by PRO Joe Bracken
MUNSTER MINOR HURLING PLAY OFF 2
It’s the second match for Liam Cahill’s side in the Electric Ireland Munster Minor Hurling Championship with the Play Off 2, taking place this Wednesday evening, May 4th in Cusack Park, Ennis at 7pm as Tipperary travel to take on Clare in a bid to make it to the semi-final against Cork on June 30th next. Should Tipperary win that semi-final will take place in Pairc Uí Rinn.
Having the Waterford game out of the system by now, the Tipperary management will be looking for a big performance on Wednesday night, knowing that the players have it in them to progress, however, they also know it won’t be an easy task turning Clare in their own back yard so complete focus will be required to get the job done. Ahead of the tie we send best wishes to the reigning Munster Champions as they look to book their place in the last four.
In the event of a draw at end of normal time, extra time of 2 x 10 minute periods only will be played. The referee for this fixture is Joe Larkin (Cork).
The Tipperary team announced for this match is the same as that which lined out against Waterford in Play Off 1and is as follows; Ciarán Barrett – Clonmel Óg, Cillian O’Dwyer – Killenaule, Brian McGrath (Capt.) – Loughmore-Castleiney, Jerome Cahill – Kilruane MacDonaghs, Gavin Dunne – Holycross-Ballycahill, Michael Whelan – Carrick Davins, Tom Murphy – J.K. Brackens, Bryan O’Mara – Holycross-Ballycahill, Jake Morris – Nenagh Éire Óg, Ger Browne – Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams, Dillion Quirke – Clonoulty-Rossmore, Mark Kehoe – Kilsheelan-Kilcash, Shane Neville – Lattin Cullen, Cian Darcy – Kilruane MacDonaghs, Lyndon Fairbrother – J.K. Brackens.
MUNSTER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP
We are now just three weeks away from Tipperary’s opening Quarter-Final fixture against Cork in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship, on Sunday May 22nd in Semple Stadium. With the league out of the way the focus of attention turns in earnest towards the Munster Championship and to its rich history and tradition which draws out of not only players and management teams but every man, woman and child the passion and enthusiasm of being part of this uniquely special occasion in the Irish sporting and cultural calendar.
Tickets are now on sale for this much awaited clash as the age old rivalry between the Premier County and our Rebel neighbours ignites the flame of passion to entertain and enthral all supporters in the lead up to the match and for days beyond as well.
Tickets 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)
Student’s/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 Monday May 16th.
MUNSTER CHAMPIONSHIPS LAUNCH
The launch of this year’s Munster Hurling and Football Championships takes place in Cashel next Monday, May 9th at 7.30pm.
COUNTY SENIOR HURLING & FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
The County Senior Hurling Championship returns for the final league rounds this weekend with it all to play for in some groups in what promises to be an exciting weekend of action.
In “Roinn 1” “Group 1” Upperchurch-Drombane take on JK Brackens in the Ragg on Saturday next May 8th at 7pm, while Drom & Inch meet Killenaule in Boherlahan on Sunday next May 8th at 2pm (the first of a double header), in what should be an extremely close contest. With both games a draw the last day it’s still all to play for, while the one outstanding first round tie between Drom and the ‘Church won’t take place until after Tipperary’s Muster Quarter-final clash with Cork.
In “Roinn 1” “Group 2” it should also prove close between Borris-Ileigh and Roscrea who meet in Moneygall on Saturday at 7pm, while in Pairc Ciocaim also at 7pm Thurles Sarsfields would expect to make it win number three this time against Éire Óg Annacarty-Donohill, though the West outfit will be looking to cause an upset and claim the two points which they need to have any hope of reaching the knockout stages.
Kiladangan take on Templederry Kenyons in Dolla on Sunday at 2pm in “Roinn 1” “Group 3” looking to make it their third win in the group, while Nenagh Éire Óg will hope to continue their momentum with a win over Mullinahone in Templemore also on Sunday at 3.30pm. The South lads will be looking for a bounce back from the loss to Kiladangan in a hope of reaching the knock out stages; a tight game could be on the cards here also.
Clonoulty-Rossmore leading the way in “Roinn 1” “Group 4” meet Portroe in the second of the Dolla double header at 3.30pm on Sunday with the other group teams Kilruane Mac Donaghs and Lorrha-Dorrha pairing up on Saturday evening at 7pm in Borrisokane.
Holycross-Ballycahill meet Burgess start the double header fixtures in Templemore at 2pm in “Roinn 2” “Group 1” and should on previous results cement top spot in the group, elsewhere Toomevara and Moyne-Templetuohy meet in Roscrea later that evening at 7pm.
In “Roinn 2” “Group 2” Carrick Swans are through so Moycarkey-Borris and Moneygall meet in Templetuohy at 2pm on Sunday to decide the runner up spot and avoid relegation worries. Again this is the first of a double header fixture.
In “Roinn 2” “Group 3” Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams who lost the last day meet Loughmore-Castleiney in Boherlahan on Sunday at 3.30pm in the second of two matches that afternoon in the Mid venue.
A fascinating game is in prospect in “Roinn 2” “Group 4” as Ballina and Ballingarry meet to decide who goes through with both sides on two wins apiece, the game goes ahead in Templetuohy at 3.30pm on Sunday. The other tie is between Clonakenny and Silvermines which will be equally intriguing as neither side will want to end on the bottom. This game is down for decision on Saturday evening in Toomevara at 7.15pm.
There is also plenty of action this weekend in the County Intermediate Hurling Championships.
The results in the County Senior Football Championship last weekend resulted as follows; in ‘Group 1’ Kilsheelan-Kilcash who drew their first match got the better of Cahir by four points while Arravale Rovers who drew with Kilsheelan previously and are now tied with them presently on points following their victory over Upperchurch-Drombane but with a lesser score average, Arravale winning this one by three points.
In ‘Group 2’ Clonmel Commercials defeated JK Brackens to make it win number two while Ballyporeen had too much in the tank by seeing off Killenaule in Cahir. Meanwhile in ‘Group 3’ Galtee Rovers-St. Pecaun defeated Éire Óg Annacarty-Donohill in Sean Treacy Park. Finally in ‘Group 4’ Drom-Inch made it win number two with victory over Aherlow Gaels while Moyle Rovers proved much too strong for Ardfinnan to get their campaign back on track.
The County U21 football semi-finals were also played on Bank Holiday Monday and saw Drom & Inch reach the final following their 4 point win over Arravale Rovers. In the county final they will meet Clonmel Commercials who saw off the challenge of Newport by 9 points. The final is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 14th next in Leahy Park, Cashel at 7pm.
Please go to the Tipperary website for a full round up of all fixtures and results across the Premier County at https://tipperary.gaa.ie
TOM O’HARA TOURNAMENT
Tipperary defeated Kilkenny by 1-16 to 0-17 in the Tom O’Hara Under 21 Hurling Tournament on Monday May 2nd at Gortnahoe.
ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE FINAL REPLAY
Semple Stadium will once again be the centre of attention next weekend as the replay of the Allianz Hurling League Final throws in at 3.30pm between Clare and Waterford.
HAWKEYE
The GAA confirmed that Hawkeye will be used for first time in Semple Stadium, for the Munster Championship Quarter-final meeting of Tipperary and Cork on May 22nd next. Having being trialled successfully in Semple Stadium in a non-live capacity during Tipperary’s home Allianz Hurling League matches as well as the Na Piarsaigh v Oulart-the-Ballagh All-Ireland club SHC semi-final and the Allianz Hurling League semi-finals, the score detection technology will make its official live debut later this month.
SCHOOLS
Congratulations to Thurles C.B.S. winners of the Dr. Fitzgerald Cup following their 3.21 to 2.21 win over Nenagh C.B.S. after extra time last Wednesday.
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.
REFEREE
Congratulations to Fergal Horgan (Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams) who made the Hurling Championship panel of 12 referees for this year’s championship. Congratulations also to John O’Brien (Arravale Rovers) who made the Linesman panel which is a newly created panel, and in hurling this panel will also be appointed to referee games in the Christy Ring Cup.
CELTIC CHALLENGE
The 2016 Celtic Challenge throws in this Wednesday, May 4th in Fenagh, Co. Carlow at 7.30pm and South Tipperary consisting of players from South/West Tipperary will represent Tipperary in this tournament.
Their first game is against the home county Carlow and the South Tipperary panel is as follows; Luke Delahunty – Moyle Rovers, Stephen O’Brien – Éire Óg Annacarty, Donnacha Quirke – Clonoulty Rossmore, Cormac Maher – Arravale Rovers, Paul O’Heney – Emly, Fiachra Scott – Ballingarry, Niall Heffernan – Golden Kilfeacle, Andy Byrnes – Golden Kilfeacle, Darren O’Dwyer – Arravale Rovers, Eoghan Brett – Mullinahone, Conal Donovan – Arravale Rovers, Josh Macken – Skeheenarinky, Fergus Halligan – Arravale Rovers, Cathal Bourke – Clonoulty Rossmore, Ross Bonner – Cashel King Cormacs, Killian Hayde – Golden Kilfeacle, Michael Meaney – Ballyneale, Ciarán Quinn – Cashel King Cormacs, Kevin Lawlor – Killenaule, Niall Hoctor – St Mary’s Clonmel, Colin Ryan – Cashel King Cormacs, Conor Leahy – Arravale Rovers, Eoin McCormack – Knockavilla Kickhams, Matthew Moroney – Arravale Rovers, Dean McMorrow – Clerihan, Jack Lyons – Ballyneale, Jack Lowry – Arravale Rovers, Jordan Hayes – Éire Óg Annacarty, Conor O’Brien – Cahir and Nathan Crowe – Arravale Rovers.
Best of luck to South Tipperary and their management team in the inaugural Celtic Challenge.
LORY MEAGHER CUP – TIPPERARY INTEREST
The annual Lory Meagher Cup competition got under way on Saturday April 23rd last with games in Darver Co. Louth and Ballinamore Co. Leitrim where there was considerable Tipperary interest. In the opening round clash between Leitrim and Warwickshire Tipperary was represented on both teams.
The hosts included in their line-out locally based Loughmore-Castleiney native John Ryan who led their attack and scored a point. But it was the travelling Exiles from the Midlands of the UK, including the five Tipperary men, who had every reason to be pleased with themselves after their ten-point victory over the Westerners on a scoreline of 3-19 to1-15.
Coventry-based Killenaule native Joe Meagher lined out at corner back. His fellow Roger Casements GAA clubmate and Knockavilla man Shane Morrissey was in tremendous form at corner forward and scored 0-5 from play. In the other corner was Gortnahoe man Ogie Long (0-1) who is a younger brother of former Tipperary minor star and Republic of Ireland international soccer star Shane Long.
Other Tipperary representatives on the Warwickshire team were midfielders Donncha Kennedy (Drom & Inch) and Glengar man Liam Reale who also hurls with the St. Declan’s club in Oxford. After hitting 2-3 Liam was deservedly awarded the Man-of-the-Match accolade. All five players were in action back in Pairc na nEireann, Birmingham last weekend when the Exiles hosted Louth (who defeated Sligo in the opening round) in the second round of the Lory Meagher Cup.
Tipperary men in Exile: Leitrim’s John Ryan from Loughmore-Castleiney congratulates Warwickshire’s Shane Morrissey (Knockavilla Kickham’s) after the Exiles ten-point victory in Ballinamore on Saturday 23rd April.
Tipp-top Warwickshire: Pictured from left are Donncha Kennedy (Drom and Inch), Ogie Long (Gortnahoe), Liam Reale (Glengar), Shane Morrissey (Knockavilla Kickhams) and Joe Meagher (Killenaule) after their ten-point victory over Leitrim in Ballinamore on Saturday 23 April.
LÁ NA gCLUBANNA
Lá na gClubanna will take place next Sunday, 8th May, 2016 as the GAA plans to celebrate the importance of your club in your community. While not possible from a Tipperary perspective to keep the day fixture free clubs and members are asked where possible to fully participate in this event. So if you can’t hold an event what better way to participate than to support your club at fixtures over the weekend, after all your club is the real driver and engine of the GAA.
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.
