So, here we go once again, back hip-to-hip with Kilkenny for a season opener, one that on past experience has the potential to set the tone for the year. The hurling story of the past three years has been a Tipp/Kilkenny saga so it’s inevitable that Croke Park would set this one up to glamorise the league launch. Given past history between the sides there’s much at stake, markers to be laid down and so forth, so one can reasonably assume a degree of passion from both sides on Sunday.
There’s no doubt Tipperary go in this time in far better fettle than a year ago, though on recent evidence Kilkenny are taking matters very seriously too. We go in without Lar of course – he wasn’t there last year either – and also minus the injured pair of Patrick Maher and Seamus Callanan. Otherwise we will presumably go with maximum thrust for a fixture of such key importance.
The selection options start at number one and whether to opt for the tried and trusted experience of Cummins or the newer option in Darren Gleeson. Cummins got little enough play-time during January but may be needed by his club on Saturday if that relegation goes ahead. The right corner of defence presents some possibilities. Paddy Stapleton is back in the reckoning after being college-tied with UL earlier and Conor O’Brien has been the choice in recent games. Interesting to see who slots in beside Curran and Cahill. On recent evidence the half line might see O’Mahony in between the Mahers, Shane and Padraig.
A likely combination at midfield is Shane McGrath and Brendan Maher unless one or other is required on the half forward line. David Young, James Woodlock and possibly Johnny Ryan come into consideration here also.
With three of last September’s forward division unavailable the attack I’m sure will occupy the minds of the management more than the defence. You’d expect John O’Brien, Eoin Kelly and Gearoid Ryan to be on board. On recent form Brian O’Meara will surely be a starter also. Noel McGrath should be back from college duty with UCD to add options to the half line. Interesting to see if Adrian Ryan’s recent form is tested against the Kilkenny defence and then you have the likes of Pa Bourke, John O’Neill and possibly Sean Curran in the mix. That attack is likely to be the most problematic area of the team given the absentees.
There’s no doubt that if you want to test a side’s credentials the examinations don’t come any stiffer than Kilkenny at Nowlan Park. All Ireland champions sometimes start into a new year quite blasé about the early rounds of the league as they hold their fire for later in the season. Not Kilkenny though. All the evidence thus far is that Cody is setting out his stall early. He sent a very strong side out to dispense with Galway in the Walsh Cup recently and of course eleven of his troops backboned the Leinster team in the inter-provincial last weekend.
Much has been made of the Kilkenny retirements but Eddie Brennan is the only first-choice loss. The others had all slipped to the fringes of the team so I suspect their departures won’t unduly disturb Cody’s sleep pattern. Kilkenny’s entire All Ireland defence fielded last week against Munster so I’d expect the same this Sunday in front of goalie, David Herity. It’s a formidable bulwark against a Tipp attack short on options.

The All Ireland midfield partnership of Fennelly and Rice played last week also so presumably it could be more of the same on Sunday.
With Henry Shefflin out for some time and Eddie Brennan in retirement the Kilkenny attack will face some alteration from that which operated last September. Richie Hogan, Richie Power and Eoin Larkin all started against Munster and Colin Fennelly came on during the game. Presumably we’ll see all four in action this time. T.J. Reid offers options to the manager too with perhaps some minor experimentation on view.
There’s no doubt Cody will want to win this game, just as a reminder that the old order remains firmly in place. Likewise Declan Ryan and colleagues, I’m sure, would like to upset that same order and plant a marker for the remainder of the year. It should result in a lively, even revealing, collision

A most unfortunate clash on Sunday sees the Harty Cup final going ahead at Cashel in direct opposition to Nowlan Park. Given Nenagh CBS’s exciting win over Ard Scoil during the week this dividing of Tipperary loyalties seems utterly senseless. The Harty is a huge competition hereabouts and a simple switch to Saturday seemed an obvious solution – obvious to most followers, that is, but not the organisers who’ve stuck stubbornly to the original arrangement.
I readily acknowledge the valiant efforts of Tom Collum to avoid this clash but sadly others were not so amenable. There’s something pathetic about a situation where different branches of the GAA operate independent republics with no trace of joined-up thinking. On the one hand you have Croke Park plugging this ‘dead horse’ inter-provincial series – only fifteen hundred approx turned up at Nowlan Park last Sunday. Against that you have a Harty Cup competition where a Tuesday semi-final replay could clog up Tipperary town such was the public interest. Yet the schools’ organisers seem as oblivious to public opinion as Croke Park is on the issue of the inter-provincials.

Anyway the big story of this Harty Cup has been the emergence of Nenagh CBS as the dark horses of the competition. Having ditched Thurles CBS and holders Ard Scoil out of the reckoning they’re now one game away from history.
The story of their semi-final replay win over Ard Scoil was dominated by the individual exploits of Jason Forde, scorer of 1-10 out of 1-11. It was an extraordinary contribution by the Silvermines hurler, one that will live in the annals of this famed competition, though perhaps embracing a slight worry also since so much depended on one player.
Nenagh’s search for a first-ever Harty win now hinges on a final against a team drawn from the combined forces of Dungarvan CBS and St. Augustan’s. Interestingly the bulk of the Waterford side played for CBS last Saturday when losing the ‘B’ Munster final to Doon CBS by a single point. A cracking goal by Cappawhite’s Russell Quirke and an inspirational display by Annacarty’s Tom Fox (nephew of Pat) were isolated in reports as key ingredients in the Doon win. It was a memorable success for a school that’s due to disappear into an amalgamation in a few years.
Anyway good luck to Nenagh in their quest to join Rockwell College, Templemore CBS, Thurles CBS and Abbey CBS as Tipperary Harty Cup winners.

The ongoing relegation issue is set for a major showdown this week. The clash of Ballybacon and Borrisokane is set for Templemorethis Saturday but the North team is seeking a deferment again to enable them prepare properly for the game. With the CCC adamant that the game goes on and Borrisokane insistent that they need more time a clash seems inevitable.
This is the latest episode in this tiresome saga. In fairness to Borrisokane they spent months in limbo as the various board room rounds were played out between Ballybacon, Cashel and the CCC. They must have hoped that the County Board would somehow see sense and abandon relegation for one year but instead they now find themselves facing a real dilemma: to play or not to play, to risk everything on a game that they’ve had little preparation for or else try their chances in the board room.
Critically Borrisokane have not said they won’t play the game; their plea is for space to properly prepare. My understanding at writing time is that they won’t play next Saturday if the fixture is persisted with, which would result in a head-on clash with the CCC. If Ballybacon are awarded the game will they accept it? Again there’s a suggestion that they won’t. We await developments.

Finally this debate about payment for managers looks like reaching some sort of conclusion this week with the various county bodies making their feelings known to Croke Park. It seems a more stringent enforcement of present rules is the favoured option emerging from most counties who appear to baulk at the prospect of officially sanctioning such payments.
I suspect Padraic Duffy may be sorry he even raised the issue at this stage because what’s emerging is an utter fudge.
Having listened to spokespersons from various counties in recent times I find the stench of hypocrisy on this issue nauseating. Everyone knows the reality of payments to managers within the GAA and yet you have these guys coming out barefacedly claiming to be opposed to such deals.
Even in Tipperary we’re told there’s no appetite for payments to managers. Really? So team managers throughout Tipperary are not being paid? For God’s sake let’s at least be honest in this debate.
In typically Irish fashion it appears to be a case of doing one thing and saying the opposite. On present evidence the GAA will now opt for a stricter enforcement of present rules which will allow every board and club continue with their under-the-counter payments while publically professing to be against them. As I said, hypocrisy.

Tipperary County Board have just launched the new Premier Gold Club + Package in Association with the GAA Season ticket (See brochure on www.tipperary.gaa.ie ). The benefits of this package can be enjoyed for the next 15 months in the following ways:

· From Feb 2012 to Sept 2012 – Support & follow the Tipperary SH team (or SF) through Allianz League & GAA Championship

· From Mar 2012 to Dec 2012 – attend all Tipperary Co. Finals (From minor up)

· From May 2012 to April 2013, receive a full year’s membership of the Tipperary GAA County Board Draw.

This promotion offers fantastic value for Tipperary GAA Supporters and enables Tipperary Co. Board develop its Dr Morris Park facilities, prepare county teams and promote gaelic games throughout the County.

Current Season Ticket can upgrade to this Package by deducting what they have already paid for the Season Ticket and pay the balance as explained in the brochure.

Fully completed application forms to be forwarded to:

Tim Floyd, Runaí Choiste Chontae Thiobraíd Árann, Lar Na Páirce, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Any queries contact Lar Na Páirce (0504) 22702

Email: secretary.tipperary@gaa.ie

As the benefits from the hurling GAA Season Ticket begin with the Tipp v Kilkenny game on Feb 26th (Sun week), it is vital that applications are in early next week to ensure Croke Park have their season tickets out in advance.

Benefits are shared with your club and when availing of this great offer Tipperary Supporters can nominate on the form any GAA Club in Tipperary, the Tipperary Supporters Club or the Tipperary Association, Dublin.

INTER PROVINCIAL SEMI-FINALS

The semi-finals of the M Donnelly Inter Provincial Hurling and Football competitions take place on Sunday next February 19th with Munster playing Leinster in both codes. The Football semi-final takes place in Parnell Park Dublin at 2:00pm. The Munster Footballers will be managed by Ger O’Sullivan of Cork. Ger was also manager of Munster when they last won the competition in 2008 when goalkeeper Paul Fitzgerald (Fethard) and substitute Robbie Costigan (Cahir) were part of the Munster team. Just 22 footballers from the Premier County have won Inter-Provincial medals with Munster as follows – 1927 (Bill Grant, Martin Shanahan and Jim Doran), 1931 (Tommy O’Keeffe), 1941 (Jim Williams), 1946 (Jim Williams, Mick Cahill, Dick Slater and Sean Cleary, 1948 (Mick Cahill), 1949 (Mick Cahill, Packie Brennan and Tom Keane), 1972 (Dinny Burke and Michael “Babs” Keating), 1975 (Eddie Webster, Sean Kearney and Jim Kehoe), 1976 (Eddie Webster), 1978 (Gene McGrath and Vincent O’Donnell), 1981 (Harry Mulhaire), 1982 (Gene McGrath), 1999 (Peter Lambert and Declan Browne), 2008 (Paul Fitzgerald and Robbie Costigan).

The Hurling semi-final is fixed for Nowlan Park Kilkenny at 2:00pm, also on Sunday. Liam Sheedy is the Munster manager aided by Eamon O’Shea who is coach to the team. Munster last won the title in 2007 captained by John Mullane (Waterford) with full-back Declan Fanning (Killenaule), wing-forward Shane McGrath (Ballinahinch) and corner-forward Lar Corbett (Thurles Sarsfields). Gerry Kennedy (Killenaule) and Conor O’Mahony (Newport) were involved in the 2007 semi-final. 12 Tipperary hurlers have captained Munster to Inter-Provincial honours and are as follows – Phil Purcell (1931, Moycarkey-Borris), Jim Lanigan (1938, Thurles Sarsfields), Bill O’Donnell (1942, Eire Og Annacarthy), Ger Cornally (1946, Thurles Sarsfields), Pat Stakelum (1950 and 1952, Holycross-Ballycahill), Sean Kenny (1951, Borris-Ileigh), Tony Wall (1959 and 1961, Thurles Sarsfields), Jimmy Doyle (1963 and 1966, Thurles Sarsfields), Mick Roche (1968, Carrick Davins), PJ Ryan (1969, Carrick Davins), Noel Sheehy (1992, Silvermines) and Brendan Cummins (2001, Ballybacon-Grange). For further information go to www.tipperary.gaa.ie .

TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB AGM

The Tipperary Supporters Club 25th A.G.M. will take place at the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel, Naas Road, Dublin on Wednesday 21st March 2012, starting at 8pm. All current members are invited to attend.

Any Nominations for Officer positions or Committee membership (and any Notice of Motion) should be signed by two members and sent to:

J Tuohy, Secretary, Tipperary Supporters Club, 4 Hillsborough, Model Farm Road, Cork to arrive on or before Friday 11th March 2012.

NENAGH CBS REACH DR HARTY CUP FINAL

Well done to Nenagh CBS who beat Árd Scoil Rís by 1-11 to 0-13 in the Dr Harty Cup Semi-Final replay. To read reports from the Irish Examiner and the Limerick Leader go to www.tipperary.gaa.ie .

St Mary’s Nenagh lose narrowly in All Ireland Semi Final
Hard luck to St Mary’s Nenagh who lost to Loreto Kilkenny by 2 6 to 1 11 in the All Ireland Semi Final last weekend and to Seamie Morris for providing the update.

DROM AND INCH REACH ALL-IRELAND SENIOR CAMOGIE FINAL
Congratulations to Drom and Inch who beat Killimor of Galway by 1-12 to 1-7 in the All-Ireland Semi-Final. They will play Oulart the Ballagh of Wexford in the final. To read a report on the match go ot www.tipperary.gaa.ie .

SCÓR NA BPÁISTÍ
From Tipperary GAA Scene
Bhí na sluaite i láthair i Halla na Féile i gCaiseal na Rí ar an Domhnach seo caite ag Craobh Chontae Scór na bPáistí. Bhí iomaitheoirí den scoth ar an stáitse i rith an lae agus dhein siad uile éacht is gaisce ag rince, ag amhránaíocht, ag casadh ceoil, ag aithriseoireacht, ag freagairt na gceisteanna, ag aisteoireacht agus ag baint taitneamh as an ócáid. Ba dheacair a chreidiúint gur pháistí bunscoile iad such was the standard set by these young enthusiastic, energetic, lively bunch. The results were Rince Foirne: 1st Sean Treacys, 2nd Newcastle; Amhranaiocht Aonair: 1st Clonmel Commercials, Joint 2nd Portroe and Drom and Inch; Ceol Uirlise: 1st Sean Treacys, 2nd Newport; Aithriseoireacht: 1st Kilsheelan / Kilcash, 2nd Drom and Inch; Bailead Ghrupa: 1st Templederry Kenyons, 2nd Cashel King Cormacs; Trath na gCeist: 1st Loughmore Castleiney, 2nd Cahir; Nuachleas: 1st Moyne Templetuohy, 2nd Borris-Ileigh; Rince Seit: 1st Moneygall. 2nd Drom and Inch. Bhronn Seamus Callanan na boinn agus mhol sé na hiomaitheoirí uile as páirt a ghlacadh sa chomórtas. They all did their families, clubs and mentors proud. Ghabh Noel Joyce, Cathaoirleach Scór an Chontae, buíochas ó chroí le muintir Scór ach go háirithe an Rúnaí Máire Ní Bhaoill a dhéanann sárobair chun na himeachtaí a reachtáil. Bean an Tí ag an ócáid was Elisha Slattery who ably introduced all the contestants who took part in this great celebration of Irish culture. Maith sibh go léir a pháistí!

SYMPATHY
From Tipperary GAA Scene
Tipperary County Board extends its deepest sympathy to the families of the late Phil Shanahan and Eamonn Egan on their recent bereavements. Phil Shanahan played minor hurling with Tipperary in 1946 and won All Ireland and Munster senior hurling medals with Tipperary in the three in a row victories of 1949, 50 and 51. He also played senior hurling with Dublin in 1954 and 55. He won 4 National Hurling League medals in 1949, 1950, 1952 and 1957 and 4 Railway Cup medals in 1950, 1951, 1952 and 1953. He won a county senior hurling medal in 1960 with Toomevara and will be remembered as one of hurling’s finest midfielders. Eamonn Egan was a native of Gortnahoe Glengoole and liver in Clonoulty where he was killed in a tragic accident last week. His brother is former Secretary of Semple Stadium Management Committee, Micheal Egan and his nephew-in-law is Tipperary senior hurling panellist, Timmy Hammersley. Ar dheis De go raibh a anamacha uasail.

TIPPERARY INVOLVEMENT WITH DOON CBS

Doon CBS have qualified for the Corn Phadraig (Munster Colleges Senior Hurling B) final next Saturday, February 18 in Cahir at 2.30pm and the Corn an Runai (Munster Colleges Senior Football C) final on February 25 (venue tbc). They will play Dungarvan CBS and Patrician Academy Mallow respectively. Tipperary representation on both panels include Sean Ryan (Hurling Captain), Russell Quirke, Kevin Stapleton and David Orr (all Cappawhite), Tom Fox (Eire Og Annacarty) and Andrew O’Brien (Sean Treacys). The hurling team is coached by Micheál Hassett (Moycarkey-Borris) and Diarmuid Carr (Golden Kilfeacle). The football team is coached by Thomas Lynch (Cappawhite) and Micheál Hassett. We wish both teams the very best of luck in the finals.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ST. PATRICK’S BALLYRAGGETT
From Tipperary GAA Scene
It’s rare for this column to be congratulating Kilkenny clubs but this week we do. Well done to St. Patrick’s of Ballyraggett on their win by a single point over Charleville of Cork in the All Ireland club junior hurling championship final played at Croke Park last Saturdayevening. The reason for our delight at the Ballyraggett win is the involvement in the club of Roscrea native, Seamus O’Doherty who is also Secretary of the Tipperary GAA Communications Committee, a contributor of note to programmes in Semple Stadium and elsewhere, and a researcher for press packs and other publications. Seamus has also edited publications for Ballyraggett. His loyalty to Tipp is unquestionable but he will have taken great delight in the win of the club where he now resides and makes his usual notable contribution.

WESTSIDE

To read this week’s Westside Column go to www.tippsupportersclub.com. You can also read there this week’s Tipperary GAA Scene which includes news on Allianz Football League, Tipperary Clubs Draw, South Division Referees Awards and other news

TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB 2012 MEMBERSHIP

Ryan Motor Power, the official SKODA dealership in Tipperary is the new sponsor of the Tipperary Supporters Club Membership Scheme. Visit the Ryan Motor Power website at http://www.ryanmotorpower.com/contentv3/ or call 052 6180323. Ryan Motor Power are offering the following special discounts for members of the Tipperary Supporters Club: 10% off all servicing for all makes of car and 10% off all accessories purchased. Just quote your 2012 membership number to claim the discount from Ryan Motor Power.

FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

As part of our annual membership drive and to increase awareness of the Tipperary Supporters Club in our 25th year we’ve joined the world of social media with a Tipperary Supporters Club Facebook page and Twitter account. Information on how to join in below.

Facebook

Once you have a Facebook account go to www.facebook.com/TippSupportersClub and “Like” our page. You can visit our page for up to date membership information, the Facebook page will have lots of information including player and squad updates, relevant stories, match reports and all things of interest to Tipperary Hurling. There’s plenty of room for comments or to post pictures and photos of interest – so please join in. Photos from the Launch are posted there.

Twitter

If you are a Twitter user, follow us @TippSupporters – the twitter account is a great way to get up to the minute information in a really quick and concise manner. Our Twitter account will also gather other Tipperary information of interest such as match updates – before the media has them, squad information and the thoughts of players, journalists and other interested parties.

Remember even if you don’t already have a Facebook or Twitter account, you can registers in a couple of minutes at www.facebook.com and www.twitter.com

TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Membership for 2012 is already proving to be a popular buy and is now available on www.tippsupportersclub.com and with usual local sellers. The member’s gift is a specially produced Tipperary Supporters bag. This bag is proving versatile as a shoe/boot bag and as a match day bag. In addition each Adult Membership Card will be accompanied by a Tipperary Supporters Car/Window Sticker. Adult Members will be entered in Ticket Draws for five pairs of stand tickets before each of Tipperary’s 2012 Munster and All-Ireland championship games. They will also be entered in a Draw for an All-Ireland Hurling Weekend stay at the Four Star Louis Fitzgerald Hotel, Dublin (match tickets included). Also members can access a discount scheme and will get Championship and League team announcements by text as well as regular updates by email on team news and events. Adult Membership will cost €30 (unchanged since 2005). Supporters can join on line on www.tippsupportersclub.com by credit card or debit/laser card. If you want to give membership as a present, a gift voucher is available on the website. 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. We will make contact with those members who have joined by direct debit in previous years. If joining by post please send a cheque or postal order payable to Tipperary Supporters Club to John Coman, PRO and Membership Officer, 52 Hazelbrook Road, Terenure, Dublin 6W (087-9087105, email: info@tippsupportersclub.com ).

Please pass on this email to your friends.

Keep up with all the news on www.tippsupportersclub.com, www.tipperary.gaa.ie, www.hoganstand.com and www.munstergaa.ie.

Ar aghaidh le Tiobraid Árann.

John Coman

Public Relations Officer

Tipperary Supporters Club

There’s no doubt Tipperary’s programme of preparation is well ahead of last year. That fact was underlined in the second period of extra time when the home side pulled away from a visibly tiring Cork. A string of points off the sticks of Sean Curran (two), James Woodlock, Pa Bourke and an Eoin Kelly free took the team six-up. A late Cork goal briefly halted the trend before Johnny Ryan sealed the day with a final point.
It was a strong finish to a game that Tipperary should have taken more comfortably. Pa Bourke alone had enough chances to send Cork reeling but he just seems to lack that killer instinct, delaying an instant, too slow to pull the trigger. Twice in the first half he was denied and again at the start of the second when goalie, Martin Coleman, made a good save. He wasn’t alone of course. Shane McGrath fluffed a great chance also in the first half when he appeared to lose his footing at a critical moment and in extra time Gearoid Ryan too was denied by a despairing block from a defender. Interestingly ‘Buggy’ O’Meara was the creator of at least three of those chances and the full forward should have had a ‘penalty’ also when wrestled to the ground early in the second half of normal time. Inexplicably he had a free awarded against him.

Had Tipperary taken their chances they could have bagged four or five goals and this game would have been over long before extra time was required. Still it is only February and you can’t expect clinical hurling at this time of season.
From a Tipperary perspective there were many positives from the game. The form of Brian O’Meara was the undoubted highlight. He scored five points from play including the one that sent the tie to extra time; he orchestrated a hatful of chances for others and generally tormented the Cork defence. For the second week he was Tipperary’s main man in attack.
Others too will have enhanced their reputations. Adrian Ryan continues to show steady potential, clipping over three points on this occasion. Likewise Johnny Ryan had a profitable day at midfield. These guys are certainly justifying their promotion to the panel.

Otherwise I thought Tipperary had a very solid half back line where Conor O’Mahony stepped up on recent impressions, Padraic Maher was powerful as usual and Shane Maher too showed good form. That trio gave the team a very solid anchor so that Brendan Cummins’s line was mostly unthreatened, which was just as well because the ‘keeper seemed a bit rusty. He’s had very little game time so far this year. David Young came on at midfield to very good effect as did James Woodlock. Sean Curran took his chances well when introduced.

A major worry for Tipperary was the sight of Patrick Maher being carried off after going over on a knee. One immediately had fears of ligament damage but the late word on that injury appears to be more encouraging. Shane McGrath was also injured but again it doesn’t appear to be serious.
Overall I suspect the management will be quite happy with the team’s form albeit against an under strength Cork formation. The rebels did play Sean Og O’Hailpin for the first time since his return. They had a new centre back in Ross Cashman, one to watch out for, and a promising teenager in Darren Sweetman at midfield. They had a few of the old reliables on board including John Gardner, Pa Cronin, Cathal Naughton and Niall McCarthy. Ben O’Connor came in as a sub. We should be seeing a lot of them this year with a league game in Thurles and a possible Munster championship semi-final down South if we can cope with Limerick in the first round.
I had assumed the final of this competition would be played next week and it appears others made the same assumption before it was realised that the inter-provincials are billed for next Sunday at Nowlan Park. When the Crystal final now happens has yet to be decided with some mention of the weekend of March 3/4 as a possible date. Not being finished before the league starts diminishes this final because once the league kicks off it will be the priority for all sides. Incidentally whenever it happens the Crystal final will be staged at Sixmilebridge.

There’s no doubt the hot topic of last week was Lar Corbett and that shock announcement which took the GAA world by surprise. By now we’ve had a week to digest the news and read all the various angles on the story. Through it all I’m not sure anything very enlightening emerged. There’s been much speculating and theorising but not a lot of solid fact to back anything up. When the main man goes to ground I suppose it’s inevitable that the rumour mill goes into over-drive.

It may well be unfair to Lar but I suspect few people will believe that business commitment was the real reason for the decision. The business line has become a type of clichéd explanation for opt outs nowadays and people always suspect there are other background reasons for the move. In Lar’s case it appears to have been a mix of factors that led to his discomfort rather than one tipping point.
Whatever the real reason it is disastrous news for Tipperary hurling and one can only hope that there will be a rethink in the coming weeks and months a la D. J. Carey. Without Lar the team is diminished. His pace, flair and finishing gives the side a dimension that oppositions dread. Besides he has that talent for the big occasion which is priceless. You can see Lar being anonymous in a club game but put him into a Munster or All Ireland final and he electrifies the scene with a few dazzling moments. It really is unthinkable that we should face into the championship without him.
The management is in a very sticky situation on this one. The harsh reality is that if Lar doesn’t return it will reflect much more on the management than on the player himself. It wouldn’t have happened under Sheedy and O’Shea will become the chorus line for the critics. Losing such a prized player will be seen as a failure of management, however unfair that perception may be.
Anyway I assume there will be background moves in time to try and entice Lar back into the fold. I wish those moves well.

Meanwhile that relegation issue simply won’t go away. Ballybacon were due to play Borrisokane last weekend to finally decide who takes the drop but the North team pleaded inability to play and asked for more time to prepare. The cynic could say they’ve had about six months to prepare but in fairness to Borrisokane they’ve been the unwitting victims of this entire shambles.
Since last September the North club has been sitting on the sideline wondering how the controversy between Cashel and Ballybacon would eventually pan out. They watched as neutrals as the board room drama was played out. When Cashel won that battle they must have wondered if Ballybacon would play ball and perhaps privately hoped they wouldn’t. Then the game went ahead and now it’s their turn to face the crucial showdown.
I suspect Borrisokane hoped that something dramatic would happen along the way to save them the prospect of facing relegation. One doesn’t like promoting mutiny but if the three clubs had come together before Christmas and said they were not playing relegation I suspect there was little the board could do about it.
There’s talk of Borrisokane losing several players to emigration and generally not having much stomach for this particular battle. Like Ballybacon they played for time in refusing to play last weekend and one wonders what will happen now if, as expected the game is re-fixed. There’s talk of the match being re-set for Saturday week.
If Borrisokane refuse to play what happens then? Presumably they’re deemed the losing side and are thereby relegated. That could spark another round of board room battling.
Anyway I suspect I’m not alone in being fed up with this particular mess. It could all have been avoided by a quick decision last autumn to abandon relegation for 2011. However, for some it became a personal mission to ensure that such a scenario wouldn’t happen. And so the story drags on and on with the draws in two divisions held up as a consequence.

Finally before this appears the replay of the Harty Cup semi-final will have been played on Tuesday at Tipperary’s Sean Treacy Park. Nenagh CBS were apparently unlucky to be caught last week by the late levellers from Ard Scoil Ris so it will be interesting to see if they go one better this time. The final is fixed for February 26, an unfortunate clash with the Kilkenny league game, especially if Nenagh get through. Incidentally the Munster final of the ‘B’ grade goes on at Cahir this Saturday featuring Doon CBS against Dungarvan CBS.

Tipperary County Board statement
“The Tipperary Senior Hurling Management regrets that Lar Corbett has informed us of his withdrawal from the Tipperary Senior Hurling panel due to work and business commitments. Lar’s importance and value to the Tipperary Senior Hurling team is immeasurable and the door will remain open to him for a return to the panel if those work pressures ease.”
Fitzgibbon Team of the Century named
From Andy Fogarty, Mid Tipperary GAA Scene
In celebration of the centenary of the Fitzgibbon Cup competition, a committee appointed by Comhairle Ardoideachais CLG selected the ‘Irish Daily Mail Fitzgibbon Cup Team of the Century’. Two players from Tipperary were selected on the team and we congratulate Eamonn Corcoran and Nicky English on their selection.
Éamonn Corcoran (WIT & Tiobraid Árann), 1998-2000
Corcoran starred at centre-back on the illustrious Waterford Institute of Technology teams that won successive Fitzgibbon Cup titles in 1999 and 2000. In both years he was named player of the tournament, thus becoming the first man to achieve this feat twice. He also scored a crucial goal in the 2000 final. A year later he played on the Tipperary side that claimed the All-Ireland hurling title.
Nicholas English (UCC & Tiobraid Árann), 1981-85
In five straight Fitzgibbon Cup successes Nicholas English displayed the prolific scoring, flexibility and leadership qualities that came to greater fame when he won All-Ireland titles with his county years later. He played mostly in the half-forward line for UCC, but even helped out sometimes in defence. He scored 0-10 in the 1982 final, and captained his college to victory in 1985.
Tipperary GAA Sport Fan Page
‎2011 Tipperary SH relegation Final between Cashel King Cormacs and Borrisokane fixed for Saturday February 11th in Templemore has been postponed & will be refixed at next CCC meeting.
Dr Harty Cup Semi-Final
Ardscoil Rís 2-8 Nenagh CBS1-11: SUPERSUB MICHEÁL O’Loughlin salvaged a replay for holders Ardscoil Rís with an equalising point in the second minute of stoppage time against Nenagh CBS.
To read a report on the match go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tipperary-GAA-Sport-Fan-Page/166337953422682
The teams will meet again at Tipperary venue Seán Treacy Park on February 14th.
All Ireland Senior Camogie Club Championship SF
From Mid Tipperary GAA Scene
The match between Drom & Inch and Killimor of Co.Galway in the All-Ireland Senior camogie club championship semi-final will now take place on Sunday 12th February in MacDonagh Park Nenagh at 2:45pm. The match which was due to take place last Sunday was cancelled due to the pitch being unplayable. Best of luck to Drom.
Death of former Tipperary hurler Phil Shanahan
It is with regret that Tipperary County Board has learned of the death of former Tipperary, Dublin and Toomevara hurler, Phil Shanahan. To read a tribute go to www.tipperary.gaa.ie
WESTSIDE
To read this week’s Westside Column go to www.tippsupportersclub.com.
Tipperary Supporters Club Junior Members Birthdays
Congratulations to all our Junior Members who celebrate their birthdays in February.
Aaron Enright Aidan O Brien Aisling Mccarthy Aisling Scanlon
Aislinn Gillman Alan Quirke Alice Tobin Amy Kelly
Andrew Irwin Andrew Ormond Aoife Fitzpatrick Aoife Gahan
Aoife Max Barry Crosse Ben Hynes Ben O’Connor
Brian Mullally Brian Shanahan Cait Darmody Caoimhe Condon
Caoimhe Hickey Caoimhe O’Flynn Casey Fleming Cathal Brett
Cathal Mahoney Ceallach Hennessy Chloe Enright Chloe Spratt
Christopher Godfrey Cian O’ Connell Ciara Browne Corbett Ciaran Cinneide
Cillian Hackett Clodagh Shanahan Colin Brosnan Conor Molloy
Conor Williams Corey Paget Trudgill Daniel Madden Daniel Ryan-Fogarty
Danny Freeman Dara Crimmins Dara Dwan Darren O’Dwyer
Dean Cagney Denis Clancy Diarmuid Mulcahy Dillon Quirke
Eabha Morrissey Eadaoin McCarthy Eamon Lawlor Eanna McBride
Eimear O’Dwyer Enya O’Mara Eoghan Bergin Fergus English
Gearóid Ryan (B) Gerard Kavanagh Graham Roche Jack Grace
Jack O’Grady James O’Loughlin Jamie Duncan Jennifer Ahearne
Johnny Bourke Kathlyn Brunnack Keelan Hickey Killian Cantwell
Killian Crosse Killian Farrell Matthew E Direen Michael Brislane
Michael Freaney Michael Gohery Michael Meaney Michael Myles
Michael Ryan Michael Ryan Nadine Clancy Niamh Gallagher
Niamh Kierse Oisin Amos Oisin Murphy Oisin O’Connor
Patrick Carroll Patrick Molony Paul Bergin Philip Roche
Rebecca Cronin Robert Bradley Roisin Meehan Ronan Quigley
Rosanne Dalton Saidbh O’Flynn Scott O’ Brien Sean Bermingham
Sean Hegarty Sean Kavanagh Shane Hennessy Shane Torpey
Shauna Gleeson Siobhan Hogan Siobhan Norton Sophie Kelly
T.J. Hally Tara Crawford
TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB 2012 MEMBERSHIP
Ryan Motor Power, the official SKODA dealership in Tipperary is the new sponsor of the Tipperary Supporters Club Membership Scheme. Visit the Ryan Motor Power website at http://www.ryanmotorpower.com/contentv3/ or call 052 6180323. Ryan Motor Power are offering the following special discounts for members of the Tipperary Supporters Club: 10% off all servicing for all makes of car and 10% off all accessories purchased. Just quote your 2012 membership number to claim the discount from Ryan Motor Power.
FACEBOOK AND TWITTER
As part of our annual membership drive and to increase awareness of the Tipperary Supporters Club in our 25th year we’ve joined the world of social media with a Tipperary Supporters Club Facebook page and Twitter account. Information on how to join in below.
Facebook
Once you have a Facebook account go to www.facebook.com/TippSupportersClub and “Like” our page. You can visit our page for up to date membership information, the Facebook page will have lots of information including player and squad updates, relevant stories, match reports and all things of interest to Tipperary Hurling. There’s plenty of room for comments or to post pictures and photos of interest – so please join in. Photos from the Launch are posted there.
Twitter
If you are a Twitter user, follow us @TippSupporters – the twitter account is a great way to get up to the minute information in a really quick and concise manner. Our Twitter account will also gather other Tipperary information of interest such as match updates – before the media has them, squad information and the thoughts of players, journalists and other interested parties.
Remember even if you don’t already have a Facebook or Twitter account, you can registers in a couple of minutes at www.facebook.com and www.twitter.com
TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB MEMBERSHIP
Membership for 2012 is already proving to be a popular buy and is now available on www.tippsupportersclub.com and with usual local sellers. The member’s gift is a specially produced Tipperary Supporters bag. In addition each Adult Membership Card will be accompanied by a Tipperary Supporters Car/Window Sticker. Adult Members will be entered in Ticket Draws for five pairs of stand tickets before each of Tipperary’s 2012 Munster and All-Ireland championship games. They will also be entered in a Draw for an All-Ireland Hurling Weekend stay at the Four Star Louis Fitzgerald Hotel, Dublin (match tickets included). Also members can access a discount scheme and will get Championship and League team announcements by text as well as regular updates by email on team news and events. Adult Membership will cost €30 (unchanged since 2005). Supporters can join on line on www.tippsupportersclub.com by credit card or debit/laser card. If you want to give membership as a present, a gift voucher is available on the website. 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. We will make contact with those members who have joined by direct debit in previous years. If joining by post please send a cheque or postal order payable to Tipperary Supporters Club to John Coman, PRO and Membership Officer, 52 Hazelbrook Road, Terenure, Dublin 6W (087-9087105, email: info@tippsupportersclub.com ).
Please pass on this email to your friends.
Keep up with all the news on www.tippsupportersclub.com, www.tipperary.gaa.ie, www.hoganstand.com and www.munstergaa.ie.
Ar aghaidh le Tiobraid Árann.
John Coman
Public Relations Officer
Tipperary Supporters Club

1. Brendan Cummins (Ballybacon-Grange)
2. Conor O’Brien (Éire Óg Annacarty)
3. Paul Curran (Mullinahone) Captain
4. Michael Cahill (Thurles Sarsfields)
5. Shane Maher (Burgess)
6. Conor O’Mahony (Newport)
7. Padraic Maher (Thurles Sarsfields)
8. Johnny Ryan (Drom and Inch)
9. Shane McGrath (Ballinahinch)
10. Gearóid Ryan (Templederry Kenyons)
11. Patrick Maher (Lorrha & Dorrha)
12. Adrian Ryan (Templederry Kenyons)
13. Timmy Hammersley (Clonoulty Rossmore)
14. Brian O’Meara (Kilruane MacDonaghs)
15. John O’Brien (Toomevara)

Funeral arrangements are as follows: Removal from O’Donoghue’s Funeral Home, Kickham Street, Clonmel, at 7.30pm to Ss. Peter & Paul’s Church on Tuesday evening. Requiem Mass at 1pm on Wednesday with burial immediately afterwards in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

Elsewhere that famous – or infamous – relegation battle was finally settled at Clonmel where Cashel K.C. salvaged their senior status with a six-point decision over Ballybacon, reversing the outcome of the original controversial tie. It will be last chance saloon next weekend for the South side when they face Borrisokane. And just as this column was wrapping up there came the bombshell news that Lar Corbett has withdrawn from the Tipperary panel.
Tipp’s winning start to the new season continued at Nenagh on Saturday last before a miserably small attendance. Saturday afternoon games are a put-off for many followers and when the weather chose to play spoil-sport I’m sure it was the clinching factor for some would-be attendees. The stay-at-homers missed nothing; on a day of rain and mud this was a case of endurance rather than enjoyment.

It was an odd sort of game. The home side got a run on the students in the first quarter and were ten points clear before Conor McGrath had the first point for the Limerick side after all of twenty-two minutes. Early points from Pa Bourke, Adrian Ryan, John O’Brien (the best score of the lot) and John O’Neill were followed by a two-goal blast in four minutes. ‘Buggy’ O’Meara was fouled and dissent saw the free being advanced to a more threatening position. It proved costly for the students as Pa Bourke’s shot went in off the stick of Holycross’ Tossy Lowry in the UL goal. Four minutes later Gearoid Ryan set up ‘Buggy’ for a batted second. With the elements in their backs Tipp had 2-4 on the board with UL still to register.

And yet, inexplicably, Tipp seemed to switch off after that to allow the students back into the contest. The UL lads worked hard, the defence tightening after the early haemorrhage, and in Clare’s Conor McGrath they had a potent weapon in attack. McGrath, from good Toomevara stock, hit some great points into the elements to halve the lead before the interval.

Incredibly Tipperary went scoreless for almost half an hour, a period that stretched from the seventeenth minute of the first half to the eleventh in the second. By then Conor McGrath had the lead down to a mere three and the Tipp bench must have been worried. Eventually rescue came in the shape of Eoin Kelly who went in and showed the wannabes a few tricks, tossing over three points to steady the ship and see it safely into port.
It certainly wasn’t a convincing statement by Tipperary’s aspiring panellists. After the early burst of scoring the team became shapeless, the attack drifting away from goal despite playing with the benefit of wind and rain. Eoin Kelly’s input made all the difference but overall it was a very variable display.

Our most productive man on the day was ‘Buggy’ O’Meara. I know the cynics will say that conditions suited him, but in fairness he’s putting in slavish effort every day and if he can develop a notch or two he might well have a role in the championship team. He scored one of the goals and was fouled for 1-2 more of our total, which together makes up a sizable chunk of our score.

Otherwise those who tend to dismiss Eoin Kelly as over-the-top would need to revise their opinions. He may have a lot of mileage on the clock but those hands are still elastic and I don’t see any newcomer rushing in to take his place.
After that there wasn’t a lot more of interest to report on the game. Michael Cahill had his hands full in defence trying to curtail Conor McGrath but Paul Curran is looking very strong at full back. Otherwise I didn’t see any stand-out performances though one must recognise that conditions were dreadful.

So it’s on to the semi-final of this tournament now when Cork travel to Clonmel next Sunday. I don’t know why the game goes to Clonmel and I’m certainly not convinced of the wisdom of the move. The surface didn’t look healthy on Sunday and the spectator accommodation could do with an upgrade. Besides it’s a long way from North Tipperary to Clonmel. Surely a more central venue could have been chosen.
Cork qualified for this semi-final with an easy win over Kerry at the weekend. It was JBM’s first competitive outing since returning to management. He fielded a new-look Cork side for the Kerry game but I’d expect a strengthening of the formation for next Sunday. There were a few familiars on board last week such as Tom Kenny, Cathal Naughton, Cian McCarthy, Pa Cronin and Pat Horgan but the rest of the old brigade were held in reserve.
For Tipperary this is an ideal assignment as the build up to the league intensifies. Declan Ryan has been able to ease his side into action with a series of five games, friendly and Waterford Crystal, so Sunday should represent a stepping up of the tempo as we head closer to the league start on February 26.

Once again one suspects the management will field a mix of players for this fixture with perhaps the core drawn from the All Ireland team and then the rest coming from the supplementary material. Some college players are still out of bounds for this competition. Incidentally Padraic Maher won his case midweek at Croke Park and played with UL in the drawn Fitzgibbon game against LIT. Last week I erroneously speculated about which side he’d play for on Saturday at Nenagh; he couldn’t play for UL in the Waterford Crystal because he already played for Tipp in the same competition. A certain hawk-eyed E. Donnelly was on my case with the correction before the ink was dry.

Anyway one assumes Brendan Cummins will be club-tied next weekend so presumably Darren Gleeson will again mind goal. In the absence of Cummins James Logue was stand-by last week so the Ballingarry man can regard himself as the official number three in the pecking order at this stage. I’d expect a strong defence for Sunday akin to last week, maybe with the addition of Padraic Maher. Brendan Maher is getting a lot of game time midfield but you could speculate forever about his likely partner. David Young has been on trial in the area in recent games and Shane McGrath has fluctuated between midfield and centre forward.

It’s the Tipperary attack that probably needs most strengthening for Sunday’s game. Maybe that will mean a start for such as Eoin Kelly and Patrick Maher this time. The loss now of Lar Corbett puts added focus on this end of the pitch. We’ll see. Either way it’s the most significant game of the year thus far for the team. We’ll meet Cork in the league and, hopefully, the provincial semi-final of the championship so an early season marker would be useful.
Meanwhile Clonmel on Sunday saw that much-debated relegation tie between Cashel K.C. and Ballybacon finally decided with the King Cormacs securing their senior status on a 0-14 to 0-8 score line. Having won the boardroom battle earlier, Cashel have now taken the hurling honours too, though I suspect neutral sympathy will be with Ballybacon, who now face Borrisokane in a last gasp effort to save their status for 2012.
After all the heat generated by the controversy the hurling was pretty poor. Cashel had the better of it for sure but justifying their presence in the top rank now won’t be easy.

The winners led six-four at the break. A fine save by Kevin O’Sullivan and the capable free taking of Jonathan Grogan were central to Cashel’s edge at that stage. In the second half they consolidated their position with Dylan Fitzell emerging as the attacking star and Lee Burke the defensive one. A few missed frees by Ballybacon were costly and as the game progressed they never appeared to have the cutting edge in attack to hurt the West side. There were few enough handshakes at the end but Cashel had achieved their ambition and for Ballybacon at least there’s another day.

There was no doubt Cashel had the individual stand-out players. Lee Burke led a very tight defensive unit which over the hour conceded a mere five points from play. Burke was superb at centre back but they can be grateful too for a very assured display from goalie, Kevin O’Sullivan. A goal would have been a major item in this contest but it never really threatened.
In attack then it was Dylan Fitzell who drew most notice with a sterling display that included four points from play, some of really fine quality. This dual player certainly looks the business so his progress will be watched with interest. The free taking of Jonathan Grogan was critical to the outcome too; he landed five and added one from play to end top scorer. While these were the most noticeable names the rest played their part too in a team victory.
For Ballybacon it was a disappointing day given the twist this unfortunate affair took over the winter. I thought Peter Hally played a fine hour in defence. Johnny English had some notable moments too at midfield including the point of the game from near the sideline in the second half. Billy Hewitt was another who worked gamely in the cause but overall they simply hadn’t enough in attack to carry them through. Many expected to see Brendan Cummins come outfield as a last throw of the dice but for some reason it never happened. This game should bring them on for the relegation final now against Borrisokane, a match I hope they win.

Finally that shock announcement that Lar Corbett has withdrawn from the Tipperary panel is devastating news for followers. It’s been described as a withdrawal because of pressure of work, which somehow makes it seem less final than retirement. There’s obviously a hope, a forlorn one perhaps, that there will be a rethink coming nearer to the championship.
Inevitably the timing of this announcement will set tongues wagging. Players generally retire during the closed season and Lar was back in action for 2012 coming on for Munster in that recent charity game at Nenagh. The rumour mill is obviously about to go into overdrive and there will be all sorts of conspiracy theories to explain the move. It’s a process I’m not going to add to at this stage.

Whatever the underlying reasons it’s desperately bad news for Tipperary followers. The Tipperary attack minus those electric bursts of Lar is a much weaker entity and those of us who’ve been watching the back-up material know all about the shortage of replacements. Anyway it’s a story that’s going to dominate news for the coming weeks, so more anon.

Finally Nenagh CBS came so close to making the Harty final last Sunday. Leading going into added time they were just caught at the end and the replay now goes on next week. They’ve surprised people in a competition that’s never been so open. Good luck to them in the replay.

“The Tipperary Senior Hurling Management regrets that Lar Corbett has informed us of his withdrawal from the Tipperary Senior Hurling panel due to work and business commitments. Lar’s importance and value to the Tipperary Senior Hurling team is immeasurable and the door will remain open to him for a return to the panel if those work pressures ease.”