canvas on which they can create a masterpiece of their own, each singularly skilful with talents honed to the finest level yet together united in single mind and purposefulness to arrive, seal and deliver the all-important strokes on the first step of their destiny in 2016. With the hard work behind them soon it is their appointed hour and for them and with them Tipperary unites too.
So it’s out of the armchairs and into the stands as the Premier rallying cry is sounded to get behind the lads; they need and want your support as it is massive to them in every meaning of the word. If as supporters we crave for success – so too the players crave our support, let all Tipperary Supporters not be found wanting, the journey begins this Sunday.
In Championship hurling (Munster and All-Ireland series) Cork and Tipp have met on 83 occasions with the balance of power ever so slightly in favour of Tipp who have 38 wins, Cork have 37 and there has been 7 draws, while one fixture was abandoned back in 1926.
Sunday’s fixture will be the 13th first round meeting between Cork and Tipp vying for a Munster semi-final berth, unlucky for who we wonder? Not Tipp please. Since 2000 Tipp and Cork have met 11 times in the Championship including qualifiers and All-Ireland Semi-Final with Tipp again edging it 6 wins to 5, let’s hope Sunday sees extra daylight in the stats from a Tipperary perspective.
The last draw between the sides was the1991 Munster Final at Páirc Uí Chaoimh which has been ranked among one of the all-time classics. The replay certainly lived up to its billing too with Tipperary coming out on top 4-19 to 4-15, before an attendance of 55,000 in Semple Stadium. It also prompted the great quote “if I had ducks they’d drown” from Nicky English, who was ruled out of the replay through injury. In that Tipperary side incidentally were none other than Michael Ryan, John Madden and Conor Stakelum, no pressure lads but more of the same next Sunday please.
With the scene set, throw in on Sunday is at 4pm and the referee is Barry Kelly from Westmeath. In the event of a draw the match will go to a replay on Sunday week May 29th, there will be no extra time on Sunday. 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 Tipperary GAA Merchandise Shop, Lar na Pairce, Thurles 11am until 5.30pm until this Friday and from usual outlets i.e. selected SuperValu and Centra Stores and also online at http://gaa.tickets.ie
MUNSTER INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP
Tipperary take on Cork in the Munster Intermediate Quarter-Final at 2.00pm also next Sunday, May 22nd before the main event of the day in Semple Stadium. Having gone quietly about their business, the Tipperary management team of William Maher, Billy O’Shea and John Devane will be hoping for their side to get the Tipperary train off to a positive start in what is always a fascinating fixture as the focus typically shifts towards the senior clash. Again great attention has been paid to training and challenge games and the team will no doubt want to continue in the championship and set up a Munster Semi-final clash with Limerick. Extra time if necessary will be played consisting of 2 x 10 minute periods only and the referee will be Declan O’ Driscoll from Limerick.
CENTENARY CELEBRATION LUNCH
Tipperary County Board are celebrating the 100th anniversary of their Munster and All Ireland victory over Cork in the Munster senior hurling final played in October 1916 and in the All-Ireland final of the same year played in January 1917.
The Tipperary / Cork rivalry is unique in the hurling world and is set to be renewed this Sunday, May 2nd in Semple Stadium. In association with the game Tipperary are holding a Centenary Celebration Lunch in the Dome Semple Stadium to mark the occasion. We are looking forward to a big attendance for the function from both Cork and Tipperary and the Munster region for what should be a great occasion and a good start to what should be a great day overall.
For bookings which must be pre-paid please contact Co. Secretary, Lar na Pairce, Thurles 0504 22702 or email: secretary.tipperary@gaa.ie. See also https://tipperary.gaa.ie/centenary-celebration-lunch-may-22nd/
HAWKEYE
A little bit of history will be made next Sunday following confirmation from GAA HQ that Hawkeye will be used for first time in Semple Stadium, for the Munster Championship Quarter-final meeting of Tipperary and Cork.
TIPPERARY FIXTURES
Congratulations to Clonmel Commercials who made it three in a row County U21 ‘A’ Football titles following their 4-07 to 1-07 victory over Drom & Inch in the final last Saturday afternoon in Cashel.
There are also congratulations for Cappawhite who defeated Newport 1-10 to 05 in the County Adult Football league Division 2 final
The next rounds in the County Senior Hurling ‘Challenge Cup’ go ahead from Friday evening on with action in the DR. Fogarty Cup, Jim Devitt Cup, Johnny Ryan Cup and James Holohan Cup. While next Tuesday then, May 24th action continues in the County Intermediate and Junior Hurling Leagues.
In the County U21’B’ Football Championship Final, best wishes to Golden-Kilfeacle and Cahir who meet in the final this Friday night May 20th in New Inn at 7pm. Extra-time will be played in the event of a draw.
For a full round up of all fixtures and results across the Premier County please view the county website at https://tipperary.gaa.ie
REFEREES
Best wishes to our referees on duty at important fixtures this weekend. Fergal Horgan (Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams) is in charge of the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship Quarter-Final between Dublin and Wexford this Saturday May 21st in Croke Park. John O’Brien (Arravale Rovers) is also in the middle as he referees the Christy Ring Cup relegation playoff between Derry and Wicklow in Pairc Esler in Newry again this Saturday May 21st.
NEW TIPPERARY GAA DRAW
The new 2016-2017 Tipperary Draw, recently launched continues to be a source 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. Tipperary Co. Board requests all promotors and clubs to do their utmost to get as many signed up before the first draw.
SCHOOLS
Congratulations to Scoil Phobal Roscrea who claimed the Corn O Laoghaire County Post Primary Schools U17 B hurling crown following their win over Cistercian Roscrea in the final. Meanwhile in the County Post Primary Schools U18.5 B football final congratulations goes to Nenagh CBS following their win over Scoil Ruain Killenaule also last week.
CELTIC CHALLENGE
South Tipperary’s next game will take place in Golden this Wednesday 18th May next at 7.30pm against Waterford City in the next round of the Celtic Challenge. The following link from gaa.ie contains a round-up of all first and second round matches and will be updated on a weekly basis for the duration of the competition, http://www.gaa.ie/hurling/news/celtic-challenge-round/
NORTH TIPP REFEREES
The North Tipp GAA Referees are holding a table quiz in Reidy’s of Newtown on Friday week, May 27th, with plenty of cash prizes and spot prizes. All support for the referees table quiz is greatly appreciated as without these people our games simply would not exist. The ball will be thrown in here at 8.30pm and the usual great banter and craic is guaranteed.
SYMPATHY
Tipperary GAA on behalf of all its supporters expresses its sympathy to the family of the late Jack Boothman RIP, former President of the Association from 1994 to 1997, who passed away last week, ar anam De go raibh a anam dilis.
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.
