Tipperary GAA Scene 30th Sept 2009

TIPPERARY GAA SCENE

BY COUNTY PRO GER RYAN

COUNTY SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

Well done to Thurles Sarsfields, Upperchurch Drombane, Drom and Inch and Toomevara on qualifying for the County Senior Hurling semi-finals last weekend. Thurles Sarsfields will play Upperchurch Drombane at 2pm and Toomevara will play Drom and Inch at 3.30pm in the semi-finals at Semple Stadium on Sunday October 4^th. Both games are without precedent – neither pairing ever occurred before in a semi-final. Toomevara have won 12 of the 16 semi finals they have played in since 1989. They only lost one of those 12 finals – to Boherlahan in 1996. It will be the first appearance in a semi-final for Upperchurch Drombane but the area has a proud history – Drombane won the county senior hurling championship in 1894. Leaving aside draws, 22 of the past 50 Tipp Semi Finals have been won by three points or less (1984-2008 incl). There were 5 draws in that 25 years all involving a team from the Mid division and a Mid team won all of the replays. Thurles Sarsfields have not lost a semi final since Toomevara beat them in 1996 by 1-17 to 0-6. The top semi- final scorers for Drom and Inch in the past twenty five years were Seamus Callanan 1-8 v Killenaule in 2007; Seamus Callanan 1-2 v Nenagh Eire Og in 2006; Seamus Butler 1-10 v Nenagh Eire Óg in 2005 and John Harkin 0-3 v Lorrha in 1984. Ken Dunne has been Toomevara’s top scorer in their last four county semi finals. He scored 1-9 (0-6f), v Moneygall in 2003; 0-10 (0-5f, 0-1 ‘65’) v Mullinahone in 2004; 0-6, all frees, v Mullinahone 2006; and 0-7 (0-4 frees and 0-3 ‘65s’) v Loughmore Castleiney in 2008. He was also Toome’s joint top scorer with Tommy Dunne and Kevin Mc Cormack, 0-4 each, in the 1996 semi-final win over Thurles Sarsfields.

ARRANGEMENTS AT SEMPLE STADIUM FOR SEMI-FINALS

Both stands will be open. At the Kinnane Stand (Old Stand), stile no 1 should be used by all pass holders and stewards to gain access. The ambulance door will be used for teams and team officials only. At the O Riain Stand (New Stand) stiles 41 and 54 should be used by all pass holders and stewards. The door beside stile 54 is to be used for wheelchair access. Those with buggies should purchase a ticket at a stile and enter via the ambulance door at the Old Stand or the wheelchair door at the New Stand. We thank patrons in advance for their co-operation.

COUNTY UNDER 21 “C” HURLING FINAL

Well done to Lattin-Cullen on becoming the third club from the West division to capture the County Under 21 “C” Hurling title following their 3-10 to 2-6 victory over Rockwell Rovers on Sunday at Sean Treacy Park. The winning captain for Lattin-Cullen was Stephen Martin. This competition began in 2000 and the County Roll of Honour to date is as follows – Ballinahinch (2 – 2000, 2006), Clonakenny (2 – 2005, 2007), Newport (1 – 2001), Kilruane MacDonaghs (1 – 2002), Ballyneale (1 – 2003), Solohead (1 – 2004) and Sean Treacys (1 – 2008). For the full list of Divisional and County Champions roll of honour and County Final winning captains, check out the Tipperary GAA Archives web site at www.tippgaaarchives.com.

FRIENDS OF TIPP FOOTBALL MEMBERSHIP DRAW

The Friends of Tipperary Football are presently running a Membership Draw. Tickets are €20 each and are available from any member of the Committee. The 1st prize is €5,000 euro and there is a total Prize Fund of €9,000 euro. Proceeds of the Draw support all County Football teams. The Draw will be held on Wednesday, 4th November.

TIPPERARY GAA YEAR BOOK

It’s that time of the year again when the preliminary work on the production of the Tipperary G.A.A. Yearbook commences. Chairman, Seamus King, informs me that the first meeting of the committee takes place this Thursday in Lár na Páirce and it’s all systems go after that. The deadline for the receipt of material, especially obituary notices, is November 1. This year, the Yearbook will be of special interest because of Tipperary senior hurlers’ tremendous performances in the National League and the championship. The book will record the highlights of these achievements, as well as the efforts of the other county teams in hurling and football, and all the other G.A.A. activity within the county. Also, the highlights of the 125 celebrations within the county will be recorded. The committee hope that many people in the county will be willing to take out advertisements in the book, which helps to defray the costs of production and, with this in mind they have appointed Fiachra O’Keeffe, Glenough, Rossmore, Cashel as advertising agent for the 2010 Yearbook. They are hopeful that he will get a good response. The final date for the receipt of advertisements in November 13 and it is hoped to have the book, which will be printed by the Nenagh Guardian, in the shops by December 11.

TIPPERARY CLUBS DRAW

The October Tipperary GAA Clubs draw will be held this Friday October 2^nd in The Halfway, Monroe, Clonmel On the night we will present a €15,000 cheque to local man John Lynch after his big win in the September draw. Promoter of the winning ticket Tom Acheson will be presented with €500. Again we have two cars to be given away on the night along with a Holiday and numerous cash prizes. Come along and support local Club Moyle Rovers on the night.

WORLD HANDBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Tipperary Handball players left this week for the world championships in Portland U.S.A. Fergal Collins, Ger Coonan and Denis White will be among those hoping to bring back world titles to the County. Updates on their games will be on the Tipperary Handball Website throughout the World championships. We wish them every success in the endeavours.

REPRINT OF TONY WALL’S BOOK ON HURLING

Tony Wall’s book “Hurling”, first published in 1965, is now available in a hand stitched hardback reprint. Tony Wall of Thurles Sarsfields is holder of 5 All Ireland senior hurling medals, was captain of the 1958 winning team, was Texaco hurler of the Year in 1958 and captained the Tipp minor hurlers to All Ireland victory in 1952. The cost including packaging and postage is €56.50. The book is available immediately from Kenny’s Bindery, 13-18 Kilkerrin Park, Liosbaun, Tuam Road, Galway, phone 091-709362, fax 091-757516, email: bindery@kennys.ie.

TG4 SPECIAL OF GAA PROGRAMMES ON NOVEMBER 1^st

As the GAA prepares to mark the 125th Anniversary of its foundation in Thurles on November 1^st, TG4 has unveiled a special day of GAA programmes schedule to mark the occasion. The station has dedicated most of its schedule on that day to Gaelic Games with viewers getting the opportunity to see live GAA action as well as a mouth-watering wide range of GAA-themed content in other programme types including documentaries, profiles and music. The main live match coverage on this special day will be from Semple Stadium for the AIB Munster Club Hurling Quarter-Final with the Cork champions taking on their Tipperary counterparts in what will undoubtedly be an exciting encounter. There will be special events happening at Thurles during the day to mark the 125th Anniversary of the GAA and TG4 presenter Micheál Ó Domhnaill will have all the latest news from there.

The live match coverage will be complimented by a wide range of specially commissioned/selected programmes with a GAA theme including: Sam Maguire documentary, Micheál O’Hehir, Top 50 GAA Football Goals, Top 50 GAA Hurling Goals, Ringy, the Cormac McAnallen tribute programme, the first showing of the new John 3:7 documentary and a specially commissioned edition of the traditional music series Geantraí with songs and tunes with a GAA ring to them.

So for those of you who can’t be present at the events in Thurles that day, watching TG4 is the next best option!

THE LATE DENIS (DINNY) RYAN OF ROSCREA

Tipperary County Board extends its sympathy to the family and friends and the Roscrea club on the death of Denis (Dinny) Ryan who passed away this week. From a famed Roscrea hurling family, Dinny and his two brothers Mick and Jack all played for Tipperary and will be remembered for playing their part in the great 3 in-a-row All Ireland winning successes the county had from 1949 to 51. He was also a prominent player for many years with Roscrea. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam uasal.

Coaching Courses

Foundation Coaching Courses have been held in each division. Further courses will be held this Autumn. Clubs wishing to avail of these courses should contact their Divisional Games Development Administrator to arrange suitable dates. Contact details for GDAs are: Mid – Andy Ryan 087-9090985; North – Tadhg O Connor 086-8978873; South – John Cummins 087-9526823; West – Kevin Hally 086-1925188.

TIPPERARY GAA SCENE

Information concerning all areas in the GAA will appear in this section in the future. If you wish to include any item of interest in future articles, please contact the County Public Relations Officer Ger Ryan at 086-8149146 or via e-mail at pro.tipperary@gaa.ie on or before 3:00pm on Monday. Visit the Tipperary GAA web site at http://tipperary.gaa.ie to keep up to date with all the latest news in Tipperary GAA circles.

Citizens views on the Lisbon Treaty referendum

We thought we’d bring you something a little different from the usual politicians and businessmen arguing for and against ratifying the Lisbon Treaty. YouTube has several videos  arguing both sides. Here are two ordinary people (as far as we know) presenting their cases. Watch and listen and decide for yourself.

Death of Denis (Dinny) Ryan late of Roscrea and Tipperary

It is with regret that Tipperary County Board announces the death of Denis (Dinny) Ryan of Roscrea and Tipperary. From a famed Roscrea hurling family, Dinny and his two brothers Mick and Jack all played for Tipperary and will be remembered for playing their part in the great 3 in-a-row All Ireland winning successes the county had from 1949 to 51. He was also a prominent player for many years with Roscrea. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam uasal.

Funeral arrangements are:

Denis (Dinny) Ryan – reposing at his home at The Sheehills Roscrea on Tuesday, September 29^th with Rosary at 9pm. Removal to St. Cronan’s Church Roscrea for Mass at 12.30pm on Wednesday with burial immediately afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Top Gear Live 2009 World Tour Back with a Spectacular New Show!

Following last year’s sell-out World Tour, Top Gear Live, sponsored by Brown Thomas, is returning to Dublin with a spectacular new show at the RDS from Thursday, 3^rd December to Sunday, 6^th December 2009.

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May and the Stig unveiled plans for this year’s Top Gear Live World Tour in the prestigious surroundings of the Royal Geographical Society, Kensington, London earlier today in true Phileas Fogg style; suspended below a hot air balloon.  Famed for their legendary globe-trotting antics, the three presenters took inspiration from some of the world’s most famous explorers including Dr David Livingstone, Sir Earnest Shakleton and Sir Edmund Hillary.

Fans on four continents can expect an edge-of-their-seats experience with flaming rally cars, extreme underground street racers and cars which change colour in the blink of an eye.  Other sequences will feature the infamous Stig who will be leading our troop of international stunt drivers via a mix of hand gestures, sonic pulses and Morse code, showing audiences the ultimate in precision driving.

Not only will the supercharged motoring theatre return with all new stunts and a spectacular new live Theatre Show, but Top Gear Live is thrilled to announce a number of new and exciting additions to this year’s Motor Arena.

The Hall of Fame celebrates some of the fastest and coolest cars on the planet.  Name a supercar and you’ll almost certainly find it in the Top Gear Live Hall of Fame! These incredible automobiles will be displayed to give visitors maximum possible access to this jaw-dropping collection of cars, which will include the Ferrari California, Maserati GT, Nissan Skyline GT-R35, Audi R8 V10, Bentley Bio Fuel, the Bentley Continental Supersports – Top Gear Live is a showcase of the world’s best!

For true car lovers, the fantastic Motor Arena features the world’s most stylish, rare and expensive cars, the latest gadgets, luxury goods, car accessories and motoring technology – displaying everything a car lover could dream of and more!  A collection of the most iconic and breathtaking prestige and performance classics in Ireland will be on display in the Iconic Classics Area, including veteran, vintage, classic and the modern and future classics.

New to Top Gear Live this year are a number of cool and exciting interactive zones, including Reasonably Priced Karts, which offers visitors a chance to race around a mini replica of famous Dunsfold track in reasonably priced karts! Visitors can chase their friends around this track donned head to toe in complete racing gear, including overalls and crash helmets!

Alternatively, why not try the Pit-Stop Challenge, where visitors can change the wheels of a Formula 1 car in record time and try to beat a Formula 1 crew – 6 seconds!

Tractor junkies beware! Top Gear Live is heading to the country! Don’t miss the unique Tractor Challenge, as a team of four men attempt to build a 1948 Ferguson tractor against the clock!  See them transform a pile of parts into a roaring machine in under 10 minutes.

Watch in awe as the gold medal champions from Dublin Institute of Technology strip and re-build automobile engines and bring them to life in the DIT Do Engine Mania Zone. Visitors can also get their hands dirty as they dismantle engine parts and examine what makes them tick!

Also new this year, Mean Machines allows visitors to get up close and personal to top of the range motorbikes, police cars, military tanks and air corps helicopters, while the adrenaline fuelled 4×4 Experience demonstrates the capabilities of these vehicles that have been everywhere and done everything. Visitors can drive shotgun with trained drivers as they carry visitors over extreme terrain.

For those looking for additional excitement, the high tech Simulators are not to be missed. Visitors can experience the thrill of riding in fast cars in the high tech Simulators, which are based on sophisticated technology developed for multi-million pound flight simulators used by Astronauts, Airline Pilots and Jet Fighter Crews. Integrating acceleration and G-forces from a high-performance three axis motion system, with images displayed on a big screen and DVD quality sound, this is not to be missed by adrenaline junkies!

For some time out, visitors can test drive the hottest and latest games in the PlayStation Area and Hamley’s Highway offers toys for big and small boys. In addition, the Paddock Tour offers Diamond and Corporate ticket holders the unique opportunity to see behind the scenes and get up close and personal with the line-up of cars from the Top Gear Live Theatre Show.  Check out the mechanics fixing, tweaking and repairing all the damage inflicted from those unruly presenters during the Theatre Show!

With even more space dedicated to amazing cars and a host of new and exciting interactive features, Top Gear Live 2009 promises to be an enthralling experience for fans of the show.

Tickets available from €49. For ticket information log on to HYPERLINK “http://www.topgearlive.ie” www.topgearlive.ie or HYPERLINK “http://www.ticketmaster.ie” www.ticketmaster.ie or call 0818 300 800.

Top US Theatre Company return to the Source with Of Mice and Men

Thurles just can’t seem to get enough of the Keegan Theatre, who have included the town in their Irish tours for the last three years. Last here with their fantastic production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, the company have also performed Glengarry Glen Ross and Death of a Salesman on the stage of The Source. The Keegan Theatre shows are always one of the high points of the theatrical year and 2009 promises to be no exception, as the company will be in town for one night only on Friday 2^nd October with an adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic novella.

Set against the backdrop of the great depression, Of Mice and Men tells the story of two ranch workers on their dream quest for a better life. As their strength as individuals is tested to the limit, a tale of friendship, acceptance and ultimate sacrifice takes shape. With iconic characters, sweeping language and sharp insight into the human condition, this promises to be a not to be missed theatrical experience.

Of Mice and Men is at The Source Arts Centre on Friday 2^nd October at 8pm. Tickets €20 / €18 concession. Call the Box Office on 0504 90204 or log on to www.thesourceartscentre.ie

Tipperary win most nominations for hurling All Stars 2009

GAA All Stars Hurling Nominations for 2009:

Tipperary players can take pride in the fact that more of their players have been nominated for All Star Hurling awards than any other team. The All Stars Banquet will be on 16th Oct. 2009. The full list of nominees is below.

Goalkeepers:
Brendan Cummins (Tipperary)
PJ Ryan (Kilkenny)
Clinton Hennessy (Waterford)

Full Backs:
JJ Delaney (Kilkenny)
Michael Kavanagh (Kilkenny)
Jackie Tyrrell (Kilkenny)
Padraig Maher (Tipperary)
Paddy Stapleton (Tipperary)
Ollie Canning (Galway)
Fergal Moore (Galway)
Noel Connors (Waterford)
Shane O’Neill (Cork)

Half Backs:
John Tennyson (Kilkenny)
Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)
Michael Walsh (Waterford)
Tony Browne (Waterford)
Conor O’Mahony (Tipperary)
Declan Fanning (Tipperary)
John Lee (Galway)
Mark Foley (Limerick)
Stephen Hiney (Dublin)

Midfield:
Michael Rice (Kilkenny)
Alan McCrabbe (Dublin)
Shane McGrath (Tipperary)
James Woodlock (Tipperary)
Seamus Hickey (Limerick)
Gavin O’Mahony (Limerick)

Half Forwards:
Eddie Brennan (Kilkenny)
Eoin Larkin (Kilkenny)
Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny)
Seamus Callanan (Tipperary)
Lar Corbett (Tipperary)
Pat Kerwick (Tipperary)
John O’Brien (Tipperary)
Ben O’Connor (Cork)
Aonghus Callinan (Galway)

Full Forwards:
Eoin Kelly (Tipperary)
Noel McGrath (Tipperary)
Joe Canning (Galway)
Damien Hayes (Galway)
Martin Comerford (Kilkenny)
Richie Power (Kilkenny)
David O’Callaghan (Dublin)
David Treacy (Dublin)
John Mullane (Waterford)

Hurler of the Year
Lar Corbett (Tipperary)
John Mullane (Waterford)
Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)

Young Hurler of the Year
Joe Canning (Galway)
Padraig Maher (Tipperary)
Noel McGrath (Tipperary)

North Tipperary Wheelers, race results from 20th Sept

After a short break, racing resumed again last week with an extra race to determine handicaps for the Club Championship Road Race. This was won by Eamon Hartnett with Shane Scully and John O’Carroll in second and third. This week, September 20th, the race proper was held and it was a difficult one due to a very stiff head wind which left all the riders gasping. It is great to see new champions coming through and even more exciting when a new club member triumphs so this year the road race gave us the pleasure of seeing new club members fill the first five places and even more unusual was the fact that the first four are new to racing. Keith Horan took third place and Duncan Hodgins filled the second spot while the new Club Road Race Champion for 2009 is Liam Callaghan.

New champion, Liam Callaghan leads the group. Photo: Vic Nott.

Tipperary GAA Scene 22nd September 2009

COUNTY SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

And then there were 8!  We have reached the quarter final stages of the County Senior Hurling championship following wins last weekend for Toomevara, Upperchurch Drombane, Thurles Sarsfields and Borris-Ileigh. The quarter finals will be played on Saturday and Sunday, September 26^th and 27^th in Semple Stadium and the draw has thrown up 4 very attractive games. On Saturday at 3pm North champions Nenagh Éire Óg will play Thurles Sarsfields and at 4.30pm South champions Mullinahone will play Upperchurch Drombane.  On Sunday at 3pm Mid champions, Drom and Inch will take on their neighbouring club, Borris-Ileigh and at 4.30pm West champions Clonoulty Rossmore will play defending County champions, Toomevara. The semi-finals will be played on Sunday October 4^th in Semple Stadium with the County final scheduled for Sunday October 18^th.

COUNTY INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

The Intermediate Hurling Championship quarter finals are also fixed for this weekend. (see fixtures in this newpaper for details). The games are Moyle Rovers v Arravale Rovers; Gortnahoe Glengoole v Ballina; Galtee Rovers v Carrick Davins; and Newport v Thurles Sarsfields.

BRENDAN CUMMINS – MUNSTER HURLER OF THE YEAR

The Munster Council has chosen Brendan Cummins of Ballybacon Grange and Tipperary as Munster Hurler of the Year for 2009.  Brendan made his championship debut for Tipperary against Waterford in Pairc Ui Chaoimh in May 1995. He has made a record total of 56 championship appearances for Tipperary. His honours include 1 All Ireland Senior Hurling championship, 3 Munster Senior Hurling Championships, 4 National Hurling League titles, 1 All Ireland U-21 Hurling Championship, 4 All Star awards and 4 All Ireland Poc Fada titles. Congratulations to Brendan on a well deserved award.

HONOURING TEAMS OF THE PAST

At this years county senior hurling final on Sunday October 18^th, the Borris-Ileigh teams which won the County Senior Hurling Championship in 1981, 1983 and 1986 and the All Ireland Club title for 1986-87 will be honoured and will be introduced on the pitch at half time in the senior final.  At the football final the following Sunday October 25^th, the 1975 County Senior Football Champions, Kilruane MacDonaghs, will be honoured and introduced in a similar fashion.

TIPPERARY GAA ARCHIVES WEB SITE – www.tippgaaarchives.com

The new Tipperary GAA archives website, www.tippgaaarchives.com was launched on Saturday September 19^th at a function in the Anner Hotel Thurles by County Chairman, Barry O’Brien.  The initiative was sponsored by the Tipperary GAA 125 Committee chaired by Seamus J. King. Among the guests at the launch was Jimmy Butler Coffey of Newport, who will be 100 years old later this year and is the last surviving member of the Tipperary team which won the All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship in 1937.

The archives site includes a list of every player who was part of a Tipperary Championship team from Minor up to Senior level in Hurling and Football since 1886. The list of over 17,000 players was compiled over the past couple of years by PJ Maxwell, an underage All Ireland hurling medallist with Tipperary and captain of the Tipperary team which won the 1980 Munster Under 21 Hurling Final. Thanks to the assistance of the clubs in Tipperary, over 90% of the players will include the correct Christian name also.

The new web site will also include the Divisional and County Championship Roll of Honour for all grades in Hurling and Football from Minor C grade all the way up to Senior since each competition began. This list was compiled by former County PRO and current Tipperary I.T. Committee Chairman, Ed Donnelly, from numerous sources and again, thanks to the assistance of the clubs, the name of the winning captain is included for over 75% of all County Champions.

All Ireland senior hurling medallist, former All-Star and current Tipperary Minor Hurling Manager, Mark O’Leary, set up the web site and supporting database. The use of modern technology will ensure that not only can the information be easily searched online but the web site can be updated in real-time

Tipperary County Board would like to thank the 125 Committee for sponsoring this initiative and to thank most sincerely PJ, Ed and Mark for their dedication to the project. It has required painstaking research and will be a very valuable reference point for anybody interested in Tipperary GAA.

Queries and feedback should be directed to Ed Donnelly, Chairman Tipperary IT Committee, at ed.donnelly@gaa.ie or 087-2055642.

TIPPERARY HURLING CLUB BOSTON

Congratulations to the Tipperary hurling team which recently won the Boston senior hurling championship. The Tipperary boys defeated reigning champions, Wexford, on a final score of 0-14 to 1-9. The game was close throughout with Tipp leading at half time by two points. Tipperary should possibly have been further in front in the closing minutes after having the upper hand for most of the second half but the Wexford men hung in there and ensured a nail biting finish that could have seen victory go either way. Nobody could argue though that Tipp were the better side over the hour and fully deserved their victory.  There were great celebrations at the final whistle as the victory capped off a marvellous year for the Tipp club, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Tipperary natives involved in the win included Eoin Ryan and Ciaran McGrath (Loughmore Castleiney), Jimbob McCarthy (Golden Kilfeacle), David Young and Paul McGrath (Toomevara), while John McGrath (Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams) was a substitute. James Heffernan (Clonoulty Rossmore) had played with the team in earlier rounds but had to return home before the final. The team manager was Liam Tuohy (Golden Kilfeacle). Well done to all concerned and congratulations on your 25th anniversary.

JOHN OWENS TO MANAGE WATERFORD FOOTBALLERS

Good luck to former Tipperary defender John Owens on his appointment as manager of the Waterford Senior Football team. He brings to three the number of Tipperary men managing senior inter-county teams outside their own county with John McIntyre in charge of the Galway hurlers and Colm Bonnar the Wexford hurling manager. Richard Stakelum is also involved at inter-county level as a selector with the Dublin hurlers.

TIPPERARY ASSOCIATION LONDON ANNUAL DINNER DANCE

The Tipperary Association London will hold its Annual Dinner Dance in the Crown Moran Hotel on Saturday October 24th. Among the guests will be Tipperary Senior Hurling Captain, Willie Ryan; Vice Captain, Conor O’Mahony and Senior Football Captain, Andrew Morrissey. Over 250 diners will be making their way to the Crown Moran Hotel, Cricklewood Broadway for the Bank Holiday weekend function. Entertainment will once again be provided by the magnificent Barry Owen Band.  Tickets enquiries can be made to the London Tipperary Association’s Life President – Tom Milne (00 44) (0) 20 7387 7739 or Mob: (00 44 (0) 7956 938187, Chairman – John Whyte (00 44) (0) 20 8641 9977 or Mob: (00 44 (0) 7889 060191 or, President  – Gus Casey (00 44) (0) 20 8422 0596 or Mob: (00 44 (0) 7939 110219.

TIPPERARY GAA SCENE

Information concerning all areas in the GAA will appear in this section in the future. If you wish to include any item of interest in future articles, please contact the County Public Relations Officer Ger Ryan at 086-8149146 or via e-mail at pro.tipperary@gaa.ie on or before 3:00pm on Monday. Visit the Tipperary GAA web site at http://tipperary.gaa.ie to keep up to date with all the latest news in Tipperary GAA circles.

Tipperary GAA Archives Website

Tipperary County Board is pleased to announce the launch of a new Tipperary GAA Archives web site, www.tippgaaarchives.com, which records details of Tipperary championship teams since 1886 and Tipperary County and Divisional Rolls of Honour since competitions began.

The new website was launched on Saturday September 19^th at a function in the Anner Hotel Thurles by County Chairman, Barry O’Brien.  The initiative was sponsored by the Tipperary GAA 125 Committee chaired by Seamus J. King. Among the guests at the launch was Jimmy Butler Coffey of Newport, who will be 100 years old later this year and is the last surviving member of the Tipperary team which won the All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship in 1937.

The archives site includes a list of every player who was part of a Tipperary Championship team from Minor up to Senior level in Hurling and Football since 1886. The list of over 17,000 players was compiled over the past couple of years by PJ Maxwell, an underage All Ireland hurling medallist with Tipperary and captain of the Tipperary team which won the 1980 Munster Under 21 Hurling Final. Thanks to the assistance of the clubs in Tipperary, over 90% of the players will include the correct Christian name also.

The new web site will also include the Divisional and County Championship Roll of Honour for all grades in Hurling and Football from Minor C grade all the way up to Senior since each competition began. This list was compiled by former County PRO and current Tipperary I.T. Committee Chairman, Ed Donnelly, from numerous sources and again, thanks to the assistance of the clubs, the name of the winning captain is included for over 75% of all County Champions.

All Ireland senior hurling medallist, former All-Star and current Tipperary Minor Hurling Manager, Mark O’Leary, set up the web site and supporting database. The use of modern technology will ensure that not only can the information be easily searched online but the web site can be updated in real-time

Tipperary County Board would like to thank the 125 Committee for sponsoring this initiative and to thank most sincerely PJ, Ed and Mark for their dedication to the project. It has required painstaking research and will be a very valuable reference point for anybody interested in Tipperary GAA.

Queries and feedback should be directed to Ed Donnelly, Chairman Tipperary IT Committee, at ed.donnelly@gaa.ie or 087-2055642 or to Ger Ryan, PRO, Tipperary County Board at pro.tipperary@gaa.ie or 086 8149146.

Panto auditions at The Source, Thurles

The Source arts center in Thurles is holding auditions for the Christmas Panto on October 4th. See press release below;

Come and get involved in The Source’s Christmas panto! It’s sure to be a laugh, and has roles for young and old, boys and girls, men and women – so come and take part in this year’s fun packed family pantomime!

Whether you want to be a baddy or a hero, in the spotlight or part of the chorus, acting, singing or dancing, there is room for everyone of all talents.

Come and be part of celebrating Tipperary in a community panto with a difference. A humorous reworking of The Pied Piper, there will be cameo appearances by many local celebrities, and characters from the area will add a real taste of Tipp to the event.

So pop on down to The Source on Sunday 4^th October and let us know whether you want to be the leading man or you’re bringing your children to be part of the chorus! It will be huge fun, and a real highlight of the year! Please see the advertisement in next week’s paper for audition times but keep Sunday 4^th October free in your diaries.