Disappointment on some fronts but delight in underage success – Jimmy Minogue
By Noel Dundon
Chairperson of the Tipperary GAA County Board Jimmy Minogue described 2024 as being a disappointing year on the playing field in one respect, but a great year in another.
In a wide-ranging address to Convention held at The Dome, Semple Stadium on Sunday evening, the Nenagh Éire Óg clubman said that the underage success of the minor and U20 hurling sides reflected the great work being done by the academies and the many coaches throughout the county who are working so hard with players.
The minor All-Ireland Final victory was “never to be forgotten” he said while he offered the view that the U20’s getting to the final possibly came a year too soon in the squads development – he noted than more than thirty of the extended panel are young enough for the grade in 2025 as well and he looked forward to seeing them progressing further still.
From a senior hurling a football perspective, 2024 was a disappointing year, the Chairperson said. The hurlers started the year in good shape but a poor performance in the league against Clare saw elimination and the subsequent Munster championship campaign yielded just a draw against Waterford.
The senior footballers had ambitions of getting out of Division 4 of the National Football League but failed to do so, while a “modest showing” against Waterford in the Munster championship saw them eliminated and void of confidence as they went into the Tailteann Cup.
On a positive note, the Chairman remarked that the minor and U20 footballers are getting plenty of games and these will help them to progress and will be of benefit in the long term.
Jimmy Minogue paid tribute to retired Tipperary players, Dan McCormack, Patrick ‘Bonner’ Maher, and Conor Sweeney saying that they have contributed enormously to the county over many years. He looked forward to seeing them continuing to ply their trade with their clubs and said that they can be very proud of their efforts in the blue and gold jersey.
The biggest challenge facing the Board in 2024, Jimmy Minogue said, was finding the necessary finance to fund the preparation of teams and the running of the county.
“The introduction of a finance committee will be of enormous benefit going forward,” he said, and he looked forward to funds being provided for the continued development of Coolmore Morris Park and the provision of additional playing pitches.
The chairperson added his disappointment that Tipperary did not receive national funding from government for the redevelopment of Semple Stadium or the progression of the development of 4G pitch with TUS Thurles on the Jimmy Doyle road. The Board will continue to pursue funds for these projects in the weeks and months to come, he said.