Tipperary GAA Scene
By PRO Joe Bracken
As this is the first GAA Scene of 2018, Happy New Year to all readers and supporters as we send best wishes to all at club and county level and wish you every success for the year ahead.
TIPPERARY SENIOR HURLING CHALLENGE
The Tipperary senior hurlers have two challenge matches under their belt recently as they continue preparations for their Allianz League opener against Clare in Ennis on Sunday, January 28th.
Last Saturday week they played Slaughtneil (Derry) All-Ireland club semi-finalists in Castleknock with Mick Ryan’s men winning 1-23 to 3-8 with Patrick Maher (Lorrha-Dorrha) the Tipperary goal scorer.
Then last Saturday in the familiar surrounds of Dr. Morris Park, Tipp played host to Dublin. In a very competitive game Tipp continued their good momentum winning 1-26 to 0-12 with Jason Forde (Silvermines) raising the green flag on this occasion.
Next Saturday, the final challenge match in the series sees Tipperary play Liam Mellows (Galway) also All-Ireland club semi-finalists in Lorrha at 2pm.
TIPPERARY SENIOR FOOTBALL CHALLENGE
In the first of three challenge matches ahead of their Allianz League clash with Cork at the end of the month, the Tipperary senior footballers had a comprehensive 2-17 to 0-8 win over Cork Institute of Technology in Dr. Morris Park last Thursday night with the Tipp goals coming courtesy of Jimmy Feehan (Killenaule) and Michael Quinlivan (Clonmel Commercials).
Next up is a match this Tuesday night, January 9th again in Dr. Morris Park where Liam Kearns’ side will take on the Garda College and then next Tuesday January 16th also in Dr. Morris Park Tipp will play UCC and both games throw in at 7:30pm.
REFEREES
Tipperary referees were represented in Munster league action last Sunday with John McCormack (Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams) in charge of the Co-Op Superstores Munster Hurling League match between Limerick and Kerry in the Gaelic Grounds, while in McGrath Cup football Sean Lonergan (Moyle Rovers) had the task of keeping an eye on affairs between Waterford and Cork in the Gold Coast Resort, Dungarvan.
MUNSTER JUNIOR HURLING & FOOTBALL
Congratulations to Thurles Sarsfields who had a fine win over Tubber (Clare) in the Munster Junior B Hurling semi-final in Raheenagh, Limerick on Sunday last winning comfortably 2-10 to 0-04.
The postponed Munster Junior B Football Semi Final between Cashel King Cormacs and Cromane (Kerry) will go ahead, weather permitting, on Sunday 21st January at 2pm in Knockaderry.
POST PRIMARY ACTION
The quarter finals of the Dr. Harty Cup will be played this Wednesday, January 10th at 1:30pm with reigning champions Our Lady’s Templemore and Thurles CBS both in action.
Our Lady’s Templemore meet John the Baptist CS in Dundrum with referee Rory McGann in charge while Thurles CBS take on Midleton CBS in Clonmel where the referee will be Thomas Walsh. In the other quarter finals its Ardscoil Ris v Gaelcholáiste Mhuire where Fergal Horgan (Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams) will be in control and Coláiste Cholmáin Fermoy v CBC Cork.
Also on Wednesday, in the Corn Risteard Ui Mhathuna (18.5 C H) Quarter-Finals at 12:30pm Carrick CBS Secondary meet St Augustine’s at the WIT Sports Campus and Scoil Ruain Killenaule take on Coláiste Choilm Ballincollig in Cappoquin.
TIPPERARY GAA CLUB ALL COUNTY MATCH PASS 2018
The match pass for 2018 is currently on sale at the price of €120. This pass gives you access to all adult matches within the County during 2018. Passes can be ordered through the GAA Office Slievenamon Rd., Thurles or by contacting 0504 22702 where you can pay over the phone.
CLUB OFFICER TRAINING
Following successful Club Officer Training nights held in Nenagh and Ballykisteen early in 2017, similar sessions have been arranged for 2018 as follows – Thursday 25th January in the Anner Hotel, Thurles and Wednesday 31st January in Clonmel Park Hotel.
These are aimed at clubs in the Mid and South divisions, but clubs from the North and West are also welcome, especially if they have newly-appointed officers. 8 officers from each club will be invited to attend, i.e. Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and PRO of the Adult Club and similarly from the Juvenile Club/Committee.
It would be appreciated if County and Divisional Boards would avoid fixing any meetings for those dates. Full details will issue to the clubs shortly. Thanking you in anticipation of your cooperation.
CLUB REFEREE TRAINING COURSE
Basic Club Referee Training Courses are provided every two years by trained Referee Tutors in County Tipperary. Modules will be held over 3 nights in Thurles, with an online module being completed by the student in the comfort of their own home. The course is developed in conjunction with Croke Park and supported through the Provincial Munster Referees Administrators. Dates for the Training Course are as follows –
New referees foundation course (Sarsfields Centre, Thurles – each night at 7:30pm) commencing with
Module 1 Tuesday 13 February 2018
Module 2 Tuesday 20 February 2018
Module 3 To be completed ON LINE (Timed Module) between 21st Feb and 28th Feb 2018 and
Module 4 Tuesday 27 February 2018
Training as a Club Referee involves the following modules:
Rules of Specification / The Play / Scores/ Powers and Duties of the Referee Technical Fouls / Set Play / Aggressive Fouls / Dissent / Referee’s Report / Rules Test / Fitness Test
Modules are classroom based and involve attendance and participation by the prospective referees. A timed Rules Test is centrally organised by Croke Park, which the participants complete “on-line”, with a pass-mark set which must be achieved for successful progression
An initial trial Fitness Test, i.e. a “BANGSBO or BeepTest” will be used to familiarise new entrants with the levels required. A standard test will be used later in the year to monitor progression with a view to the achievement of a minimum standard required for qualification.
Following completion of the Training Course the successful candidate is certified as qualified by Coiste Ríaracháin Réiteoirí Contae Tiobrad Árann as a Club Level Referee. It is recommended for foundation referees to be appointed to referee games up to and including U14 for a period of 2 years.
We are now seeking applications from interested individuals, who are considering taking up the role as Club Referee and applications must be submitted through their respective Club Secretary on the relevant Application Form which is available online on the Tipperary GAA website.
Application Form – Level 1 Basic Foundation Club Referee Course 2018
Please note all applications must be accompanied by a cheque for €100, from the applicant’s home club, which will be refunded after officiating at ten games. Completed application forms accompanied by €100 cheque only should be forwarded to Paul Stapleton, Secretary, Tipperary Referees Administration Committee, Lár na Páirce, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
All clubs who do not currently have a referee in their club are encouraged to trawl their membership for prospective candidates.
Further information / clarification can be had from Jim O’Shea chairperson 085 1744791 Tipperary Referees Administration Committee and Paul Stapleton secretary 085 1983325 Tipperary Referees Administration Committee.
FOOTBALL COACHING COURSE
The Award 1 Football course will start on Monday 22th January next and will run and over five nights inclusive.
To book places on these courses please email kevin.halley.gda.tipperary@gaa.ie ASAP, places will be limited so booking is essential. Cost of the course will be €50 euro per coach strictly paid prior to the commencement of the course.
Award 1 Adult Football Coaching Course, January 2018.
Modules include;
1. Technical Football skill Development workshop.
2. Physical fitness for the club player.
3. Sports Physiology and implementation.
4. Video analysis and playing stats.
5. Building the players Teamplay and Tactical Prowess through game based Coaching.
The course dates include January 22nd, 29th and February 5th, 12, 19th all at 7.30pm – 9.30 pm nightly and the venue is Dr Morris Park.
CRAOBH NA MMUMHAN 2018 SCÓR NA NÓG
The Munster Final of Scór na nÓg took place in Ovens, Co. Cork on Sunday January 7th. Patrons were treated to an afternoon of sheer delight with all 6 counties represented in the various disciplines. We are very proud of all our very young participants who performed so excellently on the day.
Heartiest congratulations to Newcastle’s Rince Foirne (left) who took Munster honours and will now represent Tipperary in the All-Ireland Final in Sligo on February 17th. Their dance teacher Kathy McGrath on her honeymoon will surely be proud of scooping another prize within a few days of her wedding to Rob.
Comghairdeas ó chroí leis na hiomaitheoirí eile a dhein éacht ar an stáitse ina measc Caoimhe Ní Chradóg ó Mainistir na Croise, Filip Mac an tSaoir ó Éire Óg, Grúpa Ceoil Uirlise ó Killea, Bailéad Ghrúpa ó Portroe, Rince Seite ó New Castle, Léiriú ó Borrisoleigh. Bhí na buachaillí agus na cailíní seo thar barr agus tá ardmholadh tuillte acu gan dabht. Thanks also to all our mentors and supporters who as usual were there in their numbers to encourage and applaud our young representatives.
Coiste Scór an Chontae would like to offer their condolences to the Ryan Family on the death of Tommy – Go ndéana Dia Trócaire air. A minutes silence was observed in Ovens to mark Tommy’s passing and Joan’s generous contribution to Scór over the years at parish, county and Munster level was alluded to. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
TIPPERARY GAA DRAW
The first Tipperary GAA Draw of 2018 was held in Larkins Bar, Garrykennedy last Friday night with Portroe GAA Club and congratulations to all the winners on the night. The two main prizes were as follows – Skoda Octavia or €15,000 went to Tom Lupton with Drom & Inch the promoting club while second prize of a Florida Family Holiday or €5,000 went to Patrick Bourke with the Boherlahan-Dualla the promoting club.
SYMPATHY
Regretfully the past few weeks have seen many families bereaved throughout the county and further afield with Tipperary connections included among them the following; it was with great regret that the members of Thurles Sarsfields GAA Club heard of the death on New Year’s Day, in his 100th year, of Mick Murphy. Down through the years the Sarsfields has a proud record of extending the hand of welcome and friendship to players who come to Thurles to live and work. Mick from Kilmaley, Co. Clare was one such player and after taking up a position at Russell’s drapery store on Liberty Square, Thurles in February 1940 he threw in his lot with Thurles Sarsfields and won Tipperary senior championship medals with them in 1942 and three-in-a-row 1944, ’45 and ’46. Right half-back and midfield were his recognised positions on the field.
The Cork dominance of hurling 1941-’44, with their famed four in a row All-Ireland success, was broken by Tipperary, captained by John Maher of Thurles Sarsfields in 1945 and Mick Murphy wore the number five jersey, when they beat Kilkenny in the final, 5-6 to 3-6.
Mick Murphy was a fine sturdy defender, tenacious and gritty, his height and strength were to come to the fore often in repulsing many a promising attack.
While his Kilmaley roots are very dear to him, Mick had always fond memories of when he wore ‘The Blue’ of Thurles Sarsfields and in January 2016, Mick was inducted into Thurles Sarsfields Hall of Fame.
Later on Friday, Thurles Sarsfields and Tipperary would be in mourning again as Michael ‘Mick’ Murphy, Iona Ave., passed away after a short illness. The former Tipperary All-Ireland winning captain Mick Murphy was born in 1940, a stylish half back who was to see his promising career brought to a premature end late in 1964 when he damaged his knee in a club game.
His championship debut came in 1963 after being on the extended panel in previous years. His star shone brightest in 1964 when he captained his county to All-Ireland success in September and also winning a National Hurling League title that same year.
With his club Thurles Sarsfields at the height of a golden era, Mick won 8 Tipperary County Senior Hurling Medals – 1957, ’58, ’59, ’61, ’62, ’63, ’64 and ’65.
Mick was one of the founder members of Durlas Óg in 1979 and was vice-president of the club at the time of his passing.
The death took place on Saturday of Tommy Ryan, Upperchurch, father of Tipperary senior hurling manager Mick Ryan.
On Sunday, the death took place of Gerry Long (Knockshegowna), who was a former Tipperary Co. Board PRO in 1983 and also a well-known inter-county referee. He took charge of the 1987 Tipperary Senior Hurling final between Cappawhite and Loughmore-Castleiney and also refereed North Senior Hurling finals in a distinguished refereeing career. In the 1990’s Gerry was a regular GAA presenter with Tipp FM before moving to Limerick 95 Radio until his recent retirement.
Gerry will be reposing at his home from today Tuesday, January 9th until Wednesday evening at 6.45pm with funeral arriving to St Patrick’s Church, The Pike at 7.30pm. He will be laid to rest on Thursday following funeral mass at 11am with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
We extend our sincere sympathies to all bereaved in the past number of weeks.
TIPPERARY SUPPORTERS CLUB
The Tipperary Supporters Club launched their 2018 Membership Scheme and the membership pack includes the following benefits:
A specially-designed Tipperary Supporters Club cap
All members are entered into a prize draw for championship match tickets for all Tipperary Senior games.
A membership card with which you can avail of a 10% discount in the Tipperary GAA Shop Lár na Páirce
2018 Car Sticker
Text alerts for all League and Championship team news
Regular news to your email about all the latest in Tipperary GAA circles
New this year – Tipperary Supporters Club members will be eligible to vote for the official 2018 Tipperary Senior Hurler of the Year award at the end of next season.
Tipperary Supporters Club sincerely thank all members for their continued support and are looking forward to a successful 2018 for Tipperary hurling.
FRIENDS OF TIPPERARY FOOTBALL
The Friends of Tipperary Football are now selling membership for 2018 and once again it is a very reasonable €20.
Membership enters each supporter into the following draws:
Two All-Ireland Final Football tickets 2018
Two All-Ireland Final Hurling tickets 2018
Two Tickets for each Tipperary Senior Football Championship matches 2018
Two All-Ireland Club Final tickets 2018
Two Allianz National Football League tickets for each Tipperary League match in 2018
Plus, all members will receive an exclusive car sticker.
If you would like to join online you can do so at http://www.friendsoftipperaryfootball.com/join/ or contact any Friends of Tipperary Football committee member.
TIPPERARY GAA SCENE
Information concerning all areas in the GAA will appear in this section in the future. If you wish to include any item of interest in future articles, please e-mail at pro.tipperary@gaa.ie on or before 3.00pm on Monday. Visit the Tipperary GAA web site at http://tipperary.gaa.ie to keep up to date with all the latest news in Tipperary GAA circles.