by Acting PRO Joe Bracken
ALL IRELAND MINOR FOOTBALL FINAL
The last of this season’s inter-county action saw Tipperary once again at the top table meeting Kerry in the Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor Football Final in Croke Park last Sunday. Unfortunately though the desired result from a Tipperary perspective did not materialise with the side losing to Kerry by 0-6 to 4-14 and on that we commiserate with the panel of players led by captain Danny Owens and their management team led by manager Charlie McGeever who gave us all a wonderful summer of enjoyment as we shared in the highs and lows of their journey.
The fact that the team never got going was a major disappointment to them though they tried earnestly to make it happen. John Lennon once sang “Nobody told me there’d be days like these” and sure that was just the way it was. A fantastic win over Leinster champions Kildare in the semi-final for this Tipperary outfit showcased all their skills and talents while a solid win over Connaught champions Galway in the quarter-final showed the grit and heart of a side determined to succeed. This side has proved it can mix it with and defeat the best; last Sunday regrettably for them was a blip on their footballing radar. Tomorrow and the days after will be more steps on the road to recovery and redemption. The mind-set and focus is already set thanks to the huge and assertive influence of manager Charlie, who spoke with pride of his belief in the lads during the past three years and also for the future as the players in turn took possession of his words and look to that future in fulfilling the promise of their potential, some at minor again next year, the majority fighting for a place in the U21 arena.
A special word of thanks to Liam Myles, Pat Ryan , Michael Fenton and all the people involved with the Tipperary Association Dublin for hosting the Post Match Receptions and Welcome Dinners for the Tipperary Minor Hurling and Football teams and Managements on the occasion of their respective 2015 All-Ireland Hurling and Football Finals in the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel. Both nights, though difficult due to the results, were very much appreciated by players and managements and helped to kick-start the healing process for all involved.
Monday evening in Monroe lifted the spirits as Moyle Rovers welcomed home captain Danny Owens and his side to a wonderful reception. Thanks to the Moyle Rovers Club for hosting the event and providing refreshments for all who attended.
COUNTY FIXTURES
With the dust well and truly settled on the inter-county scene from a drenched Croke Park, our Premier County action now takes centre stage and what a weekend ahead is in prospect, with the Clean Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Quarter-finals spearheading a mouth-watering programme of matches.
Two most attractive hurling double headers at Semple Stadium should get the pulses racing with excitement as the glorious “Field of Legends” wait in anticipation. First up on Saturday next, September 26th, Drom & Inch meet Kildangan at 2pm while Eire Óg Annacarty Donohill take on Kilruane MacDonaghs at 3.30pm. The following day, Sunday September 27th, Nenagh Éire Óg meet fellow North side Portroe at 2pm, while Clonoulty Rossmore renew their rivalry with Thurles Sarsfields at 3.30pm.
There is a very special offer for a weekend pass for all county (only) championship matches played over the weekend.
The price of the pass will be €25 for adults and €15 for students/oap saving at least €5 if attending the 4 quarter finals. The weekend pass will be available at Lar na Pairce or at the Ball Alley ticket booth at the entrance to the New Stand on Saturday. Supporters are advised to note that only Ardán Ó Riáin (New Stand) will be open on Saturday and Sunday.
The Preliminary Quarter-Finals of the Clean Ireland Recycling County Senior Football Championship take place this week also. First up on this Wednesday night, September 23rd, in Littleton at 7.30pm Loughmore Castleiney take on Kilsheelan Kilcash, while next weekend Aherlow Gaels meet Thomas MacDonaghs in Holycross at 5pm on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday then Cahir play Galtee Rovers/St Pecaun in Golden at 3pm. Extra-time will be played in these games in the event of a draw.
Elsewhere action takes place in Clean Ireland Recycling County Intermediate hurling and football championships as well as in the Clean Ireland Recycling County Junior A hurling championship, please check the fixtures section for all current information on upcoming matches in relation to dates, times and venues across the Premier County.
EDDIE CONNOLLY R.I.P.
It was with great regret and sadness that we learned of the death of Eddie Connolly who sadly passed away last Thursday night peacefully at home in the company of his family. At the request of his family, the Eddie Connolly Trust Fund “Night at the Dogs” at Thurles Greyhound Stadium went ahead in a celebration of Eddie’s life last Friday night as scheduled as people came in unbelievable numbers to remember Eddie and to show solidarity to his family and club.
In paying tribute to Eddie Connolly, Tipperary County Board Chairman Michael Bourke said, “When the light of life is extinguished in someone young it always strikes to the heart with immense pain and grief. With the passing of Eddie Connolly that pain and grief is more intensified because Eddie was determined to overcome this battle and get back to what he did and loved best, playing for his club and county. Eddie took to this his greatest test with the same determination and belief that he carried to the fields of play with Loughmore Castleiney and Tipperary, a true warrior in every sense of the word.
On behalf of Tipperary County Board we extend our heartfelt condolences to his mother and father, Maureen and Jim, sisters and brothers, Niamh, Fiona, James and Gerard at this very difficult time.”
Ar Dheis Dé Go Raibh A Anam
BEST WISHES
The coming week sees Colin O’Riordan from JK Brackens head to Australia to attend the Australian Football League Draft Combine in Melbourne. We extend best wishes to Colin and know he will be a wonderful ambassador for his club and county as he gets to opportunity to impress for an opportunity at life in the professional world of the AFL. If Colin makes the grade his loss to Tipperary would be immense and as the saying goes Tipperary’s loss would be Australia’s gain. As you head Colin go in the knowledge you have the best wishes and support of the county and beyond behind you in your career whichever path it may lead you, no doubt it will be successful path regardless of the route.
STANDING MY GROUND
The countdown is on to the launch of Standing My Ground – The Brendan Cummins autobiography with the official launch set to take place at the Dome, Semple Stadium, on Thursday, October 15th next at 8pm and also in Dublin on Thursday, October 22, at the Palace Bar. Co-written by Jackie Cahill, GAA writer and columnist, Standing My Ground is set to become another Tipperary best seller.
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
In what has been a vintage period for books of Tipperary and national interest two other notable recent publications are still available. The biography of Tom Semple and his legendary Thurles Blues, by Liam Ó Donnchú, launched back in June is still available from bookshops in Tipperary or online from www.bookworm.ie costing €30. Books may also be ordered by post (€35) from: Liam Ó Donnchú, Lár na Páirce, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
The next book launched in August was “The Boy Wonder of Hurling” the story of Tipperary hurling legend the late Jimmy Doyle. Written by former Irish Examiner GAA correspondent, Diarmuid O Flynn, and edited by former Tipperary Star Editor, Michael Dundon, the book is also widely available in bookshops.
Following its sell out “Captains of the Premier Ship” launched last year, Noel Dundon’s book is due back on the shelves shortly and will once again be a much sought after book for the GAA archives in every house.
FRIENDS FOOTBALL LOTTO
The Friends of Tipperary Football Lotto is continuing to build and all Tipperary supporters are encouraged to please support by playing online now – http://bit.ly/1HU6W9H
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.
