by PRO Joe Bracken
TIPPERARY WATER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
SENIOR HURLING CO. FINAL
In completing a three in a row of county senior hurling titles, congratulations go to Thurles Sarsfields on winning the Tipperary Water Co. Senior Hurling Final for 2016 following their 0-27 to 1-15 victory over Kiladangan in Semple Stadium on Sunday last. On what was an emotional day for the club, following the earlier passing of Thurles Sarsfields and Tipperary legend, Mickey ‘The Rattler’ Byrne and also remembering the late Jack Griffin, the men in blue turned on the style as they drew on the memory of their clubmen to deliver a performance that made their intentions quite clear early on in the final.
Their movement and point taking in the first quarter was of such a quality that it was likely no team could live with them which made the task all the harder for Kiladangan, who up to the final, had brought energy, life and passion that each new team brings with them to the final occasion. Thurles Sarsfields were in no mood for such sentiment and once they had their lead established they countered every Kiladangan score to ensure that the Thurles Sarsfields name would be on the Dan Breen Cup for 2016.
Captain Padraic Maher in a wonderful gesture had with him Larragh, Isabelle and Emma Griffin to collect the cup from Co. Board Chairman, Michael Bourke in remembrance of their late dad Jack.
In what was another wonderful day for the Maher family, Ronan came up beside brother Padraic to collect the Man of the Match award sponsored by John Quirke, Jeweller and Watchmaker, Cahir. Well done to referee John McCormack (Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams) and his officials for their part in officiating Sunday’s final.
MINOR HURLING CO. FINALS
The Tipperary Water Minor ‘A’ Hurling Final opened proceedings in Semple Stadium last Sunday and congratulations go to St. Marys Clonmel who made it two in a row following their victory over JK Brackens Óg on a score line of 2-15 to 2-11. Not an easy task to do back to back at minor level so huge credit goes to all involved with St. Mary’s on their great success in what was a fine game of hurling with plenty of excitement to keep all on the edge of their seats. JK Brackens Óg gave it their best shot but came up against a better outfit on the day.
County Board Vice-Chairman, John Devane, presented the Sean Treacy Cup to a jubilant St. Mary’s captain, Kyle Peters, before he also presented the John Quirke sponsored Man of the Match Award to Niall Hoctor who played at left half forward for St. Mary’s. Again, well done also to referee Phil Ryan (Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams) and his team of officials for taking charge of the final.
On Saturday last the result of Tipperary Water Minor ‘B’ Hurling Final saw the cup head to the same destination as the ‘B’ Football Final as Cashel King Cormacs completed a remarkable double, this time defeating Skeheenarinka/Clonmel Óg by 3-19 to 1-11. Congratulations to Cashel King Cormacs on this terrific achievement on a special weekend for the club as the 1991 Co. Senior winning team were honoured between the minor and senior finals in Semple Stadium on Sunday. Once again, Co. Board Chairman, Michael Bourke was on hand to present the cup to winning captain Patrick Fahy.
CO. FINAL PROGRAMME
A special word of praise and thanks to Ger Corbett, editor, on the wonderful programme produced for last Sunday’s Senior and Minor Hurling Finals. It was and is a wonderful read and many thanks also to all his contributors who made the programme a must have collector’s item.
SENIOR FOOTBALL
The penultimate round which is the semi-finals in the Tipperary Water County Senior Football Championship go ahead next Sunday, October 23rd. In Boherlahan at 3pm reigning champions Clonmel Commercials take on Loughmore-Castleiney in what promises to be an enthralling contest. The other semi-final takes place in Cahir at 2.30pm between Kilsheelan-Kilcash and the winners of the remaining quarter-final tie between Moyle Rovers and Aherlow Gaels which throws in this Wednesday night, October 19th in Ballyporeen at 8pm.
In last weekend’s quarter finals Clonmel Commercials defeated Arravale Rovers 1-19 to 0-11 while Kilsheelan-Kilcash overcame Ballyporeen as they progressed on a 1-13 to 0-12 score line. Elsewhere, Loughmore-Castleiney made it to the semi-final with a 3-15 to 0-11 victory over Galtee Rovers-St. Pecaun.
INTERMEDIATE HURLING
All roads lead back to Pairc Ciocaim, Dundrum on Sunday next, October 23rd for the Tipperary Water County Intermediate Hurling Championship Final at 2.30pm between Thurles Sarsfields and Newport. It will be Sarsfields third Intermediate County final in a row having lost the last two deciders to Moyne-Templetuohy and Clonakenny. On Sunday they will look to break that losing sequence as they attempt to add the Intermediate title to the senior crown. Newport though will be eager to take the cup up North as they aim to end their county campaign on a high before they head into the Munster Championship.
Both teams reached the final following their wins in the same venue in the semi-finals last Saturday. Newport saw off the challenge of Lattin Cullen Gaels 2-22 to 1-12 while Thurles Sarsfields were pushed all the way by Sean Treacys with Sarsfields getting over the line on a 0-17 to 1-11 score line.
SENIOR HURLING RELEGATION
With Silvermines drawing with Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams 2-17 apiece in round 3 of the round robin series last Saturday, it condemned Moyne-Templetuohy to join Moneygall at intermediate grade for 2017.
INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL
Next Sunday also sees the Tipperary Water County Intermediate Football Championship Final down for decision in Leahy Park, Cashel between Fethard and Golden-Kilfeacle. Golden-Kilfeacle had the measure of Fr. Sheehys in last Saturday’s semi-final winning that one 3-12 to 0-11 while extra time was required between Fethard and Moyne-Templetuohy with Fethard as we know taking the honours 1-12 to 0-12.
It is also down to the last knockout stages in the Tipperary Water Junior A Hurling and Football Championships. For a full round up of all fixtures and results across the Premier County please view the county website at https://tipperary.gaa.ie
MICKEY BYRNE RIP
When the news filtered through on Sunday morning that another Tipperary Hurling legend Mickey Byrne had gone to his eternal reward, the county mourned the loss of another treasured son. Known more so as ‘The Rattler’, Mickey had a magical wit and was a jovial character which endeared him to all he met and who knew him. Winner of 5 Senior All-Ireland, 4 Munster, 8 National League and 2 Oireachtas medals with Tipperary as well as 14 County Senior, 16 Mid Senior and 1 County Minor with Thurles Sarsfields and 1 Dean Ryan medal with Thurles C.B.S. the name of Mickey Byrne will forever be remembered in the highest pedigree.
Paying tribute Co. Board Chairman, Michael Bourke said, “on behalf of Tipperary County Board I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Byrne family and also to his club, Thurles Sarsfields, on the sad passing of Mickey. His family have lost a father while Tipperary hurling has lost another of its greatest sons.”
OPEL/GAA HURLER OF THE MONTH AWARD
Congratulations to Seamus Callanan who won GAA/GPA Opel Hurler of the Month Award for September. Seamus was awarded the man-of-the-match award following last month’s All-Ireland hurling decider, scoring 13 points, nine from play, in a stellar performance against Kilkenny.
The Drom and Inch ace was a towering presence in the Tipp full-forward line and his remarkable individual contribution has been acknowledged by the county hurling body.
PHILIPS MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARD
Congratulations to Tipperary Senior Hurling Manager Michael Ryan (Upperchurch-Drombane) who was named as Philips Manager of the Month for September after guiding his side to the All-Ireland victory over Kilkenny.
CORK CO-FOOTBALL FINAL
Congratulations to Tipperary footballer, Robbie Kiely who won a Cork Co. Senior Football medal on Sunday last with Carbery Rangers who defeated Ballincollig. It was a first ever senior championship for Carbery Rangers so it’s a special occasion for Robbie who was an intrinsic player for Tipperary this year.
HURLING/SHINTY
The 2016 Senior Hurling/Shinty International Series involving Ireland and Scotland will take place on Saturday next, October 22nd Bught Park in Inverness, preceded by an U21 game. On the senior panel three Tipperary players have been called up for duty, Michael Breen (Ballina) and the McGrath brothers, Noel and John (Loughmore-Castleiney) though their county senior football semi-final clash with Clonmel Commercials on Sunday will see them unfortunately miss out on taking part in this international series on Saturday.
On the U21 panel, Barry Heffernan (Nenagh Éire Óg) and Tom Fox (Éire Óg Annacarty) are the Tipperary players involved while Tipperary U21 Manager, William Maher (Ballingarry) will jointly manage the U21 panel. Best wishes to all the lads involved this weekend.
MUNSTER GAA POST PRIMARY WEBSITE
Munster GAA Post Primary Schools have launched a new web site. With the Dr. Harty Cup having started last week followed by the Corn Ui Mhuiri this week, the new site at http://www.munstergaapps.ie is another step along the road in the pursuit to make Post-Primary Schools GAA activities accessible to a wide audience both in schools and in the general public.
The new web site includes all fixtures & results, match reports, photos, school contact details, an extensive roll of honour section and integration with the popular @munsterpps Twitter account.
All feedback is welcome and can be sent to info.munster@gaa.ie
FRIENDS OF TIPPERARY FOOTBALL
Membership of the Friends of Tipperary Football for 2017 is now on sale and tickets at €20 each can be had from any committee members or the Divisional coordinators, Kevin Barron (West), Trish Gavin (Mid), Aidan McNamara (South) and Joe Hannigan (North) and will carry prizes of tickets to the All-Ireland and National Football League fixtures. The official launch will be in the Horse & Jockey Hotel at 8pm on October 28th next.
HANDBALL
Congratulations to Siobhán Prentice and Isobel Farnan from Ballina in the All-Ireland 60×30 Juvenile U14 Doubles Final hosted by Ulster on Sunday, October 16th last. Though the girls lost the first game, they made a great comeback in the second game to win that one and made no mistake in the tiebreaker winning in style to bring the All-Ireland title back to Tipperary.
The Munster 1 Wall Championship finals were hosted by Conna in Cork last Saturday, October 15th, where James Prentice had a convincing win in the 17 and under final beating Jack Brennan from Limerick. Best of luck to the Boys U12/13 Team that will contest the All-Ireland final in Talbots Inch against Kilkenny on Saturday next October 22nd at 11am.
COUNTY BOARD DRAW
In the County Board Draw which was held in Murphy’s Bar, Templemore last Friday night, congratulations go to Joan Ryan, Cloughkeating, Borrisokane as she won first prize of a Renault Megane or €15,000. Joan’s ticket was sold by Kilruane MacDonaghs. Second prize of a Cheltenham Trip (for 4) or €5,000 sold by Templederry Kenyons went to Richie Kennedy Jnr. Clohinch, Templederry.
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.
