Tipperary GAA Scene
MUNSTER CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
The highlight of recent times in the Munster Club championships was achieved last Sunday in Páirc Uí Rinn when Borris-Ileigh ripped the formbook to shreds as they deservedly claimed the AIB Munster Senior Club Hurling crown for the second time in the club’s history. With a 1-12 to 1-11 defeat of Ballygunner (Waterford), congratulations goes to the Borris-Ileigh men who showed tremendous character as they continued their march in the club championship of 2019. With warriors and leaders across the field, they hunted and jostled in packs, regardless of what the elements and playing conditions were. And in that unity of force, one man excelled in what will go down as one of his finest hours. For decades to come the name of Brendan Maher will be synonymous with the 2019 final as his powerhouse display drove his side to victory, on a day where Dan McCormack and Jerry Kelly among others also carried high the Borris-Ileigh flag into battle.
Next up is an All-Ireland semi-final against St. Thomas (Galway) on January 4th /5th, 2020.
Commiserations to Carrick Davins as they exited the AIB Munster Junior Club Hurling Championship at the penultimate stage last weekend losing out by two points to St. Mary's (Waterford) on a 1-13 to 0-14 score-line after a thrilling encounter.
Mullinahone advanced to the AIB Munster Junior Club Football Final on Sunday week, December 8th in Mallow following their 2-10 to 1-10 defeat of Croom (Limerick) in Bansha last weekend. In the final they will play Na Gaeil (Kerry).
In the Munster Junior B Hurling semi-final, hosted by Killeedy GAA Club, Drom & Inch defeated Castletownroche (Cork) 0-16 to 1-4 and will meet Garryspillane (Limerick)in the final on January 11th.
The focus this weekend will be on Dungarvan where we send best wishes to Clonmel Commercials as they make last minute preparations for the AIB Munster Senior Club Football Final in Fraher Field, on Sunday next December 1st, where they will meet Nemo Rangers (Cork).
Commercial supporters will have wonderful memories of November 29, 2015 when they recall the club’s epic one-point win in Mallow over Sunday’s opponents. No doubt Nemo will be looking to exact revenge for that defeat but equally Commercials management will have their side fully on guard. A fascinating tie is in prospect, throw-in is at 2pm and the referee will be Padraig O’Sullivan (Kerry).
MUNSTER LEAGUES
The draws for the Co-Op Superstores Munster Senior Hurling League and McGrath Cup were made last week.
In the Co-Op Superstores Munster Senior Hurling League Tipperary will be in Group A, where they will start with the first match of the league at home to Clare in McDonagh Park, Nenagh on Sunday December 15th and throw-in will be at 2pm. Their second match will be on the following Friday night, December 20th in the LIT Gaelic Grounds where they will play Limerick at 7:30pm.
Cork, Waterford and Kerry are in Group B and the final will be played on Sunday January 12th.
Turning attention to the McGrath Cup, Tipperary will be in Group B with Kerry and Cork. Both league rounds will take place in the New Year with Tipperary away to Cork in their first match on Thursday, January 2nd in Páirc Uí Rinn with throw-in at 7:30pm. It will be a quick turnaround then as Tipperary play Kerry at home in Clonmel Sportsfield on Sunday January 5th where throw-in will be at 2pm.
Limerick, Clare and Waterford are in Group A and the final is set for Saturday, January 11th at 7pm.
ALL STARS TOURS
The hurling All-Stars tour takes place this weekend and best wishes to Liam Sheedy and the Tipperary players involved for the showpiece game in Abu Dhabi. Liam will manage the 2019 team while John Meyler (Cork) will manage the 2018 panel.
Well done to Cáit Devane (Clonoulty-Rossmore) who represented Tipperary on the 2018 Camogie All-Stars panel scoring 1-7, even though her side lost to the 2019 All-Stars 5-19 to 2-11 in the Camogie Exhibition match in Gaelic Park last weekend.
POST PRIMARY
The final group rounds of the Dr. Harty Cup took place last week with Thurles CBS qualifying for the quarter-final draw as Group A winners following their 2-7 to 1-7 win over Nenagh CBS. Unfortunately, Nenagh CBS failed to make the knock-out stages.
In Group C, Our Lady’s Secondary School Templemore qualified as group runner up after their 2-21 to 0-14 defeat of St. Francis College Rochestown.
The quarter final draws will take place in early December with the games scheduled to take place on January 8th.
Best wishes to Presentation Ballingarry as they played Scoil Pól Kilfinane in Corn Chiarain Ui Dhrisceoil (16.5 D Hurling Final in Bansha this Tuesday, November 26th.
Best wishes also, to High School Clonmel against Clonakilty Community College in Corn Ui Mhuiri Group B (19 A Football) Round 3 in Mallow this Wednesday, November 27th at 1:30pm
For all post primary fixtures and results please check https://munstergaapps.ie/fixtures-results/
2019 LAOCHRA GAEL AWARDS
The Laochra Gael Awards is an occasion to recall and acknowledge the depth of contribution by so many to Tipperary GAA over the decades. In what has become one of the standout occasions in the Tipperary GAA calendar, this year’s recipients were fated last Sunday in the Dome, Semple Stadium.
Guest of honour Louis Fitzgerald, and Paddy Finucane, replying on behalf of the award recipients, both gave inspirational speeches much to the appreciation of those present.
Congratulations to the all and to the organising committee for another successful staging of the event.
LONDON TEAM TIPPERARY CORPORATE FUNDRAISER
Last Friday’s sold out event was a tremendous success with approximately 350 in attendance. Guests of honour included Seamus Kennedy and Eamon O’Shea representing Tipperary senior hurlers, Samantha Lambert and Aishling Moloney representing Tipperary Ladies Football, Craig Morgan and Jerome Cahill representing Tipperary U20 hurlers and Len Gaynor, Tipperary legend. MC for the occasion was the wonderful Paul Collins who carried off the role with his usual mix of wit and wisdom. A career in the auctioneering business would not have gone amiss on Paul as he expertly guided the auction of GAA items on the afternoon, the highlight of which was £3,200 for 4 All-Ireland SH final tickets for 2020.
A huge amount of gratitude and thanks goes to all who organised and supported the event in London, with special thanks too, to those companies and individuals that supported the auction.
TIPPERARY HURLING CLUB, NEW YORK
The County Tipperary Hurling Club New York will hold their Annual Dinner Dance on Saturday week, December 7th at Lake Isle Country Club, 660 White Plains Road, Eastchester.
Guest of honour will be Liam Sheedy and the Liam MacCarthy Cup. Special guests will include members of the Tipperary All-Ireland Senior Hurling team, Craig Morgan – Tipperary U20 Hurling captain and Samantha Lambert – Tipperary Ladies Intermediate Football captain.
Information and ticket details for the banquet can be had from Dance Chairpersons: Brendan Maher (646) 361-5544 brendanmaher50@gmail.com and Stephen Carty (914) 899 3130 or any committee member - Michael Sheedy, Toby Kavanagh, Michael Maher, Owen Cummins, Mike Kennedy and David Loughnane.
For further details, email tippnyc@outlook.com A great night's entertainment is guaranteed for all.
SCÓR
Reminding all clubs and cultural groups that the final of Scór na nÓg will take place in Holycross Community Hall on Sunday week, December 1st, at 2pm. The usual list of competitions will take place including Rince Foirne, Solo Singing, Recitation, Ceol Uirlise/Traditional music, Ballad Group, Leiriú/Nuachleas and Set dancing
All clubs are invited to take part in the Trath na gCeist to go forward and represent Tipperary in the All-Ireland Scór na nÓg final in Killarney.
Make sure your clubs entries are in before next Tuesday November 26th to any of the divisional secretaries or maryboylebourke@hotmail.com
We urge all clubs to take part agus páirt a ghlacadh sa chomórtas.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS TABLE QUIZ
The annual Primary Schools Table Quiz County Final will be held in the Sarsfields Centre, Thurles also on Sunday week, December 1st at 6.00 pm.
Each division is asked to hold their own quiz and select 5 teams of 4 primary school students to go forward to the county final.
2020 GAA SEASON TICKET
The 2020 GAA Season tickets are now on sale at https://seasonticket.gaa.ie/ and will once again provide fantastic value for supporters in next year's league and championship.
The GAA Season Ticket costs €120 per adult and €30 for U16s and check https://www.gaa.ie/tickets/gaa-season-ticket/aif-tickets for details
Adult Club+ Version costs €200 – which includes club championship fixtures within chosen county and guaranteed All-Ireland Final ticket should your county qualify. (Selected code only). If you wish to purchase a Club+ GAA Season Ticket this must be done at the time of purchase. Again, the Adult Club+ Version is subject to meeting terms and conditions.
2019 GAA MACNAMEE AWARDS
Applications for the 2019 MacNamee Awards are now being accepted. It should be noted that only work published or completed in the 2019 calendar year is eligible for consideration and entries will not be returned. The awards scheme will be judged under the following headings:
· Best GAA Publication - To cover general works focussing on the Association · Best GAA Club Publication - To cover GAA County Yearbooks and Club History · Best GAA Website · Best New Media - Award for a Club, County or Province’s use of digital channels or own created content (video, podcasts, newsletter, other) to present a story or activity online · Best Photograph · Best Programme · Best GAA related Radio Programme
· Provincial Media Award · National Media Award · Best TV Documentary · Irish Language Award / Gradam na Gaeilge
All entries should be marked “GAA MacNamee Awards 2019” and addressed for the attention of Alan Milton, Director of Communications, Croke Park, Dublin 3 or emailed to siobhan.brady@gaa.ie . Entrants should also clearly state what category they are submitting their entry under. Closing date for entries is Friday, 03/01/2020.