by PRO Joe Bracken
TIPPERARY WATER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
SENIOR HURLING CO. FINAL
The business end of the club senior hurling championship has arrived in such expedited fashion that it is hard to believe that they year has caught up on us so quickly. This Sunday, October 16th, the main focus of attention will be on Semple Stadium as the Tipperary Water Senior Hurling Co. Final takes place at 3.30pm between Thurles Sarsfields and Kiladangan, who are certainly the two form teams of the championship so an enthralling and fascinating final is in prospect.
Thurles Sarsfields haven’t had such a rich run of form since the great team of the early sixties that won five in a row from 1961 to ’65 inclusive and 10 in 11 years, as they go about their business on Sunday. While standing in their way are Kiladangan who will be appearing in their first final since 1938 when they incidentally lost out to Thurles Sarsfields in that decider.
That won’t worry or enter the minds of the current Kiladangan outfit that will bring massive support with them to Thurles on Sunday as they look to lift the famous Dan Breen Cup after many years of trying. A balanced side with a great blend of experience and ambition it will be no major shock to their supporters if they come out on top on Sunday. To do that though, they must dethrone the current kingpins Thurles Sarsfields, a side laced with players each capable of turning the match in his sides favour should the chances present themselves.
The match ups on Sunday will be watched closely as the heightened build up to the game will raise the public interest in anticipation of a certain classic. The referee on Sunday will be John McCormack from Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams and this will be John’s second Co. Final in charge having previously officiated in the 2013 final. We send best wishes to John and his officials on Sunday and best wishes also to both clubs as they look to create their own unique piece of history.
Thurles Sarsfields and Kiladangan earned the right to contest Sunday’s final following wins in their respective Tipperary Water Senior Hurling Championship Quarter-Finals last weekend. In two games that failed to ignite as was expected, Thurles Sarsfields had the measure of Clonoulty-Rossmore running out convincing winners on a 1-22 to 0-15 score line, with Ritchie Ruth netting a second half goal for Sarsfields.
In the second match Kiladangan brushed aside the Killenaule challenge shooting 2-16 to 0-13 as they booked their place in the final. Joe Gallagher was the double goal scorer, firing one in each half to steer his side on the way to victory.
MINOR HURLING CO. FINALS
In a welcome development the Tipperary Water Minor ‘A’ Hurling final precedes the Co. SH Final on Sunday next with JK Brackens Óg lining out to meet St. Marys Clonmel in this year’s showpiece. In the pre-match build up both captains were eager to press home their credentials in advance of the final. Tom Murphy is expected to return from injury to lead his JK Brackens Óg side into combat while Kyle Peters is equally determined to ensure the cup heads South to St. Marys in Clonmel with the team on Sunday evening. Patrons are advised to note the throw in time is at 1.15pm.
Next Saturday, October 15th, the Tipperary Water Minor ‘B’ Hurling Final goes ahead in New Inn as Cashel King Cormacs take on Skeheenarinka/Clonmel Óg at 2pm.
SENIOR FOOTBALL
The Tipperary Water County Senior Football Championship has reached the quarter final stages with three games fixed for this Saturday. A double header in Cahir throwing in at 2.30pm sees defending champions Clonmel Commercials taking on Arravale Rovers while at 4pm Kilsheelan-Kilcash meet Ballyporeen. Up the road in Leahy Park Cashel, Loughmore-Castleiney take on Galtee Rovers-St. Pecaun at 4pm also, with extra time to be played in all games if required.
The remaining quarter-final will take place on Wednesday, October 19th next in New Inn between Moyle Rovers and Aherlow Gaels with an 8pm throw in.
INTERMEDIATE HURLING
In the Tipperary Water County Intermediate Hurling Championship it is now down to the semi-finals with two huge games set for decision this Saturday in a hugely attractive double header in Pairc Ciocaim, Dundrum. First up is the clash of Lattin Cullen Gaels and Newport at 2pm followed by the meeting of Thurles Sarsfields and Sean Treacys at 3.30pm, extra time will be played in the event of a draw at the end of normal time in both games.
Last weekend in the quarter-finals Thurles Sarsfields eventually overcame the Ballinahinch challenge after extra time having two to spare at the final whistle. While in Leahy Park Cashel, two goals for Lattin Cullen Gaels was the difference in their defeat of Moyle Rovers. On Sunday Sean Treacys had two to spare as they held off the test of St. Mary’s Clonmel. In the final match in the intermediate roundup Newport proved way too strong as they despatched Kilsheelan Kilcash with ease to reach the semi-finals.
SENIOR HURLING RELEGATION
Following matches in the County Senior Hurling Relegation last weekend a second loss for Moneygall saw them lose their senior status as they succumbed to defeat to Silvermines while Moyne-Templetuohy are still in with a shout of staying up following their draw with Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams.
Next Saturday in Templemore at 2.30pm Silvermines meet Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams in round 3 for both sides with Moyne-Templetuohy who have still yet to play Moneygall keeping a close eye on proceedings ahead of their third round fixture.
INTERMEDIATE HURLING RELEGATION
Cashel King Cormacs put paid to Moycarkey Borris’ tenure in intermediate grade as their comfortable win sent the Mid men to the Junior A ranks for 2017 following their win in the County Championship relegation play off. In a round 1 tie Golden-Kilfeacle defeated Rockwell Rovers in the other side of the relegation encounter.
INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL
It is down to the semi-finals in the Tipperary Water County Intermediate Football Championship on Saturday next as well. The first match forms part of an intermediate/senior double header in Cashel as Golden-Kilfeacle take on Fr. Sheehys at 2pm. And not too far away in Boherlahan, Moyne-Templetuohy take on Fethard at 2.30pm, here too extra time will be played in both games if required.
MINOR FOOTBALL FINALS
The Tipperary Water Minor A and B Football Finals went ahead in Cahir last Saturday with Galtee-Golden taking the honours over Clonmel Commercials in the ‘A’ final by the narrowest of margins to claim the Michael Hogan Cup. This cup was presented to the board by the Tipperary Association in Dublin in remembrance of ‘Bloody Sunday’.
In the ‘B’ Final Cashel King Cormacs were the winners following their victory over Kilsheelan-Kilcash as they claimed the Hugh Kennedy Cup, presented to the board by the Kennedy Family.
For a full round up of all fixtures and results across the Premier County please view the county website at https://tipperary.gaa.ie
JUBILEE TEAM
This Sunday the Jubilee Team being honoured for the 1991 Co. Final success is Cashel King Cormacs when captain Colm Bonner lifted the Dan Breen Cup for the only time in the clubs history, defeating Holycross-Ballycahill in the County Final. Later they would go on to claim the Munster crown also, getting the better of Midleton (Cork) in the final.
LAR NA PAIRCE SHOP
To facilitate patrons attending the Tipperary Water SH and MH Co. Finals, Lar Na Pairce GAA Shop and the Museum at Slievenamon Road, Thurles will be open next Sunday, October 16th from 12noon until 3.30pm.
ALL STAR AWARDS
With last week’s announcements of the nominations for this year’s hurling and football GAA/GPA All Stars we congratulate the Tipperary players whose performances on the field of play have been rightly recognised.
In leading the hurling nominations Tipperary’s starting fifteen in the All-Ireland Hurling Final have each been nominated, while Seamus Callanan (Drom & Inch) and Padraic Maher (Thurles Sarsfields) are both nominated for Hurler of the Year. The candidates for Young Player of the Year are Tipperary’s Ronan Maher and Waterford’s Austin Gleeson and Shane Bennett.
There are five Tipperary players among the football nominations; Evan Comerford (Kilsheelan-Kilcash), Robbie Kiely (Carbery Rangers), Peter Acheson (Moyle Rovers), Michael Quinlivan (Clonmel Commercials) and Conor Sweeney (Ballyporeen). Meanwhile, Josh Keane (Golden-Kileacle) and Jimmy Feehan (Killenaule) are nominated for Young Player of the Year.
The awards ceremony will be held in Dublin on November 4th next and we extend best wishes to all the players.
U21 HURLING TEAM OF THE YEAR
At the Bord Gáis Energy Under-21 award ceremony in the Mansion House in Dublin last Saturday night, we congratulate Andrew Coffey, (Nenagh Éire Óg) who was Tipperary’s sole recipient on the hurling team following his displays in this year’s Munster Hurling Championship.
COUNTY BOARD DRAW
The County Board Draw will take place this Friday, October 14th in Murphy’s Bar, Templemore to coincide with JK Bracken’s reception for their recent three All Ireland Hurling winning minor players, Tom Murphy, Paddy Cadell and Lyndon Fairbrother.
KILRUANE MACDONAGHS CLUB HISTORY
“Kilruane MacDonaghs 1970-2013 Heirs to a Proud Tradition” will be launched in the MacDonaghs clubroom on Friday, 14th October at 8.00pm. Len Gaynor, one of the club’s most iconic personalities, will do the honours. The 560 page hardback book, written by Gilbert Williams, has 442 photographs and gives a comprehensive account of club activities during this forty-four year period.
There are ten player profiles as well as a profile of the legendary Boer leader, Christiaan de Wet, after whom the successful De Wets team was named. There is a chapter devoted to the All-Ireland club victory in 1986 while the trip to New York in 1982 is also recalled. The publication costs €30 and will make an ideal Christmas gift. Copies can be obtained from Gilbert Williams 087-2176452. Everybody is welcome to attend the launch. Refreshments will be served.
2017 TIPPERARY GAA YEARBOOK
The 2017 Tipperary GAA Yearbook is being compiled at present and the Yearbook committee is seeking articles and information for inclusion. Clubs that have accomplished any unique achievement in 2016 such as winning a major title for the first time, achieving a double, opening new dressing rooms or a new grounds, etc. are requested to send through an appropriate article for inclusion.
The Yearbook committee are looking to all clubs to submit any obituaries of their deceased members in the last 12 months. The maximum number of words for an obituary is 150 and please include the club name and the years also, e.g. 1940-2016, as well as his/her G.A.A. achievements and a photograph of the deceased person.
The deadline for sending information is November 1st. Please e-mail information and photographs which must be named to John Smith, Secretary Tipperary Yearbook Committee at yearbook.tipperary@gaa.ie. Photographs can also be posted to John Smith c/o Tipperary GAA Office, Slievenamon Road, Thurles.
Please note information must be submitted as outlined above and all articles, photographs etc. will be acknowledged. If an acknowledgement is not received please contact the Yearbook Secretary at 087-9960710.
ANNUAL GAA MEMORABILIA FAIR IN THURLES
Lár na Páirce, the GAA Museum in Thurles, will hold a GAA Memorabilia Fair in Thurles Sarsfields Social Centre, (beside Semple Stadium) on Sunday, November 27th from 12.00 noon to 4.00pm.
At this Memorabilia Fair, patrons will be given the chance to browse, purchase and search a large selection of Match Programmes, Club Histories, Hurling, Football, Camogie and Handball publications, not to mention a host of other somewhat rare GAA material, and all in the pleasant and spacious surroundings of Thurles Sarsfields Clubhouse.
Dealers, collectors, sellers and swappers are cordially invited to attend this event, where it is hoped they will find unusual and rare material aplenty to interest everyone in attendance. Sales positions, free of charge, can be booked in advance and anyone interested should contact the organisers before November 24th next.
Admission is €3, with accompanied children free.
For further information on this event, please contact Seamus J. King, Tel: 087 2246245 or Liam Ó Donnchú, Tel: 086 6036547 or email larnapaircemuseum@gmail.com
This is one upcoming event certainly not to be missed by all lovers of GAA sports.
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.
