by PRO Joe Bracken
MUNSTER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP
The Tipperary journey in the 2016 championship campaign is up and running after defeating Cork 22 points to 13 in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship Quarter-Final on Sunday last in a rain soaked Semple Stadium. The fact that the Cork challenge never materialised meant that a steady performance from Tipperary was enough to see them over the line with something to spare.
Coming into the game amid nervous expectation of what the Rebels would bring, the Tipperary supporters went home happy having witnessed mission accomplished with most focus of attention shifting towards Cork in the aftermath of defeat and allowing Tipperary breathing space following necessary post-match media requirements.
With the elements dictating affairs from above, (who said God was in charge of the weather), we were all led to believe in the build-up that the sun always shone on these two great rivals, not this time as we now well know – it was more of the liquid variety and plenty of it, perhaps it was a pretext of what was to come? Anyhow, the Tipperary players dictated affairs from below, helped in no small measure by Cork failing to spring out of the traps, so much so that Tipperary were out of sight by the time the first bend came into focus.
Some sublime scores in the forward line showed Tipperary were a side that meant business and with the backs clearing their lines in waves, the Tipperary performance revived the batteries and also showed that there is plenty to work on going forward. Combined with a strong bench and panel to draw from, each player and supporter knows there will be no time for complacency in the desire for the ultimate prize come next September.
Naming four championship debutants in his starting line-up, Seamus Kennedy (St. Mary’s), Sean Curran (Mullinahone), Dan McCormack (Borris Ileigh) and John McGrath (Loughmore-Castleiney), Tipperary manager Michael Ryan surprised many by showing loyalty to those who were making great strides in training in the weeks leading up to the game. With that in mind it will make competition for places even more intense when the Munster Semi-final comes round on Sunday, June 19th next against Limerick, also in Semple Stadium at 4pm.
Congratulations to Padraic Maher (Thurles Sarsfields) on receiving the official Man-of-the-Match Award following his display on Sunday.
MUNSTER INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP
The Tipperary intermediate hurlers got the day off to a great start for the Premier County as they too accounted for Cork 3-20 to 1-15 in the Munster Intermediate Quarter-Final, Cork out of it as they went for three in a row.
With Aidan McCormack (Thurles Sarsfields) leading the Tipp charge in the scoring stakes, shooting 14 points (12 from placed balls), the Tipperary goals came courtesy of a penalty from goalkeeper Brian Hogan (Lorrha Dorrha) and a brace from full forward Mark Russell (Lattin Cullen). This Tipperary victory in which ten U21 players lined out in William Maher’s intermediate squad sets up a Munster Semi-final clash with Limerick also on Sunday June 19th in Semple Stadium ahead of the senior fixture.
MUNSTER SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
It’s the turn of the Tipperary Senior Footballers to take centre stage for the county this weekend with an away fixture against Waterford in Fraher Field, Dungarvan on Sunday next, May 29th in the Munster Senior Football Championship Quarter-Final at 3.30pm.
This is a repeat fixture of last year, where Tipperary ran out easy winners against Waterford in Semple Stadium, though one fears Tipperary certainly won’t have it as easy next Sunday as the confined spaces of Fraher Field will not be as conducive to Tipperary’s style of play. Coupled with the loss of a number of players to foreign shores, manager Liam Kearns will be expecting a stern challenge from the Déise if Tipperary stands a chance of progressing to a Munster Semi-final against Cork on the weekend of June 11/12 in Semple Stadium, should his side win on Sunday.
We send best wishes to the our senior footballers led by captain Peter Acheson (Moyle Rovers) and to their management team as they set out on their journey in this year’s championship. David Gough (Meath) is the referee on Sunday.
There will be a ticket van outside Fraher Field to allow anyone who wishes to attend the game to purchase a ticket on the day. Its general admission so first come first served. Tickets as always will be available this week from tickets.ie and selected Centra and Supervalu stores.
MUNSTER JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
Also, on Sunday the Tipperary Junior Football team under the watchful eye of Tommy Toomey and his selectors open proceedings in Fraher Field against Waterford at 1.30pm in the Munster Junior Football Championship. With little in the way of form to work on Tommy Toomey will no doubt be looking at the depth of underage talent within the county together with more experienced players as he sets out to plot a course to scupper the Waterford ship on the edge of Dungarvan Harbour.
Here too we send best wishes to the team and management and hope they can record an opening victory in the day’s proceedings to keep the Premier flag flying. The referee for this game is Richard Moloney (Limerick) who incidentally refereed the corresponding fixture last year in which Tipperary had three points to spare.
BORD GÁIS ENERGY U21 HURLING AMBASSADOR
Congratulations to Ronan Maher (Thurles Sarsfields)) on being chosen as one of the 2016 Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Championship Ambassadors. The championship was officially launched at an event in Kilmacud Crokes GAA Club last week. Tipperary will play Limerick or Cork in the Munster Under 21 Hurling semi-final on July 13th in Semple Stadium or Pairc Ui Rinn.
TIPPERARY COACHING AND GAMES
It was a busy three days from Wednesday to Friday last week for the Coaching and Games team who oversaw and co-ordinated a hugely successful visit by Aogan O’Fearghail, President of GAA as part of the Feile na nGael school visits over those days.
The fantastic receptions that greeted the President signified and unified the superior bond that our GDA officers have with the schools. This of course is mainly down to all the superb Primary School teachers who encourage, promote and actively participate in ensuring children are afforded every opportunity to participate in our national games. Well done to all for the tremendous efforts across the county in welcoming our President.
TIPPERARY FIXTURES
The last of the County Senior Hurling Championship group stages takes place this Friday night in Templemore where Drom and Inch meet Upperchurch Drombane, with throw in at 7.30pm. For results in the County Senior Hurling ‘Challenge Cup’ including Dr. Fogarty Cup, Jim Devitt Cup, Johnny Ryan Cup and James Holohan Cup please check the results section https://tipperary.gaa.ie for all updates.
Congratulations to Cahir who secured the County U21’B’ Football title last Friday night following their one point win over Golden-Kilfeacle. For a full round up of all fixtures and results across the Premier County please view the county website at https://tipperary.gaa.ie
REFEREE
Best wishes to Derek O’Mahoney (Ardfinnan) who takes charge of the Connacht GAA Football Senior Championship Quarter-final tie between London and Mayo in Ruislip next Sunday, May 29th.
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
It was the turn of the U14 Post Primary Schools football finals last week and congratulations go to the winners in each grade; Thurles CBS took the ‘A’ title following a two point win over Abbey CBS; Scoil Ruain got the extra goals to see off Colaiste Dun Iascaigh in the ‘B’ decider, while Colaiste Cluain Meala had one point to spare over Comeragh College in the ‘C’ final. Thanks to the Friends of Tipperary Football for their sponsorship.
CELTIC CHALLENGE
After receiving a bye in the second round of the Celtic Challenge Under 17 hurling competition, South Tipperary got back to competitive action in Golden on Wednesday 18th May last with a victory over Waterford City on a score line of 4-21 to 0-10.
Paul O’Heney (Emly) was nominated by the referee (Ritchie Byrne, Kilkenny) and his officials as South Tipperary’s “Best and Fairest” award winner. This accolade is bestowed upon the player on each team who is judged to have best reflected the following principles during the course of the game –
• Displayed a high level of skill and endeavour
• Displayed respect towards Match Official
• Displayed respect towards his fellow Players
• Displayed respect towards the Playing Rules
South Tipperary’s next game is against South Wexford this Wednesday, May 25th at 7.30pm in New Ross.
You can follow all the latest Celtic Challenge news at, http://www.gaa.ie/hurling/news/celtic-challenge-round/
TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB GOLF CLASSIC
The first of the Tipperary Supporters Club golf classics goes ahead this Friday in Thurles Golf Club. This event growing in stature each year continuously provides a welcome boost to the Tipperary senior hurling training fund. Tipperary Co. Board thank and acknowledges the Supporters Club for the loyal and sterling service in their contribution to the senior hurlers.
NORTH TIPP REFEREES
The North Tipp GAA Referees are holding a table quiz in Reidy’s of Newtown this Friday, 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 Joe McDonagh RIP, former President of the Association from 1997 to 2000, who passed away last weekend, 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.
