Tipperary Supporters Club

News & Events

Harty Cup Results

February 7th, 2010

In the Harty Cup semi-final played in Templemore today the result was Thurles CBS 1 15 Nenagh CBS 1 10. In the other semi-final Árd Scoil Rís of Limerick defeated St Caimin's. The final is fixed for Sunday 28th February at a time and venue to be announced.

TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB ADULT MEMBERSHIP LAUNCH

February 5th, 2010

The Tipperary Supporters Club launched the 2010 Adult Membership on Friday, January 29th at the Horse & Jockey Hotel. Adult Membership in 2010 will cost €30 (unchanged since 2005). Each Adult Membership Card will be accompanied by a Tipperary Car/Window Sticker and a gift of a specially-designed Irish-made Tipperary Supporters pen. This special pen includes a unique pull out insert giving details of dates, times and venues for more than thirty fixtures in 2010 including all of Tipperary's games in the Senior, Under 21, Minor and Intermediate Hurling Championships and National Hurling League. You can view an image of the pen on the website www.tippsupportersclub.com ). Adult Members will be entered in Ticket Draws for five pairs of stand tickets before each of Tipperary’s 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 receive regular updates by email on team news, match reports and events.

Liam Sheedy, manager of the Tipperary Senior Hurling team, performed the launch and urged all Tipperary supporters to join the Club. Liam also outlined his plans for the team in 2010 and progress to date. The Committee are actively seeking more people interested in helping the Tipperary hurling effort - particularly people living / working in Tipperary itself. We want to extend the adult membership base further throughout the county and anybody who would like to take some Supporters Club memberships to join up their friends is welcome to contact Supporters Club PRO and Membership Officer, John Coman on 087-9087105 or by email at info@tippsupportersclub.com . Supporters can join on line on www.tippsupportersclub.com by credit card or debit card . On the website details are also available of the direct debit facility; as the Club is run on a completely voluntary basis it would be a great help of members could join by direct debit. If joining by post please send a cheque or postal order payable to Tipperary Supporters Club to John Coman, 52 Hazelbrook Road, Terenure, Dublin 6W.

Junior Membership is still free and Junior Members do not have to rejoin as their membership is carried forward from year to year.

The Ideal Gift for the Young Tipperary Fan!!

February 5th, 2010

Why not give your Son, Daughter, Nephew or Niece a really novel gift this Hurling & Football season. Sleepysportz bring you the unique and professionally designed kiddie’s pyjamas in their very own County Colours. Pride and Passion are part of our national games so what better way to lay the foundation than to see your little loved ones ‘growing with pride’ in their cosy county pyjamas. Sleepysports, a Cashel based company with strong hurling connections, and the Tipperary Supporters Club have teamed up to bring you a special offer for Tipperary Supporters.

As part of this new venture Sleepysportz will donate €3.00 to the Tipperary Supporters Club from the sale of each pyjamas the cost of which will now be €12.00 plus postage and packaging to each Tipperary Supporters Club member (Normal Price €15.00 plus P & P). These unique and stylish specially designed pyjamas are 100% cotton and are made with your child’s comfort in mind.

The County Coloured unisex pyjamas are available from the age of 3 – 10 years, with for different sizes. Pyjamas are presented in a customised gift box making them an ideal present for any occasion. This great product was available at the recent launch of the Tipperary Supporters Club 2010 membership and were modelled there by John O'Connor of Portroe, who was a Tipperary Team Mascot. A lot of the pyjames were sold on the night as the guests were very impressed with it.

To place your order please contact 087 1422832 or email sales@sleepysportz.ie and mention the code "Tipp" to get the special discount price. You can view the picture and sizes on www.sleepysportz.com .

Competition to be the Team Mascot for the Tipperary Senior Hurling Team

February 4th, 2010

Tipp FM and the Tipperary Supporters Club have teamed up to offer this great prize to Junior Members of the Tipperary Supporters Club. A lucky Tipp supporter will be the special Team Mascot for the Tipperary SH Team at the Allianz National Hurling League match against Kilkenny on Saturday 20th February. This will be the first rematch following last year's gripping All-Ireland Final. It will be played under floodlights at Semple Stadium with the throw in at 7.30pm. The prize will include:
The mascot will be part of the Tipperary Team photo on the pitch before the match
The mascot will be part of the photo with the two captains and the referee at the toss of the coin
The mascot and family will have free admission to the match for up to 6 people
The mascot’s name and photo will be featured in the match programme and in an announcement by stadium announcer
The mascot will be special guest of the Tipp FM commentary team for their coverage of the match before rejoining their family at half time.

Entry for this great draw is open for all Junior Members of the Tipperary Supporters Club who have joined on http://www.tippsupportersclub.com/ by Monday 8th February. Then all you have to do to enter this free draw is send an email to juniors@tippsupportersclub.com by Monday 8th February with your name and age, and the email address and phone number for your parent/guardian. The winner will be announced on Tipp FM and on www.tippsupportersclub.com .

DR. HARTY CUP COLLEGES SEMI-FINALS

February 3rd, 2010

Next Sunday February 7^th is a big day for the Munster Second Level Colleges with the two Dr. Harty Cup semi-finals being played. Tipperary will have a representative in the final as defending champions and strong favourites, Thurles CBS take on Nenagh CBS in Templemore at 2.30pm. The other semi-final will be played between St. Caimin’s College Shannon and Ard Scoil Rís, Limerick at Meelick also at 2.30pm.

Tipp and Cats set to renew rivalry

January 31st, 2010

By Brendan O'Brien

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/tipp-and-cats-set-to-renew-rivalry-11
0794.html

Friday, January 29, 2010

FORGET last Tuesday night's Waterford Crystal Cup defeat to Clare.
Tipperary's season will only kick into gear on February 20 in Thurles and it will begin much as last year's ended with a test of their credentials against Kilkenny.

Last September's All-Ireland final has already been bestowed with legendary status and it will fall to those two rivals to get the 2010 NHL underway under the Semple Stadium lights in three weeks' time.

Tipp should lack little in the way of motivation. The sides met three times in 2009 with Kilkenny edging the National League final by three points and the All-Ireland decider by five while their first clash, at Nowlan Park in March, ended with Brian Cody's men 17 points to the good.

"People will take a lot of interest in it but, for us, it is just the start of the league," said Tipp forward Noel McGrath. "It's a chance to get it up and running, to get ourselves going again and hopefully get back on the right track to where we want to go again next year."

Tipp received all manner of commendations for their role in last September's shoot-out but they have had to sit and stew over a winter where their appetite and ability to repeat such feats have been dissected.

"For a few days after it you were gutted after losing the way we did, being so close, but we were so far away at the finish,'' McGrath reflected. "We got on with it. We had club games a week or two after it so it was out of our system quickly.

"We are looking forward to 2010, hoping to get back to where we were last year and taking that extra step. We have to do a lot of hard training and put in a lot of effort in matches if we want to get back where we want."

With a sterling underage pedigree, McGrath had all the credentials to make an impact in the senior grade, it is just that no-one expected him to make such a big one so soon given he didn't make his senior championship debut until the opening tie against Cork.

Nevertheless, he has secured a solid foundation on which to build a long and memorable career.

"The year did go well for me, other than not winning the All-Ireland final but I know myself that, without hard work again this year, things might not happen. I have to put in the work, get back in the starting 15, work hard for the league and be ready for the championship."

Knocking Kilkenny off their perch may be priority number one but the focus for McGrath and Tipp over the next five months will be Sunday, May 30 when they face the county that completes hurling's holy trinity.

"Things didn't really get going until the middle of March for Cork last year but they will be back there again and we will have to be ready for that because they will be gunning to get back to a Munster final.

"We haven't really thought about it. It is the third year in a row that we will meet Cork in the first round and we will just have to get on with it. Every match is tough in the championship so we just have to play what's in front of us and get through that."

TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB 2009 MEMBERSHIP NOW AVAILABLE

January 31st, 2010

The Tipperary Supporters Club launched the 2010 Membership on Friday, January 29th at the Horse & Jockey Hotel. Membership in 2010 will cost €30 (unchanged since 2005). Each Membership Card will be accompanied by a Tipperary Car/Window Sticker and a specially-designed Irish-made Tipperary Supporters pen. This special pen includes a unique pull out insert giving details of dates, times and venues for more than thirty fixtures in 2010 including all of Tipperary's games in the Senior, Under 21, Minor and Intermediate Hurling Championships and National Hurling League. Members will be entered in Ticket Draws for five pairs of stand tickets before each of Tipperary’s 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 can receive regular updates by email on team news, match reports and events.

Liam Sheedy, manager of the Tipperary Senior Hurling team, performed the launch and urged all Tipperary supporters to join the Club. Liam also outlined his plans for the team in 2010 and progress to date. The Committee are actively seeking more people interested in helping the Tipperary hurling effort - particularly people living / working in Tipperary itself. We want to extend the membership base further throughout the county and anybody who would like to sell Supporters Club membership is welcome to contact Supporters Club PRO and Membership Officer, John Coman on 087-9087105 or by email at info@tippsupportersclub.com . Supporters can join on line on www.tippsupportersclub.com by credit card or debit card . On the website details are also available of the direct debit facility; as the Club is run on a completely voluntary basis it would be a great help of members could join by direct debit. If joining by post please send a cheque or postal order payable to Tipperary Supporters Club to John Coman, 52 Hazelbrook Road, Terenure, Dublin 6W.

Gerry Slevin donates proceeds of book to Tipperary Supporters Club

January 31st, 2010

At the Tipperary Supporters Club 2010 membership launch on 29 January, Mr Gerry Slevin, former Editor of the Nenagh Guradian kindly donated the proceeds of his recent book "Through Memory's Haze" to the Tipperary Supporters Club. Gerry presented a cheque for €3,000 to John Tierney, the Chair of the Club and John expressed the sincere gratitude of the Club to Gerry for his generous contribution.

TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB MEMBERSHIP LAUNCH 2010 REMINDER

January 28th, 2010

Tipperary supporters are invited to the Launch of the Tipperary Supporters Club 2010 Membership which will be performed by Liam Sheedy and members of the Senior Hurling Panel in the Horse and Jockey Hotel on THIS Friday January 29th at 8pm. Membership will cost €30 again for 2010, the 5th year in succession without an increase. Full details on membership benefits and how to join can be viewed on www.tippsupportersclub.com . To find out more about the Launch and membership, the Supporters Club can be contacted by email on info@tippsupportersclub.com or by ringing John Coman, PRO and Membership Officer on 087 9087105. All funds raised by the Tipperary Supporters Club are spent directly on the Tipperary Senior Hurling team and underage teams. Why not come along, enjoy some good company and hear Liam Sheedy talk about the year ahead? Tea/coffee and sandwiches will be served.

2010 Waterford Crystal Cup Tipperary vs. Clare match reports

January 27th, 2010

Courtesy www.tipperary.gaa.ie

2010 Waterford Crystal Cup Hurling Quarter-Final - Tipperary vs. Clare - Match Reports
26/01/2010

Clare defeated Tipperary by 0-17 to 1-12 in the Waterford Crystal Cup Quarter-Final on Tuesday night in Borrisoleigh.

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Waterford Crystal Cup Quarter Final

Tipperary 1-12 Clare 0-17

By Cathal Ryan

Tuesday night under the floodlights of Borrisoleigh presented the Tipperary Senior hurlers with their first competitive encounter of 2010 against a Clare side eager to impress new manager Ger O Loughlin. With temperatures just above zero and a mild fog looming over the venue both sides undertook rigorous warm ups ahead of this Waterford Crystal Quarter Final that was evenly contested throughout. Ten minutes into the second half Tipperary were awarded a penalty when the ball broke in behind the Banner full back line. Eoin Kelly was a clear favourite to win possession when he was hauled back by Clare corner back Alan Brigdale. The resulting Eoin Kelly penalty was stopped and cleared which lifted the “Sparrow’s” troops. Soon after Diarmuid McMahon was sprung from the bench and within two minutes of his arrival the experienced Kilmaley man hit a towering point from 65 yards. This was followed by a blistering burst from Jonathan Clancy through heart the Tipperary defence where he scored off the stick from 30 yards to direct his side towards victory.

Liam Sheedy will no doubt be disappointed with the defeat but can be upbeat about some aspects of what he witnessed. Eoin Kelly picked up where he left off in last years All Ireland Final looking particularly sharp in attack and leaving his injury woes of early 2009 behind him. David Young of Toomevara gave a solid display on his competitive debut for the Portroe manager’s charges where he grew in confidence as the game developed at right half back. It was noticeable that Clare had that bit more work done heading into this encounter as they were sharper in many situations. Their defenders were impressive in terms of hooking and blocking and this was a key element in stifling the Tipperary attacks. The game started at a sharp pace and Clare took the lead in the first minute through a Fergal Lynch point. Mark Flaherty added a second through a free before the Premier returned fire with two scores from Pat Kerwick and Gearoid Ryan.

From here O’ Loughlin’s men pushed on and gained a three point lead by the tenth minute including a fine point from Alan Markham fired from the left touchline. This was a lead that they wouldn’t lose for the remainder of the contest. Tipp pushed hard to bounce back before the break but each score was matched with a Banner response and Clare ended the half stronger with a fine point from Martin Ogie Murphy. This left the Premier trailing at half time by 0-10 to 0-06.

Last years All Ireland Finalists emerged from the interval with more intent with Eoin Kelly scoring two frees among a flurry of attacks before the penalty decision. After the McMahon and Clancy points Tipp did attempt to rally again and last years Young Hurler of the Year Noel McGrath whipped on a ball that landed in the square to score the games only goal after being introduced as a substitute. This narrowed the gap to 1-11 to 0-16. Both sides added an additional point and this was as close as Tipp got to mount a comeback. Clare progress to Sunday’s Semi Final against Waterford while for Liam Sheedy and his panel will go to work in preparation for the National Hurling League.

Tipperary: Brendan Cummins, Conor O Brien, Declan Fanning, Paul Curran, David Young, Thomas Stapleton, Shane Maher, Benny Dunne(0-1), Gearoid Ryan(0-1), Pat Kerwick(0-2), Hugh Maloney, Paul Kelly, Pa Bourke(0-1), John O Brien, Eoin Kelly(0-6, 5F)
Subs: Micheal Webster for Bourke (39), Lar Corbett for Paul Kelly (44), Noel McGrath(1-0) for Kerwick (46), Shane McGrath(0-1) for G Ryan (53), Padraic Maher for B Dunne (60).

Clare: Philip Brennan, Pat Vaughan, Cian Dillon, Alan Brigdale, Domhnall O Donovan, Brian O Connell, Pat Donnellan(0-1F), Martin Ogie Murphy(0-1), Jonathan Clancy(0-2), Alan Markham(0-2), John Conlon(0-3), Fergal Lynch(0-1), Mark Flaherty(0-6,6F), Michael Scanlon, Aonghus O Brien.
Subs: Diarmuid McMahon(0-1) for O Brien, John Cusack for Scanlon, Brendan Bugler for O Connell.

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Tipperary 1-12 Clare 0-17

by Jackie Cahill for the Irish Examiner newspaper

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

CHAMPIONS Clare scored a notable early season victory with a hard-fought two-point win over Tipperary in the Waterford Crystal Trophy under lights in Borrisoleigh last night. New manager Ger ‘Sparrow’ O’Loughlin made it two wins out of two as roughly 3,000 spectators braved the bitter cold to watch both sides served up some good fare. This tie was a repeat of last year’s final and once again, Clare had the upper hand to set up a clash with Davy Fitzgerald’s Waterford next Sunday in a dress rehearsal for the Munster championship. The winter of discontent which rocked Clare has now been replaced by an apparent calm and there was a noticeable hunger about O’Loughlin’s charges last night. John Conlon, a centre-forward in the traditional mould, caught the eye with a barnstorming performance decorated by three points. Fearless and direct, Conlon caused endless problems for Tipperary’s defence. Conlon was the outstanding player for Clare perspective but there were impressive performances too from livewire midfielder Jonathan Clancy and the experienced Alan Markham.

Clare started with seven players who began last year’s Munster championship match with Tipperary, while the home side fielded six of the players who lined out then. Clare signalled their intentions with the opening two points, provided by Fergal Lynch and Mark Flaherty with the first of his six pointed frees. Tipp roared back through Pat Kerwick and Gearoid Ryan and during the early stages, Eoin Kelly looked particularly keen for action. Kelly missed all of last spring with a back injury before lining out in the championship and it now appears that his long standing problem has been put to bed. Clare built up a 0-5 to 0-2 lead after 10 minutes and were comfortably holding Tipp before going on to lead 0-10 to 0-6 at the interval. Eleven minutes after the restart, and with Tipp trailing by 0-11 to 0-8, Kelly had the chance to restore parity with a penalty but his effort was batted away by Domhnall O’Donovan. Clare looked comfortable from then on but Tipp were thrown a lifeline in the 56th minute when substitute Noel McGrath netted. Tipp were now back to within two points, trailing by 0-16 to 1-11, but they could not close the gap.

Scorers for Tipperary: E Kelly 0-6 (5f), N McGrath 1-0, P Kerwick 0-2, G Ryan, B Dunne, P Bourke & S McGrath 0-1 each.

Scorers for Clare: M Flaherty 0-6f, J Conlon 0-3, J Clancy & A Markham 0-2 each, F Lynch, M ‘Ogie’ Murphy, D McMahon & P Donnellan (f) 0-1 each.

TIPPERARY: B Cummins; C O’Brien, D Fanning, P Curran; D Young, T Stapleton, S Maher; B Dunne, G Ryan; P Kerwick, H Maloney, P Kelly; P Bourke, J O’Brien, E Kelly.
Subs: M Webster for Bourke (39), L Corbett for P Kelly (45), N McGrath for Kerwick (48), S McGrath for Ryan (56), P Maher for Dunne (60 + 2).

CLARE: P Brennan; P Vaughan, C Dillon, A Brigdale; D O’Donovan, B O’Connell, P Donnellan; M Ogie Murphy, J Clancy; A Markham, J Conlon, F Lynch; M Flaherty, M Scanlon, A O’Brien.
Subs: D McMahon for O’Brien (43), J Cusack for Scanlon (51), B Bugler for O’Connell (57).

Referee: D Copps (Cork)

Camogie History Evening on Thursday 28th January in Croke Park at 7.30 pm

January 26th, 2010

An evening of Camogie History will be held on this Thursday 28th January in the GAA Museum Croke Park at 7.30 pm. The main speakers are Mary Moran well known camogie historian and Eoghan Corry journalist and renouned author of many GAA publications. The evening will include a display of camogie uniforms worn down the years and a panel discussion involving the audience. Entrance is 8 euro to include tea/coffee. All are welcome.

WATERFORD CRYSTAL CUP SENIOR HURLING

January 26th, 2010

Tipperary Senior panellist, Michael Cahill of Thurles Sarsfields and Shane Bourke of JK Brackens both featured well on the scoresheet in UCC’s 19 points to 2-9 win over Limerick in the Waterford Crystal Cup Senior Hurling quarter-final played at Kilmallock on Sunday last. Both scored 3 each from play. Cahill lined out at midfield while Bourke was right corner forward. UCC will now play University of Limerick in the semi-final next Saturday at 12 noon with the venue to be confirmed. UL defeated LIT by 3-22 to 2-18 after extra time in last Sunday’s quarter final played at the LIT grounds in Moylish. Tipperary players with UL were goalkeeper, Thomas Lowry (Holycross-Ballycahill); corner back Paddy Stapleton (Borris-Ileigh); centre back, John Devane (Clonoulty Rossmore); wing forward and captain Ryan O’Dwyer (Cashel King Cormacs); corner forward Willie Ryan (Toomevara); and full forward Paddy Murphy (Nenagh Éire Óg). Subs included Michael Gleeson (Thurles Sarsfields); Brian Fox (Éire Óg, Annacarty), Michael Heffernan (Nenagh Éire Óg) and Kevin Fox (Éire Óg, Annacarty). LIT also had a strong Tipperary contingent on their team including Matthew Ryan (Templederry Kenyons), John O’Keefe (Clonoulty Rossmore); Ronan Sherlock (Silvermines); Seamus Callanan (Drom and Inch) and Timmy Dalton (Arravale Rovers). There was a further Tipperary connection as Noel Cosgrave (Marlfield) refereed the game. As well as next weekend’s Waterford Crystal game, UL and UCC will be looking to the start of their Fitzgibbon Cup campaigns on February 4th. They met in last year’s final with UCC emerging as victors.

SYMPATHY

January 20th, 2010

From Tipperary GAA Scene
We extend our sympathy to the family of the late Bob Stakelum of Holycross Ballycahill who died last weekend. Bob was President of the Mid Tipperary Divisional GAA Board since 1993 and gave a lifetime of service to the GAA. He played inter-county football and hurling with Tipperary and was a member of the Tipperary panel which won the All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship in 1949. He won Tipperary county senior hurling championships with Holycross-Ballycahill in 1948, 1951 and 1954. He was also a noted referee and took charge of the 1955 All Ireland Senior Hurling final, the 1956 Munster Senior Hurling Final and the 1954 and 55 Munster Senior Football finals. He wrote a book “Gaelic Games in Holycross Ballycahill 1884 to 1990” He was elected to the Mid Tipperary Board “Hall of Fame” in 1999. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

Tipperary Association, Dublin Annual General Meeting

January 19th, 2010

The 2010 AGM of the Association will be held at 8.00pm Tuesday 26 January 2010 in the upper rooms at the Palace Bar (courtesy of Liam Aherne) Fleet Street, Dublin 2. New members welcome.

Munster GAA Fixtures

January 18th, 2010

FRIDAY JANUARY 22nd. 2010.
McGrath Cup Senior Football Semi Final
@ CIT Grounds - Cork IT v University College Cork @ 2.30p.m.

SATURDAY JANUARY 23rd.
Munster GAA Waterford Crystal Hurling Cup Quarter Final @ Austin Stack Park, Tralee - Tralee IT v Waterford @ 2.00pm

SUNDAY JANUARY 24th.
McGrath Cup Senior Football Semi Final
@ Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney - Kerry v Tipperary @ 2.00pm

Munster GAA Waterford Crystal Hurling Cup Quarter Finals @ Kilmallock - Limerick v University College Cork @ 2.00pm

@ LIT Grounds - Limerick IT v University of Limerick @ 2.00pm

TUESDAY JANUARY 26th
Munster GAA Waterford Crystal Hurling Cup Quarter Final @ Borrisoleigh - Tipperary v Clare @ 7.30pm

2010 Waterford Crystal Cup Hurling Quarter-Final - Tipperary vs. Clare

January 18th, 2010

Good luck to the Tipperary senior hurlers who will play Clare in the quarter finals of the Waterford Crystal Cup in Borrisoleigh at 7.30pm on Tuesday, January 26th. Their last meeting in this competition was in the final at Ogonnelloe on January 25th 2009 when the Banner County won by 1-12 to 1-7. The winners of the Tipp v Clare game will play the winners of the IT Tralee v Waterford game in the semi-finals.

INTER-COUNTY AND INTER DIVISIONAL JUVENILE COMPETIONS 2010

January 14th, 2010

From Ger Ryan, Tipperary GAA Scene
The following dates have been agreed for the inter-county and inter-divisional juvenile competitions in 2010. Saturday May 1st - Munster Under 16 Inter-Divisional Hurling First Rounds. Monday May 3rd – Munster Under 16 Inter-Divisional Hurling Semi Finals & Finals. Saturday July 17th - Munster Inter-County Football Competitions: Under 16 in Limerick, Under 14 (Jim Power tournament) in Waterford. If there are under 15 or under 17 football tournaments they will also take place on Saturday July 17th.

The Munster Óg Iomáint Under 14 Hurling Coaching will take place on Wednesday August 11th and Thursday August 12th. The Munster Óg Peil Under 14 Football Coaching will take place on Wednesday August 18th and Thursday August 19th.

Saturday August 28th and Sunday August 29th – Inter County Under 16 Hurling Competition (Tipperary Supporters Club tournament) and Inter County Under 14 (Tony Forristal tournament). Saturday August 28th – Munster Inter County Under 15 Hurling in Carrigdhoun and Under 17 Hurling in Mallow.

James Woodlock interview from Irish Independant

January 12th, 2010

Woodlock aided by power of positivity

http://www.independent.ie/sport/hurling/woodlock-aided-by--power-of-posi
tivity-2008146.html

By Jackie Cahill

Monday January 11 2010

IT could be March before James Woodlock can walk properly again.

By then, four months will have passed since the horrific double leg break which marred the 2009 Tipperary county senior hurling final and threw a promising career into immediate jeopardy.

October 18 should have been one of the greatest days of Woodlock's life as the 23-year-old midfielder captained Drom and Inch in the showpiece final against neighbours Thurles Sarsfields.

This was meant to be the day when the club finally landed the coveted Dan Breen Cup, after losing finals in 2005 and 2007.

But the occasion soured on so many levels as Sars cruised to a nine-point win and the abiding memory for many was the sight of Woodlock drifting in and out of consciousness as he was stretchered off deep into stoppage-time. He recalls the noise of the crack when his right leg shattered as something similar to snapping a plank of timber.

The innocuous collision with Tipperary team-mate Padraic Maher left Woodlock in a crumpled heap as players from both sides signalled frantically to the sideline for assistance.

"I remember Larry Corbett passed a ball backwards; I turned to get it, it dropped behind me.

"I was running back for it, my weight fully on my right leg as I moved left to run. Paudie came and ran into my leg with his right leg. I could hear the crack.

"When it broke, I had all my weight on it. My knee went one way but my ankle stayed in the ground and the leg twisted."

Woodlock removed his helmet and fell backwards as excruciating pain took hold of his body.

Team-mate Seamus Butler took his right leg and straightened it as stretcher-bearers rushed across to the Town End of Semple Stadium, where Woodlock lay screaming in agony.

Soon after, in the Kinane Stand medical room, Tipperary team doctor Peter Murchin spearheaded the operation to stabilise Woodlock's right leg.

Dr Kevin Delargy and Paul Ryan from Thurles Sarsfields assisted as Woodlock was worked on for an hour before the ambulance, delayed by some time, finally arrived from Nenagh to take him to Waterford Regional Hospital.

Woodlock was pumped with Morphine and Difene to help with the pain while he estimates that he sucked in four or five barrels of oxygen as

confusion, uncertainty and that pain he had never felt before, swirled through his brain.

Murchin's work made a bad situation better as Woodlock's broken tibia and fibula were realigned after being smashed out of place on impact with Maher's leg.

At one point, Woodlock's father, also James, came to check on his son's welfare and passed out with the shock.

"I'd go through pain but that day, I blacked out two or three times,"
Woodlock recalls. "I wouldn't go through it again, under any circumstances.

"I was operated on at 1.0 the next day, for four hours. I woke up at at 6.30; it took me ages to wake up, they had me dogged out of it so much."

After the operation, hospital staff began to fear that Woodlock might suffer from compartment syndrome.

So much work had been done on his leg that it began to swell due to the pressure on the muscles.

He recalls: "They thought they might have to operate again but they stuck in two needles, one into the calf and one into the front of the leg, to measure the pressure, but that relieved it."

Woodlock was monitored constantly that night but thankfully, further surgery was not required. He'd gone through enough.

"I don't have a cast," he explains. "I have a steel rod (which will remain in his body for another 10 months) holding things together.

"I broke my leg halfway between my ankle and knee in two places, right in the middle of the leg, the worst place you could do it.

"When they operated, they opened my knee, found the top of the tibia and drove down a nail through there, down through the marrow of the bone into the ankle.

"They inserted two screws from the ankle in through the bone to hold the nail and the same in the knee, so they opened the side of the knee as well. I have four cuts."

Woodlock left hospital on the Wednesday evening after the operation and for five weeks after that, he rarely left the couch.

"I went to bed at 2 or 3 every night and I was back down again at 6, 6.30 or 7, lying on the couch with my leg up to try to calm the pain. I didn't sleep for a month." The constant pain was eased as cards, including one from Thurles Sarsfields, flooded in along with other expressions of good wishes.

Sports people from other codes who had suffered similar injuries got in touch to offer support and advice.

Former Cork goalkeeper Ger Cunningham visited the house and Woodlock took a call from a member of the Irish rugby team as he found himself immersed in sheer good will.

The Woodlock family home quickly became a hostel of sorts; clubmates held a whip-round and bought him a flat-screen LCD TV before cousins arrived with a Nintendo Wii.

He read books, surfed the internet, went for spins in the car with anybody that would take him. Anything to pass the time before a sense of renewed independence returned with increased mobility.

He recalls with a smile: "There were 10 to 20 people in the house every day for five weeks. The place was packed. Everybody used to come and play the Wii, sit down for the chat, watch TV or eat Cadbury's Roses!"

He's been able to get around better for the last few weeks -- even venturing to the swimming pool for some light aqua jogging -- but a long road lies ahead.

Unable to eat properly in the weeks after the operation because of the painkillers, Woodlock lost two stone in weight, with muscle wastage also being a factor in that.

His fighting weight is normally between 12.75 and 13 stone, but Woodlock dipped below the 11-stone mark.

Moving around on crutches and returning to the pool has seen his appetite return but proper rehabilitation won't begin until March at the earliest.

He will be reliant then on highly-rated Tipperary team physio John Casey, who worked with Munster rugby in the past, and team trainer Cian O'Neill. "I just want my leg to come back perfect first, I'll worry about hurling after that."

The job (Woodlock is a Garda based in Kilkenny) is a concern too. He'll be out of action for another few months there and another source of frustration is the fact that he cannot break in horses around the family farm.

He reflects: "I'd have swapped my county final for my leg back. It was a bad day all round but that really put salt in the wound.

"The match was gone but to get a break like that, it puts you out of everything, makes you think, 'Is the game worth it?'

"But then there are people out there an awful lot worse than I am. Every day I get up, I'm on a pair of crutches, I'm able to get around. People out there are extremely sick and can't do things that I can."

Positivity. It's what James Woodlock needs as he prepares for the greatest battle of his life.

Don't bet against him.

Limerick Leader on Harty Cup Quarter Final draw

January 12th, 2010

Ardscoil Ris drawn to face Templemore

http://www.limerickleader.ie/sport/Ardscoil-Ris-drawn-to-face.5971402.jp

11 January 2010
By Jerome O'Connell
GAA Correspondent

ARDSCOIL Ris have been drawn to face Our Lady's Templemore in the quarter-finals of the Dr. Harty Cup.
The North Circular Road secondary school will face the Tipperary outfit on Wednesday, January 20 as they bid to reach a third successive semi-final in the Munster senior A colleges hurling championship.
The draws for the provincial championship wereADVERTISEMENTmade at a meeting of the Munster Colleges Council on Saturday in Mallow.
If Ardscoil overcome the challenge of Templemore they could face a repeat of last season's semi-final against St. Caimin's of Shannon who play Midleton CBS in their quarter-final.

Elsewhere in the last eight St. Flannan's of Ennis play Thurles CBS and Nenagh CBS face De La Salle, Waterford.

"We are not looking beyond the Templemore game," Ardscoil Ris manager Derek Larkin told Leader Sport.
"The semi-finals is the furthest we have ever been and we want to get back there for the third year in-a-row."
Ardscoil finished top of their qualifying group with wins over Cashel CBS and St. Colman's of Fermoy while they finished level with Midleton CBS.
"The last time we met Templemore was three years ago in the White Cup
(under-15) final and they beat us, so we know what to expect," explained the Ardscoil manager.
For the first time this season Ardscoil Ris are expecting to have a full strength panel for their quarter-final. The Na Piarsaigh pair Shane Dowling and Kevin Downes, Declan Hannon and John Fitzgibbon (Adare), Patrickwell's Seanie O'Brien and Mark Carmody and Cratloe's Cathal McInerney provide the backbone to the Ardscoil Ris challenge.
"We have huge experience - a real good balance to our side. But then again all that won't count for much, it will all be on the day of the game," said Larkin.

The Ardscoil management is completed by coaches Niall Moran and Liam Cronin along with selectors Natal O'Grady and Jimmy Browne.
While Ardscoil Ris are happy to report an injury-free panel their preparations have been greatly hindered by the current weather.
"All our training has been hampered with pitches not available, but everyone is in the same position. Other the years teams would enter the quarter-finals with three or four challenge games played, but this year it will be different," said Larkin.

Elsewhere Limerick GAA is mourning the loss of former inter-county dual player, Danny Fitzgerald. The popular Claughaun man won National Hurling League medals from centre-forward with the Limerick in 1984 and 1985. In
1991 Fitzgerald scored four points from play in the Munster senior football final when Limerick nearly shocked Kerry. He received a football All-Star nominee at the end of that season.
Fitzgerald also played Railway Cup hurling and football for Munster - winning a hurling title in 1984.

James Woodlock interview from Irish Independant

TIPPERARY HURLING FIXTURES CALENDAR 2010

January 4th, 2010

1. Allianz GAA Hurling National League Division 1

20.02.2010 (Sat) 7.30pm T v Cill Chainnigh (Semple Stadium)

28.02.2010 (Sun) 2.30pm Baile Átha Cliath v T (away)

14.03.2010 (Sun) 2.30pm T v Gaillimh (home)

21.03.2010 (Sun) 2.30pm Luimneach v T (away)

28.03.2010 (Sun) 2.30pm T v Port Láirge (home)

04.04.2010 (Sun) 2.30pm Corcaigh v T (away)

18.04.2010 (Sun) 2.30pm Uíbh Fháilí v T (away)

02.05.2010 (Sun) Allianz GAA Hurling National League Division 1 Final

The complete fixtures for all Divisions are available on http://www.gaa.ie/page/allianz_gaa_hurling_national_league_roinn_11.html

2. GAA MUNSTER SENIOR HURLING SCHEDULE

Stage Time Date Teams Venue:
Q/Final 4pm Sun 30/5/2010 Corcaigh .v. Tiobraid Árann Páirc Uí Chaoimh

S/Final 3pm Sun 7/6/2010 Portláirge .v. An Clár Semple Stadium

S/Final 4pm Sun 20/6/2010 Corcaigh/Tiob. Arann .v. Luimneach Semple Stadium/Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Final 4pm Sun 11/7/2010 TBC TBC

ALL IRELAND SENIOR AND MINOR HURLING SCHEDULE 2010

SAT 26TH JUNE Qualifier Preliminary Round

SAT 3rd JULY Qualifier Round 1

SAT 10TH JULY Qualifier Round 2

SAT 17TH JULY Qualifier Round 3

SUN 25TH JULY Senior/Minor Quarter-Finals (2 Senior Quarter-Finals)

SUN 8TH AUGUST Senior/Minor Semi-Finals (Leinster winners v Quarter-Final winners)

SUN 15th AUGUST Senior/Minor Semi-Finals (Munster winners v Quarter-Final winners)

SUN 5TH SEPTEMBER Senior and Minor Finals

Fixtures for all the Munster Championships can be found on http://munster.gaa.ie/

Fixtures for the All-Ireland Championships can be found on www.gaa.ie

All fixtures, venues, dates, times etc are subject to change and should be checked again closer to the date. Updates will be posted on www.tippsupportersclub.com

3. ESB Munster Minor Hurling Championship (Extra time in all games up to final)

Stage Time Date Teams Venue
Quarter-Final (A) 6:30pm Wed 28/4/2010 Corcaigh .v. Tiobraid Árann Pairc Uí Chaoimh

Quarter-Final (B) 6:30pm Wed 28/4/2010 Portláirge .v. An Clár Walsh Park

Quarter-Final (C) 6:30pm Wed 28/4/2010 Ciarraí .v. Luimneach Kilmallock

Semi-Final Play Off (1) 6:30pm Sat 01/5/2010 Losers Of (B) V losers of (C)

Semi Final Play Off (2) 6:30pm Wed 05/5/2010 Winners Semi-Final Play Off (1) V Losers of (A)

Semi-Final 7:30pm Thurs 24/6/2010 Winners of (A) V Winners of (B)

Semi-Final 7:30pm Thurs 24/6/2010 Winners Semi Final Play Off (2) v Winners of (C) -

Final 2pm Sun 11/7/2010 Semi-Final winners Senior Final venue

4. Bord Gais Under 21 Hurling Championship (Extra time in all games including final)

Stage Time Date Teams Venue
Q/Final 7:30pm 02/6/2010 Corcaigh .v. Portláirge Pairc Uí Chaoimh

S/Final 7:30pm 14/7/2010 Luimneach .v. An Clár Gaelic Grounds

S/Final 7:30pm 14/7/2010 Tiobraid Árann .v. Corcaigh/Portláirge Semple Stadium/Pairc Uí Chaoimh

Final 7:30pm 28/7/2010 TBC TBC
*Tiobraid Árann request game on 14/7 be changed to 15/7 to be decided at Jan Meeting CCC.

SAT 21st AUGUST All-Ireland Under 21 Semi-Finals (Munster v Ulster)

SAT/SUN 12TH/ 13TH SEPTEMBER All-Ireland Under 21 Final

5. Munster Intermediate Hurling Championship (Extra time in all games including final)

Stage Time Date Teams Venue
Q/Final 2pm Sun 30/5/2010 Corcaigh .v. Tiobraid Árann Páirc Uí Chaoimh

S/Final 1pm Mon 7/6/2010 Portláirge .v. An Clár Semple Stadium

S/Final 2pm Sun 20/6/2010 Corcaigh/Tiob.Arann .v. Luimneach Páirc Uí Chaoimh/Semple Stadium

Final 7:30pm Thurs 22/7/2010 TBC TBC

Munster Waterford Crystal Cup Competition 2010 Fixtures

January 4th, 2010

Preliminary Round:

Venue Date Time Teams Referee
Pairc Uí Rinn 17/1/2010 2pm Corcaigh V UCC Declan O’ Driscoll Y
Austin Stack Park 17/1/2010 2pm Ciarraí V UL C Lyons Y
Meelick 17/1/2010 2pm An Clár V WIT C Mc Allister Y
Ballyduff Upper 17/1/2010 2pm Portlairge V CIT J Ryan Y

Quarter Finals:
Venue Date Time Teams Referee

1)Kilmallock 24/1/2010 2pm Luimneach V Corcaigh/UCC ML Wadding
2)Austin Stack Park/LIT 24/1/2010 2pm LIT V Ciarraí/UL S Roche
3)Nenagh *24/1/2010 2pm Tiobraid Árann V An Clár/WIT D Copps
4)Ballyduff Upper/ITT 24/1/2010 2pm ITT V Portlairge/CIT D Richardson

Semi Finals:
Venue Date Time Teams Referee
TBC 31/1/2010 2pm Winners of 1 V Winners of 2 S Mc Mahon
TBC 31/1/2010 2pm Winners of 3 V Winners of 4 John Sexton
Final:

Venue Date Time Teams Referee

TBC 7/2/2010 2pm Winners of Semi Finals TBC

* Tiobraid Árann to seek agreement for mid week fixture 20/21st or 27/28th with winners of an Clár V CIT.

Sunday Independant interview with Pádraic Maher

January 4th, 2010

Bittersweet summer leaves Maher with taste for more
Tipp's rising star tells Damian Lawlor why coming close just isn't enough to satisfy his burning ambition

Sunday January 03 2010

SOMETIMES when he casts an eye on the season just passed, Padraic Maher admits he doesn't know whether to laugh or cry. In his short time as a Tipperary senior hurler, he's already seen the best and the worst of times, but there's no softening the bittersweet taste that lingers as a new season dawns.

In 2009, Maher established himself as one of the finest young hurlers in the game, alongside the likes of Joe Canning and Noel McGrath. He marked Henry Shefflin out of the game in the league final, manned the wing, centre and full-back positions for his county in the championship and played in his fourth consecutive Munster final at just 20; a remarkable feat considering those appearances were spread across three grades, minor, U21 and senior.

His club, Thurles Sarsfields, won the county senior title and he was voted the best full-back in the country by the All Star selectors. Not bad for a guy in his first season at the top. Not that he sees it entirely like that.

"The way it is for me, it was a good year but a very bad one too. We lost all the big games we had: the League final, the All-Ireland final and then the Munster club semi-final against Newtownshandrum. We let all those games slip away when we were on top, so obviously I have mixed views looking back.

"Yes, there were some highs, but there were some awful lows too. For us Tipp lads, we just have to look on it as a learning curve and try to come back even stronger in 2010." Since Liam Sheedy took charge, the Tipperary full-back line has seen much change. Paul Curran looks to have moved on from full-back while Eamonn Buckley and Conor O'Brien both lost their places in 2009 and have a big battle on their hands to win them back this season.

Instead, Maher and the ever-impressive Paddy Stapleton nailed down starting roles and in that short time Maher has already developed into one of the most talented and determined defenders in the game. Luckily for him, he understands the importance of keeping a level head.

"A lot is said to you after games around town and that, but if you were to listen to some of it you'd actually be hurt sometimes. The way I deal with it is to listen to it politely but not really take it in either. I mean, we're part of a young team with a lot to learn. We have lots of good young lads coming through together and I think that 12 of us have played at minor and U21 together, so it's looking good.

"But there are no guarantees. We could go down to Cork next May and get beaten, so it wouldn't do you any good to listen to the stuff that's being said, even if most of it is nice or flattering."

The Thurles Sars' kid started turning heads in the League final last year when he tracked Henry Shefflin all over the pitch before the Kilkenny man left the field in frustration after receiving a yellow-card. In the All-Ireland final, Brian Cody shoved Shefflin in on top of Maher at full-forward to try and rattle him, but despite a few early fumbles there was no change out of him on that occasion either and before long Shefflin went back out the field.

Coping with the best hurler in the land is some going, considering Maher started off the championship campaign at wing-back before moving to centre-back twice in the Munster series. He then relocated to full-back for the All-Ireland semi-final against Waterford.

"If they asked me to play in goals I'd go in straight away," he smiles. "All those positions have different demands, but our coach Eamon O'Shea maintains it's all about the ball and he's right. You get the ball and play it, you might have more room out in the half-back line and you can't make too many mistakes in at full-back, but essentially you gather the ball and play it as quickly as you can. I don't really mind where they play me although if I was pinned down and asked for a decision I would say that centre-back is probably my preferred spot because you get on the ball a lot more out there and I like that."

His physical strength -- he weighs 14 stone and stands at 6' 2" -- and his fielding under the high ball allow him to roam the Tipp defence fighting fires wherever he is needed. Maher's progress has been steady over the years. He was one of the few to keep Joe Canning scoreless from play at minor level, doing so in the 2006 All-Ireland final and so denying the Portumna man a three-in-a-row at the grade which would have equalled Jimmy Doyle's historic feat.

Winning that minor title matched the achievement of his father, Paddy, who won one back in 1980. Stepping up a grade, he then won a Munster U21 medal in 2008 and last year was one of only three players -- Paddy Stapleton and Declan Fanning were the others -- to play every single minute of the senior championship campaign for his county.

"I'm really enjoying it all and please God I'll stay injury-free and we'll be able to challenge for the next few years. But all of this is really no good unless you're winning All-Ireland titles," he says. "The All-Ireland final was a killer. Not so much the week after because you go for a few pints and you don't really think about it in those days. But it hits you hard after that and even harder the week after again. Then you sit down and watch the video and hopefully we can learn from it.

"The bottom line is that they had experience; we lost it in the last few minutes and they saw us off. There's no doubt that we're up there challenging them, but Galway are coming hard and Cork regrouping, there are other teams coming too -- we have no guarantees."

The apprentice plumber has been busy since the season's end, taking in a trip to Buenos Aires with the All Stars and then coming home for Christmas before flying out to LA and San Diego with the Tipp squad last week. It's downtime, but if he's being honest he's already looking forward to getting back in tow.

"I've had enough time off," he says. "After a few weeks you start to get sluggish again and all you want to do is get back into the training. I need a good month's training to get back into my peak shape and I won't be sorry when we start back again.

"We have enough motivation and hopefully that will stand to us now. 2009 was great in many ways but we could have added a few more medals with club and county. We fell short when we were needed most, that's the bottom line."

He's being ruthless in his assessment but their time will surely come. Whether this new-look Tipp side arrive in 2010 or not is debatable with Kilkenny seeming focused on the five-in-a-row, but in players like Maher, they look to have too much quality not to come to the fore at some stage in the very near future.

Hard to believe this guy only has four senior championship games under his belt. Truth is, he looks to the manner born.

Sunday Independent

Interview with Willie Maher from Irish Independant

January 3rd, 2010

Finding courage in adversity
Maher backs compulsory helmet rule

By Jackie Cahill

Wednesday December 30 2009

A freak accident dashed a Tipp hurler's dreams but it gives a stark reminder of the importance of wearing helmets, which becomes obligatory from January 1, writes Jackie Cahill

THERE'S an old profile of William Maher in 'Sidelines', the magazine of Waterford IT GAA club which used to be circulated on campus.

It dates back to September 1998, when Maher had the hurling world at his feet as a long and distinguished career in the game beckoned.

By then, he had already achieved a lot, having captained Tipperary's minors to All-Ireland glory from midfield in 1996.

That same year, the Ballingarry native had also helped famed Kilkenny academy St Kieran's to All-Ireland colleges glory.

Maher recalls that Henry Shefflin was on that team, Mick Kavanagh too.

Jimmy Coogan, Aidan Cummins, Sean Dowling and David Carroll, son of the late Ted Carroll, who won All-Ireland medals with Kilkenny before serving as county secretary, were other well-known stars.

Life was good and the graph continued in an upward curve for Maher when he moved on to Waterford IT, with whom he would win two Fitzgibbon Cups.

His course there was Leisure and Recreation Management and the 'Sidelines' profile asked the usual questions -- favourite food, favourite actor/actress, honours to date, ambitions in life and sport.

For the most part, it was breezy, light-hearted stuff but beside the heading 'Advice to young players', Maher put forward his view that "you only get out of the game what you put into it."

Urged

He also urged anybody playing the game to "always wear a helmet."

After a memorable stint at WIT, Maher decided upon a HDip in Education at UCD, in order to become a secondary school teacher.

By that stage, he was already the proud holder of a National Hurling League medal with Tipperary's seniors, as a sub in the 1999 success.

The game dominated his life but it was to deal him a cruel hand on a damp February afternoon in 2002.

Maher was teaching nearby and on his way to grab some food before afternoon lectures, he came upon a training session in progress on one of Belfield's many pitches.

He had some gear in the car but scanning the front and back seats, he realised that he had no helmet with him at the time.

But this was just a training session, surely the risk of injury was minimal and Maher, for the first time in his life, decided to take a chance without the protective headgear.

The consequences were catastrophic and his tale is a salutary lesson to any player who might feel hard done by or thinks he's being forced to wear a helmet next year against his wishes.

A stray belt caught him flush on the left eye, literally smashing his socket.

He recalls: "The ball stuck in the ground, the lad pulled but the ball stayed where it was. He pulled again and I was right behind him and was caught at the top end of the pull.

"It was a complete accident. If I was wearing a helmet, I would have been fine.

"The second I got the belt I knew I was in serious trouble."

Pointing to his just below his left eyebrow, he adds: "If I was hit there full belt I could have got 10 or 20 stitches but there was not much blood, I think I got two stitches, so I knew that I was in trouble."

Luckily, St Vincent's hospital wasn't too far away and Dave Billings, who Maher is hugely grateful to for his support throughout the ordeal, made sure that he was moved there quickly.

"I was perfectly conscious and I can remember lying in a bed in St Vincent's.

"The pain was excruciating. I couldn't even begin to explain it."

That stroke of terrible misfortune fundamentally changed Maher's life.

Up until then, hurling and everything to do with the game dominated his thinking and shaped his days.

Major surgery followed in an attempt to repair his shattered left eye but just 10-15pc vision eventually returned.

"First of all the eye had to be put back together some way, because it was completely crushed," he recalls.

"There were two or three operations to save as much as they could. Then it was a case of lying on my side or my front for a couple of days to let the retina attach again.

"I was at home for a month or two to recuperate but I had to get back on the horse again and try to get a job, which I was lucky enough to find."

Without hurling, Maher decided to take his life in a new direction.

Fiercely competitive and hugely optimistic by nature, he decided that secondary school teaching wasn't the road for him and duly set new challenges.

He explained: "I rang Richard Stakelum (former Tipperary captain and current Dublin U-21 selector) and found out that he was a sales manager with Bristol Myers Squibb, a pharmaceutical company.

"I interviewed with Richard and was lucky enough to get the job, which meant another big shift and it made me do something else."

Maher eventually moved on to Amgen, the world's leading biotechnology company, and life has never been better for this softly spoken 30-year-old who accepted what came his way, dealt with it and moved on.

Maher found the buzz in the ultra-competitive world of pharmaceutical and biotech sales intoxicating while running and other physical activities kept the body fit and the mind fresh.

But once his life returned to some semblance of normality following the injury, he always craved some sort of on-field closure from the game he loved.

A decision to help out his beloved Ballingarry, a few years after he had last picked up a hurl, afforded him that opportunity.

Maher reflected: "It was a big risk to do it but I needed to say look, that's it.

"We played a Munster league final I think it was, against Na Piarsaigh down in Fermoy.

"I came on and I was very nervous. When the first ball dropped, I pulled but I didn't know where I was pulling.

"I wasn't used to guys around me, and doing things like that.

"It was very different -- when you're young you don't think about things but I was thinking about exactly what I was doing and the risks associated with that."

Since then, Maher has forged a promising coaching career and two years ago he was involved with Dublin's minors while he also spent two years managing Ballingarry's minors while living in the capital.

Working with his home club, Maher got to run the rule over a host of Tipperary's most promising young players and his bank of knowledge will stand him in good stead when he works alongside Ken Hogan with the county's U-21s in 2010.

Maher's never looked back in anger on that fateful February afternoon almost eight years ago and his courage and humility in the face of adversity provide a shining example to those who may find themselves in a similar position.

Grateful

He's always looked on the bright side, grateful that he can walk, talk and run while his father Martin, mother Anne and his four younger sisters have provided constant love and support.

He's also getting married next year to Linda Caulfield from Wexford Town, the former Ireland Ladies hockey international team captain who retired with 151 caps to her name.

So the future promises good things for William Maher, whose boundless enthusiasm for life is thoroughly infectious.

He knows that he could still be hurling at the top level alongside and against some of the greats he rubbed shoulders with in his teenage years but he rarely, if ever, thinks about that now.

He smiles: "Life is tough enough and lots of different things happen.

"There are lads I was in school with or played with at club or county level and they're only getting better.

"But it's about moving on -- we can never dwell on negatives. "It's not worth doing -- you'll get nowhere."

- Jackie Cahill

Irish Independent

Death of John Bourke (father of Pa Bourke)

January 2nd, 2010

The death has occurred of John Bourke Thurles. John's son Pa Bourke was a member of the Tipperary Senior Hurling panel in 2009 and was also a member of the u/21 County Team. Pa was also a playing member of the Thurles Sarsfields Senior and U/21 hurling teams that won their respective County Championships this past year.

Sincere sympathy to the Bourke family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis

COUNTY SCOR NA NÓG FINAL

December 26th, 2009

The Tipperary County Final of Scór na nÓg was held in Halla na Féile Cashel on Friday December 11th 2009. It was a wonderful night of cultural entertainment and the standard of competition was very high. County Chairman, Barry O’ Brien and Scór Chairman Seamus McGrath addressed the audience and complimented all the competitors on their talent, confidence and dedication to keeping Irish culture alive. Medals were presented on the night by Paddy Stapleton, Tipperay Senior County hurler. The following winners will represent Tipperary in the Munster semi-final which will take place in January 2010. Figure Dancing: JK Brackens; Solo Singing: Newcastle; Instrumental Music: Newport; Recitation: Newcastle; Ballad Group: Newport; Question Time: Loughmore-Castleiney; Novelty Act: Moycarky-Borris; Set Dancing: Newcastle; We wish them all the very best in future rounds of the competition

COUNTY CONVENTION

December 26th, 2009

From Tipperary Gaa Scene
Congratulations to PJ Maher of Boherlahan-Dualla who was elected as one of Tipperary’s 2 Munster Council representatives at the County Convention which was held in the Dome at Semple Stadium on Monday evening last. PJ follows in the footsteps of his late father Tim, who also served as a Munster Council representative. Well deserved tributes were paid to John Ryan (Holycross Ballycahill) who retired as Munster Council representative due to the 5 year rule. Congratulations also to John Smith (Durlas Óg) who was elected Youth Officer in succession to Andy Ryan (Durlas Óg) who stood down due to his recent appointment as a Games Development Administrator for the Mid Division. Noel Joyce also retired as Irish Language and Culture Officer. His replacement will be elected at the first County Board meeting in January. All other outgoing officers were returned unopposed. County Chairman, Barry O’Brien, thanked all retiring officers for their contributions.

Tipperary Wheelchair Hurling

December 26th, 2009

Newport Community Centre was the venue for the home league games of the Tipperary WC Hurling team on Saturday December 5th. Three Dublin teams travelled to Newport to take on the Tipperary team in the first games to be held in the county.

As was the case in the blitz in June the experience and physical strength of the Dublin teams was evident on the day but the Tipperary boys showed that they are catching up with them. As was the case last time out, the talented Cillian Dunne was the playmaker out field setting up many attacking opportunities for the team. Kyle Slevin was again superb in goals but also did some damage outfield with his blocking and tackling.

Two debutants in Tipp jerseys on the day were Ciarán Enright and Luke Riordan. This was the boy’s first introduction to the game and it must be said they did extremely well. Ciarán played outfield for the day putting in some great tackles and taking the sideline balls. Luke displayed his potential both in goals and also outfield making some great breaks down the wing and some great saves when called upon between the posts.

All in all it was a great days hurling thanks to all the supporters who travelled on the day making for a great atmosphere in the hall. Thanks to the referees and to the caterers who kept everyone fed and watered for the day. The facility lended itself very well to such an event and we are very grateful to all at the Newport Community Centre for giving us use of their new facility for the day.

We have our away games coming up in the New Year and are looking to strengthen our squad of players. If you would be interested in joining us please contact Kathleen at the NTSP office on 067-43604.

2009 Reunion of 1959 All Ireland MH Champions

December 26th, 2009

Fifty years on, members of the victorious Tipperary All Ireland Minor Hurling team got together on Saturday November 28th. in The Dundrum House Hotel. There were twenty on the 1959 panel and fifteen with their partners attended. Also two of the selectors were represented; Paddy ‘Sweeper’ Ryan’s son Liam and daughter Catherine attended, as did Bob Hall’s grandson of Bob. Tributes were paid to team members who had passed away, Paudie Griffin Arravale Rovers who played at right corner back and centre fielder Tom Ryan Toomevara. Paudie was represented by his son Tin and Tom was represented by his nephew Tomás. Organiser in chief was left half forward Murt Duggan, and after a lovely meal each member gave his memories of that 1959 campaign, where Kerry, Cork, Limerick, Roscommon and Kilkenny were put to the sword! Obviously some had better recall and stories than others, and some would not pass the censor. However all remembered that Tipperary were unhappily down three points to Kilkenny in the final with minutes remaining. It was reported that as Paddy Doyle headed for goal, was then fouled by half the Kilkenny team. The inimitable Tom Ryan Killenaule sent the resultant free to the back of the Kilkenny net to level and almost from the puckout Tom landed another pointed free which was the winner. A jubilant Tipperary won on the scoreline 2-8 to 2-7.

Billy Carey from Moyne/Templetuohy travelled from New York to meet his team mates. Jim Ryan ‘Fenor’ came from his hostelry ‘The Horse and Hounds’, a great meeting pace for the ‘Tipps’ in London, to reminisce and renew acquaintances. Three of the players, Albert Croke, Paddy Doyle and Larry Kiely were playing in their third All Ireland in 1959, and each garnered two All Ireland medals. Indeed six of the squad, John O’ Donoghue, Tom Ryan (Toomevara), Tom Ryan (Killenaule) Paddy Doyle, John Gleeson and Larry Kiely, all starred with Blue and Gold at senior level and won Celtic Crosses.

Dates, Venues and Times for Munster Championships 2010

December 17th, 2009

GAA Munster Senior Hurling Championship 2010.

Stage Time Date Replay Date Teams Venue:

Q/Final 4pm 30/5/2010 Corcaigh .v. Tiobraid Árann Páirc Uí Chaoimh

S/Final 3pm 7/6/2010 19/6/2010 Portláirge .v. An Clár Semple Stadium

S/Final 4pm 20/6/2010 26/6/2010 Corcaigh/Tiob. Arann .v. Luimneach Semple Stadium/Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Final 4pm 11/7/2010 17/7/2010 TBC TBC

GAA Munster Senior Football Championship 2010.

Stage Time Date Replay Date Teams Venue:

Q/Final (1) 4pm 16/5/2010 Ciarraí .v. Tiobraid Árann Semple Stadium
Q/Final (2) 3pm 23/5/2010 An Clár .v. Portláirge Dungarvan

S/Final (1) 2pm 06/6/2010 12/6/2010 An Clár/Portláirge .v. Luimneach If Clare .v. Limk – Gaelic Grounds
If Wfd .v. Limk – Dungarvan
S/Final (2) 4pm 06/6/2010 12/6/2010 Ciarraí/Tiob. Arann .v. Corcaigh If Kerry .v. Cork - Killarney
If Tipperary .v. Cork - TBC
Final 2pm 04/7/2010 10/7/2010 TBC TBC

Munster Intermediate Hurling Championship 2010.

Stage Time Date Replay Date Teams Venue
Extra time in all games including final.
Q/Final 2pm 30/5/2010 Corcaigh .v. Tiobraid Árann Páirc Uí Chaoimh

S/Final 1pm 7/6/2010 Portláirge .v. An Clár Semple Stadium

S/Final 2pm 20/6/2010 Corcaigh/Tiob.Arann .v. Luimneach Páirc Uí Chaoimh/Semple Stadium

Final 7:30pm 22/7/2010 TBC TBC

Munster Junior Football Championship 2010.

Stage Time Date Replay Date Teams Venue
Extra time in all games including final.
Q/Final 2pm 16/5/2010 Ciarraí .v. Tiobraid Árann Semple Stadium

Q/Final 1pm 23/5/2010 Portláirge V An Clár Dungarvan

S/Final 12:00pm 06/6/2010 An Clár/Portláirge .v. Luimneach If Clare .v. Limk – Gealic Grounds
If Wfd .v. Limk – Dungarvan

S/Final 2pm 06/6/2010 Ciarraí/Tiobraid Árann .v. Corcaigh If Kerry .v. Cork - Killarney
If Tipperary .v. Cork - TBC

Final 7:30pm 08/7/2010 TBC TBC

Cadbury Munster U/21 Football Championship 2010.

Stage Time Date Teams Venue
Extra time in all games including final.

Q/Final 7:30pm 10/3/2010 Luimneach .v. An Clár Gaelic Grounds

Q/Final 2pm 13/3/2010 Ciarraí .v. Corcaigh Austin Stack Park

S/Final 7:30pm 18/3/2010 Tiobraid Árann .v. Luimneach/An Clár Semple Stadium

S/Final 2pm 20/3/2010 Portláirge .v. Ciarraí Dungarvan

Final 2pm 27/3/2010 TBC TBC

Bord Gais Munster U/21 Hurling Championship 2010.

Stage Time Date Teams Venue
Extra time in all games including final.

Q/Final 7:30pm 02/6/2010 Corcaigh .v. Portláirge Pairc Uí Chaoimh

S/Final 7:30pm 14/7/2010 Luimneach .v. An Clár Gaelic Grounds
S/Final 7:30pm 14/7/2010 Tiobraid Árann .v. Corcaigh/Portláirge Semple Stadium/Pairc Uí Chaoimh

Final 7:30pm 28/7/2010 TBC TBC
*Tiobraid Árann request game on 14/7 be changed to 15/7 to be decided at Jan Meeting CCC.
ESB Munster Minor Hurling Championship 2010.

Stage Time Date Teams Venue

Extra time in all games up to final.
Quarter-Final (A) 6:30pm 28/4/2010 Corcaigh .v. Tiobraid Árann Pairc Uí Chaoimh
Quarter-Final (B) 6:30pm 28/4/2010 Portláirge .v. An Clár Walsh Park
Quarter-Final (C) 6:30pm 28/4/2010 Ciarraí .v. Luimneach Kilmallock

Semi-Final Play Off (1) 6:30pm 01/5/2010 Losers Of (B) V losers of (C)
Semi Final Play Off (2) 6:30pm 05/5/2010 Winners of Semi-Final Play Off (1)
V
Losers of Quarter Final (A)

Semi-Final 7:30pm 24/6/2010 Winners of Quarter Final (A)
V Winners of Quarter Final (B)

Semi-Final 7:30pm 24/6/2010 Winners of (Semi Final Play Off) (2)
v
Winners of Quarter Final (C)
-

Final 2pm 11/7/2010 Semi-Final winners Senior Final venue

ESB Munster Minor Football Championship 2010.

Stage Time Date Teams Venue
Extra time in all games up to final.

Quarter-Final (A) 6:30pm 14/4/2010 Ciarraí .v. Tiobraid Árann Austin Stack Park

Quarter-Final (B) 6:30pm 14/4/2010 Luimneach .v. Portláirge Kilmallock
Quarter-Final (C) 6:30pm 14/4/2010 An Clár .v. Corcaigh Cusack Park

Semi-Final 7:00pm 19/04/2010 Losers of (B) V Losers of (C)
Play Off 1.

Semi-Final 7:00pm 24/04/2010 Winners of (Play Off 1). V Losers of Qrt. Final (A)

Play-Off 2

Semi-Final 7:00pm 12/05/2010 Winners of – Qrt Final (A) V Winners of Qrt. Final (B)

.

Semi-Final 7:00pm 12/05/2010 Winners of Qrt. Final (C) V Winners of Play Off (2)

Final 12 :30pm 04/07/2010 Semi-Final Winners Senior Final venue

Tipperary GAA Yearbook now on sale

December 17th, 2009

The Tipperary GAA Yearbook is now available in the local shops around Tipperary. Another bumper edition, containing 240 pages, it covers a wide variety of events on the GAA front in the county for the year 2009. The fate of the senior hurlers gets extensive coverage with John O'Grady (Culbaire) and J. J. Kennedy (Westside) covering the championship and league campaigns in extensive detail. Noted GAA writer, Daragh McManus, looks back on these achievements with 'immeasurable pride'. The success of the senior footballers, particularly their historic victory in Division 3 of the National League, is given pride of place by Shane Brophy. The county senior hurling and senior football championships are covered by Seamus King and Eamonn Wynne in great detail. Carrick Davins' celebrated success in the county intermediate hurling championship is also covered. As well as divisional reports at senior and Bord na nÓg levels, there is also detailed coverage of the activities of Cumann na mBunscol and the Post-Primary schools. Camogie and Ladies Football are covered in detail, as well as Scór and handball. One of the highlights of the book is the extensive use of photographs. In the Awards Section our four All-Star winners are given prominence, as well as other people honoured throughout the county during the year. As well as giving extensive coverage to our games and ancillary activities, this edition has some very interesting historical articles which take cognisance of the 125 anniversary.. P. J. Maxwell, who did trojan work in putting the information together on the over 17,000 players who represented the county in all grades of hurling and football over 125 years for the Tipperary G.A.A. website, has a very interesting article on his 'search' for this information. He also has an article on the two Toomevara brothers who played opposite one another in the 1917. There's a comprehensive article on Thomas St. George MacCarthy, the GAA founder about whom so little is known. There's a wonderfully evocative piece entitled 'When Men were men and Wore Caps'. There's an account of a journey by horse and cart from Tipperary Town to Kilrush with the sculpted pieces by J. K. Bracken for the monument to the Manchester Martyrs. Seamus Leahy writes nostalgically about hurling at Nenagh in the early forties, Apples at Half-Time, when young lads organised their own games and there was none of the excessive organisation we associate with juvenile games today. Paul Hogan writes about the shinty final in Scotland. James Holohan brings us the next episode of life with the Cill Beag Gaels. He also produces his Yearbook Awards and turns his investigative skills to picking a team of Right Hand Under players over the past fifty years. There's a detailed account of the 125 celebrations within the county and Seamus King discusses Recent and Forthcoming G.A.A. Publications. He also has an article on one of his boyhood heroes, Tom Lambe, who at 91 years was honoured with a Sean Ghael Award this year. There's more besides and the whole lot can be had for €10, the same price it has been for a good number of years now.

Richard Stakelum new Dubs u21 boss

December 17th, 2009

http://www.herald.ie/sport/hurling/stakelum-new-dubs-u21-boss-1967412.html

By Conor McKeon

Tuesday December 08 2009

DUBLIN senior hurling selector, Richie Stakelum has been appointed Dublin under-21 manager for next season. The former Tipperary hurler heads a management ticket which will, in effect, see the senior management also overseeing the U21s in 2010.

There was other big news emerging for last night's Dublin County Board meeting as the decision was taken to end the regional team experiment in the Dublin SHC 'A'.

Originally from Borris-Ileigh, Stakelum won a Munster U21 medal with his native Tipp in 1984 and went on to captain them to Munster SHC glory three years later. Having moved to Dublin during the 1990s, Stakelum brought Kilmacud Crokes minor hurlers to a county championship in 2007 and was named as part of Daly's backroom team last year along with Vincent Teehan and Ciarán Hetherton.

Stakelum takes over from former Antrim and Dublin senior hurler Ciarán Barr, who led to the side to defeat in the Leinster final to Kilkenny in Parnell Park this year having beaten Kildare and Wexford in the quarter-final and semi respectively.

However, senior boss Daly subsequently requested a more hands-on role for the senior management in next year's U21 side, with as many as ten of his senior squad also eligible for the grade.

Senior starters David Treacy, Liam Rushe and Oisín Gough will all be U21 again next year and Daly and his management team have established an 'academy' panel featuring the best players at that age group in the county who are currently engaged in pre-season strength and conditioning programmes.

Daly has also stated that he expects Rory O'Carroll to be available for the U21s in 2010, despite his decision to concentrate his full early season senior efforts with Pat Gilroy's football squad. However, they have a tough job of work ahead of them for next season, with the Leinster draw pairing Dublin with the winners of the Kilkenny v Offaly quarter-final in an away tie on June 23.

Summary of Proposals of Hurling and Football Rules Committees

December 17th, 2009

GAA Press Release

Proposals approved by Ard Chomhairle on 5ú Nollaig 2009

for Experimentation in the 2010 National League

Introduction

As 2010 is a year when Playing Rule amendment may be tabled at Congress two Committees were set up by An tUachtarán, Criostóir Ó Cuana to review the Playing Rules of Gaelic Football and Hurling.
The membership of the committees was as follows:
Football: Seamus Woods (Chairman), Michael Curley, Michael McGrath, Oisin McConville, John Kiely, Pat Daly, Liam Sammon, Anthony Rainbow, Patrick Doherty (Secretary).

Hurling: Simon Moroney (Chairman), Ned Quinn, Noel O'Donoghue, Pat O'Connor, Fergal Hartley, Jamesie O'Connor, Ollie Canning, Pat Daly, Fr, Seamus Gardiner, Patrick Doherty (Secretary).

Terms of Reference

The Terms of Reference of the Committees were confined to the Playing Rules; the Disciplinary Rules and Process were, therefore, beyond the brief of the Committees.

The Proposals of the Committees:

Football

1. Fist Pass:

Proposal: Eliminate the "open handed" pass and return to fist pass only.

Rationale: It is accepted that the hand pass is being widely abused and is, consequently, impossible to implement on a consistent basis.

2. Catch from Kick-out:

Proposal: A free- kick to be awarded to a player making a catch between the 45 m lines directly from a kick-out. The free-kick is to be taken by the player who makes the catch unless he is injured prior to the free-kick being taken.

Rationale: It was felt that "high-fielding", once one of the most highly acclaimed skills in the game, needs to be acknowledged and rewarded.

3. Bounce:

Proposal: The bounce in Football to be re-defined as: "For a player to play the ball against the ground with his hand(s) and to catch it on return to his hand(s)".

Rationale: It is considered by the committee that the current definition viz "For a player to play the ball against the ground with his hand(s) and back to his hand(s) again" has led to considerable ambiguity and inconsistencies in referee interpretation.

4. Penalty Kick

Proposal: The penalty should be taken from a spot which is located 11m. from the centre of the goal line.

Rationale: It was accepted that a disparity has developed between penalties in hurling and football; statistical evidence suggests that the relatively modest return from penalties in football leads to the conclusion that it pays to foul. It is considered that a penalty kick from the centre of the 13m line does not carry a sufficient level of deterrent, and is not the advantage to the attacking team that such should be.

5. Kick-out

Proposal: All kick-out to be taken from the 13m line, within the small rectangle.

Rationale: It was noted that there is considerable time delay at kick-outs and that "short" kick-outs following wides can be unsightly, and occasionally controversial. It was further considered that this may encourage "high fielding", mentioned earlier in the proposal with regard to the introduction of the free-kick for the catch from a kick-out.

Hurling

1. Hand-pass

Proposal: That the hand-pass in hurling be defined as: "The ball must be released and struck with a definite striking action of the hand".

Rationale: With the speed of the game it is becoming increasingly difficult for referees to judge whether a player has thrown the ball or not. This definition will bring clarity to the judgment decision.

2. Rules 4.16 (a) & (b) - Technical Fouls

Proposal: To replace the words "before the puck is taken" with "before the ball is struck" in Rule 4.16.

Rationale: Rule 4.11 and Rule 4.16 relate to the penalty puck and this proposal will simply ensure that the wording is consistent between both Rules.

3. Puck-out

Proposal: That the penalty under Rule 4.15 relating to taking the puck-out from outside the small rectangle be amended to:
(i) Cancel puck-out.
(ii) Throw in the ball on the defenders' 20m line opposite the scoring space".

Rationale: It is considered that the penalty for "fouling" a puck-out, i.e the award of a 65m free to the opposition is too severe.

Proposals affecting Both Games

The following proposals were put forward which affect both Football and Hurling.

1. Advantage

Proposal: The referee shall indicate that advantage is being played by means of a "raised and extended arm".

Rationale: Both committees considered the "Advantage Rule" as currently defined. A "re-call" mechanism was discussed but it was agreed that it would be impossible to implement. It was decided, therefore, that the proposal would be that a clearly-defined signal be used indicating that the referee had seen a foul, and was playing an advantage.

2. Throw-ins

Proposal: Throw-ins should not take place closer than 13m from the side-line.

Rationale: It is considered that very often throw-in situations can become very unsightly, particularly when the side-line is pinning the players in a particular area.

3. Charge (Fair)

Proposal: Include the words "Shoulder to shoulder" rather than "side to side" in the definition of the Fair Charge.

Rationale: It is the contention of the committees that the words "side to side" are causing inconsistencies in the application of the rule and in some cases, legitimising what would appear to be foul play.

Proposal (from Football Committee): That a player who is in the act of kicking the ball could not be charged, in a manner otherwise considered to be fair.

Rationale: The opinion of the Committee is that a player in the act of kicking the ball is actually at his most vulnerable as he will only have one foot on the ground and therefore, a charge (even though otherwise fair) may be dangerous and should not be legitimate.

4. Boundary Line

Proposal: Amend the penalty for deliberately going outside the boundary lines to gain an advantage to "Free-puck/kick from where the foul occurred".

Rationale: It is considered that the current penalty of "Caution offender; order off for second cautionable offence" is too severe.

5. Time

Proposal: That the half-time and full-time whistle not be blown until the ball has gone over any boundary line.

Rationale: On occasion controversy has arisen in the past when a referee has, correctly, blown the whistle for half or full time when a team is attacking and with a scoring opportunity.

6. Rule 4 - Technical Fouls

Proposal: Amend Rule 4.9 relating to the "small rectangle" to allow a player enter the rectangle once the ball has been played. The rule would not be amended with regard to Set Play situations.

Rationale: It is virtually impossible for referees and umpires to adjudicate correctly on this rule on all occasions.

Conclusion

All proposals were adopted by Ard Chomhairle for experimentation during the 2010 National League with a view to deciding as to whether they should be proposed to Congress as permanent changes.

Subject: GAA Press Release - 2010 Master Fixture List

December 11th, 2009

Clár na gCluichí 2010

9 Eanair

AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Junior Championship Quarter-Finals

10 Eanair

AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Junior & Intermediate Club Championship
Quarter-Finals

24 Eanair

AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Quarter-Finals

AIB GAA Hurling & Football All-Ireland Junior & Intermediate Club
Championship Semi-Finals

6 Feabhra

Allianz GAA Football National League - Round 1
(All games at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn I
Doire v Tír Eoghain
Maigh Eo v Gaillimh

Roinn II
Laois v Tiobraid Árann
An Mhí v Ard Mhacha

7 Feabhra

Allianz GAA Football National League - Round 1
(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn I
Ciarraí v Áth Cliath
Muineachán v Corcaigh

Roinn II
Cill Dara v An Dún
An Iarmhí v Dún na nGall

Roinn III
Uíbh Fhailí v Fear Manach
An Lú v Loch Garman
Ros Comáin v An Cabhán
Aontroim v Sligeach (2.00pm)

Roinn IV
Londain v Luimneach
Ceatharlach v Longfort
An Clár v Cill Mhantáin
Liatroim v Port Láirge
Cill Chainnigh BYE

13 Feabhra

Allianz GAA Football National League - Round 2
(All games at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn I
Corcaigh v Ciarraí
Áth Cliath v Doire

Roinn II
An Dún v An Mhí
Tiobraid Árann v Cill Dara

Roinn III
Fear Manach v Ros Comáin
An Cabhán v Aontroim

Roinn IV
Luimneach v Ceatharlach

AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Junior & Intermediate Club Championship Final

13/14 Feabhra

AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Semi-Finals

14 Feabhra

Allianz GAA Football National League - Round 2
(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn I
Gaillimh v Muineachán
Tír Eoghain v Maigh Eo

Roinn II
Dún na nGall v Laois (2.00pm)
Ard Mhacha v An Iarmhi

Roinn III
Loch Garman v Uíbh Fhailí
Sligeach v An Lú

Roinn IV
Cill Mhantáin v Liatroim
Cill Chainnigh v An Clár
Port Láirge v Londain
Longfort BYE

AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Junior & Intermediate Club Championship Final

17 Feabhra

Fired Up Magazine

20 Feabhra

Allianz GAA Football National League - Round 3
(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn IV
Londain v Cill Mhantáin
Longfort v Luimneach
Ceatharlach v Port Láirge
Liatroim v Cill Chainnigh
An Clár BYE

Allianz GAA Hurling National League - Round 1

Roinn I
Tiobraid Árann v Cill Chainnigh (7.30pm)

All-Ireland Scór na nÓg Final (Áth Luain)

20/21 Feabhra

AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Semi-Finals

21 Feabhra

Allianz GAA Hurling National League - Round 1
(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn I
Luimneach v Gaillimh
Corcaigh v Uíbh Fhailí
Port Láirge v Áth Cliath

Roinn II
Laois v Cill Dara
An Clár v An Dún (1.30pm)
An Iarmhí v Loch Garman
Aontroim v Ceatharlach

Roinn IIIA
Londain v An Mhí
Doire v Ciarraí
Ard Mhacha v Maigh Eo

Roinn IIIB
An Lú v Sligeach
Tír Eoghain v Dún na nGall
Fingal v Cill Mhantáin
Ros Comáin BYE

Roinn IV
Muineachán v Fear Manach
An Cabhán v Liatroim
Longfort v An Dún Theas

26/27 Feabhra

Sigerson Cup Finals

27 Feabhra

Allianz GAA Hurling National League - Round 2

Roinn I
Luimneach v Corcaigh (7.30pm)

28 Feabhra

Allianz GAA Hurling National League - Round 2
(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn I
Cill Chainnigh v Uíbh Fhailí
Gaillimh v Port Láirge
Áth Cliath v Tiobraid Árann

Roinn II
Loch Garman v An Dún (1.30pm)
Cill Dara v Aontroim
Laois v An Clár
Ceatharlach v An Iarmhí

Roinn IIIA
An Mhí v Ard Mhacha
Londain v Doire
Maigh Eo v Ciarraí

Roinn IIIB
Ros Comáin v Tír Eoghain
Dún na nGall v An Lú
Sligeach v Fingal
Cill Mhantáin BYE

Roinn IV
Fear Manach v Liatroim
Longfort v An Cabhán
An Dún Theas v Muineachán

5/6 Márta

Fitzgibblon Cup Finals

6 Márta

Allianz GAA Football National League - Round 3
(All games at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn I
Corcaigh v Gaillimh

Roinn II
Laois v Ard Mhacha
An Dún v Tiobraid Árann
An Mhí v An Iarmhí

Roinn III
Aontroim v Fear Manach

7 Márta

Allianz GAA Football National League - Round 3
(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn I
Maigh Eo v Áth Cliath
Ciarraí v Doire
Muineachán v Tír Eoghain

Roinn II
Cill Dara v Dún na nGall

Roinn III
Loch Garman v Sligeach (1.00pm)
Uíbh Fhailí v Ros Comáin
An Lú v An Cabhán

Allianz GAA Football National League - Round 4

Roinn IV
Port Láirge v Longfort
Cill Chainnigh v Londain
Cill Mhantáin v Ceatharlach
An Clár v Liatroim
Luimneach BYE

9 Márta

Cúl4Kidz All-Ireland Club Special
13 Márta

Allianz GAA Football National League - Round 4
(All games at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn I
Tír Eoghain v Corcaigh
Áth Cliath v Muineachán
Doire v Maigh Eo

Roinn II
Dún na nGall v An Dún

Roinn III
An Cabhán v Loch Garman

Allianz GAA Football National League - Round 5

Roinn IV
Luimneach v Port Láirge

Allianz GAA Hurling National League - Round 3
(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn II
An Iarmhí v Cill Dara

14 Márta

Allianz GAA Football National League - Round 4
(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn I
Gaillimh v Ciarraí

Roinn II
An Iarmhí v Laois
Ard Mhacha v Cill Dara
Tiobraid Árann v An Mhí (TBC)

Roinn III
Sligeach v Uíbh Fhailí
Ros Comáin v Aontroim
Fear Manach v An Lú

Allianz GAA Football National League - Round 5

Roinn IV
Ceatharlach v Cill Chainnigh
Longfort v Cill Mhantáin
Londain v An Clár
Liatroim BYE

Allianz GAA Hurling National League - Round 3
(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn I
Tiobraid Árann v Gaillimh
Corcaigh v Cill Chainnigh
Uíbh Fhailí v Áth Cliath
Port Láirge v Luimneach

Roinn II
An Clár v Loch Garman
An Dún v Ceatharlach
Aontroim v Laois

Roinn IIIA
Ciarraí v An Mhí
Ard Mhacha v Londain
Maigh Eo v Doire

Roinn IIIB
Cill Mhantáin v Sligeach
Fingal v Dún na nGall
An Lú v Ros Comáin
Tír Eoghain BYE

Roinn IV
Fear Manach v An Cabhán
Liatroim v An Dún Theas
Muineachán v Longfort

17 Márta

AIB GAA Football & Hurling All-Ireland Senior Club Finals

20 Márta

Allianz GAA Football National League -Round 5
(All games at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn I
Corcaigh v Áth Cliath

Roinn II
An Dún v Ard Mhacha
An Mhí v Laois
Tiobraid Árann v Dún na nGall

Allianz GAA Hurling National League - Round 4
(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn I
Gaillimh v Uíbh Fhailí

Roinn II
Cill Dara v An Dún

21 Márta

Allianz GAA Football National League - Round 5
(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn I
Gaillimh v Tír Eoghain
Muineachán v Doire
Ciarraí v Maigh Eo

Roinn II
Cill Dara v An Iarmhi

Roinn III
Loch Garman v Fear Manach
Uíbh Fhailí v Aontroim
An Lú v Ros Comáin
Sligeach v An Cabhán

Allianz GAA Football National League - Round 6

Roinn IV
Liatroim v Londain
Cill Chainnigh v Longfort
Cill Mhantái v Luimneach
An Clár v Ceatharlach
Port Láirge BYE

Allianz GAA Hurling National League - Round 4
(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn I
Áth Cliath v Cill Chainnigh
Port Láirge v Corcaigh
Luimneach v Tiobraid Árann

Roinn II
Ceatharlach v Loch Garman
Aontroim v An Clár
Laois v An Iarmhí

Roinn IIIA
Doire v Ard Mhacha
Londain v Ciarraí
An Mhí v Maigh Eo

Roinn IIIB
Tír Eoghain v An Lú
Dún na nGall v Cill Mhantáin
Ros Comáin v Fingal
Sligeach v BYE

Roinn IV
An Dún Theas v Fear Manach
Longfort v Liatroim
An Cabhán v Muineachán

27 Márta

Allianz GAA Football National League -Round 6
(All games at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn I
Áth Cliath v Gaillimh
Tír Eoghain v Ciarraí
Doire v Corcaigh

Roinn II
Laois v Cill Dara
Dún na nGall v An Mhí

Roinn III
Aontroim v An Lú
An Cabhán v Uíbh Fhailí

Allianz GAA Football National League - 7

Roinn IV
Ceatharlach v Liatroim (2.30pm)
Luimneach v Cill Chainnigh

Allianz GAA Hurling National League - Round 5
(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn I
Roinn IIIA [Final Round]
Ciarraí v Ard Mhacha
An Mhí v Doire
Maigh Eo v Londain

28 Márta

Allianz GAA Football National League - Round 6
(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn I
Maigh Eo v Muineachán

Roinn II
Ard Mhacha v Tiobraid Árann
An Iarmhi v An Dún

Roinn III
Ros Comáin v Loch Garman
Fear Manach v Sligeach

Allianz GAA Football National League - Round 7

Roinn IV
Longfort v An Clár
Port Láirge v Cill Mhantáin
Londain BYE

Allianz GAA Hurling National League - Round 5
(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn I
Uíbh Fhailí v Luimneach
Áth Cliath v Corcaigh
Tiobraid Árann v Port Láirge
Cill Chainnigh v Gaillimh

Roinn II
Loch Garman v Cill Dara
An Iarmhí v Aontroim
Ceatharlach v An Clár
An Dún v Laois

Roinn IIIB
Fingal v Tír Eoghain
Cill Mhantáin v Ros Comáin
Sligeach v Dún na nGall
An Lú BYE

Roinn IV [Final Round]
Liatroim v Muineachán
An Dún Theas v An Cabhán
Fear Manach v Longfort

3 Aibreán

Allianz GAA Football National League - Round 8
(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn IV
Cill Chainnigh v Port Láirge
Liatroim v Longfort
An Clár v Luimneach
Londain v Ceatharlach
Cill Mhantáin BYE

4 Aibreán

Allianz GAA Hurling National League - Round 6
(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn I
Gaillimh v Áth Cliath
Luimneach v Cill Chainnigh
Port Láirge v Uíbh Fhailí
Corcaigh v Tiobraid Árann

Roinn II
Aontroim v An Dún
Laois v Loch Garman
Cill Dara v Ceatharlach
An Clár v An Iarmhí

Roinn IIIB
Ros Comáin v Sligeach
Tír Eoghain v Cill Mhantáin
An Lú v Fingal
Dún na nGall BYE

10 Aibreán

Allianz GAA Hurling National League Roinn IIIA and Roinn IV Final

11 Aibreán

Allianz GAA Football National League - Round 7
(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn I [Final Round]
Corcaigh v Maigh Eo
Ciarraí v Muineachán
Tír Eoghain v Áth Cliath
Gaillimh v Doire

Roinn II [Final Round]
An Dún v Laois
An Mhí v Cill Dara
Dún na nGall v Ard Mhacha
Tiobraid Árann v An Iarmhi

Roinn III [Final Round]
Loch Garman v Aontroim
Uíbh Fhailí v An Lú
An Cabhán v Fear Manach
Sligeach v Ros Comáin

Allianz GAA Football National League - Round 9

Roinn IV [Final Round]
Port Láirge v An Clár
Luimneach v Liatroim
Cill Mhantáin v Cill Chainnigh
Longfort v Londain
Ceatharlach BYE

16/17 Aibreán

GAA Annual Congress, Newcastle, Co. Down

17 Aibreán

Cadbury GAA Football Under 21 All-Ireland Championship Semi-Finals

18 Aibreán

Allianz GAA Hurling National League - 7
(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Roinn I [Final Round]
Cill Chainnigh v Port Láirge
Gaillimh v Corcaigh
Uíbh Fhailí v Tiobraid Árann
Áth Cliath v Luimneach

Roinn II [Final Round]
Loch Garman v Aontroim
Cill Dara v An Clár
An Dún v An Iarmhí
Ceatharlach v Laois

Roinn IIIB [Final Round]
Sligeach v Tír Eoghain
Cill Mhantáin v An Lú
Dún na nGall v Ros Comáin
Fingal BYE

24 Aibreán

Allianz GAA Football National League Roinn III and Roinn IV Final

All-Ireland Scór Sinsear Finals (Cill Áirne)

25 Aibreán

Allianz GAA Football National League Roinn I and Roinn II Final

1 Bealtaine

Allianz GAA Hurling National League Roinn IIIB Final

Cadbury GAA Football Under 21 All-Ireland Championship Finals

2 Bealtaine

Allianz GAA Hurling National League Roinn I and Roinn II Final

Connacht GAA Football Senior Championship
New York v Gaillimh (Gaelic Park)

8 Bealtaine

Ulster GAA Hurling Senior Championship
Fear Manach v Muineachán (Brewster Park)
Dún na nGall v Ard Mhacha (Letterkenny)
Tír Eoghain v An Cabhán (Omagh)

Christy Ring Round 1
An Iarmhí v Doire
Cill Mhantáin v Maigh Eo
An Dún v Ciarraí
An Mhí v Cill Dara

9 Bealtaine

Lá na gClub

12 Bealtaine

Fired Up Magazine

15 Bealtaine

Ulster GAA Hurling Senior Championship
Londain v Fear Manach/Muineachán (Casement Park)
Dún na nGall/Ard Mhacha v Tír Eoghain/An Cabhán (Casement Park)

Christy Ring Round 2A & 2B

16 Bealtaine

Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship
Doire v Ard Mhacha (Celtic Park)

Leinster GAA Football Senior Championship
Cill Mhantáin v Ceatharlach

Munster GAA Football Senior Championship Quarter-Final
Ciarraí v Tiobraid Árann (Thurles)

22 Bealtaine

The Christy Ring Cup Quarter-Finals
The Christy Ring Cup Relegation - Phase 1

23 Bealtaine

Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship Quarter-Final
Aontroim v Tír Eoghain (Casement Park)

Munster GAA Football Senior Championship Quarter-Final
An Clár v Port Láirge (TBC)

Leinster GAA Football Senior Championship
An Lú v Longfort
An Mhí v Uíbh Fhailí

Leinster GAA Hurling Senior Championship
Ceatharlach v Laois

25 Bealtaine

Cúl4Kidz Championship Special

29 Bealtaine

Leinster GAA Hurling Senior Championship
Gaillimh v Loch Garman (Kilkenny)

Ulster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Quarter-Final
An Dún v Dún na nGall/Ard Mhacha/Tír Eoghain/An Cabhán (Casement
Park)

30 Bealtaine

Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship Quarter-Final
Dún na nGall v An Dún (Ballybofey)

Connacht GAA Football Senior Championship Quarter-Final
Londain v Ros Comáin (Ruislip)

Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Quarter-Final
Corcaigh v Tiobraid Árann (Cork)

Leinster GAA Hurling Senior Championship
Aontroim v Uíbh Fhailí

Ulster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Quarter-Final
Doire v Londain/Fear Manach/Muineachán (Casement Park)

5 Meitheamh

Leinster GAA Football Senior Championship
An Lú/Longfort v Cill Dara (An Uaimh/Tullamore)

Connacht GAA Football Senior Championship Quarter-Final
Sligeach v Maigh Eo (Markievicz Park)

The Christy Ring Cup Semi-Finals

The Nicky Rachard Cup Round 1
An Lú v Tír Eoghain
Ard Mhacha v Fingal
Ros Comáin v Muineachán
Londain v Sligeach

The Lory Meagher Cup Round 1
Warwickshire v Fear Manach
Liatroim v Non Ards
Dún na nGall v Longfort
An Cabhán BYE

6 Meitheamh

Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship Quarter-Final
Muineachán v Doire/Ard Mhacha (Clones/Athletic
Grounds / or neutral venue)

Munster GAA Football Senior Championship Semi-Finals
An Clár/Port Láirge v Luimneach (TBC)
Ciarraí/Tiobraid Árann v Corcaigh (TBC)

Leinster GAA Football Senior Championship
Cill Mhantáin/Ceatharlach v An Iarmhí

Leinster GAA Hurling Senior Championship
Áth Cliath v Ceatharlach/Laois

7 Meitheamh

Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Semi-Final
Port Láirge v An Clár (Thurles)

12 Meitheamh

The Nicky Rackard Cup Round 2A & 2B
The Lory Meagher Cup Round 2A & 2B

12/13 Meitheamh

Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship Quarter-Final
An Cabhán v Fear Manach (Kingspan Breffni Park)

13 Meitheamh

Leinster GAA Football Senior Championship Quarter-Finals
An Mhí/Uíbh Fhailí v Laois (Páirc an
Chrócaigh)
Áth Cliath v Loch Garman (Páirc an Chrócaigh)

Ulster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Semi-Final
Doire/Londain/Fear Manach/Muiineachán v An Dún/Dún na nGall/Ard
Mhacha/Tír Eoghain/An Cabhán

18/19/20 Meitheamh

Féile na nGael

19 Meitheamh

Leinster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Semi-Final
Gaillimh/Loch Garman v Aontroim/Uíbh Fhailí

The Nicky Rackard Cup Quarter-Finals
The Nicky Rachard Cup Relegation - Phase 1

The Lory Meagher Cup Quarter-Finals

19/20 Meitheamh

Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship Semi-Final
Aontroim/Tír Eoghain v Dún na nGall/An Dún

20 Meitheamh

Connacht GAA Football Senior Championship Semi-Final
Ros Comáin/Londain v Liatroim (Hyde Park/Carrick)

Leinster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Semi-Final
Áth Cliath//Ceatharlach/Laois v Cill Chainnigh

Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Semi-Final
Corcaigh/Tiobraid Árann v Luimneach (Cork/Thurles)

26 Meitheamh

Leinster GAA Football Senior Championship Semi-Final
An Lú/Longfort/Cill Dara v Cill Mhantáin/Ceatharlach/An Iarmhí

GAA Football All-Ireland Championship Qualifier Round 1

GAA Hurling All-Ireland Championship Qualifier Preliminary Round

The Nicky Rackard Cup Semi-Finals

The Lory Meagher Cup Semi-Finals

27 Meitheamh

Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship Semi-Final
An Cabhán/Fear Manach v Muineachán/Doire/Ard Mhacha

Connacht GAA Football Senior Championship Semi-Final
Sligeach/Maigh Eo v Gaillimh/New York (Castlebar/Galway)

Leinster GAA Football Senior Championship Semi-Final
An Mhí/Uíbh Fhailí/Laois v Áth Cliath/Loch Garman

Ulster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Final
Aontroim v Semi-Final Winners

2/3/4 Iúil

Féile na nÓg, Doire

3 Iúil

GAA Hurling All-Ireland Championship Phase 1

The Christy Ring Cup Final

The Nicky Rackard Cup Final

The Lory Meagher Cup Finals

4 Iúil

Munster GAA Football Senior Championship Final (TBC)

Leinster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Final (Páirc an Chrócaigh)

10 Iúil

GAA Football All-Ireland Championship Qualifier Round 2

GAA Hurling All-Ireland Championship Phase 2

GAA Hurling All-Ireland Championship Preliminary Relegation Game

11 Iúil

Leinster GAA Football Senior Championship Final (Páirc an Chrócaigh)

Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Final (TBC)

17 Iúil

GAA Football All-Ireland Championship Qualifier Round 3

GAA Hurling All-Ireland Championship Phase 3

GAA Hurling All-Ireland Championship Relegation Round 1

18 Iúil

Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship Final

Connacht GAA Football Senior Championship Final

24 Iúil

GAA Football All-Ireland Championship Qualifier Round 4

GAA Hurling All-Ireland Championship Relegation Round 2

25 Iúil

GAA Hurling All-Ireland Championship Quarter-Finals

ESB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Minor Championship Quarter-Finals

31 Iúil

All-Ireland Poc Fada Finals

31 Iúil-1/2 Lúnasa

GAA Football All-Ireland Championship Quarter-Finals

ESB GAA Football All-Ireland Minor Championship Quarter-Finals

7 Lúnasa

ESB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Minor 'B' Championship Quarter-Finals

GAA Football All-Ireland Junior Championship Semi-Finals

8 Lúnasa

GAA Hurling All-Ireland Championship Semi-Final

ESB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Minor Championship Semi-Final

14 Lúnasa

GAA Hurling All-Ireland Intermediate Championship Semi-Final
Gaillimh v Leinster Winners

ESB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Minor 'B' Championship Semi-Finals

15 Lúnasa

GAA Hurling All-Ireland Championship Semi-Final

ESB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Minor Championship Semi-Final

21 Lúnasa

Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling Under 21 All-Ireland Championship Semi-Finals

Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling Under 21 'B'All-Ireland Championship
Semi-Finals

GAA Football All-Ireland Junior Championship Final

22 Lúnasa

GAA Football All-Ireland Championship Semi-Final

ESB GAA Football All-Ireland Minor Championship Semi-Final

28 Lúnasa

GAA Hurling All-Ireland Intermediate Championship Final
Gaillimh/Leinster Winners v Mumha

ESB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Minor 'B' Championship Final

29 Lúnasa

GAA Football All-Ireland Championship Semi-Final

ESB GAA Football All-Ireland Minor Championship Semi-Final

5 Meán Fomhair

GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Final
(Replay 26 Meán Fomhair)

ESB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Minor Championship Final

11/12 Meán Fomhair

Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling Under 21 All-Ireland Championship Final

Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling Under 21 'B' All-Ireland Championship Final

12 Meán Fomhair

Gala All-Ireland Camogie Finals

19 Meán Fomhair

GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final
(Replay 3 Deireadh Fomhair)

ESB GAA Football All-Ireland Minor Championship Final

22 Meán Fomhair

Fired Up Magazine

26 Meán Fomhair

TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Finals

23 Deireadh Fomhair

International Rules First Test

30 Deireadh Fomhair

International Rules Second Test

24 Samhain

Fired Up Magazine

11 Nollaig

Christy Ring/Nicky Rackard/Lory Meagher Champion 15 & Rounds All Star Awards

MUNSTER GAA SENIOR HURLING & FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009.

December 11th, 2009

Sunday May 16th.
Senior Football Championship Quarter Final Tipperary v Kerry @ Semple Stadium at 4.00p.m.
Live RTE

Sunday May 23rd.
Senior Football Championship Quarter Final Waterford v Clare @ Fraher Field, Dungarvan at 3.30p.m.

Sunday May 30th.
Senior Hurling Championship Quarter Final Cork v Tipperary @ Pairc Ui Chaoimh at 4.00p.m.
Live RTE

Sunday June 6th.
Senior Football Championship Semi Finals IF Kerry v Cork @ Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney at 4.00p.m.
Live RTE
IF Tipperary v Cork Venue TBC at 4.00p.m Live RTE

Limerick v Waterford or Clare @ Venue TBC - Alternative Date Sunday June 13th.

Monday June 7th.
Senior Hurling Championship Semi Final
Clare v Waterford @ Semple Stadium, Thurles at 3.00p.m.
Live RTE

Sunday June 20th.
Senior Hurling Championship Semi Final
IF Cork v Limerick at Pairc Ui Chaoimh @4.00p.m.
Live TV3
IF Tipperary v Limerick @ Semple Stadium, Thurles @ 4.00pm

Sunday July 4th.
Munster Senior Football Final @ 2.00p.m Live TV3

Sunday July 11th.
Munster Senior Hurling Final @ 4.00p.m. Live RTE

ANNERVILLE SPORTS AWARDS

December 9th, 2009

Four of the sixteen Annerville Award winners who have been chosen by the Tipperary United Sports Panel are from the world of GAA. The hurling award goes to All-Star Lar Corbett, who enjoyed arguably the finest year of his career when he helped Tipperary's hurlers retain the Munster Championship and reach the All-Ireland Final. Lar also played a key role as Thurles Sarsfields regained the County Senior Hurling Championship. The Gaelic Football Award has been won by Aherlow's Ciaran McDonald, who played a starring role as Tipperary won promotion in the National League for the second successive year and also captured the Division Three title. The Brian Borus club, which won the All-Ireland Intermediate Ladies Football Championship in such memorable fashion last month, when they beat St. Brigid's of Dublin by a point in the final, has ensured that their sport has also been recognised. The Knocknagow Award, which each year is presented to a Sportsperson of the Past, will be presented to Phil Shanahan of Toomevara, who played on Tipp's All-Ireland winning three-in-a-row team from 1949-'51. Congratulations are extended to them all, and they will will be joined by the award winners in the other sports when the Annerville Awards are presented at a function at Hotel Minella, Clonmel on Saturday, January 30th, 2010.

COUNTY U-21 HURLING SELECTORS RATIFIED

December 9th, 2009

At its recent meeting the County Board ratified the appointment of Ken Hogan (Lorrha and Dorrha – Manager), Tommy Dunne (Toomevara – Coach), TJ Connolly (Cashel King Cormacs- Selector) and William Maher (Ballingarry – Selector) as the U-21 Hurling Management team for 2010 and 11. We wish them every success. We also thank the outgoing selectors – Declan Carr, Martin Gleeson, Ger Maguire and Noel Russell – for their dedication and positive contribution during their 2 year term.

HURLING ALL STAR TOUR TO BUENOS AIRES

December 9th, 2009

Good luck to Liam Sheedy (2009 Team Manager), Brendan Cummins (2008), Padraic Maher (2009), Larry Corbett (2009), Noel McGrath (2009) and Eoin Kelly (Replacement) who will be on the All Star Tour to Buenos Aires, Argentina from December 9th to 16th. Shane McGrath (2008) and Conor O’Mahony (2008 and 2009) are unavailable to travel.

COUNTY U-21 A HURLING FINAL

December 9th, 2009

From Ger Ryan, Tipperary GAA Scene
Congratulations to Thurles Sarsfields on their 0-20 to 1-9 victory over Clonoulty Rossmore in the County U-21 final played in The Ragg on Sunday last. Pa Bourke captained Sarsfields to their fourth title in this grade and their second in a row. If any club wants evidence of the importance of building success from strong juvenile foundations, a look at the records of Thurles Sarsfields and Toomevara is worthwhile. Since 1999, Thurles Sarsfields have won 5 County Minor Hurling titles, 3 County Under 21 Hurling titles and 2 County Senior Hurling titles with perhaps more to come. In a similar period in the 1980’s and 1990’s, Toomevara built up strong foundations, winning 3 County Minor Hurling titles and 4 County Under 21 Hurling titles between 1985 and 1997 which directly impacted on their achievement of capturing 11 County Senior Hurling titles from 1992 to 2008 and like Thurles they too have ambitions to win more.

All Ireland Senior Club Camogie Final - Cashel v Athenry - Match Report

December 7th, 2009

Cashel defeated Athenry by 0-11 to 0-9 in the All Ireland Senior Club Camogie Final on Sunday in Clarecastle Co. Clare.

Tipperary Camogie notes
www.camogie.tipperary.gaa.ie
All Ireland Senior Camogie Club Final

Cashel 0.11, Athenry 0.09

By Kieran Slattery, County Camogie P.R.O.

The tag of favourites going into any game is something that is earned, & after last Sunday’s final in Clarecastle, Cashel justifiably wore that tag with pride. Their display is atrocious weather conditions was nothing short of heroic from a team who were determined to bring the title back to Cashel for the second time.

Athenry opted to play with the advantage of a cross field wind, but it was Mairead Morrissey who pointed first for Cashel. Laura Linnane, Therese Maher & Brenda Kerins pointed for Athenry before Claire Grogan pointed a free for Cashel. With driving sleet raining down on the Clare venue, Athenry kept the pressure on the Cashel defence, & had two goal chances, only to be denied by Helen Breen in the Cashel goal. Una Dwyer & Philly Fogarty stood firm in the Cashel defence, ably assisted by their colleagues in both lines of defence. Cashel found it difficult at times to attack, mainly due to their half forward line playing so deep because of the wind, but when they did take on the Athenry defence, they enjoyed the better of exchanges. At the 20 minute mark, it was 4 points to 3, favouring Athenry. A point from Noreen Coen in the 22nd minute put 2 between the sides, but a point from Claire Grogan in the 26th minute closed the gap. Then, what was arguably the score of the game; Alison Lonergan latched onto a great pass from Cora Hennessy, & from 30yards pointed with a superb cross field effort. Suddenly, after playing most of the game in Cashel`s half of the field, Athenry were only 1 point ahead at half time, 0.06 to 0.05.

Cashel were first out of the blocks in the second half with Emily Hayden & Mairead Morrissey pointing for Cashel, giving them a lead which was never relinquished. Laura Linnane again kept Athenry in touch with a free, before 3 points from the stick of Claire Grogan (1 free, 2 play), & at the 20minute mark of the 2nd half Cashel were 3 points up. However, Athenry, were playing their best Camogie of the hour in the second half, & the threat of them scoring a goal was always present. A point from Noreen Coen put 2 between the sides, & a dangerous lead for Cashel when entering the last 5 minutes of the game. With some stern defending from Cashel, & their mid field working well, Claire Grogan popped up with another point. At this stage both Jessica Gill for Athenry, & Sinead Millea for Cashel, were introduced. Both players had been out of action due to injury, so their introduction was testament to both teams desire to win. Jessica Gill had half a chance for a goal but her free was deflected for the last point of the game, & scenes of jubilation from Cashel, & utter disappointment from Athenry when the final whistle was blown.

Cashel are quickly becoming a thorn in the side of Athenry, who lost to them in `07 in the final, & earlier this year again when Cashel beat the Westerners in the all Ireland 7`s final. This was a gritty display from Cashel, who once again had to call on all their experience & their self belief to ground out this victory. Even when Athenry came looking for the equalising goal, their composure & calmness in defence ensured that soft frees were not given away. The player of the match award went to Claire Grogan, who, incidentally, won the same award against the same opposition in the 7`s.

Claire’s ability to pick off the points at the most critical stages of the game was vital to this win, as was the huge work rate of her team mates throughout the game. A delighted (if not frozen) Una Dwyer proudly accepted the cup from Uachtaran Joan O Flynn, & in her acceptance speech, Una spoke of the huge team spirit in the squad, & thanked the management team for their help in getting them to be All Ireland champions for 2009.

Team; Helen Breen, Claire Ryan, Una Dwyer, Nolette Dwyer, Paula Bulfin, Philly Fogarty, Julie McGrath, Jill Horan, Linda Grogan, Cora Hennessy, Mairead Morrissey (0.02), Claire Grogan (0.07), Alison Lonergan(0.01), Emily Hayden(0.01), Cliona Dwyer. Subs used; Sinead Millea.

Referee; Fintan McNamara (Clare)

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CASHEL had to call upon all their experience to see off the challenge of Athenry, and claim their second All Ireland senior club championship title in horrendous weather at Clarecastle yesterday (0-11 to 0-9). Although the foot conditions were top class at the impressive Clare venue, the driving wind and rain proved to be a constant challenge.
It was Cashel’s ability to keep the scoreboard ticking over during a first half when Athenry captain Therese Maher had opted to play with the gale that was the main difference. Claire Grogan’s seven points overall (four from play) were contributory too, but when it came down to it, the Tipperary side had too much talent for the westerns who were far too reliant on skipper Maher to keep them in the hunt.

As well, Cashel captain and full back Una O’Dwyer proved unbeatable, as did their entire half back trio of Paula Bulfin, Philly Fogarty and Julie McGrath. And when they turned over just one point behind, 0-5 to 0-6, it was going to take an enormous effort from the Maroon girls to remain in the game, but credit to them they fought to the bitter end.
Athenry were in front 0-3 to 0-2 after 15 minutes, and had they capitalised on two goal opportunities it would have been a different story for the underdogs. A pair of points coming up to the break from free-taker Laura Linnane and Noreen Coen left them double scores ahead, but a strong finish from Cashel yielded flags from Grogan and Alison Lonergan.

The second half was a dogfight with the weather deteriorating further. Approaching the last quarter Cashel edged 0-9 to 0-7 to the good, but the introduction of the injured Jessica Gill for Athenry egged them on. She came close with a goal shot, and despite Athenry’s grit, Cashel held out with two Grogan points closing out the score.

Cashel (Tipperary) 0-11 (C Grogan 0-7 (3f), M Morrissey 0-2, A Lonergan, E Hayden 0-1each);
Athenry (Galway) 0-9 (L Linnane 0-4 (2f, 1 45), B Kerins, T Maher, N Coen, K O'Dwyer, J Gill (f) 0-1 each.

All Ireland Senior Club final preview - Cashel v Athenry

December 4th, 2009

Cashel will play Athenry in the All Ireland Senior Club Camogie Final on Sunday December 6th at 2:00pm in Clarecastle Co. Clare.

Fixture Details

SUN 6 DEC
ALL IRELAND SENIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL – REFIXTURE
Athenry, Galway –v- Cashel, Tipperary
Clarecastle GAA Pitch, Co. Clare, 2pm
Ref: Fintan McNamara, Clare

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Tipperary Camogie notes
www.camogie.tipperary.gaa.ie

All Ireland Senior Club final preview

Cashel v Athenry

By Kieran Slattery, County Camogie P.R.O.

The ultimate prize of being crowned the best club in the Country is up for decision next Sunday when these two great teams battle it out in what promises to be a thrilling final. At the time of writing, the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick is the venue, but full confirmation of venue & time will appear on the Camogie & GAA websites during the week.

Athenry have yet to claim the Bill Carroll cup, but have been finalists in `07, `85, `82, `79, `76 &`75,. As a club their involvement in Galway Camogie has been well documented, & they bring with them to this game a hunger & drive to win which will be a huge advantage to them. Among their ranks are names like Therese Maher, Regina Glynn & Brenda Hanney, players well used to the big stage. One of their more influential players, Jessica Gill has been sidelined with a knee injury, & is reported as been unavailable for selection. In any Galway Camogie team, you will find a large representation of Athenry players. This year, Galway won the U16 All Ireland Championship, their Senior team reached the All Ireland Final in `08, & probably were unlucky to lose to Kilkenny in this year’s Semi Final. Their Intermediate team also won the All Ireland Championship beating Cork in a replay during the year. Evidence surely of the strength of Camogie in the West. Athenry would probably have wished for a tougher semi final challenge from Lougheil, but the young team from Antrim was no match for the Galway girls, & Athenry cruised to their deserved victory.

This is Cashel`s 3rd all Ireland final appearance, losing to Pearses of Galway in 2001. Cashel again made the final when they beat Athenry in 2007 to claim their first & only title. This has also been the only title won by any Tipperary club. Their path to the final has seen them play out a thriller in the County Final against Burgess/Duharra. Their Munster campaign was somewhat less challenging with wins over Kileedy (Limerick) & St. Catherines (Cork). However, a much needed challenge was provided by Oulart the Ballagh (Wexford) in the Semi final, when despite having the best of exchanges in the first half, Cashel were down 2 points at half time. However, the manner which they turned this deficit around to win by 4points will place Cashel as favourites for Sunday’s game.

Speaking during the week, Cashel Manager John Grogan has said that “the title of favourite does not or will not affect their preparation”. In relation to their displays up to this, John has been impressed on how his team “dug out victories from games they sometimes looked to be losing. The character & sheer grit that the whole panel puts into every performance has been commendable, & they will need to call on all of their depth of experience & self belief if they are to overcome the challenge of Athenry”.
One downside to their semi final win was the hand injury picked up by influential player Mairead Morrissey. Despite battling through the pain of a broken finger for most of the game Mairead still managed to register 1.03 for Cashel. It looks as if she will not be able to feature in Sunday’s game as a result of this injury.

Apart from meeting each other in the `07 final, these two sides met earlier in the year in the All Ireland sevens in Kilmacud. In what was a thrilling final, Cashel had a 1 point win over Athenry, helped by a display from Claire Grogan which earned her the award of player of the tournament. However, John Grogan isn’t placing too much attention on this result, & though it was great to win, it will have no bearing on how Sunday’s game will pan out. In that tournament, Cashel`s Sinead Millea sustained an ankle injury which has kept her out of action. She now has returned to do some light training, but whether Sunday’s final has come too soon for her remains to be seen.

As already mentioned, Cashel will be making their 3rd appearance in the final. Other Tipperary clubs have also reached the finals. Drom & Inch were finalists in 2008 when they found the challenge from O Donovan Rossa (Antrim) too much. Toomevara were runners up in 1995 when Rathnure of Wexford stole the show. We have to go back to 1971 when Thurles & Austin Stacks of Dublin were the finalists, & unfortunately it was the Dublin girls who claimed the title.

However, all associated with Tipperary Camogie & GAA will be looking forward to Sunday’s game, & lets hope for a large vocal support as the Tipp County champions seek out another All Ireland title. Finally, last word to Manager John Grogan & the task facing Cashel; “the girls will once again have to put in a 100% display similar to all the games played, & if they can re produce the tenacity & determination already shown, then he is confident that it will be Cashel`s day”.

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Match Preview

A repeat of the 2007 All Ireland final when Cashel claimed their only title. So, revenge is on the mind of Athenry who are attempting to win the Cup for the first time in 32 years.

Both captains will play a major role. Una O’Dwyer is skipper of Cashel, and the full back will pull the strings from the edge of the square where up front Claire Grogan is the big threat.

Athenry captain Therese Maher is a massive player and her influence will have a big say.

Verdict: Cashel

Team News

Athenry: S Gannon; K Glynn, A Poniard, D Coen; C Cunniffe, R Glynn, K Ruddy; S Donohue, L Linnane; N Jordan, T Maher (Capt), N Coen; B Kerins, K O’Dwyer, M Keogh.

Cashel: H Breen; C Ryan, U O’Dwyer (Capt), N Dwyer; P Bulfin, P Fogarty, J McGrath; J Horan, L Grogan, C Hennessy, M Morrissey, C Grogan; A Lonergan, E Hayden, C Dwyer.

Hurling Development Squads

December 4th, 2009

From Eolas Oiliúna Coaching News
Under 14, 15, 16 and 17 hurling squads were in action in Dr. Morris Park for the first four Saturdays of October and were very well attended. A new facility is now available to these squads in The Dome at Semple Stadium to facilitate their physical development. Under 14 players are using this facility on Tuesdays from 7.00 to 9.00, Under 15, 16 & 17 players avail of it on Thursdays at 6.30, 7.30 & 8.30 respectively. We thank parents and clubs for their cooperation with transport.

CANON HAYES AWARDS

December 4th, 2009

Well done to the Tipperary Senior Football team on winning the County Award in recognition of their Division 3 National Football League Title success and promotion to Division 2 at the annual Canon Hayes National Sports Awards which took place at Ballykisteen last Saturday night. The Mick Doyle Golden Sporting Memory Award went to the Gaelic Athletic Association in recognition of its celebration of its 125 th anniversary. This Award was presented by Mrs. Mandy Doyle, wife of the late Mick Doyle to GAA Trustee, Mr. Con Hogan, who was joined for the presentation by Mr. Pat Walsh, a grand nephew of Maurice Davin, one of the Founders of the GAA and its first President. Well done to all the other award winners who included World handball champion, Paul Brady; top flat racing jockey, Michael Kinane, Tipperary athlete, Alan Ryan; and John Tobin of Ballypatrick Sports Centre.

GAA SEASON TICKET 2010 LAUNCHED

December 4th, 2009

From Ger Ryan, Tipperary GAA Scene
We remind all Tipperary GAA supporters that the GAA has launched its 2010 Season Ticket Scheme. Full details of the ticket scheme and how to purchase are on www.gaa.ie . The ticket can also be bought as a gift and includes a ‘Top Up’ credit facility that will mean no credit card or Laser card is required from the gift recipient.

COUNTY U-21 A HURLING FINAL

December 4th, 2009

The county U-21 A hurling final between defending champions Thurles Sarsfields and Clonoulty Rossmore will take place in Boherlahan on Sunday next at 2pm. Sarsfields are seeking their 4th title at this grade while Clonoulty Rossmore are seeking their first. They previously met in the 1988 final when Sarsfields won their first title. Interestingly Sarsfields are seeking to be the fourth club this decade to win back to back titles with Drom and Inch (2000 and 2001), Killenaule (2003 and 2004) and Kilruane MacDonaghs (2006 and 2007) having previously achieved this distinction. The 2002 final was won by Sarsfields and the 2005 final by Toomevara.

BRIAN BORUS WIN LADIES FOOTBALL CLUB TITLE

November 25th, 2009

Congratulations to the Brian Borus ladies football team which won the All Ireland Intermediate Club Football title in Dublin last Sunday. It was the first time that a Tipperary team won a ladies club title and great credit is due to all involved. The game against St. Brigids of Dublin was played in strong winds and after playing with the wind in the first half Brian Borus led by 1-8 to 0-0 at half time but had to withhold a tremendous fight back by St. Brigids to secure a 1-9 to 1-8 victory.

Revised Venue for All-Ireland Club Camogie Final

November 25th, 2009

Tipperary GAA News
For all the latest news, fixtures and results visit http://tipperary.gaa.ie

Please see below Camogie Fixtures for the coming weekend

SUN 29 NOV
ALL IRELAND SENIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL Athenry, Galway -v- Cashel, Tipperary, St. Conleth's Park Newbridge, Co.
Kildare Ref: Fintan McNamara, Clare

ALL IRELAND JUNIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL Lavey, Derry -v- St. Anne's, Dunhill, Waterford, Donaghmore Ashbourne,
Co. Meath, 2.30pm Ref: Mike O'Kelly, Cork

MUNSTER CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

November 24th, 2009

From www.tipperary.gaa.ie
Hard luck to the three Tipperary clubs which were narrowly defeated in Munster Club Championship last weekend. Moyle Rovers travelled to Austin Stack Park Tralee to play Kerins O’Rahillys in the Munster Club Senior Football Championship semi-final and in very difficult conditions put up a great performance before a 53rd minute goal from Declan Quill proved to be decisive in securing a 1-8 to 0-9 victory for the Kerry side. In the Junior Hurling semi-final Aherlow were defeated by Blackrock of Limerick by 0-11 to 0-9 and in the Junior Football quarter-final Knockavilla Kickhams suffered a heartbreaking one point defeat after extra time to Mountcollins of Limerick on a scoreline of 1-9 to 1-8.

WESTSIDE COLUMN FROM CLONMEL NATIONALIST

November 24th, 2009

With the playing pitches squelching to a halt, the lead up to Christmas is usually the time when GAA biographies hit the book shelves for the festive market. Prominent among this year’s reading list is ‘Cody’, the story of the Kilkenny hurling manager as scripted by ‘Irish Independent’ journalist, Martin Breheny. As the most successful hurling manager ever, the book obviously doesn’t lack for material, though the end product for this columnist was disappointing.

Writing the Brian Cody story in 2009 carries an obvious limitation: Cody is a work in progress. He has been in county management since late 1998 and surely one of the sillier questions he was asked after last September’s All Ireland was whether or not he will be continuing next year. Managers don’t quit while on the cusp of an unprecedented wave of success.

In those circumstances there’s an obvious curtailment on commentary, one that limits the scope of this book. Whether reflecting on Kilkenny players or on rival managers, Brian Cody was never going to open up when one eye is already on next year’s campaign. This was never going to be a confessional account of the last decade. In essence this biography is premature.

And therein rests one of the main flaws with the production. The blurb at the back tells us that the book gives ‘a unique insight into the life and times of Brian Cody’. If it lived up to that claim then it would indeed be a fascinating read for hurling followers. Unfortunately, however, there’s nothing insightful between the pages of this book and by the end the man remains as inscrutable as ever.

Picture those post-match press briefings where Cody peers out from under the peak of the baseball cap and feeds the media their usual dose of meaningless platitudes: the opposition was excellent and Kilkenny faced a savage challenge and were lucky to win in the end etc. etc. Now enlarge that theme for a book and you have the tone and texture of much of this biography.

I have an issue with many of these GAA biographies, not just Brian Cody’s. For me a biography should be revealing. It should take you behind the scene and shed a light on events that are usually hidden from the public gaze. If privacy is your priority then don’t write a biography. Once you commit to such a publication you are putting yourself out there and the pundits who pay twenty euro for the book have a right to expect something more than mere church-pulpit stuff about spirit, respect and honesty, Cody’s three-pronged mantra.

A colleague told me he ditched this book after about eight of the thirty-five chapters. I can understand why. In fact the opening quarter of the book is particularly plodding and does test one’s endurance. If you’re a regular GAA follower the details of championship games are as unexciting as last week’s news. Yet you have these individual chapters which begin with the words ‘Martin Breheny writes:’ and there follows a long account of the championship progress of a particular year.

To be fair (am I ever otherwise?) there are some sections, which rise above the hum-drum, especially when Cody gets passionate about an issue. (There is always a sense with Brian Cody of public restraint and the outburst with Marty Morrissey after last year’s All Ireland final was a rare example of the mask slipping). On James McGarry’s failure to win an Allstar award you can sense the manager fuming: ‘Shame on the All Star selectors, they have done the scheme a great disservice … they demeaned themselves and the scheme … Still Kilkenny people know the truth about James McGarry and that’s more important than recognition by people who got this one so badly wrong’.

Brendan Cummins was one of the goalies who kept McGarry off the Allstar list and when you look at the individual years involved, Cody’s case weakens. Kilkenny people have a huge and understandable affection for McGarry, which tends to colour their judgment, but All Star selectors operate from a different premise. A goalie can only be judged on the saves he makes during the year and with a goalie there’s no juggling of positions like in defence or attack. The unfortunate thing for McGarry was that other goalies made a greater impact during each of those years and he lost out as a result. This year for once a Kilkenny goalie, P.J. Ryan, was seen as crucial to the All Ireland win and, sure enough, he got his All Star.

Brian Cody has a go at others too, as would be expected. The rivalry with Ger Loughnane in ’07 led, at the time, to an untypical outburst by the Kilkenny manager. Remember Loughnane had suggested that Cody’s players were using unsavoury tactics such as ‘flicking and belting across the wrists’. Cody’s response in the book, however, is restrained enough: ‘I was disappointed by Ger’s rubbish in 2007’.

There’s real grit in his criticisms of others, though, especially after the 2005 All Ireland semi-final defeat by Galway. A fellow Kilkenny man, Enda McEvoy of ‘The Sunday Tribune’, comes in for a lash after suggesting that Liam McCarthy wouldn’t be coming to Kilkenny again any time soon. You sense a certain touchiness here over comments from one of their own: ‘And that was coming from a Kilkenny man – so what did the rest think?’ Donal O’Grady too takes at hit at that stage.

In all of this there’s a certain defensiveness. Criticism sits uneasy with the manager, though he might protest otherwise. There are also barriers up when it comes to internal matters. In ’03 there were stories of internal frictions, which led eventually to Charlie Carter and Brian McEvoy departing from the panel in mid season. Remember Denis Byrne also had issues. You might expect some development of this topic but it’s surprisingly glossed over. The players opted out, that was it, goodbye.

What disappoints me about this book is that the subject has such great potential. Like many hurling followers I admire Cody for his remarkable achievements. In particular he represents for me a return to the basics. We’ve gone through (are still suffering) an era of false sophistication, an age of fanciful training methods where the simple is made complicated. Yet here is Brian Cody with his old-style focus on the training session where two teams whip into each other and replicate match-day conditions. The match is king and it’s a winning recipe. He’s a refreshing antidote to modern trends in hurling.

Martin Breheny is a man I admire too. Aside from the ‘colour’ writers, such as Vincent Hogan or Tom Humphries, I consider Breheny to be top of the class among the regular match reporters for the dailies. He is always well informed, accurate and balanced in his coverage of events. Last summer he stood apart as one of the few journalists who with great foresight anticipated Kerry’s football defeat of Dublin. Unfortunately in this book he’s hostage to a very impenetrable subject and suffers by association.

From a Tipperary perspective I suppose the events of the past year were bound to feature in this book because it was a season dominated by the Tipperary\Kilkenny saga. League and championship represent the twin peaks of the season and Tipperary and Kilkenny played out a two-part series that enchanted the hurling world. Sadly of course Kilkenny edged them both, so we were left bridesmaids on each occasions.

With regard to the league final there’s one extraordinary assertion from Cody in this book. On Henry Shefflin’s dismissal Brian has the following to say: ‘Henry isn’t the sort of fella who gets involved with opponents – unless, of course, he gets roughed up, which he did yesterday’. Indeed. Henry Shefflin roughed up, presumably by Padraic Maher his direct opponent on the ‘forty’. Curiously most Tipperary followers will remember the roughing up on the other side as Maher ruled the air over Shefflin. Then we’re told that Shefflin was sent off for ‘mistiming a pull’. Hm!

Incidentally Martin Comerford was sent off because Declan Fanning insisted on letting him know just how tough a game it was when he was introduced as a sub for the injured Brian Hogan. Who was in once said, tell the story and tell it slanted?

Anyway it is Cody’s story and so we can’t expect that it will have down-the-middle objectivity. I’m not condemning the book on the basis of those skewed assertions. In fact, in one sense they help to add spice, spark debate and generally liven it up somewhat.

At its core this book disappoints because it lacks revelation. It was at best mildly interesting but hardly a page-turner. In fact long before the finish it became something of a chore and if it wasn’t for this column I too would have given up, or at best flicked through for mention of games like the league and championship finals of ’09. Even the book’s structure, cutting back and forth between ’09 and earlier years, does nothing to enhance the reader’s experience.

It might have been otherwise. I would have liked some sense of the dressing room, the training camp, the behind-the-scenes stuff that can often be instructive. We got none. Or how about a bit more on Cody’s earlier life, his background, family, early development as a hurler. Again zilch. The manager is regarded as a shrewd judge of players but there was little analysis here of any hurler. Absent too was any substantial treatment of tactics on a given day. Instead platitudes ruled.

One little incident from the book sums up its limitations. After a major defeat Cody hinted to the players that he may not be continuing. Later in the car park he was approached by three of the players who pleaded with him not to resign. He was, of course, chuffed and stayed on but he refuses to name the three players. Why? Because, he says, the dressing room stuff is sacrosanct. And there in a nutshell you have the flaw in this book. Too much is sacrosanct and kept hidden. Buy it if you will but for me it wasn’t worth the twenty euro.

P.S. Best wishes to Cashel this weekend in their bid for a second All Ireland senior camogie title. They play Athenry, though the venue is undecided as I write. Good luck to them.

GAA GAMES DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE

November 24th, 2009

Well done to Liam Sheedy, Tipperary Senior Hurling Manager; Caroline Currid, Performance Coach to the Tipperary Senior Hurlers and Cian O’Neill, Tipperary Senior Hurling team trainer who all addressed the GAA’s Annual Games Development Conference in Croke Park last weekend. All three talks were very well received by the large turnout of hundreds of coaches from all over the county at all levels of coaching.

CASHEL CAMOGIE IN ALL IRELAND SENIOR CLUB FINAL

November 24th, 2009

From Ger Ryan, Tipperary GAA Scene
Good luck to the Cashel Camogie team for their All Ireland Senior Club final against Athenry next Sunday, which is provisionally scheduled for the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick (see Camogie and GAA websites for exact details of fixture). It will be Cashel’s third final appearance having lost to Pearses of Galway in 2001 but they defeated Sunday’s opponents, Athenry, in the 2007 final. It will be Athenry’s 7th final but they are still seeking their first senior club title.

MAP SHOWING LOCATION OF EVERY GAA CLUB IN THE WORLD

November 20th, 2009

As part of the 125 year celebrations for the greatest amateur sporting organisation on earth, Baker Security and Networks, which is responsible for managing the GAA’s email system, would like to make a presentation to the GAA museum. As befits a new era for the Association, this presentation will be of the form of an electronic map showing the location of every GAA club in the world. The map will have more than the club location however, we hope it will form part of the living history of the organisation and to make it possible they need your help. They need you to tell them about your club, its past, present and heroes. Put your name at the end of the piece you write, or get some help and put all your names down, and you will forever become part of the history of the GAA. Later on we hope you will be able to upload photographs and other interesting details about your club. To submit your information go to the following website https://sites.google.com/a/gaa.ie/put-your-club-on-the-map/ and follow the instructions. All clubs will have received an email advising them of this very interesting venture.

GAA 125 - LAYING OF WREATHS AT MAURICE DAVIN’S GRAVE

November 20th, 2009

The final activity in connection with the GAA 125 celebrations in the county will take place at Carrick-on-Suir on Thursday, November 26th. It will be a joint venture between the Tipperary County Board and the Munster Council. Both bodies will lay wreaths at the grave of Maurice Davin in Churchtown at 4 pm. An oration will be delivered by Jack Ryan, son of Seamus who wrote the much-acclaimed biography of the first President and of the Association. All are welcome.

2009 CANON HAYES NATIONAL SPORTS AWARDS

November 20th, 2009

The 2009 Canon Hayes National Sports Awards will be presented at a banquet at Ballykisteen Hotel & Golf Resort, Limerick Junction, Tipperary Town on Saturday November 28th, 2009. There will be a Champagne Reception from 7pm with Dinner at 8pm. After Dinner Entertainment will be from Derek Ryan (bass-baritone) followed by Dancing to Pat & Fran. Dress is Black Tie and tickets are €50.

Awards to be presented on the night include:
Local Award - the nominees are: Alan Ryan (Athletics), Daniel Fowler (Soccer) and Arravale Rovers Club (GAA) County Award - the nominees are: Tipperary Senior Football Team (GAA), Con Sheehan (Boxing) and Thurles CBS Harty/Croke Cup Team (GAA) There will also be awards in the categories of National and Outstanding Achievement along with Golden Sporting Memory and South Tipperary Sports Partnership Volunteer in Sport Award. To reserve tickets contact Martin Quinn @ 087-6101628 or Canon Hayes Centre @ 062-52022 or E-mail: martinquinns@eircom.net .

Junior Member Denis O'Connell's interview with Brendan Cummins

November 20th, 2009

I am Denis O'Connell. I am a member of the Templederry Juvenile Club. I would like to say that I really enjoyed my interview with Brendan Cummins before the County Final. He was very friendly and he seemed to be in no hurry to leave after the interview. I had a lovely chat with him and an experience I will never forget. I will hold that Match Programme as a pleasant memory for many years. I was very happy to win this prize as a Junior Member.

Tipperary Supporters Club Junior Membership. This interview with Brendan Cummins was won as a prize by Denis O’Connell, who is a Junior Member. The interview was printed in the match programme for the County Senior Hurling Final. You can join as FREE Junior Member on www.tippsupportersclub.com .

Denis is 13, plays with the Templederry Club and is in Nenagh CBS. He is related to Willie Ryan and Pa Bourke.

The Tipperary Supporters Club would like to thank Brendan who give so willingly of his time for this interview.

1. Do you still wear your Manchester United jersey under your Tipperary one?

Question from: John Coffey, Moycarkey.

Yes, I’m wearing it since 1993 for all games, club and county, even in challenge matches. It’s like a comfort blanket for me!

2. (a) Of the different designs of goalie jerseys down the years which do you least prefer?

Joey Kelly and Karl Kelly (twins), Ballinahinch Club.

It was the gold one from 2005 or thereabouts. Tim Floyd asked me for my opinion beforehand and even though it looked ok then, when it came to match time I didn’t like it at all!

(b) How much training do you do on your own? Do you do any training in a ball alley/hurling wall?

I use the ball alley in Ardfinnan which has four walls and is all closed in and I would be in there for 15 minute sessions in the lead up to Championship matches. I also use the wall ball in the club.

3. What do you think about the new rule the GAA have introduced that all players must wear helmets?

Caitríona O’Connor, Brooklands Drive, Nenagh.

I will have to get used to it. It is a good rule and should have come in years ago especially as I would always encourage young players to wear a helmet. This year against Cork the penalty was struck and hit me in the wrist but it could have done more damage if it hit me on the head. The ball is travelling faster in modern hurling.

4. You are my hurling hero, who would you say is yours?

James Finn, Garrykennedy, Portroe.

Nicky English is my main man. I was lucky to have played with Nicky and he was our manager when we won the All-Ireland in 2001

5. How do you hit the sliothar so far?

Tom Maher, Castleknock Hurling and Football Club, Dublin.

Technique makes a difference. When I was young we had a small yard and I would use a heavy broken football so that it would not go out over the fence but it was great training for distance. Also, when I prepare for the Poc Fada I use a sliothar soaked in a bucket of water overnight and it strengthens up your shoulders naturally without having to use weights.

6. What made you try out for the Tipperary team?

Aoife Brennan, Maudemount Cross, Dundrum.

When I was 14, I was asked to go to a trial and I got on that team and stayed there up along the age groups. I always wanted to be in goals, diving around like Peter Schmeichel from Manchester United!

7. (a) Would you like to become the Tipp Captain next year? I think you would make a good Captain!

Denis O’Connell, Glenduff, Curreeny (Templederry Club).

Like everyone else, I would love to captain my county but when you play for Tipperary every player must take on the responsibility and play like a captain every time.

(b) How many hurleys do you keep in your gear bag?

I use 3 hurleys for puck outs, with different weights for different distances. I used the same hurley for 9 years for puck outs until that broke. Then the one I used for saves broke against Cork this year. It was nearly a panic for me to get used to a new one in time for the Clare game!

(c) Have you a favourite sliothar?

Yes, anyone one other than the one used in 2003 which was like a ping-pong ball! When Cork started using the Cummins ball first, I had not practiced with it but once I bought a few of them and brought them to the ball alley there was no problem. Overall though the O’Neills one is the one I like best.

(d) Who makes your hurleys?

Jim O’Brien in Drangan is the man.

(e) Do you still play football?

Unfortunately, I have not played football for 3 years. I decided that I would go all out for hurling when I got my second chance, in case I got injured playing football. I enjoyed playing football but playing with Tipperary is special to me and I cannot take the risk.

(f) What did you really say to the Referee when you asked him about that penalty in the All-Ireland Final?

I could not believe that a penalty had been awarded as I can see the 14 metre line from the goals. The referee told Paul Curran that the free was for hand around the neck. I then asked the referee to look at the big screen because it was so important. After that I had to go back and prepare to try to save the free. It is important to be fully concentrated on preparing everyone for the save rather than be distracted with anything else, which could effect your heart rate and reflexes.

(g) Would you like your son to go on to be a goalkeeper or to be outfield when he gets older?

I’m not sure I would like him to be a goalie as I could not watch the matches! Goalies can be under a lot of pressure. It will be his own choice.

8. Did you always play in goal?

Andrew Ormond, Forest, Templemore.

Yes, but I played out field for the Club a few times. My father was playing in goals for the Club and I was a sub! My father claims he retired to let me play in goals! So I have worn a helmet when playing out the field.

9. How did you become such a class goalkeeper and how do you feel about being nominated for another All-Star?

Patrick Finn, Garrykennedy, Portroe.

It’s all down to practice. Every day I am thinking about hurling or I’m training. It’s part of my life and I am lucky to be able to do it. I am keen to listen and improve my game whenever I can. It is important to have the drive to win. All-Stars can be nice for recognition but the key thing is if I am happy with my performances and getting better than last year rather than being ahead of other players.

10. Who is the best penalty taker that you have ever faced?

Liam Coman, Naomh Jude Club, Templeogue, Dublin.

Paul Flynn of Waterford is deadly because of putting top spin on it. Similar to this year with the shot against Clare, it’s a massive skill to start the shot going above the crossbar and then dip it under it. This year against Cork was the fastest penalty I have seen.

11. I’m a goalkeeper but I struggle to catch the ball. How do you catch it under pressure?

Niall Ryan, Boolteeny, Dolla (Silvermines Club).

The key thing is to concentrate on the ball and not on the player who has hit it. I was told that if you do something 23 times it becomes a habit! If you train hard enough and often enough, instinct takes over and automatic reactions happen in a match based on all the training. Also you must use mistakes to make you stronger, deal with it and move on. Also try to forget that the goals are behind you as they can put pressure on you. You can always judge where your goals are by looking down the field at the other goals.

Thanks very much Denis and best of luck with your hurling career!

MUNSTER GAA AWARDS

November 17th, 2009

The full list of Munster GAA Awards for 2009 has been announced. Tipperary received 2 awards. The selection of Brendan Cummins as Hurler of the Year was announced some weeks ago and he is joined as an award winner by Liam Sheedy who has been named Manager of the Year. Congratulations to both Liam and Brendan on their well deserved recognition. The awards will be presented at Gala Banquet in Lawlors Hotel, Dungarvan on Saturday December 5th next. The Munster GAA Awards, inaugurated in 1998, honour and acknowledge the achievements of Players, Administrators, Referees as well as a Special Merit Award, while two former greats are inducted into the Munster Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recipients this year are Seamus Durack of Clare for hurling and John O’Keefe of Kerry for football.

TOMMY FLEMING CONCERT IN SEMPLE STADIUM DOME

November 17th, 2009

From Ger Ryan, Tipperary GAA Scene
Well done to David Morgan, Manager of the Dome at Semple Stadium, for staging the Tommy Fleming concert on Friday, November 13th. It certainly was not an unlucky choice of date. The concert, which was held as a benefit night for the Tipperary Senior Hurlers holiday fund, was a great success with Tommy Fleming performing to his usual high standard and giving great entertainment to the large legion of fans who were present. The Dome proved to be an excellent venue and we look forward to more concerts and shows being staged there. During the event, Con Hogan, Chairman of the Semple Stadium Management Committee, presented Tipperary Senior Hurling Manager, Liam Sheedy, with a donation towards the holiday fund from the proceeds of the concert. Thanks to all who helped with the organising and running of the event.

MUNSTER CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

November 17th, 2009

From www.tipperary.gaa.ie
There were mixed fortunes for the Tipperary representatives in the Munster club championships last Sunday. Congratulations to Aherlow on their victory after extra time over Tourin / Glen Rovers of Waterford at Sean Treacy Park, Tipperary Town in the Munster Junior Hurling Championship quarter final. They will now go on to play Blackrock of Limerick on Sunday next at 2pm at Kilmallock and we wish them every success. Commiserations to the Carrick Swans intermediate footballers who travelled all the way to Killarney where they lost to Kerry representatives Spa in their quarter final game.

Good luck to Moyle Rovers for their Munster Club Senior Football championship semi-final game against Kerins O’Rahillys of Kerry at Austin Stack Park, Tralee on Sunday next, November 22nd at 2pm. Rory Hickey of Clare will be the referee. Kerins O’Rahillys defeated Cork champions, Clonakilty, in their quarter final game. Moyle Rovers will be seeking their third Munster Club Final appearance having previously played in the finals of 1995 and 1998 when they were defeated by Launce Rangers (Kerry) and Doonbeg (Clare) respectively.

Brian Tyrrell of Clonmel Commercials will referee the other Senior Football semi-final between Stradbally (Waterford) and Kilmurry Ibricane (Clare) at Fraher Field Dungarvan alos on Sunday next at 2pm. Seamus Roche of Kilsheelan / Kilcash is also on Munster club duty on Sunday next as referee of the Club Intermediate Hurling Final at Mallow between Douglas (Cork) and South Liberties (Limerick). We wish good luck to both Brian and Seamus and their officials.

Good luck also to Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams for their Munster Club Junior Football quarter final against Mountcollins or Glin of Limerick at Newcastlewest at 2pm on Sunday next, November 22nd.

Tipperary Association, Dublin Annual Mass and "Conversation"

November 17th, 2009

Notice of Annual Mass

The Association’s annual mass for deceased members and deceased family and friends will be held in the

The Upper Rooms, Palace Bar, Fleet Street on Tuesday 24 November 2009 at 7.30 pm.

The mass will be celebrated by Fr. John O’Brien after which light refreshments will be served.

The evening will be concluded with a “Conversation” with Tom Quigley –the doyen of the Tipperary Association Dublin .

The Association is grateful to the Aherne family for kindly agreeing to make the premises available for the occasion.

The Tipperary Association Dublin Ltd.

2010 GAA Season Ticket on sale now

November 11th, 2009

From www.gaa.ie

The 2010 GAA Season Ticket went on-sale at 12 pm on Tuesday 9th November 2009. Numbers are limited so buy early!

Buy a GAA Hurling Season Ticket

Buy a GAA Football Season Ticket

The GAA Season Ticket remains the best value in sport – there is no better way to follow your county all the way to the All-Ireland Final in 2010

The base price remains at EUR 75 for your team’s League matches and opening Championship fixture. Then it’s Play & Pay as your team progresses through the Championship.

New for 2010:

- The Juvenile GAA Season Ticket – now all the family can have GAA Season Tickets.

- The Opt Out – Opt Out of matches you cannot attend in advance so you are not charged.

For further information check out the FAQs or send an email with your query to seasonticket@gaa.ie

Follow this link directly to the page http://seasonticket.gaa.ie/ where you can get all the information

About the GAA Season Ticket
Price and Payment
About the GAA Season Ticket
Terms and Conditons
FAQs

In 2009 Tipperary was the only county to sell out on Hurling Season Tickets so don't delay!

Aherlow and Carrick Swans in Munster Championship Action

November 9th, 2009

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 15th.

AIB Munster GAA Hurling Senior Club Championship Semi Finals

@ Pairc Ui Chaoimh
Newtownshandrum (Cork) v Adare (Limerick) at 2.00p.m.
Reiteoir - Pat Casey (Port Lairge)

@ Walsh Park, Waterford
Ballygunner (Waterford) v Cratloe (Clare) at 2.00p.m.
Reiteoir - John Sexton (Ballyhea)

AIB Munster GAA Hurling Junior Club Championship Quarter Final

@ Sean Treacy Park, Tipperary
Aherlow (Tipperary) v Tourin/Glen Rovers (Waterford) at 2.00p.m.
Reiteoir - Cathal McAllister (Corcaigh)

AIB Munster GAA Football Intermediate Club Championship Semi Final

@ Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney
Spa (Kerry) v Carrick Swans (Tipperary) at 2.00p.m.
Reiteoir -Michael Meade (Limerick)

Cashel in Munster Senior Camogie Final

November 9th, 2009

Tipperary Camogie notes

www.camogie.tipperary.gaa.ie

Next Sunday, November 15th will see Cashel travel to Oulart the Ballagh in Wexford to take on the hosts in the All Ireland Senior Club semi Final. Throw in for the game is 2.30pm. It will be two weeks since their last competitive game when they claimed their 6th Munster title. This Sunday, Cashel are going into the lions den, fully aware of the challenge facing them. The Wexford champions are steeped in Camogie tradition, & they have contributed a lot of talent to the Inter County scene in Wexford.

Nonetheless, Cashel are looking at their task, their own talent & their own displays that have got them to this stage.

Their first real challenge came in the County semi final when they were pitted against Drom. Despite playing against the wind in the first half, Cashel were first to settle into that game & raced into an early lead before Drom registered their first score in the 15th minute. Throughout this game, Cashel showed that they were determined to re visit the glory days, & even when Drom came close, Cashel seemed to just have so much left in the tank that they totally shut the game down on Drom. In one of the best County finals ever, Burgess/Duharra pushed the Cashel girls all the way to extra time. Even then, Cashel kept cool, never panicked, & even when it looked as if the game was slipping away from them, they stuck to their task. This belief in themselves finally got them over the finish line & ultimately to this all Ireland semi final clash this weekend.

Cashel are strong throughout the field. Una O Dwyer at full back has been very impressive, & her return to the Tipp Senior team was equally impressive. Their half back line is like a fortress. Paula Bulfin lets her hurling do the talking, while Philly Fogarty is so comfortable at number 6. Julie McGrath has an engine which could go on for ever & is comfortable at wing back or mid field. Jill Horan herself has had one of her best years for Tipp, & her influence in any game is immeasurable. At wing forward, Cora Hennessy is starting to find her form, & in the last few games has been able to pick off scores from 40 to 50 yards. Claire Grogan even on a bad day can destroy any opposition, & her hunger for the game has grown. She will no doubt be a target for Oulart to restrict her influence. Emily Hayden's tenacity & drive is hugely important to Cashel & she strikes fear into any back line. Alison Lonergan at corner forward will also pose a threat if past games are anything to go by.

Cashel have experienced both loss & victory at this stage since 2006.
They won their only All Ireland title in 2007, so they will desperately want to add to this. Earlier in the year, Cashel won the All Ireland sevens in Kilmacud Crokes, could this be an omen. Best of luck to all associated with Cashel Camogie in Sunday's game.

Westside article from The Clonmel Nationalist

November 6th, 2009

WESTSIDE.

Not for the first time in Munster Sarsfields were left singing the blues. Another disappointing provincial day for our champion club who came up tantalisingly short against Nestownshandrum in a game of high quality. Jerry O’Connor’s late winner spoiled the Thurles party on a weekend when the town was host to birthday celebrations for the association’s century and a quarter of activity.

Great game; wrong result. Winter arrived in the form of those unwelcome showers and the pitch for once looked battered after recent rain. To the credit of the players, though, it failed to hinder the hurling as the best from Tipperary and Cork produced a contest befitting the age-old rivalry. It was a stirring collision which careered along indecisively before tilting marginally Cork’s way at the climax. Sars’ were left to bemoan a missed opportunity.

Who was it that said there’s no present or future, just the past repeating itself? Here was another echo of ’05 as Sarsfields once more made the early running before being reeled in and ultimately passed, literally at the post this time. A delightful opening from Sarsfields had their fans in good voice early on. An immediate Pa Bourke point was followed rapidly by a goal, the Newtown’ defence puzzled by an Alan Kennedy lob and presenting Pa with a simple conversion. This was rapid-fire stuff from the locals, 1-1 to zero ahead after a few minutes, the perfect start to what was sure to be a testing afternoon.

The nature of that test was soon obvious as the visitors settled, steadied and found the response to Sarsfields’ opening blitz. They rattled off four points in quick succession, Ryan Clifford, Michael Bowles, Jerry O’Connor and Cathal Naughton the marksmen. Already their pace and combination was emerging as Sarsfields’ early lead vanished in a whirlwind of smart moves.

The middle third of the opening half was to be Sarsfields’ purple patch in this contest. Slick, smooth and economical they ran off a sequence of delightful points, Denis Maher hitting three, Pa Bourke another three including a sideline ’cut’, Shane Ryan adding two and Johnny Enright also part of the procession. Newtown’s responses were more sporadic against the wind so that the lead swelled to a sizeable six. With scarcely a wide to bemoan the game was being played at a fine tempo and Sarsfields were having the better of it.

We could hardly expect the trend to continue uninterrupted, though the extent of the turnaround before the break was quite alarming for the locals. And when Sarsfields look back and dissect this game they should focus on that ten minutes prior to half time when they seemed to sit back a little and let Newtown’ re-invent their challenge with five unanswered points. Midfielder, P.J. Copse started the trend and his lead was followed by young Jamie Coughlan, Cathal Naughton, Ryan Clifford and an uplifting sideline from Ben O’Connor.

Deflation then for Sarsfields as they trotted off having availed of the stiff wind and watched the comfort of six-up shrivel to the minimum. With the wind to be faced it looked none too promising. Padraic Maher had been pretty redundant at full in that first half and now he moved to half back and a more central role against the elements; Kevin O’Gorman went full in the reshuffle.

Credit Sarsfields with a fine second half effort. After the swings of the first half the game settled to a more even keel now with never more than a point of a gap. Denis Maher emerged as one of the real heroes of the resistance, his three second-half points of the highest quality. Briefly Cathal Naughton put Newtown’ in the lead for the first time before Maher’s second point of the half levelled it again and then a Pa Bourke free restored the lead. A Ben O’Connor leveller and then another lead point followed from Maher as the score-for-score pattern continued.

In the end a few crucial items decided the outcome. Sarsfields might have conceded a goal when keeper McCormack presented number fourteen, John O’Connor, with a chance but the forward put it wide. A let-off for Sarsfields. At the other end there was a let-off too for Newtown’ as Denis Maher careered through and seemed to be bundled over from behind. No free, and to compound matters Pa Bourke missed the resultant ‘65’. In the tightness of this contest every miss will be haunting.

‘Redsers’ arrival was met with one of the loudest cheers of the day. Those cheers were soon matched by Cork jeers as he lunged at Pat Mulcahy. It’s all very fine to be fired up and passionate but you need control too. Maybe there was some form of poetic justice in ‘Redser’ escaping ‘red’ for that action because he was on the receiving end in ’05 and the culprit on that occasion escaped too. Still you can’t condone what he did, or maybe attempted to do. Likewise I wouldn’t applaud Pat Mulcahy for his theatrical response to it all either.

With the game hanging in the balance the decisive moment will haunt Sarsfields and Michael Cahill in particular. Great defensive work saw the ball fed out from the full line where the number five seemed to have time and space to set up a Sarsfields attack. Unfortunately he delayed long enough for the block to arrive and in the breakdown Jerry O’Connor hit the match-winner.

There were some late chances for Sarsfields but Pa Bourke was wide from two very long-range efforts. A minimum of three added minutes were announced and the referee called it off on the button allowing Sarsfields no last-gasp chance of a saviour.

It was heartbreak then at the end for Sarsfields as their poor record in Munster club hurling continues. There’s no doubt this was a real chance to progress and Sunday’s winners will be fancied now to take Munster at least. In a sense you’re better off losing by a few points because the one score leaves everyone identifying where the deficit could be bridged in such a tight game. The regrets will run deep.

On the positive side Sarsfields were part of a great spectacle, showing that our club hurling is certainly a match for Cork’s. The drabness of our county final was a product of the specific tactics that day between two closely acquainted sides and in truth never reflected our club standard generally.

For Sarsfields it will still rate as a very successful year as they regained the top prize in the county. The real revelation in this Sarsfields’ team is unquestionably Denis Maher. He’s a Leaving Certificate student, a key cog in the Thurles CBS Harty side again this winter. Yet he has played way beyond his years with Sarsfields, adapting to an unfamiliar forward role and capping his year with six incredible points from play on Sunday. The new U21 management will hardly ignore the evidence.

For Pa Bourke this has been something of a resurgence season. He had slipped down the ranking in Liam Sheedy’s panel but his club form has surely reignited his career. He has certainly adjusted his game with more of a physical edge to his play now. Hopefully the trend will continue.

Of course it’s also the year when Padraic Maher hit the headlines with an All-star statuette now among his prized possessions. For Lar Corbett too it was a high profile season though his impact last Sunday was probably more limited than Sars’ needed; perhaps trying to cover too much ground left him chasing the game too often and rarely in a position to threaten goal. Ironically Sarsfields’ exit from the club championship will afford him the rest time now that he probably needs given his susceptibility to injury.

Meanwhile Liam Sheedy and colleagues are already organising in the background with talk of some adjustments to the panel. It was always expected that four or five players would be pared from the ’09 panel, though as yet no precise details have been confirmed. And where some depart others will be invited onboard. Our club championship certainly gave the management some food for thought and I suspect that evidence will be reflected in the adjustments. More anon.

While the mood in Tipperary is still quite optimistic after the promise of the ’09 season the atmosphere is obviously not so sweet in other counties. Clare, Limerick and Galway all appear to have major internal difficulties at the moment, which is a scenario that should please no hurling follower. The pool of top hurling contenders is small enough without having more of them self-destruct.

Limerick seems to be plagued by internal difficulties for many years now. In retrospect the three-in-a-row U21 titles has proven to be more of a curse than a blessing. That success obviously generated great expectations in a county very passionate about its hurling and when those expectations weren’t met unease followed. They’ve gone through several managers in the past decade or so, one of whom remains a major critic of the establishment in the county since his removal.

The arrival of Justin McCarthy seemed to promise better things but, sadly, that all collapsed spectacularly in last August’s All Ireland semi-final. Then last week word emerged of key players being dropped from the panel and others choosing to depart voluntarily. It all reads very messy and clearly will take a lot of sorting ahead of the New Year. Whether Justin remains to do the sorting has to be an issue too.

In Clare the scene is also fractious with the players reportedly seeking the removal of Mike ‘Mac’ and the County Board backing the manager. From the outside at least it looks like another Cork-style power struggle. The team had a particularly poor ’09 when, ironically, their best day was against Tipperary. The U21 win should have lifted spirits and injected new optimism but instead internal rancour seem to be threatening it all.

Galway too appears to be in some turmoil at the moment. Remember a few years ago you had that fractious club game in which Joe Canning was injured and the controversial fall-out from the whole affair, which seemed to sour internal relations. Now they’re embroiled in another controversy. This time it’s a hurling semi-final where Loughrea defeated Mullagh by a point and the referee needed a Garda escort afterwards. Now the affair seems to be going all the way to the DRA with Mullagh seeking a replay and the county final, which was originally billed for next Sunday, being deferred, according to latest reports.

In this winter season it’s all very unwelcome publicity on several fronts. A Tipperary referee being apparently head-butted and having to abandon the game is getting national headlines too. It’s not the type of material that should accompany a birthday celebration by the association. Troubled times indeed in some corners of the G.A.A. family.

MUNSTER CHAMPIONSHIP UNDERAGE DRAWS AND WATERFORD CRYSTAL SENIOR HURLING

November 6th, 2009

Bord Gais Energy Munster Under 21 Hurling Championship

First Round

A. Cork v Waterford

Semi Finals

B. Tipperary v Winners of A

C. Limerick v Clare

Cadbury Munster Under 21 Football Championship

First Round

A – Clare v Limerick

B – Cork v Kerry

Semi Finals

C – Tipperary v Winners of A

D – Waterford v Winners of B

ESB Munster Minor Hurling Championship

First Round

A. Cork v Tipperary

B. Waterford v Clare

C. Kerry v Limerick

Quarter Finals

D – Losers of A a bye

E – Losers of B v Losers of C

Semi Final Play Off

Losers of A v Winners of E

Semi Finals

Winners of A v Winners of B

Winners of C v Winners of Semi Final Playoff

ESB Munster Minor Football Championship

First Round

A. Tipperary v Kerry

B. Limerick v Waterford

C. Cork v Clare

Quarter Final

D – Losers of A a bye

E – Losers of B v Losers of C

Semi Final Play Off

F – Losers of A v Winners of E

Semi Finals

G – Winners of A v Winners of B

H – Winners of C v Winners of F

Munster GAA Waterford Crystal Cup Senior Hurling

First Round

A – Limerick a bye

B – Limerick IT a bye

C – Tipperary a bye

D - Tralee IT

E -Cork v UCC

F -Kerry v UL

G -Clare v Waterford IT

H - Waterford v Cork IT

QUARTER FINALS

J – A v Winners of E

K – B v Winners of F

L – C v Winners of G

M – D v Winners of H

Munster GAA McGrath Cup Senior Football

First Round

A – Limerick IT

B – Waterford

C – Cork IT

D – Clare

E – UCC

F – Tipperary v UL

G – Kerry v Tralee IT

H – Limerick v Waterford IT

QUARTER FINALS

J – A v Winners of F

K – B v Winners of G

L – C v Winners of H

M – D v E

Dates for all these games have not yet been announced.

Junior Member Denis O'Connell's interview with Brendan Cummins

November 6th, 2009

I am Denis O'Connell. I am a member of the Templederry Juvenile Club. I would like to say that I really enjoyed my interview with Brendan Cummins before the County Final. He was very friendly and he seemed to be in no hurry to leave after the interview. I had a lovely chat with him and an experience I will never forget. I will hold that Match Programme as a pleasant memory for many years. I was very happy to win this prize as a Junior Member.

Tipperary Supporters Club Junior Membership. This interview with Brendan Cummins was won as a prize by Denis O’Connell, who is a Junior Member. The interview was printed in the match programme for the County Senior Hurling Final. You can join as FREE Junior Member on www.tippsupportersclub.com .

Denis is 13, plays with the Templederry Club and is in Nenagh CBS. He is related to Willie Ryan and Pa Bourke.

The Tipperary Supporters Club would like to thank Brendan who give so willingly of his time for this interview.

1. Do you still wear your Manchester United jersey under your Tipperary one?

Question from: John Coffey, Moycarkey.

Yes, I’m wearing it since 1993 for all games, club and county, even in challenge matches. It’s like a comfort blanket for me!

2. (a) Of the different designs of goalie jerseys down the years which do you least prefer?

Joey Kelly and Karl Kelly (twins), Ballinahinch Club.

It was the gold one from 2005 or thereabouts. Tim Floyd asked me for my opinion beforehand and even though it looked ok then, when it came to match time I didn’t like it at all!

(b) How much training do you do on your own? Do you do any training in a ball alley/hurling wall?

I use the ball alley in Ardfinnan which has four walls and is all closed in and I would be in there for 15 minute sessions in the lead up to Championship matches. I also use the wall ball in the club.

3. What do you think about the new rule the GAA have introduced that all players must wear helmets?

Caitríona O’Connor, Brooklands Drive, Nenagh.

I will have to get used to it. It is a good rule and should have come in years ago especially as I would always encourage young players to wear a helmet. This year against Cork the penalty was struck and hit me in the wrist but it could have done more damage if it hit me on the head. The ball is travelling faster in modern hurling.

4. You are my hurling hero, who would you say is yours?

James Finn, Garrykennedy, Portroe.

Nicky English is my main man. I was lucky to have played with Nicky and he was our manager when we won the All-Ireland in 2001

5. How do you hit the sliothar so far?

Tom Maher, Castleknock Hurling and Football Club, Dublin.

Technique makes a difference. When I was young we had a small yard and I would use a heavy broken football so that it would not go out over the fence but it was great training for distance. Also, when I prepare for the Poc Fada I use a sliothar soaked in a bucket of water overnight and it strengthens up your shoulders naturally without having to use weights.

6. What made you try out for the Tipperary team?

Aoife Brennan, Maudemount Cross, Dundrum.

When I was 14, I was asked to go to a trial and I got on that team and stayed there up along the age groups. I always wanted to be in goals, diving around like Peter Schmeichel from Manchester United!

7. (a) Would you like to become the Tipp Captain next year? I think you would make a good Captain!

Denis O’Connell, Glenduff, Curreeny (Templederry Club).

Like everyone else, I would love to captain my county but when you play for Tipperary every player must take on the responsibility and play like a captain every time.

(b) How many hurleys do you keep in your gear bag?

I use 3 hurleys for puck outs, with different weights for different distances. I used the same hurley for 9 years for puck outs until that broke. Then the one I used for saves broke against Cork this year. It was nearly a panic for me to get used to a new one in time for the Clare game!

(c) Have you a favourite sliothar?

Yes, anyone one other than the one used in 2003 which was like a ping-pong ball! When Cork started using the Cummins ball first, I had not practiced with it but once I bought a few of them and brought them to the ball alley there was no problem. Overall though the O’Neills one is the one I like best.

(d) Who makes your hurleys?

Jim O’Brien in Drangan is the man.

(e) Do you still play football?

Unfortunately, I have not played football for 3 years. I decided that I would go all out for hurling when I got my second chance, in case I got injured playing football. I enjoyed playing football but playing with Tipperary is special to me and I cannot take the risk.

(f) What did you really say to the Referee when you asked him about that penalty in the All-Ireland Final?

I could not believe that a penalty had been awarded as I can see the 14 metre line from the goals. The referee told Paul Curran that the free was for hand around the neck. I then asked the referee to look at the big screen because it was so important. After that I had to go back and prepare to try to save the free. It is important to be fully concentrated on preparing everyone for the save rather than be distracted with anything else, which could effect your heart rate and reflexes.

(g) Would you like your son to go on to be a goalkeeper or to be outfield when he gets older?

I’m not sure I would like him to be a goalie as I could not watch the matches! Goalies can be under a lot of pressure. It will be his own choice.

8. Did you always play in goal?

Andrew Ormond, Forest, Templemore.

Yes, but I played out field for the Club a few times. My father was playing in goals for the Club and I was a sub! My father claims he retired to let me play in goals! So I have worn a helmet when playing out the field.

9. How did you become such a class goalkeeper and how do you feel about being nominated for another All-Star?

Patrick Finn, Garrykennedy, Portroe.

It’s all down to practice. Every day I am thinking about hurling or I’m training. It’s part of my life and I am lucky to be able to do it. I am keen to listen and improve my game whenever I can. It is important to have the drive to win. All-Stars can be nice for recognition but the key thing is if I am happy with my performances and getting better than last year rather than being ahead of other players.

10. Who is the best penalty taker that you have ever faced?

Liam Coman, Naomh Jude Club, Templeogue, Dublin.

Paul Flynn of Waterford is deadly because of putting top spin on it. Similar to this year with the shot against Clare, it’s a massive skill to start the shot going above the crossbar and then dip it under it. This year against Cork was the fastest penalty I have seen.

11. I’m a goalkeeper but I struggle to catch the ball. How do you catch it under pressure?

Niall Ryan, Boolteeny, Dolla (Silvermines Club).

The key thing is to concentrate on the ball and not on the player who has hit it. I was told that if you do something 23 times it becomes a habit! If you train hard enough and often enough, instinct takes over and automatic reactions happen in a match based on all the training. Also you must use mistakes to make you stronger, deal with it and move on. Also try to forget that the goals are behind you as they can put pressure on you. You can always judge where your goals are by looking down the field at the other goals.

Thanks very much Denis and best of luck with your hurling career!

TOMMY FLEMING CONCERT IN SEMPLE STADIUM DOME

November 5th, 2009

From Tipperary GAA Scene
We are delighted to announce that Tommy Fleming is performing at the Dome at Semple Stadium on the Friday November 13th to help support the Tipperary Senior Hurlers. One of Irelands biggest selling artists, Tommy will be performing from 8pm. Tickets are now on sale for €30.00 and can be purchased at:

- Ticket Master ( www.ticketmaster.ie )

- Lár na Páirce, Thurles. (0504 22702)

- Heart Beat City, Thurles

- Golden Discs, O’Connell Mal, Clonmel

- Roxi Records, Dooradoyle, Co. Limerick

- Empire Music, O’Connell St., Co. Limerick

This will be the first major live show in the Dome and hopefully it will be the start of many such events in this excellent venue. Well done to David Morgan, Stadium Manager for organising the event.

CELEBRATION OF GAA 125TH ANNIVERSARY ON NOVEMBER 1ST

November 5th, 2009

From www.tipperarygaa.ie
Congratulations to all those involved in organising the events last weekend to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the founding of the GAA. The inclement weather of Saturday night and Sunday morning eased to allow the parade take place from St. Patrick’s College to the Dr. Croke monument in the Square where a wreath was laid by GAA President, Christy Cooney and Director General, Padraic Duffy.

Well done in particular to Tipperary County Secretary, Tim Floyd and the Tipperaty 125 Committee, chaired by Semaus J King on contributing so much to the organisation of last weekend’s events. The 125 Committee has had a busy and successful year and will have a couple of more events to announce before this special year ends.

Experiencing the "Tipperary Diaspora" in London

November 1st, 2009

A travelling party of around twenty joined London-based Tipperary Gaels
to experience the 'Tipperary Diaspora' at the Crown Moran Hotel in
Cricklewood on Saturday evening - October 24th. That was how guest and
Tipperary hurling legend Larry Kiely described the whole occasion as he
was afforded the honour of being the first of the guests to address the
three hundred plus diners.
Despite a slightly late start the ever reliable Life President of the
London Tipperary Association - Tom Milne proved an excellent MC and by
ten o'clock all the guests had addressed the huge attendance which
included four of Tipperary's hurlers and football captain Andrew
Morrissey.
Larry Kiely therefore set the tone for the entire evening which included
the usual tributes and acknowledgements for the many people present. The
former sixties hurler who was renewing his acquaintance with his
London-based Gortnahoe neighbour and former county playing colleague Jim
'Fennor' Ryan thanked the organisers for his and his partner Benny's
invitation as he took the diners for a trip down memory lane to the days
he hurled for Tipperary and also represented Ireland as an army rider
on the equestrian team which included the Mexico Olympics in 1968 before
concluding with a 'snakes-in-the-grass' description of his army career
in postings such as Lebanon and Syria.
Passing on the microphone to current players captain Willie Ryan,
vice-captain and All-Star Conor O'Mahony, former All-Star and midfielder
Shane McGrath and rising Lorrha-based star Patrick 'Bonner Maher, each
in turn thanked the organisers for the invitation with 'Bonner'
promising a 100% result for Tipperary in the 2010 All-Ireland hurling
final.
Shane McGrath was also confident that Tipperary are within touching
distance of landing the Liam MacCarthy Cup. "Unfortunately we don't have
the 'big-one' here tonight but I guarantee you that next year we will
again be very, very close to pulling it off" said Shane to a loud cheer
around the banquet room.
It was now the turn of Tipperary GAA officialdom to address the diners
with the patrons of the London Tipperary Association, namely Sean
Fogarty and Tommy Barrett both making short addresses. Sean Fogarty
spoke of the improvement in not alone Tipperary hurling but also the
achievement of Thurles CBS in winning the All-Ireland colleges title for
the first time since 1956 earlier in the year.
"Tipperary's hurlers provided us with the two best games of the year
with first the league final followed by an epic All-Ireland clash
against Kilkenny," said Sean.
The man from Moyne is convinced Tipperary are in line to succeed
Kilkenny in being the new 'Kingpins' of hurling.
Tommy Barrett confirmed that he had been making trips to London with
Tipperary teams and various Tipperary GAA parties since 1953 and like
Sean Fogarty he also shares his optimism that if Tipperary achieve the
same level of fitness as they did before last September's memorable
encounter against Kilkenny, they will be the team to beat in next year's
championship.
"But with Kilkenny in the opening game of the league and Cork in Cork in
the Munster championship the Tipperary team will have to remain
focused," said the former long-serving Tipperary GAA Secretary.
It was finally left to Tipperary football captain - Andrew Morrissey and
County Secretary Tim Floyd to ensure that Tipperary's amazing progress
with the 'big ball' was not being overshadowed by this year's
All-Ireland hurling final appearance.
"Things are going well at the moment with all the young players coming
through and we did well to win the Div. 3 title but we must now try and
maintain our Div 2 status next year," said Andrew Morrissey.
Similarly Tim Floyd, in a very eloquently delivered address,
complimented the London Tipperary Association for acknowledging the
achievements of the Tipperary footballers this year and the tremendous
progress in that code since Kerryman John Evans took control of the
team. Tim also acknowledged the contribution of Tipperary Supporters
representative - Gerry Moynihan 'one of the greatest supporters of
Tipperary GAA' who also made the trip to London.
Finally London Tipperary Association Chairman John Whyte thanked all the
guests for their efforts in making the trip and especially Tipperary
hurling legend - Larry Kiely. He also thanked all his fellow Association
members for their efforts in making the occasion another hugely
successful event and not surprisingly since John Whyte was also a former
inter-county footballer himself he quite likes what's happening with
Premier County football at the moment. Quite fittingly later in the
evening John Whyte was also acknowledged as the London Tipperaryman of
the Year.
Last but not least it was left to Lorrha-native Tom Milne to close the
formal part of the evening with a vote of thanks for their support to
fellow London-based county associations and the Council of Irish
Associations including Donegal, Longford, Meath, Waterford, Wexford,
Clare, Offaly and Kildare before thanking his fellow officers for their
efforts and making arrangements to make the usual presentations to all
the travelling guests. Just before the conclusion of another memorable
evening, Tipperary County Secretary Tim Floyd jointly presented John
Whyte and Tom Mile with a limited edition GAA Celtic Cross to
commemorate the GAA's 125th anniversary. Just before the evening ended
with the clocks going back at two o'clock, singer Barry Owen captured a
real 'Tipperary' sense of the occasion with a poignant rendition of the
'Galtee Mountain Boy' as the evening concluded just as it had started
almost six hours previously with Association President and Templemore
man Gus Casey's toast to Ireland - Amhran na bhFiann.
Will the Crown Moran Hotel be big enough to host next year's annual
Tipperary evening if the Liam MacCarthy Cup makes a welcome return to
the annual London Tipperary Association's Dinner-Dance for the first
time since their Golden Jubilee celebration in the Mariott Hotel, in
London's West End in March 2002?
Shop online at the Tipperary GAA Merchandise Shop
http://tipperary.gaa.ie

Munster Club Senior Hurling Championship Quarter-Final - Thurles Sarsfields vs. Newtownshandrum (Cor

November 1st, 2009

Munster Club SHC: Narrow win for Newtown

From the GAA.ie web site

Newtownshandrum edged Thurles Sarsfields by a solitary point at Semple Stadium on Sunday to book their place in the AIB Munster Club SHC semi-final, the Cork champions advancing on a score of 0-19 to 1-15.

The Tipp champs took an early four-point lead as Pa Bourke threw over the opening point before ramming a ground effort to the back of the Newtown net.

Ryan Clifford, Michael Bowles, Jerry O'Connor and the lightning-fast Cathal Naughton restored parity but the Tipp men then hit another scoring spree with Bourke, Denis Maher, Johnny Enright and Shane Ryan all getting in on the act.

However, the ever-prolific Ben O'Connor then got involved in the scoring and also set up Naughton for a fine effort, the Cork side back just a point adrift at the break with Sarsfields 1-10 to 0-12 ahead.

Ben O'Connor and both Maher and Bourke battled for scores early in the second half, Ben levelling matters before Jerry O'Connor and Naughton combined to put Newtown 0-15 to 1-11 in front.

The lead ebbed again as Maher and Bourke hit scores. A Ben O'Connor double put the Cork men back in charge, but the very effective Maher levelled it again.

One more score from Ben and one from Thurles midfielder Michael Gleeson had the game still tied going into the final minute but Jerry O'Connor struck one more point and the Newtown men held on for a number of tense additional minutes.

Next up for Newtown will be Limerick winners Adare at a Cork venue later this month.

SPECIAL JUNIOR MEMBERS PRIZES TO CELEBRATE GAA 125TH ANNIVERSARY ON NOVEMBER 1ST

October 30th, 2009

To mark the 125th birthday of the GAA this Sunday, the Tipperary Supporters Club is giving a special birthday present to four Junior Members who share their birthday, 1st November, with the Association. The lucky winners are Aoife Butler of Thurles, Killian Murphy of Kilsheelan, Michael O'Connor of Portroe and Nóirín Stapleton of Borris-ileigh. Each will receive a gift of a Tipperary Supporters Radio and Cap. Each of their parents will receive a separate email explaining how they can collect their prizes. Comhgháirdeas libh! Here is some further information on other events to mark the anniversary.

Next Sunday, November 1st is the anniversary date of the founding of the GAA 125 years ago and a programme of events has been organised for Sunday in Thurles. Every Tipperary club is requested to send at least one representative to participate in the celebrations. Following the special mass at 11am in the Cathedral a procession led by the Artane Band will take place from the gates of St Patricks College to the Dr Croke Monument in Liberty Square. Club representatives attired in club top or track suit will march under their Divisional banner. The Durlas Óg U14 panel who participated in the Féile na nGael this year will carry a flag for each of the 32 counties. The special Mass will be celebrated by His Grace, the Archbishop of Cashel and Emly, Dr Dermot Clifford, who is also Patron of the GAA. An Fear a Tí for the ceremony at the Dr Croke Monument will be Micheál Ó Muirchearthaigh. There will be a welcome from Tipperary County Board Chairman, Barry O’Brien. Pat Walsh, who is a descendent of GAA founder and its first president Maurice Davin, will read the letter from Dr. Croke to Michael Cusack about the founding of the Association and GAA President Christy Cooney will lay a wreath. The TG4 Player Awards will be presented at Semple Stadium on Sunday as part of a programme of events which features the Munster Hurling Club Championship final between Thurles Sarsfields and Newtownshandrum of Cork. After the game at 4.15pm, the Tipperary County Board Laochra Sean Ghaeil Awards for 2009 will be presented in the Semple Stadium Dome by Christy Cooney. There will be 32 recipients – 8 from each of the county’s 4 divisions. Well done to all recipients who are been honoured for their lifetime contributions to the GAA.

Finalists Kilkenny and Tipperary dominate GPA’s team of the year

October 30th, 2009

By John Riordan

Friday, October 30, 2009

ALL-IRELAND finalists Kilkenny and Tipperary dominate the Opel GPA Hurling Team of the Year for 2009, winning 13 of the 15 available places between them.

PJ Ryan, JJ Delaney, Jackie Tyrell, Tommy Walsh, Michael Rice, Eddie Brennan, Henry Shefflin and Eoin Larkin were nominated for Kilkenny.

Conor O’Mahony, Padraic Maher, Shane McGrath, Seamus Callanan and Lar Corbett got the nod for Tipperary.

The remaining places are filled by Galway’s Ollie Canning and Waterford’s John Mullane.

Commenting on the announcement, Chairman of the Hurling Selection Committee, Donal O’ Grady, said: "Being recognised by your fellow players is a wonderful honour for any hurler and I would like to congratulate the 15 chosen on this year’s Opel GPA Hurling Team.

As a committee we selected our three most deserving nominees for each position along with six midfielders, and the players then made the ultimate choice."

Dessie Farrell, Chief Executive of the Gaelic Players’ Association (GPA) said: "Congratulations to the 2009 Opel GPA Hurling Team of the Year. Given Kilkenny’s historic achievement this year it’s no surprise that they have been acknowledged by their fellow players and thus dominate the Opel GPA selection. However, Tipperary’s significant contribution to the campaign is also reflected in the line-up. I would like to thank all the players who voted and our selection committee for their work throughout the season. Thanks to Opel for their unrivalled support for the Gaelic Players Awards."

Dave Sheeran, Managing Director, Opel Ireland, said: "We at Opel are proud to recognise and reward the contributions of the 15 individuals named on the Opel Gaelic Team of the Year for Hurling during the course of the 2009 Championship. We look forward to meeting the team and announcing the Hurler of the Year at the Opel GPA Awards 2009 Gala Night on Friday, 6th November in the Citywest Hotel."

2009 Opel Gaelic team of the Year for Hurling: PJ Ryan (Kilkenny); O Canning (Galway), JJ Delaney (Kilkenny), J Tyrell (Kilkenny); T Walsh (Kilkenny), C O’Mahony (Tipperary), P Maher (Tipperary); S McGrath (Tipperary), M Rice (Kilkenny); E Brennan (Kilkenny), S Callanan (Tipperary), E Larkin (Kilkenny); J Mullane (Waterford), H Shefflin (Kilkenny), L Corbett (Tipperary).

Nominees for Opel GPA Player Of The Year For Hurling: Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny); Lar Corbett (Tipperary); John Mullane (Waterford).

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Friday, October 30, 2009

Read more: http://www.examiner.ie/sport/gaa/finalists-kilkenny-and-tipperary-dominate-gpas-team-of-the-year-104489.html#ixzz0VPtJgRUV

COLLEGES FIXTURES

October 30th, 2009

From www.tipperary.gaa.ie
In the Dr. Harty Cup Munster Colleges Senior Hurling, Our Lady’s Templemore will play Blackwater CS Lismore at Cashel at 2.30pm on Wednesday November 4th. Cashel will play Rochestown at Rathcormack at 1.30pm on Tuesday, November 3rd in Senior Football C (Corn an Rúnaí). In first year B Hurling (Sciath Ui Cathain) there are 3 games on Tuesday, November 3rd all at 2.30pm – Abbey CBS Tipperary will play Scoil Ruan Killenaule at the Abbey CBS grounds, St. Ailbe’s Tipperary will play Comeragh College, Carrick-on-Suir at Sean Treacy Park, Tipperary and Carrick-on-Suir CBS will play St. Joseph’s College Borrisoleigh at Littleton.

In U16½ C Hurling (Corn Iognaid Rís), Presentation Ballingarry will play St. Pauls Waterford at Cahir at 2pm on Wednesday, November 4th. In U15 A Hurling (Croke Cup), Colaiste Pobal Roscrea will play Thurles CBS “A” at Templemore at 2.30pm on Wednesday November 4th and Our Lady’s Templemore will play Nenagh CBS at Templederry at 2.30pm on Thursday, November 5th. In U15 B Hurling (Hennessy Cup) there are 3 games all at 2.30pm on Wednesday, November 4th – Comeragh College will play Thurles CBS “B” at Carrick-on-Suir, Colaiste Dun Iasciagh Cahir will play Nenagh Vocational School at Morris Park, Thurles and Borrisoleigh will play Thurles CBS “C” at The Ragg. In U16½ B Hurling (Kinnane Cup) Nenagh CBS will play Mitchelstown at Ballybricken at 2.30pm on Friday November 6th.

MUNSTER CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

October 30th, 2009

From Tipperary GAA Scene
Good luck to Thurles Sarsfields for their Munster Club Senior Hurling Quarter Final against Newtownshandrum of Cork in Semple Stadium at 2.30pm on Sunday. Sarsfields were defeated by Newtownshandrum in the Munster Club championship in 2005 so this will no doubt provide additional motivation for Sunday’s game. The winners will have a home venue for the semi-final against the Limerick champions, Adare which is due to be played on Sunday November 15th. Interestingly, Cian O’Neill, the Tipperary senior hurling team trainer, is part of the Newtownshandrum backroom team.

Good luck also to Carrick Davins for their Munster Club Intermediate Hurling Quarter Final against Whitegate of Clare which will be played in Whitegate on Saturday, October 31st at 2pm. The winners will have a home venue for the semi-final against South Liberties of Limerick which is scheduled for Sunday, November 8th.

Best of luck to Cashel in Munster Camogie Final

October 29th, 2009

Tipperary Camogie notes
www.camogie.tipperary.gaa.ie

This Saturday October 31st Cashel will hope to claim this year's Munster final when they take on St. Catherine's of Cork. This game is fixed for Mallow, with a throw in at 2.45pm. Cashel`s progress to this stage has been well documented, & their form has improved so much from earlier in the year. Meanwhile, their opposition won their first ever Cork title 2 weeks ago disposing of Milford in the final. Cork champions of 2008, Douglas were beaten at semi final stage. With little time to celebrate their first ever title, St. Catherine's were back out last weekend in the semi final & enjoyed a three point winning margin over Clare champions Kilmaley, setting up a Tipp & Cork Munster final.

Cashel have a lot of experience at this level, with many household names in their ranks. St. Catherine's meanwhile are competing in their first ever final at this stage. Their best known player is Orla Cotter, who has been an impressive player for the Cork senior side over the last few years. The Cashel management team will be well aware of the immense challenge facing them, as any team that comes out of Cork will require full respect, & as Cashel will probably carry the favourite tag into this game, the Tipperary side will need to be fully focused on the task ahead. One thing is certain, based on previous performances in the last
4 weeks, this Cashel side, when playing with the skill & ability they have, can be a forceful challenge as they embark to emulate their success of 2007. Let's hope the girls from Cashel can continue to build on their success & that the full support of all associated with Tipperary will get them over the finish line.

Incidentally, last year's All Ireland club champions, O Donovan Rossa lost their title last weekend when Lougheil Shamrocks beat them in the Antrim County final.

Hogan new U-21 Tipp boss

October 27th, 2009

By Jackie Cahill

FORMER Tipperary senior team manager Ken Hogan has been handed a two-year term in charge of the county’s U21 hurlers.

Hogan, who takes over from former team-mate Declan Carr, won five Munster titles and two All-Ireland crowns during a successful playing career as goalkeeper with the Premier County.

Hogan, from the Lorrha-Dorrha club, was quick to step into management when his playing days ended and served as a selector alongside former Tipp senior boss Fr Tom Fogarty in the 1990s.

He later held the same position when Nicky English was in charge before Hogan was elevated to the top position in his own right when he succeeded Michael Doyle as team boss in 2003.

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Monday, October 26, 2009

Read more: http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2009/1026/sport/hogan-new-u-21-tipp-boss-104186.html#ixzz0VAzu2E3X

Tipperary SH Team fund-raiser concert

October 27th, 2009

Tommy Fleming appearing in the Dome, Semple Stadium Friday 13th November supporting the Tipperary Senior Hurling Team.

Tickets will be available from Tuesday at Lar Na Pairce or www.ticketmaster.ie at €30.00 each. Doors open 7.00pm Concert starts at 8.00pm.

2010 Munster Championship Draws

October 23rd, 2009

Tipp face old foes Cork

http://www.setanta.com/uk/Articles/other-sports/2009/10/22/GAA-Champions
hip-Draw/gnid-58992/

by GAA Staff , 22 October 2009

The draws for the 2010 Leinster and Munster Hurling Championships have taken place with reigning champions Kilkenny earning a bye into the semi-final.

The first match of the Leinster Championship will see Carlow facing Laois with Dublin awaiting the winners in the quarter-finals. The winner of that match will then meet defending champions Kilkenny in the semi-final.

Wexford were drawn against Galway, while Antrim face a test against Offaly with the winners of both quarter-finals meeting in the semi-final.

In Munster, All-Ireland runners-up Tipperary will renew rivalry with Cork in the quarter-finals with Limerick awaiting the winners in the semi-final.

The other Munster semi-final sees Waterford manager Davy Fitzgerald facing his native Clare.

All-Ireland Hurling Championship Provincial Draws:

Munster SHC:

Quarter-Finals:

Tipperary v Cork

Semi-Finals:

Clare v Waterford

Limerick v Tipperary OR Cork

Leinster SHC:

Preliminary Round:

Carlow v Laois

Quarter-Finals:

A. Dublin v Carlow OR Laois

B. Wexford v Galway

C. Antrim v Offaly

Semi-Finals:

Winners Quarter-Final A v Kilkenny

Winners Quarter-Final B v Winners Quarter-Final C

In the football draw, Tipperary will meet Kerry in the Quarter Final with the winners to face Cork in the Semi-Final.

UPCOMING GAA PROGRAMMES ON TG4 AND COMPETITION FOR PREMIUM TICKETS

October 22nd, 2009

SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER
2:30pm GAA Beo coverage begins
LIVE MATCH: Kilkenny County Hurling Final
James Stephens v Ballyhale Shamrocks
Live from Nowlan Park, Kilkenny (Throw-in at 3pm)

DEFERRED MATCH: Mayo County Football Final
Knockmore v Charlestown Sarsfield
From McHale Park, Castlebar

GAA Beo will be presented by Micheál Ó Domhnaill with commentary and analysis by Brian Tyers, Pat Fleury and Gearóid Mac Donncha.

SUNDAY 1st NOVEMBER (GAA 125 on TG4 - SPECIAL GAA SCHEDULE TO BE BROADCAST ON TG4)
TG4 GAA SCHEDULE - Sunday 1st November 2009
12:15pm Sam Maguire Documentary
1:00pm Top 50 GAA Peil - 50 Best Gaelic Football Goals
2:00pm GAA BEO - Thurles Sarsfields (Tipperary) v Newtownshandrum (Cork) - Live from Semple Stadium, AIB Munster Club Hurling Quarter-Final
4:10pm Top 50 GAA Iomaint - 50 Best Hurling Goals
5:15pm Micheál O'Hehir Documentary
6:15pm Laochra Gael: Cormac McAnallen
7:20pm Laoch GAA 125 - A look at the top 3 Hurlers & Footballers from the last 25 years.
7:30pm GAA @ 125 Bliain History of GAA Programme 1 - Like a Prairie Fire
8:00pm GAA @ 125 Bliain History of GAA Programme 2 - Conflict and Consolidation
9:30pm Cogar : John 3:7 Documentary
10:00pm Geantraí : GAA 125
11:30pm Ringy

Another first for TG4 - a full day and night of Gaelic Games themed programming as the channel celebrates the 125th GAA Birthday in style

As the country's biggest sporting organisation prepares to mark the 125th Anniversary of its foundation on 1 November TG4 has unveiled a special GAA programme schedule to mark the occasion. The station has dedicated most of its schedule on that day to Gaelic Games with viewers getting the opportunity to see live GAA action as well as a mouth-watering wide range of GAA-themed content in other programme types including documentaries, profiles and music.

The main live match coverage on this special day will be from Semple Stadium, Thurles for the AIB Munster Club Hurling Quarter-Final with Thurles Sarsfields from Tipperary taking on Cork champions Newtownshandrum in what will undoubtedly be an exciting encounter. There will be special events happening at Thurles during the day to mark the 125th Anniversary of the GAA and TG4 presenter Micheál Ó Domhnaill will have all the latest news from there.

The live match coverage will be complimented by a wide range of specially commissioned/selected programmes with a GAA theme including: Sam Maguire documentary, Micheál O'Hehir, Top 50 GAA Football Goals, Top 50 GAA Hurling Goals, Ringy, the Cormac McAnallen tribute programme, the first showing of the new John 3:7 documentary and a specially commissioned edition of the traditional music series Geantraí with songs and tunes with a GAA ring to them.

The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) was founded on November 1st 1884, by a group of spirited Irishmen who had the foresight to realise the importance of establishing a national organisation to revive and nurture traditional, indigenous pastimes. In addition to this on-air feast of GAA, fans and viewers will also have the opportunity to get involved by voting for their favourite Hurler and Footballer of the last 25 years. Micheal O'Muircheartaigh and a panel of experts from The Star and TG4 have selected a shortlist of twentyfive players who they consider to be the finest stars of the GAA in the last 25 years.

Now we need your votes to decide who will be crowned the best footballer and hurler of the last 25 years, and who will be honoured during the live coverage from Semple Stadium, Thurles on 1st November. The public and viewers will have the opportunity to win 2 Premium Tickets for three years with all the information on www.tg4.ie . Legendary sports broadcaster Jimmy Magee will also be asking some tough GAA questions with viewers getting the chance to win premium tickets to the All-Ireland Finals. All the information will be available on www.tg4.ie .

GAA 2010 Season Ticket

October 22nd, 2009

Message from GAA Ticket Office.

Please note that the 2010 season ticket scheme will be launched in early November.

Please inform your members that it is advisable to put themselves on the waiting list. While demand for the Tipperary Hurling Season Ticket is quite high, we hope to have a broader availability next year.

Could you please send us your details on seasonticket@gaa.ie (email address & contact number) and the type of season ticket you want (eg. Hurling Tipperary) and we will add you to our 2010 season ticket waiting list.

Please go to www.gaa/seasonticket and see our 2009 terms and conditions for details as to what the scheme entails. (2010 will be somewhat similar.)

GOOD WISHES TO JAMES WOODLOCK

October 21st, 2009

We wish James Woodlock all the best for a speedy and full recovery from the broken leg he sustained in an accidental clash towards the end of the county senior hurling final last Sunday. We also thank all the medical personnel who tended James so well at Semple Stadium.

Michael Hogan Commemoration – TIPP V CORK SF CHALLENGE

October 21st, 2009

Following the disappointment which followed the cancellation due to the inclement weather experienced in May of much of the Michael Hogan memorial weekend, the people of Grangemockler will complete their commemoration of Michael Hogan and the events of Bloody Sunday on the weekend of October 31st 2009. The events will kick off with a senior football challenge between Tipperary and Cork under the new lights in Semple Stadium Thurles on Halloween night, Saturday 31st at 7.00PM. The clash of the Conor Counihan's Munster champions and All Ireland runners up and John Evans National league division 3 winners will provide a fitting opportunity to finish off the footballing year in what will be the last inter county match of 2009. The weekend will be completed when Uachtarán Cumann Luthchleas Gael, Criostóir Ó Cuana unveils a plaque in Michael Hogan's home village of Grangemockler on Sunday morning November 1st at 9.15am. This plaque will commemorate the events of Bloody Sunday in this the 125th year of the GAA. The 125th anniversary celebrations of the GAA could not be completed without marking such a seminal moment not alone in GAA history but in that of the formation of our nation as a whole. The people of Grangemockler are anxious to finish what was started earlier in the year with a fitting conclusion to their efforts to honour one of their own and would invite all of those who wish to be part of this commemoration of the momentous events of Bloody Sunday 1920 to join us over the weekend.

VODAFONE GAA ALLSTARS

October 21st, 2009

From Tipperary GAA Scene
Tipperary won 4 hurling awards when the 2009 Vodafone GAA All Stars were announced last week. Congratulations to Padraic Maher (full back, 1st award), Conor O’Mahony (left half back, 2nd award), Larry Corbett (right half forward, 1st award) and Noel McGrath (right corner forward, 1st award). Noel was also chosen as Young Hurler of the Year. Noel’s All Star award is the first for a Loughmore Castleiney player and he is also the youngest ever winner of an All Star award being still two months short of his 19th birthday. Eddie Enright was the only previous award winner from Thurles Sarsfields and Larry Corbett and Padraic Maher are the first two non-brothers to bring 2 awards to the same Tipperary club in the one season. Previous dual winners from the same club were Conal and Cormac Bonnar of Cashel King Cormacs (1989 and 1991) and Eoin and Paul Kelly of Mullinahone (2002 and 2005). Conor O’Mahony becomes the first Tipperary player to win awards in successive years since Eoin Kelly won 3 awards in a row between 2004 and 2006.

COUNTY SENIOR HURLING FINAL AND MUNSTER QUARTER FINAL

October 21st, 2009

From www.tipperary.gaa.ie
Congratulations to Thurles Sarsfields on winning their 30th county senior hurling title at Semple Stadium on Sunday in front of an attendance of 9,500 people. County Chairman Barry O’Brien presented the Dan Breen Cup to Sarsfields captain and long serving forward, Johnny Enright. Padraic Maher who had a great game at full back for Thurles was named Man of the Match. Sarfields will now face Newtownshandrum of Cork in the Munster Club championship quarter final in Semple Stadium on Sunday, November 1st, which will be 125 years exactly since the GAA was founded in Hayes Hotel in 1884. Thurles Sarsfields also won the title 50 years ago and 100 years ago on the 75th and 25th anniversaries of the GAA’s founding respectively. The first decade of the current millennium closes with Toomevara having won 6 of the 10 titles on offer, Sarsfields 2 and Mullinahone and Loughmore Castleiney 1 each. The last team to win a County Final scoring exactly 0-14 was Borris-Ileigh in 1986 and they went on to win the All Ireland club title in 1987 – an omen perhaps!

Thurles Sarsfields win Tipperary SH Title

October 19th, 2009

Sar's bag title number 30

http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/sars-bag-title-number-30-430722.html#ix
zz0UKG52k9B

Thurles Sarsfields 0-14 Drom & Inch 0-5

Thurles Sarsfields bagged their 30th Tipperary SHC title thanks to a comprehensive 0-14 to 0-5 win over Drom & Inch before an attendance of
9,967 spectators at Semple Stadium. In a repeat of 2005 final pairing, Sarsfields may have amassed 12 wides over the course of the hour but they were relatively untroubled by a Drom & Inch side that only scored two second half points. Sarsfields blazed a trail in the opening quarter as two points each from Johnny Enright and Pa Bourke along with an Alan Kennedy score saw them race into a 0-5 to 0-0 lead by the 11th minute.
The Thurles outfit were hugely dominant in the opening stages with as many wides as scores, as Drom & Inch really struggled to make an impression. It was always going to be a huge task for the side captained by county star James Woodlock to claim their first ever SHC title, but they eventually opened their account in the 13th minute thanks to a Johnny Ryan effort. Sarsfields kept up the momentum by scoring three of the next five points to hold a fully deserved 0-9 to 0-3 half-time lead.

Drom & Inch struggled for possession with Tipperary senior ace Seamus Callanan kept reasonably quiet. Callanan and his charges did begin the second half brightly as he linked with Woodlock for a 32nd minute point, but Drom & Inch flattered to deceive as Sarsfields once again found their groove. Pa Bourke continued to be deadly accurate from open play along with Enright, while substitute 'Redser' O'Grady also made a major impact. Sarsfields, last winners in 2005, showed greater hunger throughout and although the gap was cut to six points with five minutes remaining Drom & Inch were unable to find the necessary goals required.
After the game, a delighted Thurles Sarsfields captain Johnny Enright accepted the Dan Breen Cup from Tipperary GAA Chairman Barry O'Brien, with full-back Padraic Maher confirmed as the man-of-the-match. Thurles will go on to face Cork champions Newtownshandrum in the Munster Club SHC quarter-final on November 1. Notably, Semple Stadium will play host to a number of celebrations to mark the GAA's 125th anniversary on that day.

Thurles Sarsfields: P McCormack; M Cahill, P Maher, K O'Gorman; B O'Dwyer, L Cahill, S Lillis; A Kennedy (0-2), M Gleeson; P Bourke (0-4, 0-2f), S Ryan, D Maher; R Ruth (0-1), L Corbett, J Enright (0-5, 0-1f).
Subs used: D Kennedy for Ryan (16 mins), R O'Grady (0-2) for Ruth (47), J Lawlor for L Cahill (60), D O'Dwyer for A Kennedy (62), M Collins for O'Gorman (63).

Drom & Inch: D Young; Martin Butler; E Costello, M Costello; D Kennedy, P Stapleton, Michael Butler; J Woodlock, S Butler; E Woodlock, S Callanan (0-2, 0-1f), J Kennedy (0-1); D Butler, M Long, Johnny Ryan (0-2, 0-1f).
Subs used: E Buckley for Stapleton (27 mins), D Ryan for Long (31), M Ryan for E Woodlock (44), D Collins for D Ryan (53), James Ryan for J Woodlock (65).

Referee: Sean Bradshaw

Noel McGrath wins Young Hurler of the Year

October 19th, 2009

From www.gaa.ie
Kilkenny's seven-time All Star Tommy Walsh was named Vodafone Hurler of the Year on Friday evening.

Walsh, who was named on the All Star Team of the Year yet again having been so every year since 2003, was presented with the personal accolade at the All Stars banquet at Dublin's Citywest Hotel.

The defender, one of six Kilkenny men on the All Star team, has, not for the first time, had a superb year as the Cats completed another successful season to make it four All-Ireland titles in a row, only the second team ever to do so.

As key a man as any in that achievement was half back Walsh, who stood head and shoulders above all forwardswho tried to get past him, and saved his best for last when he gave a towering showing in the Championship decider against Tipperary at Croke Park in September.

Walsh beat off tough competition from Tipp's Lar Corbett and Waterford's John Mullane, ace goal and points scorers both, to the award but all three can be proud of superb campaigns in 2009.

Meanwhile, the Young Hurler of the Year Award was presented to Tipperary's Noel McGrath.

McGrath - at just 18 - was one of six hurlers who received a first All Star this term, his accolades coming as a result of a magnificent personal campaign in the Premier County full forward line, which culminated in an All-Ireland final appearance at a very tender age.

Tipp team-mate Padraig Maher, who had an excellent season at the back, and Galway forward Joe Canning, who again showed himself to be close to the complete player, were the other nominees.

Denis O'Connell wins Junior Supporters prize to interview Brendan Cummins

October 16th, 2009

Denis O'Connell of the Templederry Club was the lucky winner of the prize to meet Munster Hurler of the Year Brendan Cummins, conduct an interview with him and have it published in the programme for this Sunday's County Senior Hurling Final. Thank you to everyone who entered the competition. We had so many entries that we could not include all the questions. To read Brendan's very interesting answers pick up a copy of the programme on Sunday. The questions put to Brendan were:

1. Do you still wear your Manchester United jersey under your Tipperary one? Question from: John Coffey, Moycarkey.

2. (a) Of the different designs of goalie jerseys down the years which do you least prefer? Joey Kelly and Karl Kelly (twins), Ballinahinch Club.

(b) How much training do you do on your own? Do you do any training in a ball alley/hurling wall?

3. What do you think about the new rule the GAA have introduced that all players must wear helmets? Caitríona O’Connor, Brooklands Drive, Nenagh.

4. You are my hurling hero, who would you say is yours? James Finn, Garrykennedy, Portroe.

5. How do you hit the sliothar so far? Tom Maher, Castleknock Hurling and Football Club, Dublin.

6. What made you try out for the Tipperary team? Aoife Brennan, Maudemount Cross, Dundrum.

7. (a) Would you like to become the Tipp Captain next year? I think you would make a good Captain! Denis O’Connell, Glenduff, Curreeny (Templederry Club).

(b) How many hurleys do you keep in your gear bag? (c) Have you a favourite sliothar?

(d) Who makes your hurleys? (e) Do you still play football?

(f) What did you really say to the Referee when you asked him about that penalty in the All-Ireland Final?

(g) Would you like your son to go on to be a goalkeeper or to be outfield when he gets older?

8. Did you always play in goal? Andrew Ormond, Forest, Templemore.

9. How did you become such a class goalkeeper and how do you feel about being nominated for another All-Star? Patrick Finn, Garrykennedy, Portroe.

10. Who is the best penalty taker that you have ever faced? Liam Coman, Naomh Jude Club, Templeogue, Dublin.

11. I’m a goalkeeper but I struggle to catch the ball. How do you catch it under pressure? Niall Ryan, Boolteeny, Dolla (Silvermines Club).

4 All-Stars for Tipperary Hurlers

October 15th, 2009

From www.gaa.ie
Six of the Kilkenny players who helped their county to a fourth successive All-Ireland hurling title in 2009 have been rewarded with All Stars.

Runners-up Tipperary had more nominations than the Cats with 13 to 12 but they have come out short in the finl cut with four Premier County men receiving All Stars, while Galway and Waterford have picked up two each and Dublin one.

Henry Shefflin, who played a starring role in the All-Ireland final between Kilkenny and Tipperary, picks up his ninth All Star, joining fellow Cats legend DJ Carey and great Kerry footballer Pat Spillane at the top of the All Star tree with nine awards. Meanwhile, Tommy Walsh - who many expect to be named Hurler of the Year at Friday evening's All Star banquet - now has seven.

Kilkenny men Jackie Tyrrell, Michael Rice and Eoin Larkin have all also earned All Stars, while another final day hero, goalkeeper PJ Ryan, becomes the first Cats' player from between the posts to pick up one of these awards for 16 years.

Another of the Hurler of the Year candidates, Tipperary's Lar Corbett, leads the Munster champions' representation. Half forward Corbett is joined in the team by defender Conor O'Mahony and Young Hurler of the Year nominees Padraig Maher and Noel McGrath.

The third Hurler of the Year candidate, John Mullane, picks up his second All Star, along with towering Waterford team-mate Michael Walsh, while Galway are represented by the Canning brothers Ollie and Joe, the latter of which is the third and final Young Hurler of the Year nominee.

Dublin's Alan McCrabbe, who was the pick of a fine effort by his side under Anthony Daly in 2009, completes the All Star 15.

Six of the team are picking up their first awards with Ryan, Maher, Rice, McCrabbe, Corbett and McGrath having that honour.

The 2009 Vodafone Hurling All-Stars are:

Goalkeeper:
PJ Ryan (Kilkenny)

Full-Backs:
Ollie Canning (Galway)
Padraig Maher (Tipperary)
Jackie Tyrrell (Kilkenny)

Half-Backs:
Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)
Michael Walsh (Waterford)
Conor O'Mahony (Tipperary)

Midfield:
Michael Rice (Kilkenny)
Alan McCrabbe (Dublin)

Half-Forwards:
Lar Corbett (Tipperary)
Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny)
Eoin Larkin (Kilkenny)

Full-Forwards:
Noel McGrath (Tipperary)
Joe Canning (Galway)
John Mullane (Waterford)

County SHC Final - Drom & Inch vs. Thurles Sarsfields

October 13th, 2009

From www.tipperary.gaa.ie

Drom & Inch will play Thurles Sarsfields in the Tipperary County Senior Hurling Championship Final on Sunday October 18th at Semple Stadium Thurles.

This is a repeat of the 2005 final which was won by Thurles Sarsfields.

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ARRANGEMENTS AT SEMPLE STADIUM FOR COUNTY FINALS

The entry fee to the County Final is €20 for Adults, €10 for Students and OAPs, and Under 16s are free (Valid photographic I.D. required). Both stands will be open at 12.30pm. Groups will be accommodated at stile 50 in Ardan Ó Riain (New Stand).

Stile 1 in the Kinnane Stand (Old Stand) and Stiles 41 and 54 in New Stand are for county board pass holders, 5 year term passes and voluntary stewards’ passes. It is important to note that children will not be allowed out of the Stadium during matches unless accompanied by an adult.

We thank our patrons in advance for their co-operation with these arrangements.

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COUNTY SENIOR AND INTERMEDIATE HURLING FINALS

The club hurling scene in Tipperary reaches its climax this weekend with the County Senior Hurling final between Drom and Inch and Thurles Sarsfields on Sunday October 18th at 3.30pm in Semple Stadium. It will be preceded by the County Intermediate Hurling final between Arravale Rovers and Carrick Davins at 1.30pm. We wish all 4 clubs good luck for their big day.

Thurles Sarsfields will be seeking their 30th county senior hurling title while Mid Division rivals Drom and Inch will be seeking their first. Sarsfields will also be seeking to become the second club, joining Toomevara, which has won all 3 Dan Breen Cups. The original Dan Breen Cup was first presented in 1931 and was replaced in 1972 and it in turn was replaced in 2006.

Interestingly, it has always been a team from the Mid division that has won the County Senior Hurling title in a major anniversary year of the GAA. Thurles Sarsfields won it in 1909 and 1959, while Moycarkey Borris won it in 1934 and 1984. The 50 year trend suggests a Thurles win but Drom and Inch will surely have different ideas.

In the Intermediate Final, Carrick Davins will be seeking their first victory at this grade but of course they have a famous history at senior level having won county senior titles in 1966 and 1967. Arravale Rovers will be seeking their 2nd title having previously won in 1997. Neither finalist won their divisional title this year but both have peaked at the right time and we can look forward to a keen contest for the Jacksie Ryan Cup.

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HONOURING TEAMS OF THE PAST

The Borris-Ileigh teams which won the County Senior Hurling Championships in 1981, 1983 and 1986 will be honoured in Semple Stadium on Sunday between the Intermediate final and the Senior final. In the 1981 final Borris defeated Roscrea by 1-14 to 0-12 with Noel O’Dwyer scoring 0-8 and receiving the Man of the Match award. Timmy Stapleton was captain. Noel O’Dwyer was again Man of the Match in 1983 when Francis Spillane captained the team in their 0-17 to 1-11 victory over Loughmore Castleiney. In 1986 they defeated defending county and All Ireland club champions Kilruane MacDonaghs by 0-14 to 0-7 with Michael Ryan captaining the team and Philip Kenny earning the Man of the Match award having scored 0-6. That team of course went on to win the All Ireland club championship on March 17th 1987 when they defeated Rathnure of Wexford by 2-9 to 0-9 in Croke Park. Later that year, Richard Stakelum captained Tipperary to their first Munster Senior Hurling championship victory in 16 years and famously proclaimed an end to “the famine” in his victory speech in Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney.

We are grateful to the Tipperary Star and Younges of the Ragg for sponsoring this event which adds greatly to the atmosphere of county final day. We also would like to thank Seamus J. King, Pat Carey and John Costigan for their efforts in organising the event, Siobhan Mackey in the GAA office for her administrative support and the Borris-Ileigh club for their assistance and co-operation.

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Juvenile Groups: Special Offer to Tipperary Co. Finals

Tipperary Juvenile Clubs and Primary Schools are invited to bring Juvenile Groups to either/and;

• The Co S.H. Final on Sun Oct 18th in Semple Stadium
or
• The Co S.F. Final on Sun Oct 25th in Semple Stadium

This special offer package includes a Kids Party in the Dome at Semple Stadium after the game with;

• A Snack Meal (Chips and Sausages)
• Kids Disco
• Members of Co Senior Panel will be present

To cover the Snack Meal a nominal subsidised fee (max €2.50 per head) will be charged in advance for each juvenile in the group.

Groups are confined to Under 12 and one supervising adult will be admitted free of charge to the County Final with every ten juveniles in the group.

To apply for a Group application form, send a request email to secretary.tipperary@gaa.ie

Completed Application Forms must be with the undersigned by Thurs Oct 15th for the Co S.H. final and Thurs Oct 22nd for the Co S.F. Final.

Is mise

Tadhg De Flóid
Runaí Choiste Chontae

Allianz GAA National Leagues fixtures in full

October 13th, 2009

http://www.gaa.ie/plugins/newsfeed.cgi?rm=content&plugin_data_id=27967

Oct 12, 2009

The GAA has confirmed the full fixture list for the 2010 Allianz GAA National League football and hurling competitions, with the football finals taking place in late April and the hurling equivalents in the first week in May.

The football action all gets underway on Saturday, February 6, when Joe Kernan's Galway visit Mayo in Division One and Derry host Tyrone. The following day sees the attractive fixture of defending champions and Al-Ireland holders Kerry playing host to Dublin, while All-Ireland runners-up Cork do battle with fellow promoted side Monaghan.

In hurling, Division One will see a much-anticipated curtain raiser as Tipperary and Kilkenny renew acquaintances under the floodlights of Semple Stadium on Saturday, February 20. Having lost out to the Cats in the finals of both league and All-Ireland championship last year, Tipp will be keen to lay down a marker in 2010. The following day, Cork take on promoted Offaly, Waterford meet Dublin and Galway face Limerick.

Commenting on the fixtures, GAA President Críostóír Ó Cuana said: "The Allianz GAA Leagues get our inter-county season rolling and offer our counties the perfect platform to return to top level competitive action as another season dawns on us.

"It's no co-incidence that the teams who do well in the leagues quite often end up in the mix for championship silverware later in the season and we are looking forward to campaigns that will no doubt see both Kerry and Kilkenny make strong defences of the respective 2009 titles they won in style."

Brendan Murphy, CEO Allianz added: "Straight off the page there are some mouth watering fixtures ahead of us in the Allianz GAA Leagues. With Kilkenny and Kerry achieving the double once again in 2009 I've no doubt that every county will be hitting the ground running come February 2010 and we at Allianz are delighted to be supporting them all the way to the finals at the end of April."

FIXTURES IN FULL:

Allianz GAA National Hurling League 2010

20.02.10 (Sat)

Allianz GAA National Hurling League

Round 1

Division I

Tipperary v Kilkenny (7.30pm)

21.02.10 (Sun)

Allianz GAA National Hurling League

(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 1

Division I

Limerick v Galway

Cork v Offaly

Waterford v Dublin

Division II

Laois v Kildare

Clare v Down (1.30pm)

Westmeath v Wexford

Antrim v Carlow

Division IIIA

London v Meath

Derry v Kerry

Armagh v Mayo

Division IIIB

Louth v Sligo

Tyrone v Donegal

Fingal v Wicklow

Roscommon BYE

Division IV

Monaghan v Fermanagh

Cavan v Leitrim

Longford v South Down

27.02.10 (Sat)

Allianz GAA National Hurling League

Round 2

Division I

Limerick v Cork (7.30pm)

28.02.10 (Sun)

Allianz GAA National Hurling League

(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 2

Division I

Kilkenny v Offaly

Galway v Waterford

Dublin v Tipperary

Division II

Wexford v Down (1.30pm)

Kildare v Antrim

Laois v Clare

Carlow v Westmeath

Division IIIA

Meath v Armagh

London v Derry

Mayo v Kerry

Division IIIB

Roscommon v Tyrone

Donegal v Louth

Sligo v Fingal

Wicklow BYE

Division IV

Fermanagh v Leitrim

Longford v Cavan

South Down v Monaghan

13.03.10 (Sat)

Allianz GAA National Hurling League

(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 3

Division II

Westmeath v Kildare

14.03.10 (Sun)

Allianz GAA National Hurling League

(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 3

Division I

Tipperary v Galway

Cork v Kilkenny

Offaly v Dublin

Waterford v Limerick

Division II

Clare v Wexford

Down v Carlow

Antrim v Laois

Division IIIA

Kerry v Meath

Armagh v London

Mayo v Derry

Division IIIB

Wicklow v Sligo

Fingal v Donegal

Louth v Roscommon

Tyrone BYE

Division IV

Fermanagh v Cavan

Leitrim v South Down

Monaghan v Longford

20.03.10 (Sat)

Allianz GAA National Hurling League

(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 4

Division I

Galway v Offaly

Division II

Kildare v Down

21.03.10 (Sun)

Allianz GAA National Hurling League

(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 4

Division I

Dublin v Kilkenny

Waterford v Cork

Limerick v Tipperary

Division II

Kildare v Down

Carlow v Wexford

Antrim v Clare

Laois v Westmeath

Division IIIA

Derry v Armagh

London v Kerry

Meath v Mayo

Division IIIB

Tyrone v Louth

Donegal v Wicklow

Roscommon v Fingal

Sligo BYE

Division IV

South Down v Fermanagh

Longford v Leitrim

Cavan v Monaghan

27.03.10 (Sat)

Allianz GAA National Hurling League

(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 5

Division I

Division IIIA [Final Round]

Kerry v Armagh

Meath v Derry

Mayo v London

28.03.10 (Sun)

Allianz GAA National Hurling League

(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 5

Division I

Offaly v Limerick

Dublin v Cork

Tipperary v Waterford

Kilkenny v Galway

Division II

Wexford v Kildare

Westmeath v Antrim

Carlow v Clare

Down v Laois

Division IIIB

Fingal v Tyrone

Wicklow v Roscommon

Sligo v Donegal

Louth BYE

Division IV [Final Round]

Leitrim v Monaghan

South Down v Cavan

Fermanagh v Longford

04.04.10 (Sun)

Allianz GAA National Hurling League

(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 6

Division I

Galway v Dublin

Limerick v Kilkenny

Waterford v Offaly

Cork v Tipperary

Division II

Antrim v Down

Laois v Wexford

Kildare v Carlow

Clare v Westmeath

Round 6

Division IIIB

Roscommon v Sligo

Tyrone v Wicklow

Louth v Fingal

Donegal BYE

10.04.10 (Sat)

Allianz GAA National Hurling League

Final

Division IIIA

TBC v TBC

Division IV

TBC v TBC

18.04.10 (Sun)

Allianz GAA National Hurling League

(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 7

Division I [Final Round]

Kilkenny v Waterford

Galway v Cork

Offaly v Tipperary

Dublin v Limerick

Division II [Final Round]

Wexford v Antrim

Kildare v Clare

Down v Westmeath

Carlow v Laois

Division IIIB [Final Round]

Sligo v Tyrone

Wicklow v Louth

Donegal v Roscommon

Fingal BYE

01.05.10 (Sat)

Allianz GAA National Hurling League

Final

Division IIIB

TBC v TBC

02.05.10 (Sun)

Allianz GAA National Hurling League

Final

Division I

TBC v TBC

Division II

TBC v TBC

Allianz GAA National Football League 2010

06.02.2010 (Sat)

Allianz GAA National Football League

(All games at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 1

Division I

Derry v Tyrone

Mayo v Galway

Division II

Laois v Tipperary

Meath v Armagh

07.02.010 (Sun)

Allianz GAA National Football League

(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 1

Division I

Kerry v Dublin

Monaghan v Cork

Division II

Kildare v Down

Westmeath v Donegal

Division III

Offaly v Fermanagh

Louth v Wexford

Roscommon v Cavan

Antrim v Sligo (2.00pm)

Division IV

London v Limerick

Carlow v Longford

Clare v Wicklow

Leitrim v Waterford

Kilkenny v Bye

13.02.2010 (Sat)

Allianz GAA National Football League

(All games at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 2

Division I

Cork v Kerry

Dublin v Derry

Division II

Down v Meath

Tipperary v Kildare

Division III

Fermanagh v Roscommon

Cavan v Antrim

Division IV

Limerick v Carlow

14.02.2010 (Sun)

Allianz GAA National Football League

(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 2

Division I

Galway v Monaghan

Tyrone v Mayo

Division II

Donegal v Laois (2.00pm)

Armagh v Westmeath

Division III

Wexford v Offaly

Sligo v Louth

Division IV

Wicklow v Leitrim

Kilkenny v Clare

Waterford v London

Longford v Bye

20.02.2010 (Sat)

Allianz GAA National Football League

(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 3

Division IV

London v Wicklow

Longford v Limerick

Carlow v Waterford

Leitrim v Kilkenny

Clare v Bye

06.03.2010 (Sat)

Allianz GAA National Football League

(All games at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 3

Division I

Cork v Galway

Division II

Laois v Armagh

Down v Tipperary

Meath v Westmeath

Division III

Antrim v Fermanagh

07.03.2010 (Sun)

Allianz GAA National Football League

(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 3

Division I

Mayo v Dublin

Kerry v Derry

Monaghan v Tyrone

Division II

Kildare v Donegal

Division III

Wexford v Sligo (1.00pm)

Offaly v Roscommon

Louth v Cavan

Round 4

Division IV

Waterford v Longford

Kilkenny v London

Wicklow v Carlow

Clare v Leitrim

Limerick v Bye

13.03.2010 (Sat)

Allianz GAA National Football League

(All games at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 4

Division I

Tyrone v Cork

Dublin v Monaghan

Derry v Mayo

Division II

Donegal v Down

Division III

Cavan v Wexford

Round 5

Division IV

Limerick v Waterford

14.03.2010 (Sun)

Allianz GAA National Football League

(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 4

Division I

Galway v Kerry

Division II

Westmeath v Laois

Armagh v Kildare

Tipperary v Meath

Division III

Sligo v Offaly

Roscommon v Antrim

Fermanagh v Louth

Round 5

Division IV

Carlow v Kilkenny

Longford v Wicklow

London v Clare

Leitrim v Bye

20.03.2010 (Sat)

Allianz GAA National Football League

(All games at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 5

Division I

Cork v Dublin

Division II

Down v Armagh

Meath v Laois

Tipperary v Donegal

21.03.2010 (Sun)

Allianz GAA National Football League

(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 5

Division I

Galway v Tyrone

Monaghan v Derry

Kerry v Mayo

Division II

Kildare v Westmeath

Division III

Wexford v Fermanagh

Offaly v Antrim

Louth v Roscommon

Sligo v Cavan

Round 6

Division IV

Leitrim v London

Kilkenny v Longford

Wicklow v Limerick

Clare v Carlow

Waterford v Bye

27.03.2010 (Sat)

Allianz GAA National Football League

(All games at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 6

Division I

Dublin v Galway

Tyrone v Kerry

Derry v Cork

Division II

Laois v Kildare

Donegal v Meath

Division III

Antrim v Louth

Cavan v Offaly

Division 7

Division IV

Carlow v Leitrim (2.30pm)

Limerick v Kilkenny

28.03.2010 (Sun)

Allianz GAA National Football League

(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 6

Division I

Mayo v Monaghan

Division II

Armagh v Tipperary

Westmeath v Down

Division III

Roscommon v Wexford

Fermanagh v Sligo

Round 7

Division IV

Longford v Clare

Waterford v Wicklow

London v Bye

03.04.2010 (Sat)

Allianz GAA National Football League

(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 8

Division IV

Kilkenny v Waterford

Leitrim v Longford

Clare v Limerick

London v Carlow

Wicklow v Bye

11.04.09 (Sun)

Allianz GAA National Football League

(All games at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated)

Round 7

Division I [Final Round]

Cork v Mayo

Kerry v Monaghan

Tyrone v Dublin

Galway v Derry

Division II [Final Round]

Down v Laois

Meath v Kildare

Donegal v Armagh

Tipperary v Westmeath

Division III [Final Round]

Wexford v Antrim

Offaly v Louth

Cavan v Fermanagh

Sligo v Roscommon

Round 9

Division IV [Final Round]

Waterford v Clare

Limerick v Leitrim

Wicklow v Kilkenny

Longford v London

Carlow v Bye

24.04.09 (Sat)

Allianz GAA National Football League

Final

Division III

TBC v TBC

Division IV

TBC v TBC

25.04.09 (Sun)

Allianz GAA National Football League

Final

Division I

TBC v TBC

Division II

TBC v TBC

Senior Camogie Championship County Final

October 12th, 2009

From www.tipperary.gaa.ie/camogie
Cashel claim their 15th county title

Cashel 2.15, Burgess/Duharra 2.13 (aet)

With 3 minutes already played in injury time in the second half of extra time, & Cashel down a point, Emily Hayden picked the ball from the wing, & managing to get some space from her marker an ordinary player would have opted for the point. Not Emily, she raided down on the Burgess goal to see her hand pass effort saved, but her momentum kept her going & with both players clashing on the ball Cashel registered the goal to hand them their 15th County title, & leave Burgess/Duharra wait another year to try & claim their first.

This final played last Sunday will go down as one of the best displays ever witnessed from two teams who gave everything to their cause. The players gave an exhibition of blocking, striking, catching, fitness & determination.

Burgess had the strong wind in their back & Jenny O Halloran was first to score from play. Claire Grogan answered for Cashel while Therese Brophy & Linda Grogan exchanged points from mid field. With 10 minutes gone sides were level, before Burgess started to pull ahead with points from Eimear McDonnell & Jenny O Halloran. A line ball for Burgess was latched onto by Ciara Gaynor who pulled first time to beat Cashel goalie Helen Breen. Eimear McDonnell pointed to put 6 points between the sides. Claire Grogan & Philly Fogarty hit 2 for Cashel before Burgess hit 4 unanswered points, Eimear McDonnell (2), Aine Mulcahy (1), Amy Kennedy(1). Half time, after a thrilling display from both teams, Burgess were ahead 1.09 to 0.04.

Cashel came out in the 2nd half with Philly Fogarty restored to her natural centre back position & Emily Hayden back into the inside forward line & immediately points from Claire Grogan, Alison Lonergan & Jill Horan narrowed the margin. Amy Kennedy again pointed for Burgess in the 10th minute. At this stage Cashel were applying the pressure but a huge performance from Trish O Halloran at centre back ensured that Cashel weren’t getting it all their own way. Points from Claire Grogan (2), Cora Hennessy (1), & Cliodhna Dwyer (1), brought Cashel within 2 points of their opponents. Then, a ball from Allison Lonergan deceived the Burgess goalie & with the green flag raised for Cashel they suddenly found themselves in front for the first time by a point with 5 minutes to go. Eimear McDonnell broke free & she pointed to level the sides at 1.11 a piece at full time. Extra time beckoned.

With two 10 minute halves facing the sides, & after giving so much energy to the game, supporters wondered if the both teams had anything left in the tank.

This was quickly answered, Mairead Morrissey & Emily Hayden pointed for Cashel, before a mistake in the Cashel goalmouth gave Burgess the goal to restore their 1 point advantage at the break of extra time.

Final 10 minutes, & the excitement was unbearable. Amy Kennedy popped up to point for Burgess. Two points up, 6 minutes left. Claire Grogan pointed, 1 point between the sides, 4 minutes left. Jill Horan pointed, sides level, 1 minute normal time left. Eimear McDonnell pointed a free in the 11th minute. Burgess ahead by a point. Surely no more could happen. Then Emily Hayden produced a bit of magic, & after 80 minutes of pure brilliant displays of Camogie from both teams, Cashel captain Una Dwyer accepted the cup from County Board Chairman Michael Browne.

Burgess/Duharra must wonder what they have to do to win a title. They gave everything to this game & provided so much entertainment, little consolation but they can be proud of their performance. Some might have thought Cashel were dead & buried at half time of normal time. These girls haven’t won 15 titles without battles, & their belief in themselves got them over the finish line. They now go on to represent Tipperary in the Munster championship when the play Limerick Champions Kileedy from Granagh. This game is fixed for Cashel on this Saturday October 17th @ 2.30pm. Let’s hope they have the full support of all Tipperary as they try to emulate their success of 2007.

Launch of GAA Games Development Conference 2009

October 12th, 2009

Launch of GAA Games Development Conference 2009

Conference Theme: Optimising Playing Performance - Nurturing a culture of Skill and Will

Some of the top names in Gaelic Games management and coaching will be involved in the GAA's annual National Games Development Conference - "Optimising Playing Performance - Nurturing a culture of Skill and Will" - which will take place on Friday November 20th and Saturday November 21st, in Croke Park. This is the 7th annual Conference, and aims to address issues that are of most concern and interest to members of the GAA community.

Run in conjunction with the GAA Coach Education Programme and sponsored by Lucozade Sport, the two day conference will offer the 800 delegates attending an opportunity to access talks relating to key coaching issues in both football and hurling.

Liam Sheedy of Tipperary, who will be joined by Performance Coach, Caroline Currid, Gary Keegan of the Irish Institute of Sport (formerly of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association), DJ Carey and Tony Healy (currently part of the Irish Handball team at the World Championships in Portland, Oregon) will be among the speakers during the two day event, while Rod Thorpe (Loughborough University), and Paul Potrac (University of Hull) will provide a unique international perspective on coaching issues currently affecting Gaelic games.

Cork football trainer Aidan O'Connell and Tipperary hurling trainer Cian O'Neill will speak at the Conference on the physical fitness demands on the modern player, and how these might be best developed and a host of diverse topics will be addressed by an impressive range of speakers including Pat Daly (GAA Director of Games), Liam O'Neill (Chairman of the National Games Development Committee) and former Armagh footballer and Sport Psychologist Enda McNulty.

Launching the Conference, Uachtarán Críostóir Ó Cuana siad ‘"The central theme of this year's Conference will emphasise the importance of the coach creating a platform for our players to optimize their playing performance. Ensuring that all players, regardless of their level of ability are provided with the opportunities to develop is a key component of what the GAA is all about and I'm looking forward to hearing from a number of the expert speakers on how this can be achieved."

Supporting the Conference for the second successive year, Ronan McClafferty, Senior Brand Manger at GlaxoSmithCline, said: "We are delighted to be involved in this important event once again. As with all such Lucozade Sport sponsorships, the initiative underlines our commitment to the promotion of healthy, balanced lifestyles throughout Ireland and it celebrates our passion for Gaelic sport. The GAA has brought together an impressive line up of experts for this Conference and I am confident that together, we can make a real difference".

The list of speakers represents the most impressive gathering of individuals involved with coaching and games development ever assembled for an event of this nature and there is already massive interest in the conference.

In addition to a comprehensive conference speaker programme, delegates will also be given the opportunity to view some the key products and services within the GAA marketplace. This will form part of an extensive purpose built exhibition showcase involving 20 companies which is designed to meet the needs of GAA conference delegates. Services and products include coaching equipment supplies, synthetic pitches, GAA analysis products, floodlighting systems, injury management advice, hospitality services, sport nutrition advice and cardiac defibrillator systems.

The cost of attending is €75 and further information on registering to attend the conference can be obtained by phone at 01-8658625, by emailing gamesdevelopment@gaa.ie or at www.gaa.ie.

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Tipperary Senior Camogie County Final this Sunday

October 9th, 2009

The Tipperary Senior Camogie County Final takes place this Sunday 11th October in The Camogie Grounds, The Ragg at 3pm with Burgess /Duharra V Cashel. Cashel have won several titles and were All Ireland Club Champions in 2007 while Burgess/Duharra bid for a first title. Una O'Dwyer, Clare Grogan, Emily Heydon and Cora Hennessey are among Cashel's best known players, while Burgess/Duharra have Therese Brophy, Sinead Nealon, 'Trish O Halloran, Eimear McDonnell and Sheena Howard in their ranks.

10% Discount for Tipperary Supporters Club members with VHI Healthcare

October 9th, 2009

We are delighted to announce a further extension to our discount scheme for members of the Tipperary Supporters Club. Please follow the information provided by VHI Healthcare below.

As a Vhi Healthcare member through Tipperary Supporters Club (Tipperary Associates) group scheme you will have access to the widest range of Healthcare Plans to provide you with affordable options.

As a member you can avail of a 10% group discount on Lifestage Choices Healthcare plans which include plans like First Plans, Family Plans & Forward Plans and you can also avail of Vhi Healthcare Core Plans which include A,A Option, B, B Option, C, C Option, D and E.

Vhi Healthcare has built up a reputation for reliability over more than 50 years giving you a little peace of mind in an ever-changing market place. No other health insurer is more committed than Vhi Healthcare to providing healthcare services, facilities and innovative treatment that our members need today and into the future. As Ireland's most popular health insurance provider, we have a range of plans, tailored to suit you:

As a Vhi Healthcare member we’ve selected the highest quality and best value treatment centres, ensuring you still get a wide range of choice, avail of emergency treatment abroad through our international agreements and also receive a second opinion on your treatment through 50,000 Best Doctors worldwide

Our Irish based Nurseline 24/7 is there so you can talk to a qualified nurse about your family’s health queries at any time.

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Tipperary have 12 nominations in GPA awards

October 9th, 2009

Tipperary's performances saluted in nominations
In this section »
Munster opens with Cork-Kerry clashGAA teams of the year nomineesIAN O'RIORDANIT STILL won’t offer any consolation for losing the All-Ireland final, but Tipperary have once again gone one better than Kilkenny in the number of players nominated for a hurling team of the year. Among the 45 players nominated yesterday for the 2009 Opel-Gaelic Players Association (GPA) Hurling Team of the Year, Tipperary can boast 12, while All-Ireland champions Kilkenny can only boast 11.

Two weeks ago, in the nominations for the Vodafone Hurling All Star team, Tipperary also went one better in getting 13 nominations to Kilkenny’s 12.
It remains to be seen, of course, exactly how many players from each county make it onto the teams of the year in each instance, but clearly there is a feeling out there that Tipperary had most of the best playing performances of 2009.

The shortlist for the GPA Hurling Team of the Year includes three players for each position, reflecting the dominant role played by the individuals during the 2009 season.

The full list contains players from seven counties; Kilkenny, Tipperary, Cork, Waterford, Limerick, Dublin and Galway. Beaten semi-finalists Waterford and Limerick received four and two nominations respectively, while Galway and Dublin both had six players nominated – a fair reward for what was still a mostly positive season.

There were also three nominees for the GPA Player of the Year for Hurling, as chosen by the Hurling Selection Committee: Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny), Lar Corbett (Tipperary) and John Mullane (Waterford). These are the same three players nominated for the Vodafone Hurler of the Year.

The GPA shortlist was drawn up by a selection committee headed up by Donal O’Grady, the former Cork hurling manager.

The overall winners will be selected by GPA members, and announced at a Gala Evening on Friday, November 6th in the CityWest Hotel, Dublin – along with the Football Team of the Year. Each player on the winning team receives a trophy, €2,500 and a comprehensive set of training and leisure gear.

The chosen Hurler and Footballer of the Year each receive an Opel vehicle to the value of €25,000 in addition to the above.

“The GPA scheme offers the players a major input into team selection,” commented O’Grady.

“The selection committee has put forward what it believes are the three best nominations for the various positions and the players will now make the ultimate choice and select their best player for the 15 individual places, no doubt creating debate and analysis of their selections as happens with all awards.”

Also announced yesterday were the nominations for the 2009 O’Neills/TG4 Women’s Football All Stars – with senior All-Ireland finalists Cork and Dublin also dominating here with 21 of the 45 nominations between them. These winners will be announced at a ceremony also at Citywest on Saturday, November 14th.

Cork’s five-in-a-row success helped secure them 12 nominations in total, and while Amy O’Shea and Ciara O’Sullivan are in line for their first All Stars, Juliet Murphy and Angela Walsh are going for their fourth and fifth awards respectively.

Dublin still put up a memorable display against Cork in this year’s senior final and are rewarded with nine players nominated, including goalkeeper Cliodhna O’Connor and captain Denise Masterson at midfield.

In total 12 counties are represented in the nominations; Mayo have four, with Golden Boot winner Cora Staunton going for number seven, while Kildare’s Noelle Earley has made it two football All Star nominations in one family, following her brother Dermot’s nomination last month. Galway secured four nominations and semi-finalists Monaghan have five.

Also, intermediate champions Clare have three nominations, Tyrone and Armagh have two each and Longford, Fermanagh, and Tipperary one apiece.

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times

Harty Cup Results and Reports

October 9th, 2009

Stapleton turns on the style as Nenagh outplay Charleville

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/stapleton-turns-on-the-style-as-nenag
h-outplay-charleville-102816.html

Charleville CBS 1-11 Nenagh CBS 2-15

By Jackie Cahill

Thursday, October 08, 2009

CHARLEVILLE CBS suffered a chastening experience on their return to the Dr Harty Cup as Nenagh CBS got their campaign off to a winning start at Ballybricken yesterday.

Tipperary minor star Brian Stapleton shot five points for the winners, including one superb late sideline cut, and was a constant driving force from midfield.

Corner-forward Tadhg Gallagher bagged 2-2 and lively full-forward Eoin Hogan picked off seven points but Stapleton was the star turn.

Hogan pounced on Stapleton's mishit free two minutes before the break and after his shot was saved by Charleville goalkeeper TJ Garvey, Gallagher pounced from close range for his first goal. That strike helped Nenagh to lead 1-8 to 0-6 at half-time but the introduction of Charleville sub Pa O'Callaghan worked wonders. O'Callaghan netted with just 45 seconds and added a point to bring Charleville back to within a single score. David Reidy's 65 tied the game at 1-8 apiece but Nenagh's response was emphatic as they replied with an unanswered 1-3 and into a real comfort zone.

Hogan and Stapleton clipped over points to start the purple patch before Gallagher was on hand again to pick up the pieces after another superb Stapleton sideline cut caused havoc in the Charleville full-back line.

Charleville, trailing by 1-10 to 2-12 with seven minutes remaining, had a chance to haul themselves back into contention but Mark Kavanagh's penalty was well saved by Nenagh goalkeeper David Reddan.

The Kilruane McDonagh's custodian also dealt with James O'Brien's follow-up to cap a solid performance which also saw him pull off a smart first half save from Darren Sheedy.

Nenagh were comfortable in the final minutes as Stapleton decorated a fine individual display with a beautifully struck sideline cut with four minutes left to play.

Scorers for Charleville: P O'Callaghan 1-1, D Reidy 0-4 (2f, 1 65), M Kavanagh 0-2f, T Rea, D Sheedy, James O'Brien & B Casey 0-1 each.

Scorers for Nenagh CBS: T Gallagher 2-2, E Hogan 0-7 (2f), B Stapleton
0-5 (2 65s, 1 sl), John O'Brien 0-1.

NENAGH CBS: D Reddan; J Loughnane, D Maher, M O'Flaherty; D Quinn, J Forde, P Gill; B Stapleton, C Canning; P Butler, K Seymour, John O'Brien; T Gallagher, E Hogan, M Tuite.

SUBS: E Darcy for Canning (h/t), P Shanahan for O'Brien (47), J O'Dwyer for Loughnane (54).

CHARLEVILLE: TJ Garvey; D Copps, B McCarthy, S Roche; A Dennehy, A Cagney, S Butler; M O'Loughlin, T Rea; J O'Brien, D Sheedy, D Reidy; B Casey, J Madigan, M Kavanagh.

SUBS: P O'Callaghan for Seymour (h/t), C Twomey for Casey (42), B Bresnan for Cagney (inj, 58).

Referee: P. Coffey (Cappamore)

Thurles turn up the heat to overpower Spioraid Naoimh

Thurles CBS 3-13 Colaiste Spioraid Naoimh 0-7

By Brendan Larkin

Thursday, October 08, 2009

THURLES CBS opened the defence of their Dr Harty Cup title with a comfortable victory over Coláiste An Spioraid Naoimh in the first round at Rathcormac yesterday.

Fielding seven of last year's all-conquering squad, the champions were never going to lose this game, but the final scoreline is a little flattering as the Bishopstown school put up a brave show and were only a point adrift early in the second-half.

However, two goals in a minute by Pat Ralph ended any hopes of a shock result and the champions will only get better the longer they stay in the competition.

Defensively the Tipp school were outstanding. Full-back Dara Devane, corner-back Stephen Maher and centre-back Denis Maher were rock solid and the CSN attack never really functioned.

Thurles's skill factor was very evident all over the field, but particularly in attack where Pat Ralph, Aidan McCormack, and Michael O'Brien caused endless problems for an overworked CSN defence.

Bishopstown defended well in the face of the constant pressure but full-back Conor Dorman and centre-back Diarmuid Lester did all they could to stem the tide, Lester showing his class with a delightful point after a great run.

Roger Ryan worked tirelessly at midfield but it was up front where CSN's troubles lay and only Patrick Wiley and Conor McHugh posed any real danger to the Thurles defence. There was little to choose between the sides in the opening quarter at the end of which Thurles led 0-3 to 0-1. The signs were ominous for CSN who had to wait until the 15th minute for their opening score.

However, there was only going to be one result after Philip Looby found the CSN net despite the best efforts of Stephen Lynch, and without over exerting themselves, Thurles went on to lead 1-6 to 0-4 at half time.

CSN threatened to make a match of it with two quick points early in the second-half but a combination of poor finishing at one end and the concession of needless frees at the other both contributed to their eventual downfall.

The accuracy of Aidan McCormack both from frees and play had Thurles 1-11 to 0-6 in front by the three quarter-stage and in the space of the next 60 seconds they closed out the CSN challenge when the impressive Pat Ralph rounded his marker for two goals of outstanding quality.

Scorers for Thurles CBS: P. Ralph 2-0; A. McCormack 0-7 (0-5 frees); D. Maher 0-3 (0-2 frees); P. Looby 1-0; T. Doyle, M. Sadler, M. O'Brien 0-1 each.

CSN: B. Coffey 0-2 (0-1 65, 0-1 free); D. Lester, O. Ryan, P. Wiley, D. O'Brien, D. Cahalane (free) 0-1 each.

THURLES CBS: A. Stakelum; S. Maher, D. Devane, P. Dunne; C. Carroll, D. Maher, D. Fitzpatrick; P. Looby, M. Sadler; N. O'Brien, D. Ferncombe, P. Ralph; B. Campion, A. McCormack, M. O'Brien.

Subs: T. Doyle for O'Brien (17); C. Barrett for Ferncombe (40); C. Treacy for Sadler (50); A. Power for D. Maher (50); A. Dunne for P. Dunne (55).

CSN: S. Lynch; R. Sheahan, C. Dorman, P. Coakley; C. Dunne, D. Lester, D. Cahalane; B. Coffey, R. Ryan; O. Ryan, P. Wiley, C. McHugh; M. Collins, D. O'Brien, D. Delea.

Referee: D. Kirwan (Cork).

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/thurles-turn-up-the-heat-to-overpower-spioraid-naoimh-102817.html

Munter Club Championship Fixtures and Dates

October 9th, 2009

Munster opens with Cork-Kerry clash

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2009/1008/1224256167445.html

IAN O'RIORDAN

GAELIC GAMES CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE: ALL FOUR provinces have now confirmed their club championship schedule and, as if on cue, there's a Cork-Kerry pairing to open the Munster football championship.

Clonakilty, who last Sunday week captured their first Cork county football title in 13 years, have been drawn away to the Kerry champions in one of two quarter-finals, set for November 8th.

The Kerry championship is still only at the quarter-final stage, with all four games due for decision this weekend. If there is a delay due to replays then Kerry may come under pressure to finish their championship on time, but there is also the possibility that the winners of this Sunday's Kerry Club League final - where Ardfert take on Kerins O'Rahillys - will be the Kerry representatives in the Munster championship if, as may well happen, a divisional team win the county title.

Five of the eight teams left are divisional teams; South Kerry, Mid Kerry, St Michael's/Foilmore, St Brendan's and Feale Rangers - but such divisional teams are prohibited from competing in the Munster championship.

If one of the three club sides ends up winning - Dr Crokes, Austin Stacks or Laune Rangers - then the issue doesn't arise. Last year, for example, Mid Kerry won the Kerry senior title, and therefore weren't allowed to compete in Munster, and the Kerry Club League champions were the representatives instead.

It could therefore happen that Ardfert, one of the smallest clubs in the country, will become the Kerry representatives, if they manage to beat Kerins O'Rahillys on Sunday.

This would be an extraordinary achievement for the North Kerry club, especially given the fact that five years ago they were at the very bottom of Division Four of the County League. Things changed dramatically when they appointed a local man, Pat O'Driscoll, as manager and since then he has guided them to both the All-Ireland junior and intermediate titles. It's no surprise that O'Driscoll is being mooted as possibly the next Kerry minor manager in succession to John Kennedy, who recently resigned after four years at the helm.

In the other Munster club football quarter-final, also on November 8th, the Clare champions will have home advantage against their Limerick counterparts. The Tipperary and Waterford representatives have both received byes to the semi-finals, set for November 22nd, while the final has been set for December 6th.

In Leinster, the delay in the Dublin championship after Tuesday evening's second draw between Ballyboden St Enda's, and Kilmacud Crokes, the All-Ireland champions, shouldn't present too much of a problem. The second replay is set for next Tuesday, but the eventual champions aren't out in the provincial championship until November 8th, where they will have home advantage over the Wicklow champions, that team being known after this Sunday's county final between Rathnew and St Patricks.

The Dublin hurling champions, however, have a more difficult task as they've been drawn away in the Leinster semi-final against either the Wexford or Kilkenny champions.

Ulster sets the provincial campaign in motion this weekend with their hurling semi-final between Down champions Ballycran and Derry champions Kevin Lynchs, who beat Slaughtneil 2-15 to 1-13 last night.

Antrim's Cuchullain Dunloy are already given a place in the Ulster hurling final, which takes place on October 25th.

The Ulster club football championship begins on Sunday week with the meeting of the Cavan and Antrim champions at Breffni Park, with the four quarter-finals then taking place in November.

In Connacht, the club football championship also starts on Sunday week with the meeting of Sligo champions Tourlestraneand Castlerea from Roscommon.

The Galway hurling champions, as usual, become the provincial representatives. That final was scheduled for Pearse Stadium on October 25th, but has been put back until November 8th. Loughrea, who have been in action over the past two weekends, were successful in an appeal to the Galway Co Board CCC and their clash with Mullagh will now take place the weekend after next. Portumna, who are bidding to become the first side in either hurling or football to win three All-Ireland club titles, will take on Gort in the first semi-final at Athenry on Sunday in a repeat of last year's final.

MUNSTER CLUB SFC

November 8th: Quarter-finals, Kerry v Cork (Clonakilty), Kerry venue; Clare v Limerick, Clare venue. November 22nd: Semi-finals, Tipperary v Kerry/Clonakilty, Cork or Kerry venue; Waterford v Clare/Limerick, Waterford or Limerick venue. December 6th: Final.

MUNSTER CLUB SHC

November 1st: Quarter-final, Tipperary v Cork, Tipperary venue. November 15th: Semi-finals, Limerick v Tipperary/Cork, Tipperary or Cork venue; Waterford v Clare, Waterford venue. November 29th: Final.

LEINSTER CLUB SHC

(1) Wexford v Kilkenny, November 1st, Wexford Park; (2) Winners 1 v Dublin, November 15th, Wexford/Kilkenny; (3) Clonkill (Westmeath) v Laois, November 1st, Mullingar; (4) Winners 3 v Offaly, November 15th, Mullingar/Portlaoise; Final: Winners 2 v Winners 4, November 29th.

LEINSTER CLUB SFC

October 25th (1) Mattock Rangers (LH) v Laois, Drogheda, October 25th; (2) (1) v Meath, Drogheda/Portlaoise, November 11th; (3) Kildare v Offaly, October 25th, Newbridge; (4) (3) v Carlow, November 8th; Newbridge/Tullamore; (5) Clongish (LD) v Horeswood (WX), October 25th, Longford; (6) (5) v Garrycastle (WH), November 8th, Longford/Wexford; (7) Dublin v Wicklow, November 8th, Parnell Park; Semi-finals: (8) 2 v 4, 6 v 7, November 22nd; Final: December 6th.

ULSTER CLUB SHC

(1) Semi-final: Derry v Down at Casement Park, October 11th; Final: Winners 1 v Antrim at Casement Park, October 25th.

ULSTER CLUB SFC

October 18th: Cavan v Antrim, at Breffni Park; November 1st: Derry v Fermanagh, Celtic Park; November 1st: Down v Donegal at Páirc Esler; November 1st: Monaghan v Tyrone at Clones; November 1st: Armagh v Cavan or Antrim. Semi-finals: Derry/Fermanagh v Down/Donegal; November 15th; Monaghan/Tyrone v Armagh/Cavan/Antrim, November 15th; Final: November 29th.

CONNACHT SFC

(A) Tourlestrane (Sligo) v Castlerea (Roscommon), Sligo, October 18th. Semi-finals: Glencar (Leitrim) v Galway; Mayo v Winners A, November 8th. Final: November 22nd.

Junior Supporters prize to interview Brendan Cummins

October 8th, 2009

Would you like to meet Munster Hurler of the Year Brendan Cummins, conduct an interview with him and have it published in the programme for the County Senior Hurling Final? You could be the lucky winner of this great prize simply by becoming a FREE Junior Member of the Tipperary Supporters Club. Just fill out the on line membership form on www.tippsupportersclub.com . Then just send your question for Brendan to info@tippsupportersclub.com along with your name, age, address and parent's contact details.

CANON HAYES SPORTS AWARDS

October 8th, 2009

The Canon Hayes National Sports Awards Committee (Tipperary) has announced that they are now accepting nominations for their 2009 Awards in the categories of Local and County, which are open to nominees from within County Tipperary, and in the categories of National and Outstanding Achievement, which are open to nominees from throughout the 32 counties. Members of the public along with representatives of clubs or sporting organisations are invited to submit nominations for the Awards. All persons nominated should be over the age of 16 years and the nomination should relate to achievements in the past 12 months.

A brief resume of the nominee’s sporting achievements should be submitted along with the nomination to: Sports Awards Committee, Canon Hayes Recreation Centre, Avondale Crescent, Tipperary Town, to arrive on or before Friday October 23rd. Nominations may also be submitted by e-mail to martinquinns@eircom.net The Awards are open to all sporting disciplines and the committee are looking forward to receiving many nominations for the respective categories. Further details on the Awards are available from the Canon Hayes Sports Centre on 062-52022 or 087-6101628.

All nominations will be considered by the judging panels and a shortlist of nominees will be announced in early November. The Award Winners will receive specially commissioned bronze sculptured trophies and they will be presented at a Gala Black Tie Banquet in Tipperary in November.

COLLEGES GAMES

October 8th, 2009

From Tipperary GAa Scene

The second level colleges games are underway again with several games coming up in the next couple of weeks in the Munster . In the Corn an Uachtarán (U18½ B Football) Clonmel CBS will play De La Salle Waterford in Portlaw on Wednesday October 14th at 2.30pm. In the Dean Ryan Cup (U16½ A hurling) Our Lady’s Templemore will play St. Flannan’s College Ennis in Nenagh at 2.30pm on Tuesday October 13th and on Wednesday October 14th Thurles CBS will play St. Caimins of Shannon in Claughaun (Limerick) also at 2.30pm. In the Kinnane Cup (U15 B Hurling, on Monday October 12th Nenagh CBS will play Gael Scoil Mhuire in Ballygagran at 2.30pm and on Wednesday October 14th Cashel CS will play Charleville CBS in Rathbane at 2.30pm. In the Corn Mhic Ruairi (Senior Hurling C) on Wednesday October 14th, Newport CS will play Mitchelstown CBS in Rathkeale at 2.30pm and St. Joseph’s Borrisoleigh will play Blarney in Mitchelstown at 2.30pm. On Friday October 16th, Balingarry will play Pallaskenry in Newport at 2.30pm. Finally in the Corn MhicCraith (U15 C Football) Carrick-on-Suir CBS will play Mallow at Ballygiblin at 2.30pm.

TIPPERARY GAA YEAR BOOK

October 8th, 2009

From www.tipperary.gaa.ie
A reminder that the deadline for the receipt of material for the Tipperary GAA Year Book, especially obituary notices, is November 1st. The Year Book Committee hope that many people in the county will be willing to take out advertisements in the book, which helps to defray the costs of production. Fiachra O'Keeffe, Glenough, Rossmore, Cashel is the advertising agent for the 2010 Yearbook. The final date for the receipt of advertisements in November 13th and it is hoped to have the book, which will be printed by the Nenagh Guardian, in the shops by December 11th.

Munter Club Championship Fixtures and Dates

October 8th, 2009

Munster opens with Cork-Kerry clash

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2009/1008/1224256167445.html

IAN O'RIORDAN

GAELIC GAMES CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE: ALL FOUR provinces have now confirmed their club championship schedule and, as if on cue, there's a Cork-Kerry pairing to open the Munster football championship.

Clonakilty, who last Sunday week captured their first Cork county football title in 13 years, have been drawn away to the Kerry champions in one of two quarter-finals, set for November 8th.

The Kerry championship is still only at the quarter-final stage, with all four games due for decision this weekend. If there is a delay due to replays then Kerry may come under pressure to finish their championship on time, but there is also the possibility that the winners of this Sunday's Kerry Club League final - where Ardfert take on Kerins O'Rahillys - will be the Kerry representatives in the Munster championship if, as may well happen, a divisional team win the county title.

Five of the eight teams left are divisional teams; South Kerry, Mid Kerry, St Michael's/Foilmore, St Brendan's and Feale Rangers - but such divisional teams are prohibited from competing in the Munster championship.

If one of the three club sides ends up winning - Dr Crokes, Austin Stacks or Laune Rangers - then the issue doesn't arise. Last year, for example, Mid Kerry won the Kerry senior title, and therefore weren't allowed to compete in Munster, and the Kerry Club League champions were the representatives instead.

It could therefore happen that Ardfert, one of the smallest clubs in the country, will become the Kerry representatives, if they manage to beat Kerins O'Rahillys on Sunday.

This would be an extraordinary achievement for the North Kerry club, especially given the fact that five years ago they were at the very bottom of Division Four of the County League. Things changed dramatically when they appointed a local man, Pat O'Driscoll, as manager and since then he has guided them to both the All-Ireland junior and intermediate titles. It's no surprise that O'Driscoll is being mooted as possibly the next Kerry minor manager in succession to John Kennedy, who recently resigned after four years at the helm.

In the other Munster club football quarter-final, also on November 8th, the Clare champions will have home advantage against their Limerick counterparts. The Tipperary and Waterford representatives have both received byes to the semi-finals, set for November 22nd, while the final has been set for December 6th.

In Leinster, the delay in the Dublin championship after Tuesday evening's second draw between Ballyboden St Enda's, and Kilmacud Crokes, the All-Ireland champions, shouldn't present too much of a problem. The second replay is set for next Tuesday, but the eventual champions aren't out in the provincial championship until November 8th, where they will have home advantage over the Wicklow champions, that team being known after this Sunday's county final between Rathnew and St Patricks.

The Dublin hurling champions, however, have a more difficult task as they've been drawn away in the Leinster semi-final against either the Wexford or Kilkenny champions.

Ulster sets the provincial campaign in motion this weekend with their hurling semi-final between Down champions Ballycran and Derry champions Kevin Lynchs, who beat Slaughtneil 2-15 to 1-13 last night.

Antrim's Cuchullain Dunloy are already given a place in the Ulster hurling final, which takes place on October 25th.

The Ulster club football championship begins on Sunday week with the meeting of the Cavan and Antrim champions at Breffni Park, with the four quarter-finals then taking place in November.

In Connacht, the club football championship also starts on Sunday week with the meeting of Sligo champions Tourlestraneand Castlerea from Roscommon.

The Galway hurling champions, as usual, become the provincial representatives. That final was scheduled for Pearse Stadium on October 25th, but has been put back until November 8th. Loughrea, who have been in action over the past two weekends, were successful in an appeal to the Galway Co Board CCC and their clash with Mullagh will now take place the weekend after next. Portumna, who are bidding to become the first side in either hurling or football to win three All-Ireland club titles, will take on Gort in the first semi-final at Athenry on Sunday in a repeat of last year's final.

MUNSTER CLUB SFC

November 8th: Quarter-finals, Kerry v Cork (Clonakilty), Kerry venue; Clare v Limerick, Clare venue. November 22nd: Semi-finals, Tipperary v Kerry/Clonakilty, Cork or Kerry venue; Waterford v Clare/Limerick, Waterford or Limerick venue. December 6th: Final.

MUNSTER CLUB SHC

November 1st: Quarter-final, Tipperary v Cork, Tipperary venue. November 15th: Semi-finals, Limerick v Tipperary/Cork, Tipperary or Cork venue; Waterford v Clare, Waterford venue. November 29th: Final.

LEINSTER CLUB SHC

(1) Wexford v Kilkenny, November 1st, Wexford Park; (2) Winners 1 v Dublin, November 15th, Wexford/Kilkenny; (3) Clonkill (Westmeath) v Laois, November 1st, Mullingar; (4) Winners 3 v Offaly, November 15th, Mullingar/Portlaoise; Final: Winners 2 v Winners 4, November 29th.

LEINSTER CLUB SFC

October 25th (1) Mattock Rangers (LH) v Laois, Drogheda, October 25th; (2) (1) v Meath, Drogheda/Portlaoise, November 11th; (3) Kildare v Offaly, October 25th, Newbridge; (4) (3) v Carlow, November 8th; Newbridge/Tullamore; (5) Clongish (LD) v Horeswood (WX), October 25th, Longford; (6) (5) v Garrycastle (WH), November 8th, Longford/Wexford; (7) Dublin v Wicklow, November 8th, Parnell Park; Semi-finals: (8) 2 v 4, 6 v 7, November 22nd; Final: December 6th.

ULSTER CLUB SHC

(1) Semi-final: Derry v Down at Casement Park, October 11th; Final: Winners 1 v Antrim at Casement Park, October 25th.

ULSTER CLUB SFC

October 18th: Cavan v Antrim, at Breffni Park; November 1st: Derry v Fermanagh, Celtic Park; November 1st: Down v Donegal at Páirc Esler; November 1st: Monaghan v Tyrone at Clones; November 1st: Armagh v Cavan or Antrim. Semi-finals: Derry/Fermanagh v Down/Donegal; November 15th; Monaghan/Tyrone v Armagh/Cavan/Antrim, November 15th; Final: November 29th.

CONNACHT SFC

(A) Tourlestrane (Sligo) v Castlerea (Roscommon), Sligo, October 18th. Semi-finals: Glencar (Leitrim) v Galway; Mayo v Winners A, November 8th. Final: November 22nd.

County SHC Final - Drom & Inch vs. Thurles Sarsfields

October 5th, 2009

County SHC Final - Drom & Inch vs. Thurles Sarsfields
18/10/2009

Drom & Inch will play Thurles Sarsfields in the Tipperary County Senior Hurling Championship Final on Sunday October 18th at Semple Stadium Thurles.

This is a repeat of the 2005 final which was won by Thurles Sarsfields.

Dream over as Sars end Upperchurch’s run

Thurles Sarsfields 2-17 Upperchurch Drombane 0-10

By Diarmuid O’Flynn for the Irish Examiner newspaper

Monday, October 05, 2009

THE FAIRYTALE ended for Upperchurch Drombane in Semple Stadium yesterday, a season in which new ground was broken in the Tipperary SHC at both divisional and county level, and a tame ending it was. Just over six weeks ago Upperchurch Drombane reached their first Mid-Tipp senior final and put up an honourable display before losing by just a goal to Drom & Inch – that put them in the back door in the county series, and fine wins over Cappawhite, Portroe and Mullinahone saw them reach their first-ever senior semi-final. Having already accounted for Sars in the divisional semi-final, Upperchurch Drombane came to Thurles then with hopes high.

Sars were operating from a much greater base of experience base but before a ball was touched they had bad news with the last-minute loss through injury of inside forwards Lar Corbett (calf strain suffered in the win over Nenagh Éire Óg last weekend) and former county captain Ger ‘Redser’ O’Grady (ongoing back problem). The good news was the early return from a shoulder injury of team captain Johnny Enright, who took Lar’s spot in the corner. Enright was prominent very early in attack for Sars, but showed his rustiness with three wides from three shots at the posts, efforts he would normally have converted.

That didn’t matter, however, as there were others to take up the slack. In a lack-lustre first half, young centre-back James Barry shot Upperchurch Drombane into an early lead with two long-range pointed frees, but points from wing-forward and free-taker Pa Bourke (four), replacement full-forward David Kennedy (2) and Denis Maher (1), along with a goal from corner-forward Richie Ruth, against a further points for Upperchurch Drombane from Barry (a free) and corner-forward Jody Brennan, had Thurles ahead at the break, 1-7 to 0-4. The goal was a little fortuitous, Upperchurch corner-back Pádraig Stapleton slipping at a most inopportune moment, allowing the pacy Ruth to gather a long centre from Alan Kennedy all on his own and finish emphatically. That was in the 19th minute, but it only confirmed what was already becoming apparent – whatever about the result on the last occasion that these teams met, this was a day on which Sars were on top.

For much of the second half Upperchurch Drombane went toe to toe with Thurles, so that by the 47th minute there was still that same difference between them as there had been at the break, six points, 1-12 to 0-9, corner-forward Colm Stapleton with a brace for Upperchurch Drombane, Bourke doing most of the scoring for Thurles. In the final quarter, however, the gap finally began to open, and a succession of points put Thurles well clear; Ruth’s second goal, which came in the third minute of added time, was not a factor. Surprisingly, in a game that was played without rancour, two players saw red in the closing minutes, Sars centre-back Liam Cahill for a second yellow, Upperchurch midfielder Colm Ryan with a straight red for a wild pull. Cahill will be eligible for the final; Sars will be hoping the same will apply to Lar Corbett – they’ll need him.

Scorers for Thurles Sarsfields: P. Bourke 0-9 (0-5 frees); R. Ruth 2-2; D. Maher 0-3; D. Kennedy 0-2; A. Kennedy 0-1.

Scorers for Upperchurch Drombane: J. Barry 0-3 (0-2 frees, 0-1 65); P. Shortt 0-3 (all frees); C. Stapleton 0-2; J. Brennan, B. Phelan, 0-1 each.

THURLES SARSFIELDS: P. McCormack; M. Cahill, P. Maher, K. O’Gorman; B. O’Dwyer, L. Cahill, S. Lillis; M. Gleeson, A. Kennedy; D. Maher, S. Ryan, P. Bourke; R. Ruth, D. Kennedy, J. Enright (c). Subs: D. O’Dwyer (Enright 58); G. O’Grady (Ryan 59); J. Lawlor (Cahill 60+1); M. Collins (O’Dwyer 60+1); C. Rourke (Bourke 60+1).

UPPERCHURCH DROMBANE: G. Quinn; M. Ryan, J. Ryan (c), P. Stapleton; J. Greene, J. Barry, J. Maguire; LJ Ryan, M. Ryan; P. Shortt, C. Ryan, P. Greene; J. Brennan, O. Shortt, C. Stapleton. Subs: B. Phelan (M. Ryan 37); P. Ryan (LJ Ryan 40); M. Greene (P. Greene 53).

Referee: J. Cleary (Knockshegowna)

Thurles Sarsfields 2-17 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-10

Live updates by Ed Donnelly - comments to ed.donnelly@gaa.ie

Round-up - a facile victory for Sarsfields who were never under any threat from a disappointing Upperchurch team who posed little threat up front.

Final Score - Thurles Sarsfields 2-17 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-10

62nd minute - GOAL - Ritchie Ruth scores a goal for Sarsfields and they are in to the County Final again - Thurles Sarsfields 2-17 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-10

60th minute - ten points in it and we have to endure 3 minutes of additional time.

58th minute - SUB - Redser O'Grady replaces Shane Ryan on the Sarsfields team.

57th minute - POINT - Pa Bourke with another pointed free for Sarsfields - Thurles Sarsfields 1-17 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-10

57th minute - SUB - David O'Dwyer replaces Johnny Enright on the Sarsfields team

56th minute - RED CARD - Colm Ryan of Upperchurch receives a straight red card for a foul on Pa Bourke.

55th minute - POINT - Pat Shortt points a free for Upperchurch - Thurles Sarsfields 1-16 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-10

55th minute - RED CARD - Liam Cahill of Sarsfields is sent off for his second bookable offence.

54th minute - Owen Short is fouled en route to goal and the 20 metre free by Pat Shortt is saved on the line by Stephen Lillis and eventually cleared.

52nd minute - POINT - Ritchie Ruth scores another point from play for Sarsfields - Thurles Sarsfields 1-16 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-9

52nd minute - SUB - Matthew Greene for Padraig Greene on the Upperchurch team

50th minute - POINT - Ritchie Ruth scores a point from play from under the New Stand side - this looks like game over - Thurles Sarsfields 1-15 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-9

50th minute - POINT - Alan Kennedy scores a point from play for Sarsfields - Thurles Sarsfields 1-14 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-9

48th minute - POINT - Denis Maher scores his third point from play for Sarsfields who are doing enough to keep their noses in front by six or seven points - Thurles Sarsfields 1-13 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-9

47th minute - POINT - Upperchurch sub Brian Phelan wins possession from Padraic Maher and scores a good point when perhaps a goal was on - Thurles Sarsfields 1-12 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-9

45th minute - POINT - Pat Shortt points a free for Upperchurch but its goals they need now - Thurles Sarsfields 1-12 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-8

44th minute - POINT - Pa Bourke points a free for Sarsfields - Thurles Sarsfields 1-12 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-7

42nd minute - a goal chance for Upperchurch. Jody Brennan breaks through and looks to pass in to an unmarked team-mate in front of goal but Padraic Maher reads it and the ball is cleared for Sarsfields who eventually earn a free at the other end through David Kennedy.

40th minute - SUB - Paul Ryan replaces LJ Ryan for Upperchurch

38th minute - POINT - Pa Bourke scores another point from play for Sarsfields - Thurles Sarsfields 1-11 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-7

36th minute - SUB - Brian Phelan replaces Michael Ryan (D) for Upperchurch

36th minute - POINT - Colm Stapleton scores a point from play for Upperchurch - can they make a comeback - - Thurles Sarsfields 1-10 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-7

34th minute - POINT - Pat Shortt points a close range free for Upperchurch - - Thurles Sarsfields 1-10 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-6

33rd minute - POINT - Pa Bourke scores an excellent point from play under the New Stand side - this game is looking as good as over. Can Upperchurch respond? - Thurles Sarsfields 1-10 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-5

33rd minute - POINT - Denis Maher scores an excellent point from play for Sarsfields - - Thurles Sarsfields 1-9 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-5

32nd minute - POINT - Colm Stapleton scores a point from play for Upperchurch - Thurles Sarsfields 1-8 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-5

31st minute - POINT - Upperchurch concede a free from the throw-in which Pa Bourke converts to put Sarsfields seven points up. Upperchurch follow with a bad wide from play by Pat Shortt - Thurles Sarsfields 1-8 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-4

Half time round-up - a dull affair which Sarsfields have dominated to date without ever reaching the heights. Upperchurch are being outplayed up front with the Sarsfields defence well on top led by Michael Cahill and Kevin O'Gorman in particular. Pat Shortt is being forced to play in his own defence a lot which limits his scoring threat significantly. Pa Bourke had four points for Sarsfields, two from play while David Kennedy also has two points. Is there a kick in this Upperchurch team - if they don't show it early in the second half, the game will be gone from them.

Half time - Thurles Sarsfields 1-7 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-4

30th minute - POINT - a poor clearance out of defence by Upperchurch is turned in to a point from play for Sarsfields by Pa Bourke - Thurles Sarsfields 1-7 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-4

28th minute - POINT - Jody Brennan scores an excellent point from play - Upperchurch's first from play - - Thurles Sarsfields 1-6 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-4

27th minute - still little to excite the supporters. Sarsfields won't mind - six points up without having done much.

25th minute - POINT - Pa Bourke points a long range free for Sarsfields to put them 6 points up - Thurles Sarsfields 1-6 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-3

23rd minute - POINT - Pa Bourke points a free for Sarsfields - - Thurles Sarsfields 1-5 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-3

21st minute - a tame enough affair. Upperchurch have yet to score from play - all of Sarsfields scores are from play thus far.

18th minute - GOAL - Ritchie Ruth scores a goal for Sarsfields to put them in control - Thurles Sarsfields 1-4 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-3

17th minute - POINT - David Kennedy scores his second point from play for Sarsfields - Thurles Sarsfields 0-4 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-3

15th minute - Pat Shortt hits a 20 metre free low and hard for Upperchurch but it is blocked on the line and cleared to safety.

13th minute - POINT - James Barry points a long range free after Pat Shortt is fouled - Thurles Sarsfields 0-3 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-3

10th minute - POINT - Denis Maher puts Sarsfields in front with a point from play - Thurles Sarsfields 0-3 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-2

10th minute - Sarsfields are fouling a lot in the early stages - they have given away 6 frees and earned just 1. James Barry has hit two frees wide thus far.

8th minute - POINT - Pa Bourke scores a point from play for Sarsfields - sides are level - Thurles Sarsfields 0-2 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-2

7th minute - POINT - David Kennedy opens Sarsfields account with a point from play - Thurles Sarsfields 0-1 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-2

6th minute - POINT - James Barry points a 65 metre free after Michael Cahill and Patrick McCormack fail to clear their lines - Thurles Sarsfields 0-0 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-2

5th minute - a slow start by both teams - not much action to report early on.

4th minute - Padraig Greene wins a free for Upperchurch which Pat Shortt puts wide.

3rd minute - Johnny Enright is early in to the action for Sarsfields with three shots on goal. Two goal wide the other is blocked.

1st minute - POINT - James Barry opens the scoring with a low range free and Upperchurch lead by a point - Thurles Sarsfields 0-0 Upperchurch-Drombane 0-1

1:58pm - Thurles Sarsfields will play in to the Town End goal in the first half. Nearly ready to go now. The referee for today's game is John Cleary from Knockshegowna.

Team News - Redser O'Grady and Lar Corbett are out for Thurles - replaced by David Kennedy and Johnny Enight. No changes from the programme line-out for Upperchurch.

1:55pm - Welcome to Semple Stadium on a perfect day for hurling. A nice, calm day for hurling with the odd light shower in the air. The playing surface of Semple Stadium is looking immaculate.

Champions dethroned as Drom roll on

Drom & Inch 0-19 Toomevara 1-12

By Diarmuid O'Flynn for the Irish Examiner newspaper

Monday, October 05, 2009

STILL standing – that’s Mid-Tipp division champions Drom & Inch after this second Tipperary SHC semi-final in Semple Stadium yesterday. Drom are still in with a chance of a first county title at this level, having twice fallen at the final hurdle in the last four years. An outstanding defence was one of the principal reasons they beat reigning champions Toomevara; their outstanding defensive discipline meant no easy frees were conceded to ace Toomevara marksman Kenny Dunne, who had scored 11 from placed balls in last week’s quarter-final win over Clonoulty Rossmore. Dunne was a little off yesterday, missing his first three shots from placed balls, but none of those was easy. Other than those, all Dunne got was one other free, from 55m on the left, which he nailed.

Seamus Callanan started at wing-forward, thus denying the crowd of 6,261 the satisfaction of seeing how he’d fare against county team-mate Benny Dunne. Callanan didn’t stay on the wing for long, however – then again, this guy never stays anywhere for long. He was simply omnipresent, and everywhere he went, he was effective, finishing with 12 points from a team total of 19. Seven of those were from placed balls, but be under no illusion of this guy’s overall importance to the Drom & Inch cause. A Scarlet Pimpernel, that’s what he is, and many times more lethal – even Benny Dunne, well as he hurled yesterday, couldn’t mind him, but then who could, such is his ability to disappear/reappear in a different spot.

Played in excellent conditions, with very little breeze and perfect sod, there was never very much between the teams in this one, right to the final ten minutes or so. Significantly, however, it was Drom & Inch, through Callanan especially, who were always able to get the points. It was 0-10 to 1-5 at the break, Drom ahead; the Toome goal was of the soft variety; it came in the 20th minute when a speculative centre from John O’Brien came in and keeper Damien Young, distracted by the bustling presence of Kenny Dunne, left the ball bounce to the net. Four points on the trot for Drom & Inch, however, all by Callanan, cancelled that out, and Drom led at the break by two, 0-10 to 1-5. Two minutes into the second half it should have been 1-10 to 1-5 but John Kennedy missed his chance. The Drom defence held solid and they finally crept ahead with a four-point lead in the 51st minute, 0-17 to 1-10 – and that was enough to see them home.

Scorers for Drom & Inch: S Callanan 0-12 (0-6 frees, 0-1 65); J Kennedy 0-2; S Butler 0-2; D Butler, Johnny Ryan, D Collins, 0-1 each.

Scorers for Toomevara: J O’Brien 1-3; K Dunne 0-3 (0-1 free); W Ryan 0-2; M Bevan, J McLoughney, B Dunne, D Young, 0-1 each.

DROM & INCH: D Young; Martin Butler, E Costello, M Costello; D Kennedy, P Stapleton, Micheál Butler; S Butler, J Woodlock (capt); S Callanan, E Woodlock, J Kennedy; D Butler, M Long, Johnny Ryan.
Subs: D Collins for E Woodlock, 30; D Ryan for Kennedy, 59.

TOOMEVARA: S Delaney; P Touhy, T Delaney, P McGrath; D Young, B Dunne, D Kennedy; F Devaney, J McLoughney; W Ryan, T Dunne, K Dunne; M Bevans (c), J O’Brien, B McCormack.
Subs: J Duignan for McCormack, 30; K Brislane for T Dunne, 47.

Referee: S Roche (Kilsheelan/Kilcash)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Toomevara 1-12 Drom & Inch 0-19

Live updates by Ed Donnelly - comments to ed.donnelly@gaa.ie

Round-up - Drom & Inch caused an upset with a deserved four point victory over reigning champions Toomevara. Seamus Callanan proved a match winner scoring 12 points but in truth, this victory was won in defence where the Drom full-back line was outstanding throughout. An all Mid Final now in two weeks time - something to look forward to.

Full time score - Toomevara 1-12 Drom & Inch 0-19

61st minute - POINT - Benny Dunne goes for goal but his shot is rising and goes over the bar for a point - too little, too late? - Toomevara 1-12 Drom & Inch 0-19

60th minute - POINT - Seamus Callanan points the 65 metre free - - Toomevara 1-11 Drom & Inch 0-10

59th minute - A Seamus Callanan free from 90 metres is going wide but Toomevara's Paddy Tuohy tries to catch the ball and concedes a 65 metre free.

At least 3 minutes of additional time.

59th minute - YELLOW CARD for David Young for a foul on Seamus Callanan.

58th minute - Toomevara need two scores but are intent on getting the goal first. Drom are holding out well though and have blocked whatever half chances Toomevara have created.

56th minute - the next score will be crucial - Drom have had some bad wides while Toome look like they can get a goal.

52nd minute - POINT - Benny Dunne is moved to midfield with David Young going centre-back. Doesn't matter as Callanan scores his fifth point from play for Drom - Toomevara 1-11 Drom & Inch 0-18

52nd minute - POINT - David Young makes a long solo run up field from wing-back and scores a point from play - Toomevara 1-11 Drom & Inch 0-17

50th minute - POINT - David Butler scores another point from play for Drom who are on top now - can Toome respond? - Toomevara 1-10 Drom & Inch 0-17

50th minute - POINT - Johnny Ryan scores a good point from play - Toomevara 1-10 Drom & Inch 0-16

48th minute - John Kennedy looks like having 1 on 1 situation with the goalkeeper but the Toomevara goalie Sean Delaney races off his line to get there first.

48th minute - POINT - Seamus Callanan with another sublime point from play - his fourth and 7th in total - Toomevara 1-10 Drom & Inch 0-15

47th minute - POINT - Michael Bevans scores a point from play for Toomevara, just one in it now - Toomevara 1-10 Drom & Inch 0-14

46th minute - POINT - Ken Dunne scores his first pointed free of the day - - Toomevara 1-9 Drom & Inch 0-12

44th minute - POINT - Seamus Callanan scores another pointed free - - Toomevara 1-8 Drom & Inch 0-14

43rd minute - POINT - Joey McLoughney scores a point from for Toomevara - - Toomevara 1-8 Drom & Inch 0-13

43rd minute - Willie Ryan's rasper of a shot from a tight angle hits the crossbar and out for a line ball.

41st minute - POINT - Seamus Callanan scores a point from play off his left hanf wide and Drom are now 3 points in front - Toomevara 1-7 Drom & Inch 0-13

41st minute - change of free-taker for Toomevara - same result as Joey McLoughney hits a shot wide.

39th minute - Toomevara's expected burst early in the second half has not yet materialised. Another Ken Dunne free is hit wide - 3 in total.

38th minute - POINT - John O'Brien responds with a point from play for Toomevara - Toomevara 1-7 Drom & Inch 0-12

37th minute - POINT - Seamus Callanan sets up David Collins for a good point for Drom - Toomevara 1-6 Drom & Inch 0-12

36th minute - 8 wides to 3 in favour of Toomevara

35th minute - Ken Dunne hits another free wide. Is it going to be Drom's day?

34th minute - A half chance of a goal for Drom sub David Collins but the shot is smothered by the Toomevara defence and cleared.

33rd minute - POINT - Seamus Callanan points a free after the goalkeeper drops the hurley when trying to hand-pass under pressure - Toomevara 1-6 Drom & Inch 0-11

Attendance - 6,261

31st minute - POINT - John O'Brien scores a point from play for Toomevara - Toomevara 1-6 Drom & Inch 0-10

31st minute - goal chance for Drom but John Kennedy chose to rise the ball instead of pulling first time and the chance was gone.

Half-time round-up - a lively affair in Semple. Drom have hurled well for long periods yet Toomevara have missed more chances. The soft goal for Toomevara could prove crucial - a lot of Toomevara players are playing below par, especially up front but yet they are just two points behind. All to play for in the second half.

Half-time - Toomevara 1-5 Drom & Inch 0-10

31st minute - YELLOW CARD for Benny Dunne for hitting the ball at the referee Seamus Roche after he had blown the half-time whistle.

30th minute - POINT - Seamus Callanan points a long range free for Drom after Francis Devaney is blown up for over-carrying - Toomevara 1-5 Drom & Inch 0-10

29th minute - POINT - after doing very little for 28 minutes, Willie Ryan now picks off his second point from play inside a minute - Toomevara 1-5 Drom & Inch 0-9

28th minute - POINT - Toomevara's Willie Ryan scores a nice point from play off his left hand side - Toomevara 1-4 Drom & Inch 0-9

27th minute - 6 wides to 2 in favour of Toomevara

26th minute - POINT - Seamus Callanan scores a point from a free - Toomevara 1-3 Drom & Inch 0-9

25th minute - POINT - Seamus Callanan scores a long range point from play and makes it look very easy - Toomevara 1-3 Drom & Inch 0-8

24th minute - POINT - Seamus Callanan points a free to put Drom back in front - Toomevara 1-3 Drom & Inch 0-7

24th minute - YELLOW CARD for James Woodlock for a foul on Terry Dunne

23rd minute - YELLOW CARD for John O'Brien for a foul on Seamus Butler.

21st minute - Seamus Callanan points a free for Drom and the sides are level - Toomevara 1-3 Drom & Inch 0-6

21st minute - a good match so far but that goal could have a huge bearing on the game. Drom have had the better of the exchanges but find themselves a point down.

21st minute - YELLOW CARD for Francis Devanney of Toomevara

19th minute - GOAL - John O'Brien scores a goal from all of 50 metres out. The ball bounced in the square with Ken Dunne lurking and deceived Damien Young in the Drom goal - Toomevara 1-3 Drom & Inch 0-5

18th minute - POINT - John Kennedy scores his second point from play for Drom to put the Mid champions two points in front again - Toomevara 0-3 Drom & Inch 0-5

16th minute - POINT - Ken Dunne scores a point from play after a long solo run - Toomevara 0-3 Drom & Inch 0-4

14th minute - POINT - Seamus Butler scores another point from play for Drom to put them two ahead - Toomevara 0-2 Drom & Inch 0-4

13th minute - POINT - Seamus Callanan scores a point from play to put Drom in front - Toomevara 0-2 Drom & Inch 0-3

12th minute - Seamus Callnan has the ball in the net but hold on, its a free out against Callanan. James Woodlock is hurling a stormer at centre-field for Drom

11th minute - 4 wides for Toomevara so far. None for Drom & Inch.

10th minute - a good game thus far. Very little space for either team with quite a bit of bite in proceedings. Much better than the first game with just ten minutes evidence so far.

7th minute - POINT - John Kennedy catches a high ball and turns and strikes a beautiful point from play - Toomevara 0-2 Drom & Inch 0-2

6th minute - POINT - John O'Brien scores a lovely point from play under pressure by the Old Stand side - Toomevara 0-2 Drom & Inch 0-1

5th minute - POINT - Seamus Butler scores a point from play after his first shot was blocked down - Toomevara 0-1 Drom & Inch 0-1

2nd minute - POINT - Ken Dunne opens the scoring with a point from play for Toomevara - Toomevara 0-1 Drom & Inch 0-0

1st minute - Seamus Callanan strikes for goal from a 20 metre free but it is saved on the line and cleared.

3:22pm - both teams are out on the field for the second of the semi-finals with a place on offer in the County Final against Thurles Sarsfields.

COUNTY FINALS COVERAGE BEGINS ON TG4

September 30th, 2009

TG4 has confirmed that it will broadcast a number of mouth-watering GAA County Football and Hurling Finals in the coming month on its Sunday afternoon show GAA Beo, starting next Sunday afternoon with the Donegal and Galway Football Finals.

TG4 will exclusively provide both live and deferred coverage of GAA matches each Sunday afternoon between now and mid-December with the AIB Provincial Club Championships coverage starting on Sunday 1st November.

Presenter Micheál Ó Domhnaill and the commentary team of Gearóid Mac Donncha and Gaoth Dobhair and Donegal footballer Caoimhín Ó Casaide will be at MacCumhail Park in Ballybofey for the match between St. Eunan's and Naomh Conaill in what promises to be an interesting clash in the Donegal County Football Final. Holders St. Eunan's will meet Naomh Conaill following their semi-final wins over Dungloe and Kilcar respectively.

Afterwards GAA viewers will get the chance to see the Galway County Football Final between north Galway sides Corofin and Mountbellew-Moylough, who booked their places in the decider with semi-final wins over Salthill/Knocknacarra and Caltra respectively.

SUNDAY 4 OCTOBER
3:00pm   GAA Beo coverage begins
LIVE MATCH @ 3:30pm - Donegal County Football Final St. Eunan's v Naomh Conaill Live from MacCumhail Park, Ballybofey Holders St. Eunan's will meet Naomh Conaill in the Donegal Senior Football Championhsip Final following their semi-final wins over Dungloe and Kilcar respectively.

DEFERRED MATCH @ 5pm - Galway County Football Final Corofin v Mountbellew-Moylough from Tuam Stadium

North Galway sides Corofin and Mountbellew-Moylough booked their places in the decider with semi-final wins over Salthill/Knocknacarra and Caltra respectively.
GAA Beo will be presented by Micheál Ó Domhnaill with commentary by Gearóid Mac Donncha, Brian Tyers and Caoimhín Ó Casaide.

SUNDAY 11 OCTOBER
3:45pm    GAA Beo coverage begins

LIVE MATCH @ 4:15pm - Cork County Hurling Final Sarsfields v Newtownshandrum Live from Páirc Uí Chaoimh In the County Semi-Finals, Newtonshandrum beat St Finbarrs while Sarsfields got the better of CIT.

DEFERRED MATCH - Wicklow County Football Final Rathnew v St. Patricks from Aughrim Park, Aughrim Neighbours Rathnew & St. Pats will face off against each other in a repeat of the 2004 County Final which saw St. Pats put a halt to Rathnews quest for 9 in a row. In the County Football semi-finals, Rathnew beat Baltinglass while St. Pats had a two point win over Kiltegan.

Presented by Micheál Ó Domhnaill with commentary by Brian Tyers, Donal O'Grady and Gearóid Mac Donncha.

FULL GAA BEO SCHEDULE ON TG4
Sunday 4 October                   Donegal & Galway County Football Finals Sunday 11 October                 Cork County Hurling Final & Wicklow County Football Final Sunday 18 October                 Live & deferred coverage - County Hurling & Football Final Sunday 25 October                 Live & deferred coverage - County Hurling & Football Final Sunday 1 November                Live coverage from the AIB Munster Club Hurling Quarter-Final (Winners Cork v Winners Tipperary) from Semple Stadium, Thurles.
Special programmes and schedule to commemorate 125 Years of the GAA, including: Sam Maguire Documentary, Micheál O'Hehir, Top 50 GAA Football Goals, GAA BEO live from Semple Stadium Thurles, Top 50 GAA Hurling Goals, Ringy, Cormac McAnallen, Cogar: John 3:7, Geantraí music special to celebrate GAA 125 and many more.

Sunday 8 November                Live and deferred coverage from the AIB Provincial Club Hurling & Football Championships.
Sunday 15 November              Live and deferred coverage from the AIB Provincial Club Hurling & Football Championships.
Sunday 22 November             Live and deferred coverage from the AIB Provincial Club Hurling & Football Championships.
Sunday 29 November             Live and deferred coverage from the AIB Provincial Club Hurling & Football Championships and the All-Ireland Ladies Club Football Final.
Sunday 6 December                Live and deferred coverage from the AIB Provincial Club Hurling & Football Championships.
Sunday 13 December              To be confirmed

More information:
Ronan Ó Coisdealbha
TG4 SPORT
Tel: 091-505050 / 087-2472841
www.tg4.ie

TIPPERARY GAA YEAR BOOK

September 29th, 2009

It's that time of the year again when the preliminary work on the production of the Tipperary G.A.A. Yearbook commences. Chairman, Seamus King, informs me that the first meeting of the committee takes place this Thursday in Lár na Páirce and it's all systems go after that. The deadline for the receipt of material, especially obituary notices, is November 1. This year, the Yearbook will be of special interest because of Tipperary senior hurlers' tremendous performances in the National League and the championship. The book will record the highlights of these achievements, as well as the efforts of the other county teams in hurling and football, and all the other G.A.A. activity within the county. Also, the highlights of the 125 celebrations within the county will be recorded. The committee hope that many people in the county will be willing to take out advertisements in the book, which helps to defray the costs of production and, with this in mind they have appointed Fiachra O'Keeffe, Glenough, Rossmore, Cashel as advertising agent for the 2010 Yearbook. They are hopeful that he will get a good response. The final date for the receipt of advertisements in November 13 and it is hoped to have the book, which will be printed by the Nenagh Guardian, in the shops by December 11.

REPRINT OF TONY WALL’S BOOK ON HURLING

September 29th, 2009

Tony Wall's book “Hurling”, first published in 1965, is now available in a hand stitched hardback reprint. Tony Wall of Thurles Sarsfields is holder of 5 All Ireland senior hurling medals, was captain of the 1958 winning team, was Texaco hurler of the Year in 1958 and captained the Tipp minor hurlers to All Ireland victory in 1952. The cost including packaging and postage is €56.50. The book is available immediately from Kenny's Bindery, 13-18 Kilkerrin Park, Liosbaun, Tuam Road, Galway, phone 091-709362, fax 091-757516, email: bindery@kennys.ie .

TG4 SPECIAL OF GAA PROGRAMMES ON NOVEMBER 1st

September 29th, 2009

As the GAA prepares to mark the 125th Anniversary of its foundation in Thurles on November 1st, TG4 has unveiled a special day of GAA programmes schedule to mark the occasion. The station has dedicated most of its schedule on that day to Gaelic Games with viewers getting the opportunity to see live GAA action as well as a mouth-watering wide range of GAA-themed content in other programme types including documentaries, profiles and music. The main live match coverage on this special day will be from Semple Stadium for the AIB Munster Club Hurling Quarter-Final with the Cork champions taking on their Tipperary counterparts in what will undoubtedly be an exciting encounter. There will be special events happening at Thurles during the day to mark the 125th Anniversary of the GAA and TG4 presenter Micheál Ó Domhnaill will have all the latest news from there.

The live match coverage will be complimented by a wide range of specially commissioned/selected programmes with a GAA theme including: Sam Maguire documentary, Micheál O'Hehir, Top 50 GAA Football Goals, Top 50 GAA Hurling Goals, Ringy, the Cormac McAnallen tribute programme, the first showing of the new John 3:7 documentary and a specially commissioned edition of the traditional music series Geantraí with songs and tunes with a GAA ring to them.

So for those of you who can’t be present at the events in Thurles that day, watching TG4 is the next best option!

Tipp top All Star nominations list

September 24th, 2009

Tipp top All Star nominations list

From the Irish Times newspaper

After a campaign that they will look back on with a mixture of pride and frustration, Tipperary were handed 13 nominations for the hurling All Stars this evening. The beaten All-Ireland finalists top the list, edging champions Kilkenny (12) into second place.

Galway have six players up for consideration with Waterford represented by five men on the initial list.

Tommy Walsh, John Mullane and Lar Corbett will contest the hurler of the year award while Joe Canning, Pádraic Maher and Noel McGrath are shortlisted for the young hurler gong.

Kilkenny’s Henry Shefflin may have missed out on a nod for the ultimate accolade but will join a select band should he win a ninth All Star next month. Only DJ Carey and Pat Spillane have reached that mark.

The final team that will be named at an awards ceremony in the Citywest hotel on Friday, October 16th.

HURLING NOMINATIONS

GOALKEEPER

Brendan Cummins (Tipperary)
Clinton Hennessy (Waterford)
PJ Ryan (Kilkenny)

FULL BACKS

Ollie Canning (Galway)
Noel Connors (Waterford)
JJ Delaney (Kilkenny)
Michael Kavanagh (Kilkenny)
Pádraic Maher (Tipperary) **
Fergal Moore (Galway)
Shane O’Neill (Cork)
Paddy Stapleton (Tipperary)
Jackie Tyrell (Kilkenny)

HALF BACKS

Tony Browne (Waterford)
Declan Fanning (Tipperary)
Mark Foley (Limerick)
Stephen Hiney (Dublin)
John Lee (Galway)
Conor O’Mahony (Tipperary)
John Tennyson (Kilkenny)
Michael Walsh (Waterford)
Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny) *

CENTREFIELD

Séamus Hickey (Limerick)
Alan McCrabbe (Dublin)
Shane McGrath (Tipperary)
Gavin O’Mahony (Limerick)
Michael Rice (Kilkenny)
James Woodlock (Tipperary)

HALF FORWARDS

Eddie Brennan (Kilkenny)
Séamus Callanan (Tipperary)
Aonghus Callinan (Galway)
Lar Corbett (Tipperary) *
Pat Kerwick (Tipperary)
Eoin Larkin (Kilkenny)
John O’Brien (Tipperary)
Ben O’Connor (Cork)
Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny)

FULL FORWARDS

Joe Canning (Galway) **
Martin Comerford (Kilkenny)
Damien Hayes (Galway)
Eoin Kelly (Tipperary)
Noel McGrath (Tipperary) **
John Mullane (Waterford) *
David O’Callaghan (Dublin)
Richie Power (Kilkenny)
David Treacy (Dublin)

* Hurler of the Year
** Young Hurler of the Year

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Snub to Cats as Tipperary top All Star nominations

Thursday, September 24, 2009

From the Irish Examiner newspaper

THE all-conquering Kilkenny hurling team has received fewer Vodafone All Star nominations than Tipperary, the side they beat three times this season on their way to a historic four All-Ireland titles in-a-row.

Eyebrows will be raised by the fact that Kilkenny have received 12 All Star nominations in comparison with All-Ireland finalists Tipperary’s 13, despite the fact that the Cats beat the Munster county in both the league and championship deciders this season, a run of success which has contributed to Kilkenny being hailed as one of the greatest teams of all time.

"I wasn’t aware the nominations were out," said Kilkenny selector Martin Fogarty yesterday evening.

"To be honest we wouldn’t put much store by those.

"Obviously they’re nice awards for the players to receive, but All Stars and Man of the Match awards, they wouldn’t really mean that much."

Eyebrows will also be raised at the disclosure that Waterford’s Eoin Kelly, the second-highest scorer in this year’s All-Ireland senior hurling championship, has been omitted from the list of nominations for 2009.

The omission echoes last year’s controversy, when Kelly’s county colleague John Mullane did not make the final selection, despite notching 2-21 from play that season, though Mullane later picked up a Gaelic Players Association (GPA) award.

Kelly scored 2-47 this year, one point behind top scorer Joe Canning of Galway, who is nominated for this year’s full-forward line. Two years ago Kelly was also omitted from the nominations while his county team-mate Eoin McGrath made the longlist, even though McGrath was used as an impact substitute that season.

At that time Kelly said: "It just seems like it is going to be a bit of a joke, doesn’t it?

"Looking at it, I just thought it was a bit silly but that’s it."

In all there are 14 first-time nominees — including the Tipp players Pádraic Maher, Paddy Stapleton, James Woodlock, Pat Kerwick, John O’Brien and Noel McGrath; Dublin’s Stephen Hiney, Alan McCrabbe and David Treacy (David O’Callaghan was nominated last year); Kilkenny’s Michael Rice; and Limerick’s Gavin O’Mahony.

The others are Waterford’s Noel Connors, and Fergal Moore and Aengus Callinan of Galway.

All but three of last year’s All Stars team are nominated (the exceptions are Cats Noel Hickey and Cha Fitzpatrick as well as Eoin Kelly of Waterford).

Tommy Walsh is line for his seventh successive award, while Henry Shefflin will join his fellow county-man DJ Carey and Kerry football great Pat Spillane on nine awards if selected this year.

Eoin Kelly of Tipperary is going for his sixth, having missed for the last two years.

Michael ‘Brick’ Walsh of Waterford is nominated for the half-back line, having won an award at midfield in 2007 and being nominated at half-forward the previous year.

Declan Fanning, who is nominated at half-back, was full-back on the 2007 All Star team.

Four of Kilkenny’s All-Ireland starters miss out — Brian Hogan, Derek Lyng, Richie Hogan and Aidan Fogarty.

Last year Martin Comerford was the only one of the 15 starters omitted.

Twelve months ago Kilkenny had 14 players nominated while Tipperary had nine.

John Mullane, Lar Corbett and Tommy Walsh have been nominated for Player of the Year, while the Young Player of the Year nominees are Joe Canning, Pádraic Maher and Noel McGrath.

Meanwhile, the 2010 NHL will begin with a repeat of this year’s All-Ireland hurling final between Kilkenny and Tipperary at Semple Stadium.

The glamour tie will be played under lights on Saturday, 20 February.

The other Division 1 first round games between Limerick and Galway, Cork and Offaly, and Waterford and Dublin, will take place the following day, Sunday, 21 February.

In football Ulster rivals Derry and Tyrone, and Connacht neighbours Mayo and Galway, will launch the football league on Saturday, February 6.

Both games will be played under lights in Celtic Park and Castlebar respectively.

The following day, Kerry and Dublin and Monaghan and Cork will face off in the remaining Division 1 first round ties at Killarney and Clones respectively, though all fixtures are subject to final ratification by the county boards concerned.

TIPPERARY GAA ARCHIVES WEB SITE

September 23rd, 2009

TIPPERARY GAA ARCHIVES WEB SITE
– www.tippgaaarchives.com
The new Tipperary GAA archives website, www.tippgaaarchives.com was launched on Saturday September 19th at a function in the Anner Hotel Thurles by County Chairman, Barry O’Brien. The initiative was sponsored by the Tipperary GAA 125 Committee chaired by Seamus J. King. Among the guests at the launch was Jimmy Butler Coffey of Newport, who will be 100 years old later this year and is the last surviving member of the Tipperary team which won the All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship in 1937.

The archives site includes a list of every player who was part of a Tipperary Championship team from Minor up to Senior level in Hurling and Football since 1886. The list of over 17,000 players was compiled over the past couple of years by PJ Maxwell, an underage All Ireland hurling medallist with Tipperary and captain of the Tipperary team which won the 1980 Munster Under 21 Hurling Final. Thanks to the assistance of the clubs in Tipperary, over 90% of the players will include the correct Christian name also.

The new web site will also include the Divisional and County Championship Roll of Honour for all grades in Hurling and Football from Minor C grade all the way up to Senior since each competition began. This list was compiled by former County PRO and current Tipperary I.T. Committee Chairman, Ed Donnelly, from numerous sources and again, thanks to the assistance of the clubs, the name of the winning captain is included for over 75% of all County Champions.

All Ireland senior hurling medallist, former All-Star and current Tipperary Minor Hurling Manager, Mark O’Leary, set up the web site and supporting database. The use of modern technology will ensure that not only can the information be easily searched online but the web site can be updated in real-time.

Tipperary County Board would like to thank the 125 Committee for sponsoring this initiative and to thank most sincerely PJ, Ed and Mark for their dedication to the project. It has required painstaking research and will be a very valuable reference point for anybody interested in Tipperary GAA.
Queries and feedback should be directed to Ed Donnelly, Chairman Tipperary IT Committee, at ed.donnelly@gaa.ie or 087-2055642

HONOURING TEAMS OF THE PAST

September 23rd, 2009

HONOURING TEAMS OF THE PAST

At this years county senior hurling final on Sunday October 18th, the Borris-Ileigh teams which won the County Senior Hurling Championship in 1981, 1983 and 1986 and the All Ireland Club title for 1986-87 will be honoured and will be introduced on the pitch at half time in the senior final. At the football final the following Sunday October 25th, the 1975 County Senior Football Champions, Kilruane MacDonaghs, will be honoured and introduced in a similar fashion.

BRENDAN CUMMINS – MUNSTER HURLER OF THE YEAR

September 22nd, 2009

From www.tipperary.gaa.ie

The Munster Council has chosen Brendan Cummins of Ballybacon Grange and Tipperary as Munster Hurler of the Year for 2009. Brendan made his championship debut for Tipperary against Waterford in Pairc Ui Chaoimh in May 1995. He has made a record total of 56 championship appearances for Tipperary. His honours include 1 All Ireland Senior Hurling championship, 3 Munster Senior Hurling Championships, 4 National Hurling League titles, 1 All Ireland U-21 Hurling Championship, 4 All Star awards and 4 All Ireland Poc Fada titles. Congratulations to Brendan on a well deserved award.

COUNTY SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

September 22nd, 2009

From Tipperary GAA Scene

And then there were 8! We have reached the quarter final stages of the County Senior Hurling championship following wins last weekend for Toomevara, Upperchurch Drombane, Thurles Sarsfields and Borris-Ileigh. The quarter finals will be played on Saturday and Sunday, September 26th and 27th in Semple Stadium and the draw has thrown up 4 very attractive games. On Saturday at 3pm North champions Nenagh Éire Óg will play Thurles Sarsfields and at 4.30pm South champions Mullinahone will play Upperchurch Drombane. On Sunday at 3pm Mid champions, Drom and Inch will take on their neighbouring club, Borris-Ileigh and at 4.30pm West champions Clonoulty Rossmore will play defending County champions, Toomevara. The semi-finals will be played on Sunday October 4th in Semple Stadium with the County final scheduled for Sunday October 18th.

BEST CLUB UNDER THE SUN

September 16th, 2009

Hard luck to Drom and Inch club on their narrow failure in their quest to win the Etihad Airways sponsored “Best Club Under the Sun” competition for a team training camp in Abu Dhabi under the tutelage of Nicky English. The competition was won by Dublin club, Lucan Sarsfields.

GAA 125 CELEBRATIONS ON NOVEMBER 1st

September 16th, 2009

Sunday November 1st will be the 125th anniversary of the inaugural meeting of the GAA in Hayes Hotel, Thurles in 1884. There will be a programme of events in Thurles that weekend to mark the historic occasion. Further details will be announced in the coming weeks.

TIPPERARY GAA ARCHIVES WEB SITE

September 16th, 2009

On this coming Saturday, a new Tipperary GAA Archives web site will be launched at the Anner Hotel Thurles by County Chairman Barry O’Brien. From Saturday, this web site will be linked from the Tipperary GAA web site at http://tipperary.gaa.ie and will include a list of every player who was part of a Tipperary Championship team from Minor up to Senior level in Hurling and Football since 1886. The list of over 17,000 players was compiled over the past couple of years by PJ Maxwell, former Tipperary underage hurler and captain of the Tipperary team which won the 1980 Munster Under 21 Hurling Final. Thanks to the assistance of the clubs, over 90% of the players will include the correct Christian name also.

The new web site will also include the Divisional and County Championship Roll of Honour for all grades in Hurling and Football from Minor C grade all the way up to Senior since each competition began. This list was compiled by former County PRO Ed Donnelly from numerous sources and again, thanks to the assistance of the clubs, the name of the winning captain is included for over 75% of all County Champions.

All of the above information can be found on various publications which invariably get out of date with each passing year. With the assistance of former Tipperary All-Star hurler Mark O’Leary who set up the web site and supporting database, the use of modern technology will ensure that not only can the information be easily searched online, the web site can be updated in real-time and includes all teams and champions up to and including last weekend’s Divisional finals at Minor, Junior and Intermediate level.

This project was sponsored by the committee set up to organise events for the 125th Anniversary of the GAA, led by Seamus J. King who will chair the launch on Saturday. Thanks to everyone involved, including the Tipperary GAA County Board for funding this project. Why not check out the Tipperary GAA web site from this coming Saturday and delve through the unique history of Tipperary Hurling and Football? We would love to hear from all interested Gaels in relation to the information put together – please contact Ed Donnelly at ed.donnelly@gaa.ie or 087-2055642 with your feedback.

Well done to PJ, Ed and Mark on this initiative. It has required painstaking research and will be a very valuable reference point for anybody interested in Tipperary GAA.

London Tipps' Annual Dinner-Dance

September 16th, 2009

London Tipperary Association (Founded 1952)

Press Release

2009 Annual Dinner-Dance
Crown Moran Hotel
Saturday October 24th

Tipperary Captains to be the toast of Exiles
at
London Tipps' Annual Dinner-Dance

The Liam MacCarthy Cup may not be present at this year's London Tipperary Annual Dinner-Dance but its absence on Saturday October 24th should not affect another great night of celebration for the Premier County's Exiles in London, according to long-serving Association Life-President and Lorrha native- Tom Milne.
"We all know things could have been so different in Croke Park on September 6th but that is no reason not to recognise the tremendous achievement and performance of the Tipperary hurlers on that day. Still only regarded as an emerging team, Tipperary have the distinction of giving Kilkenny - deservedly hailed as the greatest ever team, two of their toughest matches this year and were it not for some sheer bad luck and some miraculous goal-keeping then the 'Blue and Gold' would surely have prevailed on All-Ireland Final Day"
Apart from welcoming some members of the hurling team, including joint-captains Conor O'Mahony and Willie Ryan and rising Lorrha star Padraig 'Bonner' Maher, who successfully defended their Munster title, Tom Milne's and his fellow London Tipperary Association committee members including chairman John Whyte are also delighted to welcome the Tipperary football captain - Andrew Morrissey who led his side to an historic National Football League (Division 3) title following a memorable victory over Down in Longford last April under the guidance of charismatic Kerryman - John Evans.
"It takes some individual to get Tipperary men excited about football and that credit must surely go to the amazing John Evans. His genuine regret when Tipperary's U21s were denied a Munster title by Cork with a last minute goal was one of the images of the GAA calendar but just like the county's hurlers there are genuinely promising times ahead for Tipperary's footballers and it's been many, many decades since that was the case!" concluded Drangan native - John Whyte.
Over two hundred and fifty diners will be making their way to the Crown Moran Hotel, Cricklewood Broadway for the Bank Holiday weekend function.
Entertainment will once again be provided by the magnificent Barry Owen Band.

Tickets enquiries can be made to the London Tipperary Association's Life President - Tom Milne (00 44) (0) 20 7387 7739.
Mob: (00 44 (0) 7956 938187.
Chairman - John Whyte (00 44) (0) 20 8641 9977.
Mob: (00 44 (0) 7889 060191.
President - Gus Casey (00 44) (0) 20 8422 0596. Mob: (00 44 (0) 7939
110219.

Tipperary Supporters Club All-Ireland Final Golf Classic

September 11th, 2009

The winners of the Tipperary Supporters Club All-Ireland Final Golf Classic held on Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th September on the GPA National Course at the beautiful Palmerstown House Estate in Johnstown, Co Kildare were the "Friends of Andy Lacey" Team. Joe Curran collected the winning prize on behalf of Gerry Ryan, Robert Dore and John McGrath after posting a score of 94 points on Friday afternoon, just edging out the U Store team in to second place on 93 points. The teams collected lovely prizes including golfing breaks in Spain and Ireland.

The Classic was again a great success with more than 50 teams taking part and proved a suitable opener to the All-Ireland Final weekend. Our thanks go to all the team, prize, tee and green sponsors who again ensured that the event was a major fundraiser for hurling in Tipperary. Particular credit is due to the staff at the GPA National who all had the venue in great condition, despite some very testing weather earlier in the week http://www.palmerstownhouse.com/ . Led by Adrian Killigrew, the team at GPA National provided an excellent venue with first class facilities, catering and logistical support.

At the event also was Eddie Morrissey of Moycarkey-Borris who had with him the medal won by his great grand-uncle Tom Stapleton as captain of the first All-Ireland Hurling Final winning team, Thurles Blues who defeated Meelick of Galway in 1887.

Winners : Friends of Andy Lacey Team 94pts Joe Curran South Herts Gerry Ryan Lahinch Robert Dore Royal Tara John Mc Grath Thurles

Runners-up: U Store It 93pts Mick Buckley Knightsbrook Dick Lonergan Carrick –on -Suir Denis McHugh Elm Green Seamus Lonergan Carton

3rd : Bernard Kavanagh Team 92pts Babs Keating Hermitage Paul D’Arcy Coolattin Ger Galvin Charleville Johnny Murtagh Cill Dara

4th: 92pts Francis O’Dwyer Pat Doyle Emmet McGregor Jim Brerton

5th: Newpark Care Centre 92pts John McCormack Niall Cosgrove Ed McCormack John Mc Cormack

6th Millbrook Construction 91pts Frank Gleeson Vincent O’Brien Declan Gleeson Paul Verdon

7th Dundrum Maps 89pts Don O’Mahony Domhnall O’Mahony Ned Coogan Benny Crookes

Longest Drive – Eamonn Kelly Kildangan >300 yards

Nearest Pin- Michael Mahon, Bunclody 3’ – 3’’

Team Homecoming and Banquet Reports

September 9th, 2009

The Tipperary Supporters Club would like to thank the players, management and back up team for their excellent work throughout 2009. The Season included the Allianz NHL Final which went to extra time, the retention of the Munster SH title and a narrow defeat in the All-Ireland Final . We look forward with great hope to 2010 and beyond.

From www.tipperary.gaa.ie
Well done to the Tipperary Senior Hurling team and management on their great performance against Kilkenny in last Sunday’s All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final in Croke Park. While they just came up short in their quest to bring the Liam McCarthy Cup back to Tipperary, all Tipperary people were very proud and heartened by their great display in what all commentators have described as a truly great final. The team received a great reception at the banquet for them hosted by the Tipperary Association Dublin in the Burlington Hotel in Dublin on Sunday night. We are grateful to the Tipperary Association for their customary welcome and hospitality and to all those who attended the banquet. On Monday evening the team returned to Thurles by train and received a magnificent welcome from several thousand Tipperary supporters at Semple Stadium. We would like to thank all the players, Liam Sheedy, Eamon O’Shea and Michael Ryan and their backroom team for all their hard work and dedication over the last 9 months. Theirs is a massive commitment and we are also grateful to their families for supporting them so well and enabling them to make the time to dedicate to Tipperary. Well done to them all.

Tipperary Team Homecoming Arrangements

September 7th, 2009

From www.tipperarygaa.ie
After the brave effort of our senior hurlers on Sunday in the All Ireland senior hurling final a homecoming has been organised and the details are as follows

* The homecoming will be held in Semple Stadium on Monday the 7th
. The stadium was chosen in consultation with the Gardai and health and safety officers
* The team will arrive in Semple Stadium at 7pm approx and will
precede to the V.I.P area where they will be presented to the supporters present
* Entry to the Stadium will be by the Kinnane (Old) Stand only and
people can sit in that stand or come on to the pitch.
* We would ask for a large crowd to attend to show your
application to the players and management on their very brave effort

Tipperary defeated in All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final - match reports

September 7th, 2009

Cats strike late to claim famous four-in-a-row

From the GAA.ie web site

Sunday, September 6

Kilkenny 2-22 Tipperary 0-23

Kilkenny struck two late goals to secure the four-in-a-row and kill off Tipperary’s brave challenge in an epic All-Ireland final at Croke Park on Sunday.

Tipperary appeared to be in complete control of the game until substitute Benny Dunne was sent off for a wild pull on Tommy Walsh in the 54th minute, and the Cats produced a stunning finish to end up with a five-point winning margin.

However, Tipperary came closer than any other team to ending Kilkenny’s monopoly of the Liam MacCarthy Cup, and but for some poor shooting and the brilliance of Cats goalkeeper PJ Ryan, they could easily have won the title for the first time since 2001.

Seamus Callanan and Eoin Kelly were denied what looked like certain goals in the second half by Ryan, who pulled off spectacular saves that will leave him a front runner for an All Star.

Kilkenny were not at their best but as usual they came good when they really needed to in the final minutes, taking their two goal-scoring chances clinically. Shefflin struck from the penalty spot after Riche Power had been hauled down and then Martin Comerford completed a remarkable turnaround when he snaffled a second just a minute later.

Tipperary’s success this year has been based on their ability to score goals, but as Ryan single-handedly kept them out, they simply could not find a way past the Kilkenny defence in a thrilling final few minutes.

Kilkenny nearly made their trademark quick start to the game when Richie Hogan appeared to have found a way through on goal after the ball was dropped in the Tipperary defence. However, the ball was just out of his reach and Tipperary could breathe again.

The Cats served notice of their intentions in the second minute when Jackie Tyrrell floored Callanan with a ferocious shoulder that left the Tipperary centre-forward needing treatment. The opening minutes were tough and uncompromising; with Tipperary standing up to everything the Cats threw at them in the physical stakes. Referee Diarmuid Kirwan allowed the game to flow without too much interference before stepping in later in the game when matters threatened to boil over.

Shefflin and Eoin Kelly, both on free-taking duties for their respective teams, left the sides level inside eight minutes, but the big talking point of the opening exchanges came a minute later when Shefflin had a great chance to hammer home an early goal. However, the Kilkenny marksman was denied by a brilliant save from Brendan Cummins, who deflected the groundstroke out for a ’65.

Kelly and Lar Corbett, the only Tipperary players to score in the first half, were causing problems for Kilkenny’s much-heralded full-back line. Kelly was on hand to punish any fouls committed by the Kilkenny defence; Corbett was more of a threat in open play, his pace causing panic and leading to a fine point after 15 minutes. Kilkenny hit back with points from Tommy Walsh, Eoin Larkin, Eddie Brennan and Shefflin again to lead by two after 19 minutes.

But Tipperary were by no means overawed by the three-time champions and hit the next three scores to take the lead once again within five minutes. After a slow start, the game really opened up and some of the point-taking was an absolute pleasure to watch. However, Kilkenny hit the last two points of the half and led by two, 0-13 to 0-11, at the break.

Ryan made the fist of his vital interventions immediately after the restart, producing perhaps the save of the season to deny Callanan after Pat Kerwick had brilliantly fashioned the opening. Callanan was becoming increasingly influential for the underdogs after a quiet first half and he hit two in a row to level the game before Shane McGrath struck the point of the game to give Tipp the lead.

Shefflin responded with a free before Ryan again produced a heroic save to deny Eoin Kelly. The Tipperary full-forward was straight through on goal, but he appeared to slip at the point of contact with the ball and his shot was deflected out for a ’65 by the Cats’ goalkeeper. Kelly picked himself up to send the ensuing dead ball over.

One of the games many talking points came in the 54th minute, when Tipperary substitute Benny Dunne, who had been introduced six minutes previously, was sent to the line for a strike on Tommy Walsh. The pair contested a high ball and the Toomevara man appeared to pull prematurely on the ball, striking his opponent in the chest area for a deserved red card.

The sending off appeared to have a galvanising effect on Liam Sheedy’s men and they reacted brilliantly, firing over three points in a row to take a three-point lead and all the momentum into the final ten minutes.

If the game had one decisive turning point, it came in the 63rd minute, when the referee awarded the champions a hotly-debated penalty for a foul by Paul Curran on Richie Power. Power appeared to have been dragged down just outside the area, but Kirwan pointed to the spot and Shefflin hammered home to give Kilkenny the lead.

It got worse for Tipperary a minute later. Comerford, who had lost his place in the starting line-up, made space for himself and struck a low shot past Cummins for a second goal.

The Premier men went in search of goals in the final minutes, but found Ryan, who saved from an angled Noel McGrath shot, in imperious form between the sticks. Jackie Tyrrell added another for the Cats, with Kelly responding, but it was Eoin Larkin who fired the final two points of the game to complete an amazing turnaround for the champions.

Kilkenny: PJ Ryan; M Kavanagh, JJ Delaney, J Tyrrell (0-1); T Walsh (0-1), B Hogan, J Tennyson; D Lyng (0-1), M Rice; R Hogan (0-2), H Shefflin (1-9, 0-8f, 1-0 pen), E Larkin (0-3); E Brennan (0-2), R Power (0-1), A Fogarty.

Subs: TJ Reid (0-1) for A Fogarty ’50, M Fennelly (0-1) for D Lyng ’50, M Comerford (1-0) for R Hogan ’55.

Tipperary: B Cummins; P Stapleton, P Maher, P Crran; D Fanning, C O’Mahony, B Maher; J Woodlock, S McGrath (0-1); P Kerwick, S Callanan (0-3), J O’Brien; N McGrath (0-2), E Kelly (0-13, 0-8f, 0-3 ’65), L Corbett (0-4).

Subs: B Dunne for J O’Brien ’47, W Ryan for P Kerwick ’66, M Webster for J Woodlock ’68.

Referee: D Kirwan (Cork)

Attendance: 82,106

From Irish Independant
By Martin Breheny

Monday September 07 2009

IT provided enough talking points to fuel a debating society long into the winter but, first, let's acknowledge yesterday's encounter for the incredible contest and spectacle that it was.

How fitting that in the GAA's 125th year and with Kilkenny bidding for a place in history as the first county to win seven All-Ireland titles in a decade -- not to mention becoming the first to win four-in-a-row for 65 years -- the game didn't just live up to expectations but exceeded them with a spectacular flourish which illuminated a dark afternoon in Croke Park.

The 2009 final can make an immediate application for admission to the 'Epic Hall of Fame' and only the most carping would advocate rejection. Even then, they will be ridiculed for their lack of soul after a wonderful occasion which more than compensated for the disappointing finals of the last two years.

Now -- as in 2007 and 2008 -- it ended with Kilkenny as All-Ireland champions, only this time after being driven to the limits of their remarkable endurance by an outstanding Tipperary effort. If Limerick and Waterford lacked the necessary substance to seriously test Kilkenny in the last two finals, Tipperary matched the champions in just about every department, except experience, as they drove themselves through new frontiers.

Ultimately, they came up short as Kilkenny took their total to 28 points which has been their consistent championship average over recent years. However, unlike so many other days where they harvested their bountiful yields in a fairly even spread over the full game, they packed the match-winning salvo into the final seven minutes.

They outgunned Tipperary by 2-3 to 0-2 over that closing stretch with the launch pad arriving in rather controversial circumstances at a time when it looked as if Tipperary's relentless effort might have put them in a winning position.

Noel McGrath's 62nd-minute point gave Tipperary a two-point lead (21-19) which was more than satisfactory for the challengers, who had coped superbly with being a man down after sub Benny Dunne was dismissed on a straight red car for a pull on Tommy Walsh in the 54th minute.

It was a serious error of judgement by such an experienced player and when Henry Shefflin pointed the resultant free to bring the sides level for the 11th time, the initiative appeared to have nudged in Kilkenny's direction. But, not for the first time in the course of an afternoon when Tipperary underlined in the most emphatic terms just how a formidable force they now are, the reaction was overwhelmingly positive.

Tipperary hadn't shirked their responsibilities all day and now dug in for another session of heavy lifting during which they opened a three-point lead on the hour mark and were still two clear when Richie Power began a surge towards goal three minutes later.

He looked to have been fouled outside the square but referee Diarmuid Kirwan didn't blow and as the Kilkenny poacher drove into the square he was adjudged to have been impeded illegally by Paul Curran.

The call was tough on Tipperary as Kirwan awarded a penalty which Shefflin powered to the net. It was a superb strike in highly-pressurised circumstances but then Shefflin has specialised in delivering under the most intense scrutiny right through this decade.

With the Tipperary defence doing an excellent job in restricting his space through most of yesterday's game, he managed just one point from play but still ended up on 1-8 to take him within three points of Eddie Keher on the all-time championship scoring lists.

His goal put Kilkenny a point ahead and, typical of their instinctive ability to exploit a new-found advantage, they struck for a crucial second goal a minute later when sub Martin Comerford underlined his predatory nature by beating Brendan Cummins with a low drive.

Tipperary twice cut the gap to three points in the closing minutes but two late points by Eoin Larkin gave Kilkenny a cushion as they motored on to their 32nd All-Ireland title, taking them two clear of Cork.

There were times when even Kilkenny's steel-hard character must have wondered if an 18th successive championship win would elude them against a Tipperary team that rose magnificently to the biggest challenge of their rapidly-expanding careers. They matched Kilkenny in intensity and physicality all the way in a game where the referee let play flow if all possible.

At the same time, Tipperary enjoyed a substantial advantage in the free count, having been awarded 19 to Kilkenny's eight. It was quite a differential, the reason for which wasn't immediately apparent but, in the end, Tipperary will feel that the crucial penalty award was the most significant decision of all.

The sides were level seven times in the first half before Kilkenny scored two points in stoppage time to lead 0-13 to 0-11 at the interval. It was the most marginal of swings but Tipperary would have been happy with their first-half performance as it proved they really were up to the challenge.

Declan Fanning and Conor O'Mahony had hurled superbly in the half-back line; Shane McGrath and James Woodlock were productive off midfield breaks; Lar Corbett's outfield adventures enabled him to pick off three points in half an hour while Eoin Kelly, who finished on 0-13, was threatening to revisit his very best days at full-forward.

Kilkenny, as is their wont, prospered in high-powered bursts, scoring four points between the 16th and 19th minutes and another five in the last seven minutes of the half.

Nevertheless, the first half would have reinforced Tipperary's view that they were onto something. They had a clear chance of a goal two minutes after the restart when Seamus Callanan cut in on goal but his drive was brilliantly turned out for a '65 by PJ Ryan. It was a crucial moment and Ryan delivered again in the 45th minute, turning Kelly's low drive out for another '65.

Significantly, Tipperary had begun to create the goal openings but unlike the rest of the campaign where they yielded rich pickings, Ryan's excellence denied them this time.

Still, Tipperary enjoyed a good spell during which they should have scored more than they did. They hit six wides to Kilkenny's two in the second half, a telling statistic which will be a source of regret for a very long time.

Brian Cody began unloading his impressive subs' bench in the 50th minute, sending on TJ Reid, Michael Fennelly and Comerford in quick succession. All three made a significant impact, scoring 1-2 between them, whereas Tipperary's first sub was back on the bench on a red card after just seven minutes and Liam Sheedy didn't despatch any others into action until the 66th minute.

If Kilkenny's subs made a big impact in the final quarter, Tommy Walsh did it for the full 70 minutes. Truly a wonderful talent, his capacity to deliver at the peak of his magical powers every time he plays is quite remarkable.

John Tennyson also resisted well while Jackie Tyrrell embellished his defensive efforts with an inspiring long-range point late on. Eddie Brennan made most impact in the first half; Larkin reserved his best for the last quarter while Shefflin kept the score-board ticking over from frees.

And when the chance to make a match-turning intervention presented itself with the penalty, he was man enough to respond. That's hardly a surprise but then the same applies to all of this Kilkenny squad in their many and varied ways as they asserted themselves as the greatest of all time.

Results don't lie and Kilkenny's title haul -- seven All-Irelands, nine Leinster and five National Leagues in a decade -- is something that was never previously achieved. What's more, it's a target that may never be reached again.

Scorers -- Kilkenny: H Shefflin 1-8 (7f, 1-0 pen), E Brennan, E Larkin 0-3 each, M Comerford 1-0, R Hogan 0-2, T Walsh, D Lyng, R Power, M Fennelly, TJ Reid, J Tyrrell 0-1 each. Tipperary: E Kelly 0-13 (7f, 3 '65s), L Corbett 0-4, S Callanan 0-3, N McGrath 0-2, S McGrath 0-1.

Kilkenny -- PJ Ryan; M Kavanagh, JJ Delaney, J Tyrrell; T Walsh, B Hogan, J Tennyson; D Lyng, M Rice; E Brennan, E Larkin, R Power; R Hogan, H Shefflin, A Fogarty. Subs: TJ Reid for Fogarty (50), M Fennelly for Lyng (52), M Comerford for R Hogan (55).

Tipperary -- B Cummins; P Stapleton, P Maher, P Curran; D Fanning, C O'Mahony, B Maher; J Woodlock, S McGrath; N McGrath, J O'Brien, S Callanan; P Kerwick, E Kelly, L Corbett. Subs: B Dunne for O'Brien (47), W Ryan for Kerwick (66), M Webster for Woodlock (69).

Ref -- D Kirwan (Cork).

- Martin Breheny

Prizewinners for the Tipperary Monster Draw

September 5th, 2009

PRIZEWINNERS FOR THE TIPPERARY MONSTER DRAW

1ST PRIZE: Philip Heenan, Cloughjordan (Kilruane MacDonaghs GAA)
2nd PRIZE: Cahir GAA Club
3rd PRIZE: Fred Mackey 64 Elm Park, Clonmel (St. Mary’s GAA)
4th PRIZE: The Fitzgerald Family, Fethard (Fethard GAA)
5th PRIZE: Sean Hickey Jeorges Park, Gortnahoe, Thurles (Gortnahoe GAA)
6th PRIZE: Seamus Foley Friar St, Cashel (Cashel King Cormacs GAA)
7th PRIZE: John Ryan B Gurtshane Newport (Ballinahinch GAA)
8th PRIZE: Elizabeth Mackey 21 Ard Mhuire, Carrick on Suir, (Carrick Davins GAA)
9th PRIZE: Cahir GAA Club
10th PRIZE: Maurice Heaphey Upper Slievenamon Rd Clonmel (St. Mary’s GAA)

Charity Fundraiser in Rathcoole, Dublin on All-Ireland Final Weekend

September 4th, 2009

This event may be of interest to Tipperary supporters in Dublin for the Final weekend.

World Record attempt in Rathcoole in aid of the Irish Cancer Society

GRAB your friends and head to Rathcoole Park on Saturday 5th September, to join former athletics world champion John Treacy, some well known local faces and prominent sports stars in a Guinness Book of Records world record attempt!

On a day to remember, thousands of people from the Four Districts of Rathcoole, Saggart, Newcastle and Brittas will converge on Rathcoole Park (opposite Avoca, just off the N7) to try to set a new world record for the most number of people to walk one mile for charity in one day.

We all have one life and we all know of at least one life that has been touched by cancer. This world record attempt – under the watchful eye of the Guinness Book of World Records adjudicators – is one determined attempt of a community to come together to aid those whose lives have been hit by cancer.

Here's how it works:

From 9.00am until 6.00pm on Saturday 5th September EVERBODY is invited to turn up at a time that suits them, register their name, pay an entry fee of €10 per adult or €20 per family then walk a mile in the Park.

For those who would rather walk a little further, a 6 mile walk will commence from the Park at 3.00pm and will take in the beautiful surrounding countryside of South County Dublin. The last mile of this will be in the Park and will contribute to the world record attempt.

There will be lots of family fun activities and entertainment in the Park during the day. Parking will be provided by all local sporting clubs, including Commercials Hurling Club, St Mary’s GFC and Rathcoole Boys FC.

Once the record breaking attempt officially ends all participants are invited to gather at Citywest hotel, from 8pm onwards, where the Guinness World Record result will be announced!

Remember every person counts - every mile counts. Play your part. One day, one mile, one life.

Eating in Dublin? Special discount for Tipperary Supporters Club

September 4th, 2009

Thanks to strong Cashel connections, if you are a Tipperary Supporters Club member you can enjoy a great 15% discount at Pacinos, Suffolk Street which is just off Grafton Street (at the City Centre end) . For more details log on to www.pacinos.ie . Just ask for Michael Martin.

Tipperary SH Team v Kilkenny All Ireland SH Final September 6th 2009

September 3rd, 2009

The Tipperary Senior Hurling team to play Kilkenny in Sunday’s All Ireland Senior Hurling Final shows no changes from the side which started against Limerick in the All Ireland semi-final. The team is:

1. Brendan Cummins (Ballybacon-Grange)

2. Paddy Stapleton (Borris-Ileigh)

3. Padraic Maher (Thurles Sarsfields)

4. Paul Curran (Mullinahone)

5. Declan Fanning (Killenaule)

6. Conor O’Mahony (Newport)(Captain)

7. Brendan Maher (Borris–Ileigh)

8. James Woodlock (Drom & Inch)

9. Shane McGrath (Ballinahinch)

10. Pat Kerwick (Killenaule)

11. Seamus Callanan (Drom & Inch)

12. John O’Brien (Toomevara)

13. Noel McGrath (Loughmore Castleiney)

14. Eoin Kelly (Mullinahone)

15. Lar Corbett (Thurles Sarsfields)

BEST CLUB UNDER THE SUN

September 3rd, 2009

Drom & Inch is seeking the support of Tipperary Gaels in its bid to become the “Best Club under the Sun”. The Mid Tipp club has reached the final four of the competition, which is sponsored by Etihad Airways and is promoted by TG4’s Seó Spóirt. An online vote to determine the winner will run until Wednesday, September 9th, with a prize of a team training camp in Abu Dhabi with Tipperary legend Nicky English on offer. But the club faces stiff competition from St. Brigids and Lucan Sarsfields of Dublin and Rathnure of Wexford, and indeed are the only non-Leinster club in contention. A strong showing from Tipperary people could help Drom-Inch to win this valuable prize. Last year’s competition was won by All Ireland club hurling champions Portumna from Co. Galway with Kildangan being a close runner-up. To cast your vote for Drom-Inch simply log on to www.etihadgaa.ie and don’t forget the rapidly approaching closing date of September 9th.

All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final - Tipperary vs. Kilkenny - Press Pack

September 3rd, 2009

Courtesy www.tipperary.gaa.ie
Tipperary will play Kilkenny in the 2009 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final at Croke Park on Sunday September 6th.

Tipperary Press Pack

Welcome and Introduction

Welcome to the Tipperary Press Pack for the All Ireland Senior Hurling Final 2009. The purpose of this press pack is to provide you with some useful background information about the Tipperary team and the Tipperary Kilkenny rivalry over the years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all sections of the media for their co-operation and support during the year and the generally fair manner in which they do their work. I want to thank the Tipperary Manager, Liam Sheedy, his colleagues on the management team, the Tipperary players and my fellow officers of Tipperary County Board for providing information for the Press Pack. I also want to thank most sincerely Ed Donnelly and Seamus O’Doherty for their assistance preparing this Press Pack. It would not have been possible without their research, input and hard work.

Ger Ryan
PRO, Tipperary County Board
Tel: 086 8149146
Email: pro.tipperary@gaa.ie

Team Announcement

The team will be announced by email and local radio at 9pm on Thursday September 3rd. It will subsequently be published on the Tipperary GAA website (www.tipperary.gaa.ie)

Player Profiles

Willie Ryan (Captain, Toomevara)

Age 24 Height 5ft 9in Weight 12st 4lbs Occupation: Student

Willie was born on December 29th, 1984 and plays for the Toomevara club. He made his Senior inter-county debut vs. Limerick in the 2006 Munster Senior Hurling Championship, coming on as a late substitute. Willie won a Munster Minor Hurling medal in 2002 and a Munster Under 21 Hurling medal in 2004. Willie has won 6 County Senior Hurling titles with his club as well as winning 2 Munster Club medals in 2004 and 2006. Willie won a National Hurling League medal in 2008 at corner-forward scoring 1-1 in the final. Willie captained Tipperary to Munster Senior Hurling Final honours in 2009.

Championship debut - 2006 vs. Limerick
Number of Appearances – 13
Scored - 3-22
________________________________________

Conor O'Mahony (Vice-Captain, Newport)

Age 24 Height 6ft 1in Weight 14st Occupation: Sales Rep

Conor was born on October 18th, 1984 and plays for the Newport club. Conor made his competitive debut for the Tipperary Senior Hurlers against Antrim in the 2005 National Hurling League. Conor is a very versatile player. Conor won 2 Munster Minor Hurling medals in 2001 (at midfield) and 2002 (at centre-forward). Conor helped Tipperary to win the 2003 Munster U-21 final by coming off the bench to score a goal in extra time against Cork while he won his second Munster U-21 medal at full-back in 2004 before also lining out at full-back in the 2005 Munster U-21 Final. He won Fitzgibbon Cup medals with Limerick Institute of Technology in 2005 (at corner-back) and 2007 (at centre-back). Conor was nominated for an All-Star at centre-back in 2007 and 2008, winning an All-Star award in 2008. Conor won a National Hurling League medal in 2008 at centre-back.

Conor scored 9 points from long range frees in the successful 2008 NHL campaign. Conor won the RTE man of the match for his performance at centre-back against Cork in the 2008 Munster Semi-Final and captured his first Munster Senior Hurling Championship medal in 2008 against Clare, winning his second Munster SH medal in 2009. Conor's first score in the Championship came from a long range free against Waterford in the 2008 All-Ireland semi-final. Conor has been selected as vice-captain of the Tipperary Senior Hurling team for 2009 and led out the team from centre-back in the Munster Championship games vs. Cork, Clare and Waterford and the All-Ireland semi-final victory over Limerick.

Championship debut - 2005 vs. Limerick (replay)
Number of Appearances – 21
Scored - 0-5

________________________________________Pa Bourke (Thurles Sarsfields)

Age 21 Height 6ft Weight 12st 13lbs Occupation: Apprentice Carpenter

Pa was born on May 18th, 1988 and plays with the Thurles Sarsfields club. Pa played with the Tipperary Minor hurlers in 2005 and 2006, finishing as top scorer in 2006 with 3-35 as he helped the Premier County win the All-Ireland Minor Hurling title. Pa also won a County Minor Hurling medal with Sarsfields in 2006 and won back to back County Minor Football titles with Sarsfields in 2005 and 2006, winning the man of the match award in the 2006 County Minor Football final. Pa was a key member of the Thurles CBS team which lost to St. Flannan’s in the 2005 Dr. Harty Cup Final.

Pa made his competitive debut with the Senior Hurlers in the preliminary round of the Waterford Crystal Cup Senior Hurling competition in January 2007, scoring 4 points, 3 from play at corner-forward. Pa made his League debut against Antrim in March 2007, scoring 1-1. Pa made his championship debut at corner-forward against Limerick in the first drawn game in the Munster semi-final in June 2007. Pa won a National Hurling League medal as a substitute in 2008. Pa is a grandson of John Maher of Killinan, Tipperary All-Ireland winning captain in 1945.

Championship debut - 2007 vs. Limerick (first drawn game)
Number of Appearances - 7
Scored - 0-1
________________________________________
Eamonn Buckley (Drom and Inch)

Age 27 Height 6ft Weight 12st 13lbs Occupation: PE Teacher

Eamonn was born on March 9th, 1982 and plays for the Drom & Inch club. Eamonn made his competitive debut for the Tipperary Senior Hurlers against Clare in the 2005 National Hurling League. Eamonn's Championship debut came against Limerick in the first drawn game in the 2007 Munster Championship when he lined out at right corner back. Eamonn won a Munster Under 21 Hurling medal in 2003 playing at corner-back. Eamonn won Mid Senior Hurling medals with Drom & Inch in 2006, 2008 and 2009. Eamonn won a National Hurling League medal at right corner-back in 2008 and has won 2 Munster Senior Hurling medals.

Championship debut - 2007 vs. Limerick (first drawn game)
Number of Appearances - 10
________________________________________
Michael Cahill (Thurles Sarsfields)

Age 20 Height 5ft 11in Weight 11st 13lbs Occupation: Student, UCC

Michael was born on January 3rd 1989 and plays for the Thurles Sarsfields club. Michael won All-Ireland Minor Hurling medals in 2006 and 2007 as well as winning Munster Minor (2007) and Under 21 Hurling (2008) medals. Michael was a key member of the Thurles CBS team which lost to St. Flannan’s in the 2005 Dr. Harty Cup Final.

Michael made his debut with the Thurles Sarsfields Senior Hurling team in 2006. Michael has won 2 County U16 A Hurling medals with Durlas Og (2004, 2005). He has also won 2 County Minor “A” Hurling medals (2006 and 2007) and 2 County Minor “A” Football medals (2005, 2006). Michael played Fitzgibbon Cup Hurling with UCC in 2007, 2008 and 2009, winning a Fitzgibbon Cup medal in 2009. Michael made his Senior inter-county debut as a substitute in the 2009 National Hurling League against Limerick.
________________________________________

Seamus Callanan (Drom and Inch)

Age 20 Height 6ft 3in Weight 13st 3lbs Occupation: Student, LIT

Seamus was born on September 15th, 1988. Seamus won an All-Ireland Minor Hurling medal with Tipperary in 2006, scoring the winning point as a substitute in the 2006 All-Ireland Minor Hurling semi-final against Kilkenny. Seamus helped his club Drom & Inch win Mid Senior Hurling titles in 2006, 2008 and 2009. Seamus made his National League debut as a substitute against Offaly in 2008, scoring 0-3. Seamus won a National Hurling League medal as a late forward substitute in 2008.

Seamus made his Championship debut against Cork in the 2008 Munster Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final, scoring 3 points from play. In his next 5 Championship matches, Seamus scored a goal in each game. Seamus has won 2 Munster Senior Hurling medals. Seamus was nominated for an All-Star award in 2008 as well as being nominated as Young Hurler of the Year.

Championship debut - 2008 vs. Cork
Number of Appearances – 7
Scored - 5-15

________________________________________
Lar Corbett (Thurles Sarsfields)

Age 28 Height 6ft 2in Weight 13st 5lbs Occupation: Electrician

Lar was born on March 16th 1981 and plays for the Thurles Sarsfields club. Lar joined the Tipperary Senior Hurling panel at the age of 19, having never played minor hurling or Under-21 hurling for Tipperary up to that stage. Lar represented Tipperary at Under 21 level in 2001 and 2002. He made his Senior inter-county debut vs. Clare in the 2000 South East Hurling League playing at corner-forward. Lar won a National Hurling League medal in 2001, scoring 4 points in the final and 4-11 in 6 games in the 2001 NHL competition. Lar won his second National Hurling League medal in 2008, scoring 1-3 in the final to earn the man of the match award. Lar scored 5 goals and 10 points in the 2008 NHL campaign. Lar also won a Munster Senior Hurling medal in 2008, scoring 2 points in the final while he scored 2-2 in the 2009 Munster Senior Hurling Final while capturing his third medal. Lar won an All-Ireland and Munster Senior medal in 2001, scoring 1-1 in the Munster Final against Limerick and 2 points in the All-Ireland Final.

Lar won a County minor medal with Thurles Sarsfields in 1999 and a County Senior medal in 2005. Lar won an Inter Provincial Hurling medal in 2007, scoring two points from play at corner-forward for Munster in their victory over Connacht. Lar was nominated for an All-Star award in 2008. Lar captained Tipperary against Waterford in the 2006 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Quarter-Final.

Championship debut - 2001 vs. Clare
Number of Appearances – 36
Scored - 13-43

________________________________________
Brendan Cummins (Ballybacon Grange)

Age 34 Height 6ft 1in Weight 14st 11lbs Occupation: Financial Planning
Consultant

Brendan who was born on May 11, 1975 plays for Ballybacon-Grange. A bank official by profession, he has won an All-Ireland medal, 3 Munster SH medals, 4 National League medals and an All-Ireland Under-21 medal in 1995. Brendan won a Railway Cup medal with Munster hurlers when he captained them to victory in 2001. He has been on the Tipperary Senior Hurling panel since 1993. Brendan was selected as goalie on the 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2008 All-Star teams and won man of the match in the 2001 National Hurling League final.

Brendan has won the All-Ireland Poc Fada title in the Cooley Mountains on four occasions in 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2008. He is also an accomplished footballer and played for a number of years as a forward with the Tipperary Senior football team. His father John played for Tipp and Munster footballers and coached Waterford senior footballers in 1999. Brendan has kept 14 clean sheets in his championship career to date.

Championship debut - 1995 vs. Waterford
Number of Appearances – 55 (Tipperary record)
________________________________________
Paul Curran (Mullinahone)

Age 27 Height 6ft 1in Weight 14st Occupation: Primary School Teacher

Paul was born on November 11th 1981 and plays for the Mullinahone club. He made his Senior inter-county debut vs. Cork in the 2001 National League. Paul has won 2 National League and 3 Munster Senior Hurling medals. His Senior championship debut came as a sub in 2002 vs. Offaly. Paul won a County Senior Hurling medal with his club Mullinahone in 2002.

Paul captained the Waterford Institute of Technology to Fitzgibbon Cup honours in 2003. He played full-back for Tipperary in the 2003 championship and after playing at corner-back in 2004 and 2005, he has returned to the position of full-back since the 2006 Munster Final. Paul was nominated for an All-Star award in 2008 at full-back.

Championship debut - 2002 vs. Offaly
Number of Appearances - 26
________________________________________
John Devane (Clonoulty Rossmore)

Age 26 Height 6ft 2in Weight 14st Occupation: Student

John was born on September 22nd 1982 and plays for the Clonoulty-Rossmore club. John played minor hurling for Tipp in 2000 and was full-back on the 2003 Tipp U-21 team which won the Munster Final, his 3rd year on the U-21 hurling panel. John made his competitive debut for Tipperary against Derry in March 2002 in the National Hurling League.

John's Championship debut came as a substitute against Laois in the All-Ireland Qualifier in 2003 while he started at full-forward for Tipperary vs. Waterford in the 2004 Munster championship. John captained the University of Limerick to the 2005 Fitzgibbon Cup final, winning the man of the match award in the final despite playing on the losing side.

Championship debut - 2003 vs. Laois
Number of Appearances – 7
Scored - 1-2
________________________________________
Benny Dunne (Toomevara)

Age 28 Height 5ft 10in Weight 12st 11lbs Occupation: Sales Rep

Benny was born on September 22nd 1980 and plays for the Toomevara club. Benny captained the Tipperary Senior Hurling team in 2005. He has won 8 County Senior Hurling medals and 2 Munster Club medals, normally in the back-line for his club. Benny won a National Hurling League medal at midfield in 2008 and a Munster Senior Hurling medal as a sub later that summer. Benny scored a point from play as a sub in the 2009 Munster Senior Hurling Final won by Tipperary over Waterford.

Benny has lined out in every line of the field at inter-county level with the exception of goal-keeper. Benny, who is a brother of All-Ireland SH medalists Tommy and Terry, played U-21 hurling with Tipperary in 2000 and 2001. Benny made his competitive debut for Tipperary against Derry in March 2002.

Championship debut - 2002 vs. Clare
Number of Appearances - 34
Scored - 4-29
________________________________________
Darragh Egan (Kildangan)

Age 23 Height 6ft 2in Weight: 17st 2lbs Occupation: Student, Mary
Immaculate Limerick

Darragh was born on February 5th 1986 and plays for the Kildangan club. Darragh won a Munster minor medal as a goalkeeper in 2003. He won a Munster Under 21 medal at full-forward in 2006. Darragh has also won a Munster and All-Ireland Intermediate Club hurling medal with his club in 2004 in addition to North and County Intermediate medals in the same year, all won while playing corner-forward.

Darragh is also an accomplished footballer and played with the Tipperary Minor Footballers in 2004 as well as being selected on the Irish Compromise Rules U-18 team which toured Australia in 2004. Darragh made his competitive debut with the Tipperary Senior hurlers in February 2005 when he lined out at full-forward in the National Hurling League vs. Down, scoring 1-1. He scored 1-1 as a substitute against Limerick in the 2005 National League. Darragh won a National Hurling League medal as a substitute in 2008 and also a Munster Senior Hurling medal.

Championship debut - 2005 vs. Limerick
Number of Appearances - 11
Scored - 2-8

________________________________________
Declan Fanning (Killenaule)

Age 30 Height 6ft 2in Weight 14st Occupation: Agricultural Mechanic

Declan was born on June 24th, 1979 and plays for the Killenaule club. Declan won a Munster Minor Hurling medal in 1997 playing at midfield. Declan made his competitive debut as a sub at wing-back for Tipperary against Wexford in the 2004 National Hurling League. Declan's championship debut came at centre-back against Limerick in June 2004.

Declan had an excellent year in 2007, winning an All-Star award at full-back as well as winning an Inter Provincial Hurling medal with Munster. Declan won a National Hurling League medal as a substitute in 2008. Declan has won 2 Munster Senior Hurling medals. Declan has also played Senior championship football with Tipperary, lining out in Croke Park in 2003 against Donegal. He has won South Senior Hurling medals with his club in 2005, 2007 and 2008.

Championship debut - 2004 vs. Limerick
Number of Appearances - 23
Scored - 0-1
________________________________________
Diarmaid Fitzgerald (Roscrea)

Age 26 Height 5ft 10in Weight 13st 12lbs Occupation Physiotherapist

Diarmaid was born on February 18th, 1983 and plays for the Roscrea club. He was a member of the Tipperary Minor panel for 2 years and captained Tipperary to Munster Minor honours in 2001. Diarmaid won 2 Munster Under-21 medals as a centre-back in 2003 and 2004 (the latter year as captain). With UCD, Diarmaid has won a Freshers All-Ireland in 2002 and a Walsh Cup medal in 2004, defeating Kilkenny in the final. Diarmaid also has 2 Dublin Senior Hurling medals in 2004 and 2005. Diarmaid is a versatile player and played in the backs and forwards at Championship level for Tipperary.

Diarmaid has won 2 North Minor Hurling medals with his club Roscrea (1999 and 2000) and a North Senior medal in 2004. Diarmaid can play in any position in the backline. Diarmaid made his competitive debut at wing-back for Tipperary against Offaly in the 2004 National Hurling League. Diarmaid won the RTE man of the match in Tipperary's extra time replay victory over Limerick in May 2005. Diarmaid won a National Hurling League medal as a substitute in 2008. Diarmaid won a Munster All-Star award as a corner-back in 2005.

Championship debut - 2004 vs. Waterford
Number of Appearances - 17
Scored - 0-1
________________________________________
Darren Gleeson (Portroe)

Age 28 Height 6ft 2in Weight 15st 10lbs Occupation Financial Adviser

Darren was born on March 19th 1981 and plays for the Portroe club, which he captains this year. Darren joined the Tipperary Senior Hurling panel in 2008 having had previous inter-county experience as sub-goalie on the 2002 Tipperary Under 21 Hurling panel. Darren plays in goal and was sub-goalie for Tipperary in the first two rounds of the 2008 National Hurling League. Darren won a National Hurling League medal as a substitute in 2008. Darren has won 2 Munster Senior Hurling medals. Darren made his National League debut against Galway in the 2009 National Hurling League. Darren made his Championship debut as a 10 minute blood sub against Cork in the 2009 Munster Senior Hurling Championship.

Championship debut - 2009 vs. Cork
Number of Appearances - 1
________________________________________
Seamus Hennessy (Kilruane MacDonaghs)

Age 19 Height 6ft 2in Weight 14st 4lbs Occupation: Student, NUIG

Seamus was born on October 9th, 1989. Seamus plays for the Kilruane MacDonaghs club. Seamus made his Senior inter-county debut for Tipperary against Waterford in the 2009 Waterford Crystal Cup, scoring 3 points from right half-forward in a Tipperary victory. Seamus scored 6 points in total in the 2009 Waterford Crystal Cup competition. Seamus made his National League debut as a substitute against Cork in the 2009 League campaign, scoring two points from play after being introduced.

Seamus won All-Ireland Minor Hurling medals in 2006 and 2007 at wing-forward. Seamus won a Munster Minor Hurling medal in 2007 and captained Tipperary to win the Munster Under 21 Hurling title in 2008. Seamus was the reliable free-taker for the 2007 All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship, scoring a total of 33 points in 5 matches playing at right half-forward. At club level, Seamus has won County medals at Minor "A" Hurling, Under 21 "A" Hurling (2) and Junior "B" Football as well as numerous North Divisional medals with Kilruane MacDonaghs. Seamus is the youngest player to play Senior for his club.
________________________________________
Eoin Kelly (Mullinahone)

Age 27 Height 5ft 10in Weight 13st 10lbs Occupation: Finance Rep

Eoin who was born on January 6, 1982, plays for the Mullinahone club. Eoin made his Senior championship debut vs. Galway in the 2000 All-Ireland Quarter-Final as a forward substitute - he was also sub-goalie on that occasion if required. Eoin won an All-Ireland Colleges medal with St. Kieran's of Kilkenny in 2000 and has 2 Munster Minor Hurling medals - 1997 and 1999 and 2 Munster Under 21 medals in 1999 and 2003 (as captain). Eoin has won 2 National Hurling League medals, 3 Munster Senior Hurling medals and an All-Ireland Senior Hurling medal. Eoin has played in goal for the Tipp minors and Mullinahone is the past but is better known as an excellent forward, one of the best in the modern game. Eoin is a brother of former All-Star Paul Kelly.

Eoin won a Railway Cup medal with Munster in 2001 and captained Munster in the 2006 semi-final defeat to Connacht, scoring 1-6 in the process. Eoin won an All-Star award at corner-forward and also won the Eircell Vodafone Young Hurler of the Year. He repeated both of these feats in 2002 and also won All-Stars in 2004, 2005 and 2006 to become only the second player ever to win 5 All-Star awards at the age of 24 (Pat Hartigan of Limerick was the other). Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny) subsequently equalled this achievement. Eoin is Tipperary's all time leading scorer in Senior Hurling Championship history.

Eoin captained Tipperary to win the 2008 Waterford Crystal Cup, the 2008 National Hurling League title and the Munster Senior Hurling title. Eoin won a County Senior Hurling medal with his club Mullinahone in 2002, scoring 2-7 in the replay and winning the man of the match award. Kelly later studied civil engineering at Limerick Institute of Technology and graduated in 2006. He won a Fitzgibbon Cup medal with the college in 2005 as team captain. Eoin finished a credible third behind team mate Brendan Cummins in the 2006 All-Ireland Poc Fada Final in the Cooley Mountains. Eoin is a first cousin of the Morans from the Limerick Senior hurling team, i.e. Ollie, James and Niall.

Championship debut - 2000 vs. Galway
Number of Appearances - 42
Scored - 14-270

________________________________________
Paul Kelly (O’Loughlin Gaels)

Age 29 Height 5ft 11in Weight 12st 13lbs Occupation: Office Employee

Paul who was born on December 14, 1979, plays for the O'Loughlin Gaels club in Kilkenny having originally played for Mullinahone. Paul won a National Hurling League medal, Munster Senior Hurling medal and an All-Ireland medal in 2001 at wing-back. He won an All-Ireland minor medal in 1996, a Munster minor medal in 1997 and a Munster Under-21 medal in 1999. Won 2 U-21 caps for Ireland in the Shinty Internationals vs. Scotland. Paul has been on the Tipperary Senior Hurling panel since 1998.

Paul is a first cousin of the Morans from the Limerick Senior hurling team, i.e. Ollie, James and Niall. Paul won a Railway Cup medal with Munster in 2001. He is a brother of 5 time All-Star Eoin Kelly. Paul won a County Senior Hurling medal with his club Mullinahone in 2002. Paul has won 2 All-Star awards in 2002 and 2005 at wing-back and midfield respectively. Paul was named the RTE man of the match in the 2005 Munster Senior Hurling final defeat to Cork, scoring 7 points from midfield.

Championship debut - 1998 vs. Waterford
Number of Appearances – 36
Scored - 1-48
________________________________________
Gerry Kennedy (Killenaule)

Age 23 Height 5ft 9in Weight 12st 4lbs Occupation: GK Refrigeration
Employee

Gerry was born on December 16th, 1985 and plays with the Killenaule club. Gerry was part of the Tipperary Under 21 panel from 2004 to 2006, lining out in goal in the 2006 season helping Tipperary to win the Munster championship without conceding a goal while scoring a point from a long range free in the semi-final against Clare. Gerry has won 2 Munster Under 21 Hurling medals, in 2004 and 2006. Gerry helped Killenaule to win back-to-back County U-21 titles in 2003 and 2004 and he has won South Senior Hurling medals with his club in 2005, 2007 and 2008.

Gerry made his League debut for Tipperary in the 2007 National Hurling League match vs. Antrim. Gerry made his Championship debut in the first replay against Limerick in the 2007 Munster Senior Hurling Semi-Final. Gerry was the sub-goalkeeper for Munster in the 2007 Inter Provincial Hurling Championship which defeated Connacht in the final. Gerry won a National Hurling League medal as a substitute in 2008. Gerry has won 2 Munster Senior Hurling medals.

Championship debut - 2007 vs. Limerick (1st replay)
Number of Appearances - 6

________________________________________
Pat Kerwick (Killenaule)

Age 27 Height: 5ft 11in 79 Weight: 12st 6lbs Occupation: Bricklayer

Pat was born on May 18th 1982 and plays for the Killenaule club. Pat made his Senior competitive debut for Tipperary in 2006 Waterford Crystal Cup against Limerick. Pat made his National Hurling League debut against Offaly in 2008, lining out at right half-forward scoring 1-1 from play. Pat won a National Hurling League medal as a substitute in 2008. Pat made his Championship debut as a substitute against Cork in the 2008 Munster Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final, scoring a point from play. Pat has won 2 Munster Senior Hurling medals. Pat never played Minor, Under 21 or Intermediate hurling with Tipperary. Pat has won South Senior Hurling medals with his club in 2005, 2007 and 2008.

Championship debut - 2008 vs. Cork
Number of Appearances – 7
Scored - 1-10

________________________________________
Brendan Maher (Borris-Ileigh)

Age 20 Height 5ft 11in Weight 12st 6lbs Occupation Primary School Teacher

Brendan was born on January 5th, 1989. Brendan plays for the Borris-Ileigh club. Brendan made his Senior inter-county debut for Tipperary against Waterford in the 2009 Waterford Crystal Cup, lining out at left corner-back in a Tipperary victory. Brendan made his National Hurling League debut against Cork in February 2009, lining out at wing-back. Brendan made his Championship debut as a substitute against Cork in the 2009 Munster Senior Hurling Championship. Brendan's first Championship start came at left half-back in the 2009 All-Ireland semi-final vs. Limerick.

Brendan played for the Tipperary Minor Hurlers for three years, winning 2 All-Ireland Minor medals in 2006 and in 2007 (as captain). Brendan has also a Munster Minor Hurling medal in 2007 and a Munster Senior Hurling medal in 2009. Brendan scored 0-12 from play in the 2007 All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship campaign following up from his contribution of 1-4 in the 2006 campaign. Brendan was the second player from the Borris-Ileigh club to captain a Tipperary Minor team to All-Ireland success, following in the foot steps of Paddy Kenny in 1947. Brendan lined out with the Tipperary Under 21 Hurlers in 2007, 2008 and 2009, winning a Munster medal in 2008.

Championship debut - 2009 vs. Cork
Number of Appearances - 4
________________________________________
Padraic Maher (Thurles Sarsfields)

Age 20 Height 6ft Weight 14st Occupation: Apprentice Plumber

Padraic was born on February 9th 1989. Padraic plays for the Thurles Sarsfields club and made his Senior debut with the club in 2006. Padraic won All-Ireland Minor Hurling medals as a full-back in 2006 and 2007. Padraic also won a Munster Minor Hurling medal in 2007, a Munster Under 21 Hurling medal in 2008 and a Munster Senior Hurling medal in 2009.

With Durlas Og, Padraic won two County Under 16 A Hurling medals (2004 and 2005). He has also won 2 County Minor "A" Hurling medals (2006 and 2007), 2 County Minor "A" Football medals (2005 and 2006) and 1 County Under 21 "A" Hurling medal (2008). Padraic won the Corn Na Mac Leinn All Ireland Football title in 2007 with the Tipperary Institute. Padraic's father Paddy won an All-Ireland Minor Hurling medal in 1980. Padraic made his National League debut as a substitute against Dublin in March 2009. Padraic made his Championship debut at wing-back against Cork in the 2009 Munster Senior Hurling Championship.

Championship debut - 2009 vs. Cork
Number of Appearances - 4
________________________________________
Patrick Maher (Lorrha and Dorrha)

Age 19 Height 5ft 11in Weight 12st 8lbs Occupation: Mechanic (fitter)

Patrick "Bonnar" Maher was born on October 12th, 1989. Patrick plays for the Lorrha club. Patrick made his Senior inter-county debut for Tipperary against Waterford in the 2009 Waterford Crystal Cup, lining out at left half-forward. Patrick scored a goal against Clare in the 2009 Waterford Crystal Cup Final. Patrick made his debut in the National Hurling League in February 2009, lining out at centre-forward against Waterford and scoring a point in a 2-13 to 1-12 Tipperary victory.

Patrick won Munster and All-Ireland Minor Hurling medals in 2007, scoring 3-2 from play in the 2007 Minor Championship. Patrick won a County Intermediate Hurling title with his club in 2007 and helped Banagher Colleges win the Leinster Vocational schools title in 2007. Patrick was also on the Tipperary Intermediate Hurling panel which lost the 2008 Munster Final to Limerick. Patrick won a Munster Senior Hurling medal in 2009.
________________________________________
Shane Maher (Burgess)

Age 28 Height 6ft Weight 13st 5lbs Occupation: Bricklayer

Shane was born on April 22nd, 1981 and plays for the Burgess club. Shane is a talented hurler and footballer and has lined out with Tipperary at Minor Football (1998 and 1999), Under 21 Football (2000, 2001 and 2002 as captain), Under 21 Hurling (2002), Junior Football (2001), Intermediate Hurling (2002, 2003 and 2004) and Senior Football (2003). Shane made his Senior Hurling competitive debut at centre-forward for Tipperary against Offaly in the 2004 National Hurling League.

Shane made his Championship debut against Dublin at left half-back in the 2007 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Qualifiers. Shane won a National Hurling League medal at left half-back in 2008 and a Munster Senior Hurling medal later that summer. Shane's first score in the Championship came against Waterford in the 2008 All-Ireland semi-final. Shane was nominated for an All-Star award in 2008 at wing-back. Shane was an integral part of the Burgess side that won the 2005 County Intermediate Hurling final.

Championship debut - 2007 vs. Dublin
Number of Appearances – 6
Scored - 0-1

________________________________________

Hugh Maloney (Nenagh Éire Óg)

Age 26 Height 6ft Weight 13st 10lbs Occupation: Accountant

Hugh was born on July 1st, 1983 and plays for the Nenagh Éire Óg club. Hugh won a Munster minor medal in 2001 and played at wing-back in the Tipperary team which won the Munster Under-21 title in 2003. Hugh was also a member of the 2003 Tipperary Intermediate Hurling panel. Hugh has won 2 Munster Senior Hurling medals, both as a substitute in 2008 and 2009.

Hugh has won 3 Fitzgibbon Cup medals with WIT in 2003, 2004 and 2006 (when he was joint captain). Hugh made his championship debut as a substitute vs. Clare in the 2005 Munster semi-final. Hugh has lined out at corner-back, wing-back, midfield and centre-forward for Tipperary at Senior Championship level. At club level, Hugh has won 1 North Tipp u-14 hurling medal, 1 North Tipp Junior Hurling medal (2000), 1 County Junior Hurling medal (2000), 1 Munster Junior Hurling medal (2001) and 2 North Tipp Senior Hurling medals (2001 and 2009).

Championship debut - 2005 vs. Clare
Number of Appearances - 18
Scored - 0-5
________________________________________
Noel McGrath (Loughmore Castleiney)

Age 18 Height 6ft Weight 13st 5lbs Occupation: Student, LIT

Noel was born on December 17th, 1990. Noel plays for the Loughmore-Castleiney club. Noel made his Senior inter-county debut for Tipperary against Clare in the 2009 Waterford Crystal Cup Final, scoring a point from play at right corner-forward. Noel made his National Hurling League debut against Cork in February 2009. Noel made his Championship debut at corner-forward against Cork in the 2009 Munster Senior Hurling Championship, scoring 3 points from play. Noel won a Munster Senior Hurling Medal in 2009, scoring 0-13 in three matches in that year's Munster championship.

Noel lined out with the Tipperary Minor Hurlers for three seasons, winning All-Ireland medals in 2006 and 2007 and a Munster Minor medal in 2007. Noel won the RTE man of the match award in the 2007 All-Ireland semi-final victory over Kilkenny. He played an impressive role as a second half substitute at wing-back in the 2006 All-Ireland semi-final defeat over Kilkenny. In all, Noel played 11 Championship matches for the Tipperary Minor hurlers, scoring 1-34 (0-15 frees, 0-2 sideline cuts, 1-17 from play) in total.

Noel won an All-Ireland Under 16 Hurling medal in 2006 and a Dean Ryan Cup medal with Our Ladys Templemore in 2007. Noel helped his club to win County and Munster Club Senior Hurling medals in 2007. Noel's father Pat played for Tipperary at Minor, Under 21 and Senior level.

Championship debut - 2009 vs. Cork
Number of Appearances – 4
Scored - 1-15
________________________________________
Shane McGrath (Ballinahinch)

Age 25 Height 5ft 11in Weight 11st 13lbs Occupation: Student, Mary
Immaculate Limerick

Shane was born on September 12th, 1984 and plays for the Ballinahinch club in North Tipperary. Shane won a Munster Under 21 Hurling medal with Tipperary in 2004 as a substitute and he started at wing-forward against Down in the 2005 All-Ireland Under 21 Hurling semi-final. Shane won Fitzgibbon Cup medals with Limerick Institute of Technology in 2005 and 2007. Shane is a versatile player and can play in the half-back line, midfield or in the half-forward line.

Shane made his National Hurling League debut for the Tipperary Senior Hurling team at wing-forward against Limerick in February 2006. Shane made his championship debut at midfield against Limerick in the first round of the 2006 Munster championship. Shane played with Munster hurlers in the 2006, 2007 and 2009 Inter Provincial Championships, winning a medal in 2007 at right half forward. Shane won a National Hurling League medal at midfield in 2008, scoring a point in the final and ten points during the 2008 NHL campaign. Shane has won 2 Munster Senior Hurling medals. Shane was selected at midfield in the 2008 All-Star team.

Championship debut - 2006 vs. Limerick
Number of Appearances – 17
Scored - 0-14
________________________________________
Conor O'Brien (Éire Óg Annacarty)

Age 24 Height 5ft 9in Weight 12st 8lbs Occupation: Garda

Conor was born on May 30th, 1985 and is from the Eire Og Annacarty club. Conor won a Munster Minor medal in 2003 and Munster Under 21 medals in 2004 and 2006. Conor played with the Tipperary Intermediate Hurling team in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. He finished second in the 1999 All-Ireland Feile Skills final behind Kilkenny’s James “Cha” Fitzpatrick. Conor helped his club to win the 2006 County Intermediate Hurling title playing at midfield. Conor made his National League debut at left corner-back against Dublin in the 2007 National Hurling League.

Conor won a National Hurling League medal in 2008 playing at left corner-back. Conor made his Championship debut against Cork in the 2008 Munster Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final and has won 2 Munster Senior Hurling medals. Conor was nominated for an All-Star award in 2008 at corner-back.

Championship debut - 2008 vs. Cork
Number of Appearances – 6

________________________________________
John O'Brien (Toomevara)

Age 27 Height 6ft 2in Weight 13st 8lbs Occupation: Sales Rep

John was born on January 1st 1982 and plays for the Toomevara club. He made his Senior inter-county debut vs. Laois in the 2001 National League. John has won a Munster minor hurling medal (1999), an All-Ireland Senior Hurling Hurling medal (2001), 3 Munster Senior medals (2001, 2008, 2009) and a Munster Under 21 hurling medal (2003). John won the RTE Man of the Match award in the 2008 Munster Senior Hurling Final, scoring 1-4 from wing-forward.

John has won 7 County medals with Toomevara and 2 Munster Club medals in 2004 and 2006. He is a brother of Paddy who first made an appearance on the Tipp team in 2000. John won the man of the match award for the 2000, 2001 and 2006 County Senior Hurling Finals, scoring 2-1, 1-5 and 1-4 respectively. John won a National Hurling League medal as a second half forward substitute in 2008.

Championship debut - 2001 vs. Limerick
Number of Appearances - 15
Scored - 2-19

________________________________________

Gearóid Ryan (Templederry Kenyons)

Age 21 Height 5ft 9in Weight 12st 13lbs Occupation: Apprentice Plumber

Gearóid was born on August 26th, 1988. Gearoid plays for the Templederry Kenyons club. Gearóid made his National Hurling League debut against Cork in February 2009, scoring a point from play. Gearoid won an All-Ireland Minor Hurling medal with Tipperary in 2006, lining out at midfield in the final. Gearoid was also on the Tipperary Intermediate Hurling panel in 2007 and 2008 Gearoid was part of the Tipperary Under 21 Hurling panel in 2007, 2008 and 2009, winning a Munster medal in 2008. Gearoid made his Championship debut as a substitute against Cork in the 2009 Munster Senior Hurling Championship.

Championship debut - 2009 vs. Cork
Number of Appearances - 2
________________________________________
Tony Scroope (Burgess)

Age 25 Height 6ft 1in Weight 13st 12lbs Occupation Insurance & Investment
Manager

Tony plays for the Burgess club. Tony played an integral part of the Burgess side that won the 2005 County Intermediate Hurling final. He has won Munster hurling medals with Tipperary at minor (2002) and Under-21 (2003 and 2004) level. Tony was a member of the 2003 Tipperary Intermediate Hurling panel before making his Senior competitive debut as a sub at wing-forward for Tipperary against Antrim in the 2004 National Hurling League. Tony made his Senior championship debut against Limerick in 2004.

Championship debut - 2004 vs. Limerick
Number of Appearances - 1

________________________________________
Paddy Stapleton (Borris-Ileigh)

Age 24 Height 5ft 10in Weight 12st 4lbs Occupation: Clerical Officer

Paddy was born on August 12th, 1985. Paddy plays for the Borris-Ileigh club and made his Senior competitive debut for Tipperary in the 2006 Waterford Crystal Shield against Waterford. Paddy made his National League debut against Limerick in 2008 coming on as a substitute. Paddy won a Munster Under 21 Hurling medal in 2006 at right corner-back and won a Munster Minor Hurling medal in 2003, lining out at centre-back.

Paddy won a National Hurling League medal as a substitute in 2008. Paddy has won 2 Munster Senior Hurling medals. Paddy made his Championship debut as a blood substitute in the 2008 All-Ireland Semi-Final against Waterford. Paddy made his first Championship start at right corner-back in the 2009 Munster Senior Hurling Championship vs. Cork. Paddy has won 2 North Senior Hurling medals with his club in 2005 and 2007.

Championship debut - 2008 vs. Waterford
Number of Appearances – 5

________________________________________
Thomas Stapleton (Templederry Kenyons)

Age 21 Height 6ft 1in Weight 13st 10lbs Occupation: Student, UL

Thomas was born on February 21st, 1988 and plays with the Templederry Kenyons club. Thomas played at wing-back for the 2005 Tipperary Minor team before moving to centre-back in 2006 as Tipperary won the All-Ireland title. Thomas’s father Michael won an All-Ireland Minor Hurling medal in 1976 playing at wing-back for Tipperary. Thomas has lined out for the University of Limerick hurlers in the past two seasons.

Thomas made his League debut for Tipperary against Dublin in the 2007 National Hurling League scoring a point from midfield. Thomas made his Championship debut as a substitute in the first replay against Limerick in the 2007 Munster Senior Hurling Semi-Final. Thomas won a National Hurling League medal as a substitute in 2008 and he won a Munster Under 21 Hurling medal in the same year lining out at centre-back.

Championship debut - 2007 vs. Limerick (1st replay)
Number of Appearances - 3

________________________________________
Micheál Webster (Loughmore Castleiney)

Age 32 Height 6ft 3in Weight 15st 6lbs Occupation: Sales Rep

Micheal was born on August 1st 1977 and is from the Loughmore-Castleiney club. Michael made his debut with the Tipperary hurlers in the 2005 season and was nominated for an All-Star award that year. At club level, Micheal helped his club to win the 2007 County and Munster Senior Hurling titles. Micheal also captained Loughmore to win the 2004 County Senior Football Final. Micheal has won Mid Tipperary hurling medals with his club in 2002, 2003 and 2004 as well as numerous Mid Senior Football medals, Under 21 "A" Mid and County Football medals and Under 21 "B" Mid and County Hurling medals.

Micheal is an accomplished footballer, playing with the Tipperary Junior Footballers in 2002 before making his Senior Football inter-county championship debut vs. Limerick in the first round of the 2004 Munster Senior Football championship. Micheal made his competitive debut with the Tipperary Senior hurlers in February 2005 when he lined out at full-forward in the National Hurling League vs. Down, scoring a goal and setting up 2 others. Micheal has won medals at Mid Senior Hurling and Micheal won a National Hurling League medal as a substitute in 2008. Micheal has won 2 Munster Senior Hurling medals.

Championship debut - 2005 vs. Limerick (drawn match)
Number of Appearances – 16
Scored - 1-4

________________________________________
James Woodlock (Drom and Inch)

Age 23 Height 5ft 10in Weight 12st 6lbs Occupation: Garda

James was born on March 24th, 1986 and is from the Drom & Inch club. James won a Munster Minor Hurling medal in 2003, lining out at wing-forward and a Munster Under 21 Hurling medal in 2006, playing at midfield. James was a key figure in Drom & Inch's progress to the 2005 County Senior Hurling Final and the side which won the Mid Senior Hurling title in 2006, 2008 and 2009. James lined out for the Garda College in the 2006 Fitzgibbon Cup competition. James made his National Hurling League debut as a substitute against Limerick in February 2006. His championship debut came when he lined out at midfield against Limerick in the first drawn game in the 2007 Munster semi-final, scoring 2 points from play. James won a National Hurling League medal playing at wing-forward in 2008. James has won 2 Munster Senior Hurling medals.

Championship debut - 2007 vs. Limerick (first drawn game)
Number of Appearances – 11
Scored - 0-5

Photographs of all the Tipperary players can be found on the Tipperary GAA web site – click on the following link to view this information –
http://tipperary.gaa.ie/seniorhurlingplayerprofiles.html.

Management Profiles

Liam Sheedy (Portroe), Eamon O’Shea (Kilruane MacDonaghs) and Michael Ryan (Upperchurch-Drombane) are in their second season in charge of the Tipperary Senior Hurling team.

Liam Sheedy who is team manager, was previously a senior hurling selector in 2003 and was Manager of the Tipperary Minor Hurling team in 2005 and 2006, winning an All-Ireland title in 2006. He also served as Manager of the Intermediate Hurling team. He played 7 senior hurling championship games for Tipperary between 1997 and 1999. He won Munster and All Ireland U-21 hurling championships in 1989, a Munster U-21 hurling championship in 1990 and a Munster minor hurling championship in 1987. He won a NHL title in 1999. He also won Munster and All-Ireland junior hurling championship medals in 1989 and 1991.

Eamon O’Shea who is team coach, played 5 senior hurling championship games for Tipperary between 1979 and 1986. He also played senior inter-county hurling with Dublin. He won Munster and All-Ireland minor hurling championships with Tipperary in 1976, Munster and All-Ireland U-21 hurling championships in 1979, a Munster U-21 hurling championship in 1978 and a NHL title in 1979. He won 4 County SH championships with Kilruane MacDonaghs and won an All-Ireland club title with them in the 1985/86 season.

Michael Ryan played 24 senior hurling championship games for Tipperary in a senior inter-county career that started in 1991 versus Limerick and ended with his retirement in 2000. He won Munster and All-Ireland SH championships in 1991. He won Munster and All Ireland U-21 hurling championships in 1989, a Munster U-21 hurling championship in 1990 and a Munster minor hurling championship in 1987. He also won two NHL titles in 1994 and 1999.

Trainer

Dr. Cian O’Neill from the Moorefield Club in Kildare and a lecturer and course director in Sports Science in University of Limerick (UL) is the team trainer. He has extensive experience training club, colleges and inter-county teams including the Limerick senior footballers.

Tipperary Path to Final

Tipperary 6-19 Limerick 2-7 Croke Park Dublin All-Ireland S/F 16/8/09
Tipperary 4-14 Waterford 2-16 Semple Stadium Thurles Munster Final 12/7/09
Tipperary 3-18 Clare 1-22 Páirc na nGael Limerick Munster S/F 21/6/09
Tipperary 1-19 Cork 0-19 Semple Stadium Thurles Munster Q/F 31/5/09

Tipperary Team v Limerick 16/8/09

B Cummins; P Stapleton, Padraic Maher, P Curran, D Fanning, C O'Mahony (Capt), Brendan Maher; J Woodlock, S McGrath; P Kerwick, S Callanan, J O'Brien; N McGrath, E Kelly, L Corbett.

Subs: B Dunne for S McGrath (54), G Ryan for Woodlock (62), M Webster for Kerwick (63), P Kelly for E Kelly (65), W Ryan for Corbett (67).

Scorers -- Tipperary: L Corbett 3-1, E Kelly 1-6 (6f), P Kerwick 1-3, N McGrath 1-2, S Callanan, C O'Mahony (2f 1 '65) 0-3 each, J O'Brien 0-1.

Tipperary Team v Waterford 12/7/09

B Cummins; P Stapleton, P Curran, C O'Brien; D Fanning, C O'Mahony (Capt), P Maher; J Woodlock, S McGrath; P Kerwick, S Callanan, J O'Brien; N McGrath, E Kelly, L Corbett.

Subs: B Maher for Curran (35 mins), W Ryan for Kelly (half-time), B Dunne for Woodlock (46), H Maloney for Kerwick (56), M Webster for O'Brien (69).

Scorers: L Corbett 2-02, E Kelly 1-03 (0-02f), S Callanan 1-01, N McGrath 0-03 (0-01f), P Kerwick, C O'Mahony (0-01f), S McGrath, J O'Brien, B Dunne 0-01 each

Tipperary Team v Clare 21/6/09:

B Cummins; P Stapleton, P Curran, C O'Brien; D Fanning, C O'Mahony (Capt.), P Maher; J Woodlock, S McGrath; P Kerwick, S Callanan, J O'Brien; E Kelly, L Corbett, N McGrath.

Subs: B Maher for O'Mahony (ht), W Ryan for Kerwick (53), B Dunne for S McGrath (62), H Maloney for Callanan (63), P Kelly for E Kelly (66).

Scorers: N McGrath 0-7 (0-1f, 0-1 s/l), J O'Brien 1-2, L Corbett 1-1, P Kerwick, E Kelly (0-3f) 0-3 each, S Callanan 1-0, J Woodlock, D Fanning 0-1 each

Tipperary Team v Cork 31/5//09:

B Cummins; P Stapleton, P Curran, C O'Brien; D Fanning, C O'Mahony (Capt.), P Maher; J Woodlock, S McGrath; N McGrath, S Callanan, J O'Brien; E Kelly, L Corbett, M Webster.

Subs: P Kerwick for Webster (51), B Maher for O'Mahony (55), D Gleeson for Cummins (blood-sub 60), G Ryan for N McGrath (63), B Dunne for Woodlock (65), P Kelly for Callanan (68).

Scorers: S Callanan 1-3, E Kelly 0-5 (4f), N McGrath, L Corbett 0-3 each, B Dunne, S McGrath (1 line ball) 0-2 each, J O'Brien 0-1.

Tipperary V Kilkenny: Previous Championship Meetings

Tipperary and Kilkenny have met 19 times previously in the championship with Tipperary winning 12 times, Kilkenny 7 times and no draws.

Date Stage Result Tipp Top Scorer
2003 All Ireland Semi-final Kilkenny 3 -18 Tipperary 0-15 Eoin Kelly
0-8

2002 All Ireland Semi-final Kilkenny 1-20 Tipperary 1-16 Eoin Kelly
0-4

1991 All Ireland Final Tipperary 1-16 Kilkenny 0-15 Michael Cleary
1-6

1971 All Ireland Final Tipperary 5-17 Kilkenny 5-14 Michael “Babs” Keating 0-7

1967 All Ireland Final Kilkenny 3-8 Tipperary 2-7 Donie Nealon
2-0

1964 All Ireland Final Tipperary 5-13 Kilkenny 2-8 Jimmy Doyle
0-10

1958 All Ireland Semi-final Tipperary 1-13 Kilkenny 1-8 Jimmy Doyle
1-8

1950 All Ireland Final Tipperary 1-9 Kilkenny 1-8 Paddy Kenny
1-2

1945 All Ireland Final Tipperary 5-6 Kilkenny 3-6

1937 All Ireland Final Tipperary 3-11 Kilkenny 0-3
Played in Killarney
1922 All Ireland Final Kilkenny 4-2 Tipperary 2-6

1916
All Ireland Final Tipperary (Boherlahan) 5-4 Kilkenny (Tullaroan) 3-2

1913 All Ireland Final Kilkenny (Mooncoin) 2-4 Tipperary (Toomevara) 1-2

1911 All Ireland Final
(Limerick withdrew and Tipp were nominated to replace them in an unofficial final)
Kilkenny (Tullaroan) 3-3 Tipperary(Thurles) 1-2
1909 All Ireland Final
Kilkenny (Mooncoin) 4-6 Tipperary (Thurles) 0-12

1900 All Ireland Semi-Final
Tipperary (Two Mile Borris) 1-11 Kilkenny (Mooncoin) 1-8

1898 All Ireland Final
Tipperary (Tubberadora) 7-13 Kilkenny (Threecastles) 3-10
1895 All Ireland Final
Tipperary (Tubberadora) 6-8 Kilkenny (Tullaroan) 1-0
First final at Jones Road
1887 All Ireland Semi-Final
Tipperary (Thurles) 4-7 Kilkenny (Tuillaroan) 0-0

Last Championship Meeting All Ireland SH Semi Final August 17th 2003

Kilkenny 3-18 Tipperary 0-15

KILKENNY: J. McGarry; M. Kavanagh, N. Hickey, J. Ryall; S. Dowling, P. Barry, J.J. Delaney; D. Lyng, P. Mullally; J. Hoyne, H. Shefflin, T. Walsh; D.J. Carey, M. Comerford, E. Brennan.
Sub: J. Coogan for Walsh (56th minute).

TIPPERARY: B. Cummins; T. Costello, P. Curran, M. Maher; E. Corcoran, T. Dunne, P. Kelly; E. Enright, B. Dunne; M. O'Leary, C. Gleeson, J. Carroll; E. Kelly, L. Corbett, B. O'Meara (capt.).
Subs: N. Morris for Corbett (54th minute); P. O'Brien for O'Leary (59th); B. Horgan for Enright (62nd); D. Kennedy for Costello (64th); E. Brislane for T. Dunne (71st).

Scorers: Kilkenny H. Shefflin 1-7 (0-5 frees); E. Brennan 1-4; T. Walsh 1-0; D.J. Carey 0-3 seventies; D. Lyng 0-2; J. Hoyne and J. Coogan 0-1 each.

Tipperary: E. Kelly 0-8 (0-6 frees); C. Gleeson 0-2; P. Kelly, J. Carroll, P. O'Meara, E. Enright and P. O'Brien 0-1 each.

Referee: P. O'Connor (Limerick) Attendance: 60,087

Last Meeting National Hurling League Final May 3rd 2009

Kilkenny 2-26 Tipperary 4-17 (after extra time)

KILKENNY: P.J. Ryan; M. Kavanagh, J.J. Delaney, J. Tyrrell; T. Walsh, B. Hogan, J. Ryall; J. Tennyson, M. Rice; R. Hogan, H. Shefflin (capt.), E. Larkin; E. Brennan, T.J. Reid, A. Fogarty.
Subs: M. Comerford for B. Hogan (injured, 10); M. Grace for Comerford (yellow card, 13); J. Fitzpatrick for Shefflin (yellow card, 43); S. Cummins for Kavanagh (yellow card, 78).

TIPPERARY: B. Cummins; P. Stapleton, P. Curran, C. O’Brien; D. Fanning, P. Maher, S. Maher; T. Stapleton, S. McGrath; J. Woodlock, S. Callanan, J. O’Brien (capt.); N. McGrath, M. Webster, L. Corbett.
Subs: B. Maher for Fanning (yellow card, 12); H. Maloney for S. Maher, (injured, 14); B. Dunne for Maloney (58); S. Hennessy for Woodlock (62); D. Fitzgerald for T. Stapleton (et); Patrick Maher for Webster (80); E. Buckley for Padraic Maher (91).

Scorers for Kilkenny: R. Hogan 1-10 (0-7 frees); A. Fogarty 1-5; H. Shefflin (0-1 free, 0-1 ‘65) and T. J. Reid (0-1 sideline) 0-4 each; E. Brennan 0-2; E. Larkin 0-1.

Scorers for Tipperary: S. Callanan 1-7 (0-5 frees, 0-1 ‘65); N. McGrath 1-5; J. Woodlock and J. O’Brien 1-1 each; S. McGrath 0-2; B. Cummins 0-1 free.

Referee: J. Sexton (Cork). Attendance: 17, 087

Snippets

Appearances in 09

Paul Curran is the only played who has started all 12 games Tipperary have played in League and Championship this year. Benny Dunne, John O’Brien and James Woodlock have played in all 12 games either starting or coming on as a substitute.

Championship Scorers in 09

Lar Corbett is Tipp’s top scorer in the current championship campaign with 6-7, all from play. Eoin Kelly is next with 2-17 (0-15f). He is followed jointly by Noel McGrath with 1-15 (0-2f, 0-1s/l) and then Seamus Callanan with 3-7.

Championship Debutants under Liam Sheedy

Liam Sheedy has given 9 players championship debuts in his 2 seasons as Tipp SH Manager: Seamus Callanan, Darren Gleeson, Pat Kerwick, Brendan Maher, Padraic Maher, Noel McGrath, Conor O’Brien, Gearóid Ryan and Paddy Stapleton.

Previous All Ireland Senior Final Experience

4 players on the Tipperary panel – Brendan Cummins (1997 and 2001), Lar Corbett (2001), Eoin Kelly (2001) and Paul Kelly (2001) have previously played in an All Ireland senior hurling final. Paul Curran and John O’Brien were on the panel in 2001 but did not play in the final.

Club Representation on Tipperary Panel

The 35 players on the Tipperary Senior Hurling panel represent 21 clubs (20 in Tipperary and 1 in Kilkenny) between them as follows:

Thurles Sarsfields – 4, Toomevara – 3, Drom and Inch – 3, Killenaule – 3, Borris-Ileigh – 2, Burgess – 2, Loughmore-Castleiney – 2, Mullinahone – 2, Templederry Kenyons – 2, Ballybacon Grange – 1, Clonoulty Rossmore – 1, Éire Óg Annacarty – 1, Ballinahinch – 1, Kildangan – 1, Kilruane MacDonaghs – 1, Lorrha and Dorrha -1, Nenagh Éire Óg – 1, Newport – 1, Portroe – 1, Roscrea -1, and O’Loughlin Gaels – 1.

Conor O’Mahony (Newport) and Shane McGrath (Ballinahinch) are the only players not from senior clubs. Both their clubs play at Intermediate level.

Average Age of Tipperary Players

The average age of the Tipperary panel is 24 years and 7 months. The average age of the team which started the semi-final against Limerick was 24 years and 10 months. . The average age of the last Tipperary starting 15 to win All-Ireland Senior Hurling honours in 2001 was 24 years 2 months with 10 players aged 24 or less. Brendan Cummins was the third oldest player on that team aged 26 trailing only Declan Ryan (33) and Eddie Enright (27).

Best attended Tipp v Kilkenny championship games

1964 Final 71,282.
1945 Final 69,459
1950 Final 67,629
1991 Final 64,500
1967 Final 64,241
1971 Final 61,393
2003 Semi Final 60,087

It will be a major surprise if this year’s final is not the best attended ever game between the two counties.

On the double

The last hurler to play in the Senior Championship with Tipperary and Kilkenny was Denis Byrne (Graigue/Ballycallan (Kilkenny) & Mullinahone (Tipperary). Having played with Kilkenny and captained them to the Leinster title in 1999, he changed club and county allegiance in 2003, making his championship debut for Tipperary v. Laois, at Portlaoise, in a qualifier game on June 14th. Denis lined out at full forward and scored 0-6. He also played against Galway in the next round and came on as a substitute against Offaly in the Quarter Final victory at Croke Park. He didn’t play against Kilkenny in the semi final, which was the last championship meeting between the teams.

Defending the title

When Kilkenny met Tipp in the 1964 All Ireland final they were defending the title, won against Waterford in a high scoring decider (4-17 to 6-8) the previous year. The Leinster champions were favourites to win the game, but were beaten by double scores 5-13 to 2-8. Tipperary led by 1-8 to 0-6 at half time. The game was refereed by Aubrey Higgins from Galway – the last time a Connacht man refereed the All Ireland final. That was the only previous occasion that Tipperary and Kilkenny played on September 6th.

Tipperary had previously dethroned Kilkenny in the 1958 semi final, again after the black and amber had beaten Waterford in the previous decider.

Kilkenny have also dethroned Tipperary on two occasions, the 1909 Final and the 2002 All Ireland semi final. Seven years ago, Kilkenny won a tremendous game, 1-20 to 1-16, before an attendance of 53,385.

Playing with rivals

Paul Kelly joined O’Loughlin Gaels in 2008, where his club mates include Martin Comerford and Brian Hogan. He may be a popular and valuable player in the white and green, but the battle for supremacy will mean business takes precedence until after the game. Paul has proven his versatility for club and county over the years having played in various positions, from half back to corner forward. He played at left half back in Tipperary’s 2001 All Ireland victory and also lined out at midfield, during the campaign.

In his first competitive match for O’ Loughlin Gaels, against Fenians, at Freshford,on May 8th 2008, Paul lined out at left half forward and contributed 0-3 .The game ended in a draw at 1-14 each. His performance, at left half back, in the Co. Semi final loss to James Stephens was highly impressive.

Hurling Academy

During his time as a student, at St Kieran’s College, Kilkenny, Eoin Kelly played in two Colleges’ All Ireland Finals. Despite scoring 1-7 in the 1999 final at Croke Park, he lost to a St Flannan’s College team, captained by Ballinahinch’s Dermot Gleeson and powered by Toomevara’s Benny Dunne, who scored 0-3. There was a happy ending to the 2000 Final at Nenagh, when Eoin, who lined out at centre forward and scored 0-7, avenged the previous year’s defeat. His colleagues on that winning team included current Kilkenny senior hurlers Tommy Walsh, Brian Hogan , Jackie Tyrrell and Michael Rice.

Managers Debuts

Liam Sheedy made his Senior championship debut for Tipperary against Down in the 1997 All Ireland quarter final at Clones. It was the first quarter final in the new back door system and Tipperary won by 3-24 to 3-8. Liam lined out at right half back and held a place on the team until the end of the 1999 campaign.

Brian Cody made his Senior championship debut for Kilkenny at left half back in the 1973 All Ireland final loss to Limerick. Following their Leinster Final win over Wexford, Kilkenny lost four players through injury and emigration before they played Limerick. Brian had captained the All Ireland winning Minor team the previous year.

Interestingly, neither Manager played championship hurling against his upcoming opponents.

Managing the clubs

This year two former Tipperary senior hurlers are involved with Kilkenny Senior Clubs. Dinny Cahill (Kilruane MacDonaghs) is with Graigue/Ballycallan, while John Leahy is again taking charge of Carrickshock, where former Tipp underage player Emmet Dunphy (Roscrea) is the goalkeeper.

Crossing the lines

Two Kilkenny men who played in Tipperary County Finals over the past thirty five years were Pat Kavanagh (Rower Inistioge / Borris-Ileigh) and Richard Dunne (Danesfort/Roscrea). Pat played in his first Tipperary Co. Final in 1977 and lost to Kilruane MacDonaghs in a replay, but he was on the winning Borris-Ileigh team against Roscrea in 1981 and was a substitute, when they next won the title , beating Loughmore Castleiney, in 1983.

Richard was unlucky to lose out with Roscrea in the 1981 Final and again the following year, when Moycarkey/Borris won the title in a replay.

The last Tipp man to play in a Kilkenny county final was James Moran (Ballylooby -Castlegrace), who played for James Stephens in their unsuccessful bid to dethrone the Shamrocks, in last year’s decider.

Other familiar faces

Tom Russell, goalkeeper on the Moyne/ Templetuohy team which won the Tipp County title in 1971 has been involved with the Galmoy club for many years. His son, Phil, plays with Laois. Mick Lonergan (Moycarkey/ Borris) who came on as a substitute for Tipperary in the All Ireland finals of 1964 and 1967, both against Kilkenny, has also been involved with that club. Mick’s sons wore the Galmoy colours and Brian won a minor All Ireland title with Kilkenny in 1993 .

The club has engaged several Tipp Managers / Coaches over the years, including Michael Doyle, Joe Tynan and Paddy Moore.

Guarding the city

It is not unusual to see some well known Tipp hurling faces around the streets of Kilkenny City. James Woodlock (Drom and Inch), Stephen Hogan (Lorrha and Dorrha) and Liam Maher (Boherlahan Dualla) are Guardians of the Peace! Liam has been involved with the Dicksboro club since his departure from Boherlahan Dualla, with whom he won a Tipp Co Senior hurling title in 1996, scoring the winning point against Toomevara. Liam made a successful championship debut for Tipp, against Clare, in 1983.

Deflation or Inflation

John Doyle’s record of fifty four championship appearances for Tipperary, which stood since 1967,

TONY FORRISTAL UNDER 14 TOURNAMENT, AND UNDER 15 HURLING

September 3rd, 2009

Tipperary defeated Waterford in the final of the Tony Forristal intercounty uunder 14 hurling tournament played in Mount Sion grounds, Waterford on Sunday. Tipperary had qualified for the final on Saturday by virtue of winning Section 1A of the competition, this section included Clare, Cork and Limerick.

In the first round Tipperary drew with Clare 0.08 each following a tough physical battle played in blustery conditions at the St Saviours grounds in Ballybeg. Clare having played with the strong wind led by 0.06 to 0.02 at half time, Tipperary rallied in the second period to lead 0.08 to 0.07 with time up however Clare landed a long range free through their excellent free-taker to tie the match in injury time. In the second round Tipperary faced Cork, Tipperary won the toss and played with the wind. Tipperary took a long time to settle, and led by 1.05 to 1.02 at half time with a goal and 2 pointed frees from Jack Shelley, a point from a penalty from Joshua Keane, and points from Conor Lanigan and Austin Tierney, Tipperary battled bravely in the second period holding Cork scoreless for ten minutes, then from a line ball into the square Tom Kirwan caught and passed to Aidan Moloney who found the net, 3 minutes later Tom Kirwan, caught a long drive and scored to leave the score 3.05 to 1.02 with time running , Cork scored 3 late points but could make no leeway in the Tipperary rearguard. The match finished Tipperary 3.05 to Cork 1.05. In the final round Tipperary faced Limerick who had a narrow win over Clare and had to win to stay in contention, a win would put Tipperary in the final. Limerick won the toss and elected to play with the wind. Limerick dominated the first half and led at the break by 1.05 to 0.02. Limerick defended heroically in the second period and with eight minutes left led by 1.07 to Tipperarys 0.04, then Tom Kirwan now at full forward and having narrowly missed 5 minutes earlier, fielded a high ball from Ross Mulcahy and drove it to the net, then repeated the feat from a delivery from Joshua Keane to draw the sides level, Conor Lanigan and Joe Knight added points and the Kirwan completed the hattrick. The final score was Tipperary 3.07 Limerick 1.07 and Tipperary were in their second Forristal final in 3 years

Tipperary returned to the Mount Sion grounds on Sunday to take on Waterford who had overcome Wexford in the semi-final, Tipperary won the toss and elected to play with a slight breeze, the game was evenly matched for the first five minutes but then Waterford broke through for a well taken goal, this spurred Tipperary into life and they dominated for the remainder of the half with goals from Tom Kirwan, Joshua Keane, and Jack Shelley, two pointed long range frees from Austin Tierney, Conor Lanigan, Jack Shelley and Tom Kirwan added points to leave the half time score at Tipperary 3.05 Waterford 1.02.

The second half was a dour affair with Tipperary hounding the Waterford players on the ball and limiting them to a goal and a point in the second period, Tipperary added late points from Aidan Moloney and Kieran O'Dwyer to leave the final score Tipperary 3.07 to Waterford 2.03 All the players and 5 substitutes gave it their all in the final. Tipperary captain Joshua Keane received the player of the tournament award.

Congratulations to all concerned on Tipperary's 10th Tony Forristal victory.

Tipperary lined out as follows in the final: Daryl Ryan (Roscrea), Jack Lineen (Durlas Og), Cathal Kennedy (Toomevarra), Barry Heffernan (Eire Og Nenagh), Eoin Kehoe (Kilsheelan-Kilcash), Austin Tierney (Shannon Rvs), Kieran O'Dwyer Holycross-Ballycahill), Gerard Barlow (Golden-Kilfeacle), Tom Kirwan (Ballybacon-Grange), Ross Mulcahy, (Moyle Rovers), Joshua Keane, (Golden-Kilfeacle), Brian Kennedy (J K Brackens), Jack Shelley (Mullinahone), Joey Knight (Portroe), Conor Lanigan (Durlas Og). Subs: Aidan Moloney (Newport) for Ger Barlow, Kevin Dunne (Durlas Og) for Conor Lanigan, Fionnan O'Sullivan (Skeheenarinka) for Brian Kennedy, Jamie Woods (Holycross-Ballycahill) for Jack Shelley, Rory O'Regan, (Moycarkey- Borris) for Joe Knight.
The other panel members were sub goalie Robert Larkin (Moyne-Templetuohy), Tom Fox (Eire Og Annacarty) played against Clare and was injured against Cork, Sean Ryan (SeanTreacys ) played against Clare and Cork, Ronan Maher (Durlas Og) played against Limerick, Mark Gleeson (Templederry Kenyons) and Mark McCarthy (Toomevarra) were injured in club games and were unable to take part.

Coach: Kevin Butler (Drom-Inch), Selectors: Tom O'Donnell (Golden-Kilfeacle), Seamus Doran (Roscrea), Micheal Hassett, (Moycarkey- Borris), Hugo Browne (Killenaule), Physio/First Aid: Sandra Molloy.

Tipperary 'B' played in Division 2 and gave a great account of themselves winning all their group games before being defeated by Waterford in the final on Sunday. Tipperary scored a 2-5 to 1-6 win over Dublin in their opening match and they defeated Wexford (5-7 to 1-7) and in a thrilling final group match they scored a one point victory over Cork (1-7 to 1-6). Despite a great effort in the final Tipperary had to give best to the host county on a scoreline of Tipperary 2-2 Waterford 2-7.

In the All-Ireland Under 14 Camogie Tournament hosted by the Tipperary County Board, Tipperary won the A and B competition. The A Team defeated Kilkenny giving a superb display of skill, speed and intellegent teamwork. The B Team defeated Galway by a point, again playing great camogie.

UNDER 15 HURLING
The Under 15 Carrigdhoun Tournament in Cork on Saturday was cancelled due to pitches at the host venue being unplayable. Clare agreed at short notice to host a blitz for the counties scheduled to participate in the Carrigdhoun tournament. Tipperary travelled to Clarecastle on Saturday where they were defeated by Cork (1-9 to 0-5) in their first match. And Tipp defeated Limerick by 0-11 to 0-5 in their second match. It is unknown if the Carrigdhoun tournament will be refixed. We extend best wishes to Tipperary player Kieran