Fitzgerald to become new Tipp Senior Football manager

By Shane Brophy

Niall Fitzgerald is set to be appointed as the new Tipperary Senior Football manager.

The Moyle Rovers clubman (right) was ratified at a meeting of the county’s football committee last night (Tuesday) to fill the vacancy left by the sudden passing of Philly Ryan last month, who was a team-mate of Fitzgerald in their playing days in the blue and gold.

Fitzgerald’s name will now go before the executive of Tipperary GAA, with formal ratification at the November County Board meeting later this month.

Niall Fitzgerald would have been seen as the number one candidate, with his knowledge and development of up and coming players from his time as under 20 manager from 2023 to 2025.

In 2023, which was the final year of the straight knockout format, they lost to Clare by three points in the Munster quarter-final.

With the introduction of the round-robin format in 2024, Fitzgerald led his young team to two wins and one draw in Phase 1, before going on to deliver competitive showings against Cork and Kerry in Phase 2.

With an experienced team, they targeted this year for success and started well, winning all of their Phase 1 games against Limerick, Clare and Waterford, and despite a disappointing loss against Kerry in the first game of Phase 2, the team were desperately unlucky to miss out on a Munster final place with a highly contentious late free gifting Cork a tap over free to draw the game and deny Tipp a place in the decider.

When Fitzgerald stepped down as under 20 manager in September, he stated that he hoped to return to inter-county management in the future but circumstances have prevailed that is has come sooner than expected.

Fitzgerald will have full scope to put together his management team as Philly Ryan’s previous group of coach Martin O’Brien, and selectors Paul Cahill and Cathal Naughton have stepped away. However, key members of the backroom team have recommitted.

One of Fitzgerald’s first games as manager of the senior footballers will be a high profile challenge match against All-Ireland champions Kerry next month.

Champions Under Lights

In support of the Dillon Quirke Foundation, Fethard Town Park is set to host an evening of sport and community spirit on Saturday, 13th December, as the inaugural ‘Champions Under Lights’ event brings together All-Ireland hurling and football champions, Tipperary and Kerry, alongside some of Munster’s top GAA talent.

Under the glow of the floodlights, Tipperary’s Senior Football and Hurling teams will take to the field with the Kerry taking on the Premier County in a football challenge at 4.00pm, while at 6.00pm, All-Ireland hurling champions Tipperary will take on Limerick.

The event, launched on Monday evening, was established in honour of the late Dillon Quirke who collapsed and died of sudden adult death syndrome (SADS) in 2022. Through Champions Under Lights, Fethard Town Park aims to raise much needed funds to raise awareness of SADS and fund widespread cardiac screening for young people (aged 13-17) involved in sport.

Supported by Clonmel Credit Union, whose commitment to local sport and community well-being makes events like this possible, the evening promises top-class hurling and football, a vibrant family atmosphere, and an opportunity for the community to come together in support of a vital cause that continues to make an extraordinary impact in Irish sport and health awareness.

Alongside the on-field action, spectators can look forward to a pop-up shop selling Dillon Quirke Foundation County GAA Jerseys, souvenir match programme, and a chance to see The Liam MacCarthy and Sam Maguire Cups up close, with proceeds supporting the Dillon Quirke Foundation.

“We’re thrilled to welcome these fantastic teams to Fethard Town Park for what promises to be an incredible evening of sport and solidarity,” Tommy Sheehan, Manager, Fethard Town Park.

“It’s a chance to celebrate champions, light up the pitch, and make a real difference in memory of Dillon.”

Dan Quirke, father of Dillon Quirke and founder of the Dillon Quirke Foundation, said: “It’s vitally important for young people to understand their heart health and this event gives us the opportunity to shine a light on the importance of screening. We’re grateful for the continued support shown by our local community, including our friends at Fethard Town Park and Clonmel Credit Union.”

“We’re honoured to support the Dillon Quirke Foundation through this fantastic community event,” said Padraig Enright, CEO, Clonmel Credit Union.

“Sport unites us, and initiatives like this remind us how powerful that unity can be in protecting young lives.”

To ensure safety and manage attendance, all tickets must be booked online in advance via Eventbrite. Tickets are priced at €50 for a family (2 adults and 2 children); Adults €25 | Kids U14 €5, must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/champions-under-lights-in-aid-of-the-dillon-quirke-foundation-tickets-1819100441389