Tipperary GAA Scene

By Jonathan Cullen PRO

Munster Senior Hurling Championship

Following their defeat to Limerick in their first game of the Munster championship, our senior hurlers travelled to Walsh Park in Waterford last Saturday evening knowing that they needed at least a draw to keep their interest in the championship alive. With a very short turn around between games this was always going to be a difficult game for both players and management who had shipped a lot of criticism in the days leading up to the game. To their credit they brought great passion and intensity to the game, and they showed a never say die attitude that was really up lifting.

Munster Under 20 Hurling Championships

Our under 20 hurlers welcomed Cork to FBD Semple Stadium last Friday in round 4 of the Munster Championship. Heading into the game, both sides had full points and knew that a win would put them in poll position to qualify for this year’s final. Tipperary really took this game by the scruff of the neck as they went at the visitors from the word go to lead at the break by 2-10 to 0-7. Tipperary continued to dominate in the second half as they went on to secure the victory on a score of 3-20 to 0-18.

Tipperary now prepare for the visit of Clare to FBD Semple Stadium this Friday, May 10th.

Munster Minor Football & Hurling Championships

Our Minor Footballers suffered a 2-12 to 0-10 defeat at the hands of Clare in the Phase 1 final which was played in Rathkeale on Tuesday of last week.

Having already beaten them in the group stages, Tipperary would have expected to repeat the result in this game. However, Clare were a much different proposition as they dominated the game for long periods and never gave Tipperary the opportunity to gain any type of dominance on the game.

As a result, Tipperary played Kerry in the Munster semi-final in FBD Semple Stadium on Tuesday evening, see www.nenaghguardian.ie for report.

Our Minor Hurlers were also in action in FBD Semple Stadium last Thursday when they played Clare in round 4 of the Munster Championship.

Having already defeated Waterford and Cork in the previous rounds, hopes were high that Tipperary would continue their winning ways in this game. However, this was not to be as Clare brought a greater intensity and energy to the game. The concession of four goals will also be of major concern for James Woodlock and his management team as they prepare for their next game against Limerick this Thursday evening.

Tailteann Cup

The draw for the 2024 Tailteann Cup took place last week and has resulted in Tipperary being drawn in Group 2 with Sligo, Antrim, and Wexford. First up is an away assignment against Antrim this Sunday at 2.00pm. Having exited the Munster Championship at the hands of Waterford and having recorded a fairly under par league campaign, this game could be the ideal way for the group to get back on winning ways.

Tipperary Clubs Draw

The May Clubs draw took place last Friday and was hosted by the Templederry Kenyons club. This month’s star prize of a Toyota Yaris was won by Kiladangan’s John Fitzpatrick and Deborah Ryan, while Jimmy O’Sullivan who is a member with the Fethard club won the €5,000 second prize. This month’s lotto jackpot of €4000 was won by Joe Cullagh who is joined with Moycarkey/Borris. Congratulations to all the winners.

Handball

With the County 60x30 Doubles Championships completed, the Munster Championships kick off this week with Tipperary competing in many grades.

The County Juvenile Championships are also underway with the North finals down for this weekend. The County & Munster Championships to follow with the Munster Finals down for the first weekend in June.

Ulster hosted a Mothers & Others Tournament in the National Handball Centre in Croke Park and Tipperary were represented by Ballina Handball Club. Just after celebrating ninety years since the club was founded in 1934, it was great to see a female team from Ballina taking part in the National Handball Centre. Ballina were decked out in their new Mothers & Others jerseys & zip tops sponsored by the Technological University of the Shannon (TÚS). Some great friendships were made with over sixty players from around the provinces and some great games of handball followed throughout the day. Well done to Fiona, Eloise, Sibéal & Meadbh from Ulster Handball for hosting the event.

Tommy Barrett perpetuated in Feile Hurling Trophy

Long time serving Tipperary GAA administrator Tommy Barrett has had his memory perpetuated with the County Feile na nGael Division 1 trophy renamed in his honour.

Tommy Barrett was born in 1924, and to honour what would have been his 100th birthday, his family are presenting a Cup for Division 1 of the Feile Hurling.

He was one of the founding members of National Feile na nGael along with Seamus O Riain and Eamon De Stafort.

Tommy had a particular interest in underage hurling. Feile na nGael was launched in Thurles in 1971 to encourage the development of hurling among young people. Feile has grown over the years, and it now offers an opportunity for U15 players to participate in an annual Festival of Hurling, Camogie, Football, Rounders, and handball.

Tommy won seven County Senior titles with Thurles Sarsfields and was also Secretary of the Sarsfields Club. He was Secretary of the Semple Stadium Committee and played a part in the formation of the Durlas Og Club. He was Secretary of the Tipperary County Board for 37 years between 1966 and 1999.

Tipperary County Board and Coiste na nOg would like to thank the Barrett family for presenting the cup to in honour of Tommy and was presented for the first time on Monday last to Newport who won Division 1 of County Feile na nGael.

Darkness into Light

Darkness into Light Pieta’s Sunrise Appeal takes place this Saturday, 11th May at 4.15am.

Each year thousands of people across Ireland and abroad participate in Darkness into Light raising funds to enable Pieta to provide supports to people impacted by suicide and self-harm. Since the inaugural walk back in 2009 GAA clubs have joined local charities for this event which is billed as the most important sunrise of the year. Each year the walk provides an opportunity for people to connect with their local community to remember loved ones lost and to look to a brighter future.

Tipperary GAA Health & Wellbeing Committee are once again appealing for clubs to promote this worthy cause by providing details to their members and local communities of the many walks taking place throughout the county. Walks presently listed include Carrick-on-Suir, Clonmel, Ballina/Killaloe, Nenagh, Roscrea, Thurles, and Tipperary Town.

Clubs can also create their own Darkness into Light by organizing their own special event on the day or at a different date and time. Further information on registration for walks, venue updates, register an event can be completed through darknessintolight.ie.

Tipperary GAA Scene

If there is anything you feel should feature in this column going forward, please feel free to forward it to pro.tipperary@gaa.ie