by Acting PRO Joe Bracken
MUNSTER SENIOR FOOTBALL QUARTER-FINAL
The last few boxes are now being ticked in preparation of the Tipperary Senior footballers opening Munster Championship quarter-final fixture against Waterford on next Sunday, May 31st, in Semple Stadium with throw-in at 3.30pm. The referee is Rory Hickey from Clare.
With a solid league campaign under their belt and the outstanding success of the U21 football panel, manager Peter Creedon and his fellow selectors can be assured there will be no shortage of confidence within the side as they look to make a winning start to the championship and hopefully set up a semi-final encounter with Kerry on June 14th in Semple Stadium.
In last year’s quarter-final, goals from Barry Grogan and Philip Austin in each half helped Tipp to a 6 point win over Limerick to set up that nail biting semi-final against Cork. The first match on the programme for Sunday is the Munster Junior Football Championship Quarter-Final also between Tipperary and Waterford which throws in at 1.30pm.
Ticket prices are as follows; Adult: €15, Student’s/OAP: Purchase Adult tickets and receive a €5 concession at designated turnstiles prior to entry. Under 16’s are free and do not require a ticket, this is an unreserved fixture.
MUNSTER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP
Following Limerick’s defeat of Clare last Sunday in the Munster quarter final, the Tipperary cross-hairs will have the Treaty men squarely in their sights for the next few weeks ahead of what will be an eagerly awaited Munster Championship Semi-Final on June 21st, at 4pm in the Gaelic Grounds.
MUNSTER INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP
June 21st in the Gaelic Grounds will be an all Tipperary Limerick affair, as the Intermediate hurlers from Limerick qualified to meet Tipperary in the Munster Semi-Final at 2pm ahead of the senior fixture.
REFEREES
Last weekend was a busy one for Tipperary officials at provincial level where on Sunday last John O’Brien from Arravale Rovers took charge of the Limerick v Clare Munster Intermediate Hurling Championship Quarter-Final tie in Semple Stadium.
Ahead of that game on Saturday, David Grogan from Aherlow was in the middle between Clare and Limerick in the Munster Junior Football Championship Quarter-Final, while immediately following Derek O’Mahoney from Ardfinnan oversaw proceedings again between Clare and Limerick in the Munster Senior Football Championship Quarter-Final decider. Well done to our referee officials in keeping the Premier flag flying.
TIPPERARY GAA – LONDON CORPORATE LUNCH FUNDRAISER
All attention ahead of the weekend will focus on the Intercontinental Hotel in London’s West End this Friday afternoon as the second Tipperary GAA fund-raising “Team Tipperary Corporate Lunch” takes place from 12.30 to 4pm. After the outstanding success of last year’s inaugural event in aid of the ambitious development at the Dr. Morris Park Centre of Excellence, the Intercontinental Hotel will once again welcome over three hundred diners for what should prove to be another most enjoyable and entertaining occasion.
Paul Collins of Today FM fame and a native of Annacarty will once again be MC and an auction of rare Tipperary GAA memorabilia will round off the afternoon’s lunch which will include among other things Eoin Kelly’s autographed jersey that he wore on his last appearance for Tipperary.
Though time has almost run out last minute reservations may be made as soon as possible to the Tipperary GAA Office at Lar na Pairce, Thurles, 0504 22702 or email: secretary.tipperary@gaa.ie.
NEW TIPPERARY GAA DRAW
With the first draw moved back to Friday June 5th in the New Tipperary GAA Draw to enable all clubs extra time to reach their potential, the Draw Committee sincerely request all clubs and promoters to leave no stone unturned in ensuring as many Tipperary supporters as possible are signed up for the new draw. Having introduced major increases in commission the Draw Committee are extremely confident these will prove very attractive to clubs.
Remember this is “The Tipperary Clubs Draw” and it’s up to every club to contribute to its survival. It has served the county well for 27 years and has survived very recent tough economic times. Now is a great opportunity for all our clubs to grow its draw membership and bring in much needed revenue with no risk or no cost.
The Draw Committee and the Co. Board are looking forward to a renewed effort by all clubs to restore “our” County Draw to its former greatness. Alternatively, you can sign up online today at – http://ow.ly/MpF0u follow that link on the Tipperary GAA website.
HURLING AMBASSADOR
Ballina native Mikey Breen has been selected as an Ambassador for this year’s Bord Gáis Energy U21 Hurling Championship following his attendance at the official launch of the championship last week in Glendalough, Co. Wicklow. In their Munster Championship Semi-Final fixture Tipperary will meet Limerick on Thursday the 16th of July in the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick at 7.30pm.
OFFICIAL KIT VEHICLE
It was announced last Tuesday, May 19th, that SKODA Ireland have reaffirmed their commitment to Tipperary GAA as their official kit vehicle partner. SKODA’s association with Tipperary commenced back in 2011 and saw SKODA invest over €500k in the Premier County over the following four years. The sponsorship has proven immensely positive for SKODA, with the brand expanding their share of the car market from 5.2% in 2011 to a peak of 7.1% in 2013.
Tipperary Senior hurling stars Padraic Maher, Shane McGrath and Darren Gleeson were on hand at the announcement.
Tipperary County Board Chairman, Michael Bourke said, “SKODA have been a great supporter of Tipperary GAA over the last four years and we are delighted to have them back on board. The Yeti Sherpa commercial vehicles make excellent kit vans and will assist all our squads in bringing future premier hurling and football success.”
TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB GOLF CLASSIC
The Tipperary Supporters Club held another very successful annual golf classic at Co. Tipperary Golf Club at Dundrum House recently. The Supporters Club would like to thank all those who sponsored teams and tees for their great generosity and continued support for Tipperary hurling. Go raibh míle maith agaibh. The main prize winners were the Garrabridge Team who were 1st again with a completely new team since last year’s event. Thanks are also due to the staff at Dundrum House for the excellent arrangements as always. The main results are as follows:
1st Garrabridge: Noel Mollen (Castlebarna), Pat Cronly (Esker Hills), Ken Whelan (Dundrum), Charlie Gaffney (Dundrum).
2nd C&C Gleeson: Paddy Tynan (Roscrea), Martin McGrath (Hollystown), Donal Hurley (Thurles), Michael Parlon (Birr).
3rd Cork Metal Co.: Eddie Stapleton (Tipperary), Declan Fitzgerald (Monkstown), Fr Ailbe O’Bric (Dundrum), Eddie O’Sullivan (Monkstown).
4th: Alpha Drives: John Dwan (Thurles), Billy Sheil (Carton), Pat Bolger (Carton), Tom Donovan (Mount Wolseley).
5th OMC: Tom Comerford (Thurles), Tony Sheedy (Templemore), Neil Lynch (Bantry Bay), Jim Doyle (Castlewarden).
The Longest Drive went to Martin Kane and Nearest Pin was Michael Butler.
TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB GOLF CLASSIC IN DUBLIN
The Tipperary Supporters Club Dublin Golf Classic will take place again at Edmonstown Golf Club on next Thursday, June 4th. The package includes a team of four and a 4 course meal with many attractive prizes, all for €600. Please send payments made out to Tipperary Supporters Club to Denise Dowling, KPMG, Stokes Place, St Stephens Green, Dublin 2. Further details are available from denise.dowling@kpmg.ie or on www.tippsupportersclub.com
FOOTBALL ‘FRIENDS’ GOLF CLASSIC
The Friends of Tipperary Football are continuing their busy preparations for its annual Mr Mister Menswear sponsored golf classic in Thurles Golf Club on Saturday week, June 6th, for which your support is also requested.
A large entry is expected for the golf classic as Blue and Gold followers are keen to throw their weight behind the fundraising activities of the ‘Friends’. Proceeds of the event will go towards the training and preparation of all Tipp football squads.
The 2014 classic, also held in the magnificent Thurles course, was an outstanding success with teams from all over Tipperary and adjoining counties taking part. The Friends deeply appreciate the kind sponsorship once again of Mr Mister Menswear, Cahir and Cashel, for the 2015 classic. Entries are now being taken for the event; Teams of 4 – €120, Teebox sponsorship- €50. The Friends would greatly appreciate your support for the event. Entries may be submitted to Martin on (086) 2549154.
FRIENDS FOOTBALL LOTTO
The Friends of Tipperary Football GAA Lotto is progressing nicely and all Tipperary supporters are encouraged to please support by playing online now at the following link http://bit.ly/1HU6W9H and help ensure that this worthwhile venture will thrive and prosper.
MUNSTER GAA FANTASY PICK 5
Munster GAA is giving fans the chance to test their fantasy GAA skills and add to their match day experience during the 2015 Munster Championship. Fans can play the Munster GAA Fantasy Game for all of the 2015 Senior Hurling Munster Championship and the 2015 Senior Football Championship Final. Playing is easy and FREE.
Simply log onto the Munster Fantasy GAA website www.munster.gaa.ie/fantasy or download our app from iTunes or Google Play, select a game and then select the 5 players you think will have the biggest impact on the game. Further details are also on the Munster website.
TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB MEMBERSHIP 2015
Membership of the Tipperary Supporters Club for 2015 continues to be available. Membership is €30 per person, unchanged since 2006. We are delighted to announce that the member’s gift in 2015 is a Gold Plated Tiobraid Ãrann Crossed Hurley, 19.5mm x 20.0 mm, lapel pin specially designed and produced in the traditional Blue & Gold colours of Tipperary. Each member will also receive a Tipperary Supporters Club car sticker and a 2015 Membership Card.
Members will also be entered into a draw for five pairs of stand tickets for all Tipperary games in the Munster and All Ireland S.H. Championships. 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. Membership is also available in the following premises, Moynihan’s in Gladstone Street, Clonmel, O’Donoghue’s in Cashel, Noel Ryan’s in Parnell Street, Thurles and from Jackie Shanahan and Carroll’s in Roscrea. If joining by post please send a cheque or postal order payable to Tipperary Supporters Club to Jim Reidy,13 Castleknock Close, Dublin 15 (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.
