Tipperary GAA Convention reports

Tributes paid to the late Mick Minogue

Chairperson Jimmy Minogue paid tribute to the late Mick Minogue of Roscrea who passed away late last week.

His many achievements on and off the field of play were recorded with Minogue describing him as being a unique coach who had the ability to bring everybody with him and expressed his sympathy, and that of the Board, to the bereaved.

Social Media Impact

Tipperary GAA has grown its presence on social media substantially over the last number of years.

The Board launched its own App in 2024 and already has 4,700 members. However, the website had 2,019 million hits in 2024 while Tik Tok likes amounted to 236,400. Instagram followers have grown to 20,700 while Facebook followers now stand at 28,000. As for Twitter, followers have grown from 600 in 2010 to 80,400 followers in 2024. The Board has grown social media audience by 13,500 in the last twelve months – the largest ever annual increase for the Board.

Con Hogan to step down as Chair of the Semple Stadium

Marlfield clubman Con Hogan will step down as Chairperson of the Semple Stadium Management Committee at the up-coming AGM of the Committee.

Con, a former Chairperson of the County Board, has held the position for 23 years having taken over from the late Michael Maher. He described his time in the role as being “a labour of love”.

He described Semple Stadium as being a vital asset to the GAA but also an invaluable asset to the greater Thurles area – Munster Final Day alone is worth €3.2million, but with an annual footfall of in excess of 200,000, the value to the community is enormous and should not be forgotten when funding and support is being sought from business entities.

An estimated expenditure of €8million is required to bring Semple Stadium up to standard and Con Hogan said that a huge amount of lobbying will be necessary to acquire the funding. Included in this figure is a sum of €1.4million for the provision of a hybrid pitch which is necessary to facilitate the number of games coming the way of the Stadium with the advent of the split season – the pitch had to be closed for six weeks back in April as a result of the huge wear and tear on it, he said.

Two audits have been carried out on Semple Stadium in recent times and the Management Committee is now planning to move forward to Munster and Central Councils to acquire the necessary funding to get the works done.

Munster Council Chairperson Ger Ryan paid tribute to Con Hogan saying that he discharged his duties in Semple Stadium in a hugely impressive manner and has contributed enormously to the GAA over many years. He looked forward to seeing him continuing to contribute to the GAA for many years to come.

Abuse of gate checkers highlighted by Treasurer

Treasurer Eleanor Lahart highlighted the behavioural issues of some members of the public in relation to gate checkers.

She noted that hardly a week went by in 2024 where one of the 91 gate checkers had not reported an instance of abuse to her.

“Our team of gate checkers are employees of Tipperary GAA, and as such we have a duty of care to them. The verbal and physical abuse towards these employees is unacceptable. These are mostly sons and daughters of people you know, and this behaviour would not be tolerated in any other workplace.

“Under legislation currently in train, an employer will have additional responsibility under the protection of retail workers act 2024 and Tipperary GAA will use all means at its disposal in the protection of our employees, including calling for the assistance of the Gardai onsite, if required,” she said.

Costs associated with team expenses unsustainable – Munster Council Chairperson

Munster Council Chairperson Ger Ryan (Templederry) addressing delegates for the last time in that role said that the rising costs of preparing teams is simply unsustainable and cannot continue.

Nationally, the costs will be in the region of €42 million for 2024 and this is something which requires close examination as Boards will simply be unable to continue to fund the costs. He looked forward to a specially commissioned report being published in the coming months.

Ger Ryan, who completes his term as Munster Council Chairperson in the new year, was wished well by County Chairperson Jimmy Minogue and thanked for his efforts in Munster.

Sean Nugent and Mark Dunne lauded

Kilsheelan/Kilcash’s Sean Nugent and Moyne-Templetuohy’s Mark Dunne were lauded by Chairperson Jimmy Minogue following the completion of their roles as Munster Council delegate and Irish Language and Cultural Office respectively.

Both men have completed five years in their positions and undertook sterling work for Tipperary County Board, the Chairperson said.

Officers Elected

President: Matt Hassett (Toomevara)

Vice President: John Costigan (JK Brackens)

Chairperson: Jimmy Minogue (Nenagh Éire Óg)

Vice Chairperson: Michael Tierney (Borris-Ileigh)

Treasurer: Eleanor Lahart (Killenaule)

Assistant Treasurer: John Delaney (Newport)

Development Officer: Mark McLoughlin (Roscrea) – appointed as per rule.

Coaching Officer: Sean O’Meara (Mullinahone)

Safety & Facility Officer: Andy Hennessy (Rockwell Rovers)

Officer for Irish Language & Culture: To be filled as Adjourned Convention.

Children’s Officer: Owen Doody (Cappawhite) - appointed as per rule.

PRO: Jonathan Cullen (Loughmore/Castleiney)

Central Council Rep: Johnny Doyle (Holycross/Ballycahill)

Munster Council Reps: Joe Kennedy (Moyne-Templetuohy); Michael Burke (Upperchurch/Drombane)