A delighted Tipperary minor hurler Austin Duff celebrates the All Ireland final win with teammate Eoghan Doughan’s grandfather Sean Doughan from Moneygall. Photo: Bridget Delaney

Tipperary GAA Scene

By Jonathan Cullen PRO

Electric Ireland All Ireland Minor Hurling Final

Our minor hurlers travelled to Kilkenny last Saturday evening where they took on the home team in the All-Ireland Final, and what an occasion it turned out to be.

Playing in front of a big Tipperary following, the players set out in a very determined fashion right from the throw in and despite being reduced to thirteen players before half time, they showed a maturity and resilience that was a joy to see.

The game was level at half time, full time and again at the break in extra time. However, Tipperary kept fighting and despite their numerical disadvantage they powered on in the closing stages to overcome Kilkenny 2-17 to 3-12.

The scenes of joy and raw emotion that were seen at the final whistle were unbelievable and the performance of this group of young men can only be described as unprecedented.

Following the game, GAA President Jarlath Burns presented the Irish Press cup to Tipperary captain and proud Holycross/Ballycahill man Cathal O’Reilly.

As is tradition with victorious Tipperary minor teams, a homecoming took place on Saturday night on the steps of the cathedral in Thurles, and once again the large number of Tipperary supporters who turned out to greet the players and team management was excellent.

On Monday evening, the team attended a very special homecoming event hosted by the Holycross/Ballycahill club and once again large numbers turned out to show their support and appreciation for the players and team management.

Expression of Interest for Senior Football Manager

Tipperary GAA is currently seeking to fill the position of Senior Football Manager. Tipperary Football Board is asking potential candidates who may wish to submit an expression of interest in the role, to contact the Tipperary Football Board secretary through email secretary.football.tipperary@gaa.ie or phone 0863196929.

The board will accept expressions of interest up to 12.00pm on Friday, 12th July and then move the process to the next stage.

Work Experience Opportunity at Tipperary GAA

Tipperary GAA is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity for work experience at our headquarters, Lár na Páirce, Thurles.

Successful applicants will have the chance to work in a dynamic and supportive environment, gaining invaluable experience in financial management, fundraising, and the essential day-to-day administrative tasks involved in running a large sporting organization. These transferable skills will be valuable assets for future career endeavours.

If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please email your expression of interest to secretary.tipperary@gaa.ie. All applicants must be over 18 years old. We look forward to hearing from enthusiastic candidates eager to contribute to and learn from the Tipperary GAA community.

Tipperary Clubs Draw

The 2024/2025 Tipperary Clubs Draw has been launched and tickets can now be purchased from your local GAA club, the Tipperary GAA office, or the Tipperary GAA website.

This draw provides substantial financial assistance to the clubs of the county, with up to 70% of every ticket going straight in to the clubs account. The new draw will have substantial cash prizes each month and is well worth the €100 entry.

GAA Match Forecast Fundraiser

Moycarkey/Borris and Tipperary GAA have launched a brand new and very exciting fundraiser that is sure to be enjoyed by people right across the county and further afield.

Participants get the chance to predict the outcome of all the group games in the Senior and Premier Intermediate Hurling Championships which commence at the end of the month. There are cash prizes ranging from €2000 on offer and all for an entry fee of €10.

You can enter via the links on both the Moycarkey Borris and Tipperary GAA social media channels or alternatively by contacting any member of the Moycarkey Borris GAA Club. The direct link to play is: https://moycarkeyborris.com/products/17678/purchases/new

Health & Wellbeing

The festival season has begun and for many people attending their favourite festival is the highlight of the summer season. Not everyone will use substances at festivals or on a night out, however, drug use does take place and for health and safety reasons it is important to acknowledge this fact.

The HSE is aiming to raise awareness of risks associated with drug use through its Reduce the Harms at Festivals and its Safer Nightlife Programme. The Festival Resources Booklet covering harm reduction and information on drugs circulating can be downloaded from www.drugs.ie/festivals or follow the conversation @drugs.ie or #HSESaferNightlife

Water Safety Ireland is advising us all to be summer ready and safe by increasing our awareness of safety while enjoying activities on our rivers, lakes, seas, and swimming pools. Information on all aspects of water safety and awareness can be found on watersafety.ie.

The Irish Life Healthy Club Programme aims to help clubs extend their positive influence beyond their membership and games by promoting the holistic wellbeing of their communities through physical, mental, social, and spiritual wellbeing.

In Tipperary we have had a very positive response to our call asking clubs to appoint a Wellbeing Officer. It is never too late for clubs to become involved or to seek information on the Healthy club Initiative.

Further information can be had by contacting Cora or Seamus at chair.hwc.tipperary@gaa.ie

Sympathies

We extend our sympathies to former County Chairperson and current Munster Council Delegate, Sean Nugent on the passing of his brother, Seamus, who was laid to rest last Wednesday.

We also remember legendary GAA commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh who passed away last week. Micheál’s ability to paint a picture with words was unrivalled, and his rare combination of wisdom and wit was something special.

Many Tipperary supporters will remember his numerous witty one liners including how he described a battle between Pat Fox and Joe Rabbitte “Pat Fox has it on his hurl and is motoring well now, but here comes Joe Rabbitte hot on his tail … I’ve seen it all now, a Rabbitte chasing a Fox around Croke Park!” Or how he told the story of purchasing a greyhound from Pat’s father “Pat Fox out to the 40 and grabs the sliotar. I bought a dog from his father last week. Fox turns and sprints for goal … the dog ran a great race last Tuesday in Limerick … Fox, to the 21, fires a shot – it goes to the left and wide … and the dog lost as well.”

Micheál was an amazing man, and he will be sadly missed. We extend our sympathies to his family and many friends at this sad time.

Tipperary GAA Scene

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