Tipperary GAA Scene 16th Nov 2009

BY COUNTY PRO GER RYAN

 

MUNSTER CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

 

There were mixed fortunes for the Tipperary representatives in the Munster club championships last Sunday. Congratulations to Aherlow on their victory after extra time over Tourin / Glen Rovers of Waterford at Sean Treacy Park, Tipperary Town in the Munster Junior Hurling Championship quarter final. They will now go on to play Blackrock of Limerick on Sunday next at 2pm at Kilmallock and we wish them every success.  Commiserations to the Carrick Swans intermediate footballers who travelled all the way to Killarney where they lost to Kerry representatives Spa in their quarter final game.

 

Good luck to Moyle Rovers for their Munster Club Senior Football championship semi-final game against Kerins O’Rahillys of Kerry at Austin Stack Park, Tralee on Sunday next, November 22^nd at 2pm. Rory Hickey of Clare will be the referee. Kerins O’Rahillys defeated Cork champions, Clonakilty, in their quarter final game. Moyle Rovers will be seeking their third Munster Club Final appearance having previously played in the finals of 1995 and 1998 when they were defeated by Launce Rangers (Kerry) and Doonbeg (Clare) respectively.

 

Brian Tyrrell of Clonmel Commercials will referee the other Senior Football semi-final between Stradbally (Waterford) and Kilmurry Ibricane (Clare) at Fraher Field Dungarvan alos on Sunday next at 2pm.  Seamus Roche of Kilsheelan / Kilcash is also on Munster club duty on Sunday next as referee of the Club Intermediate Hurling Final at Mallow between Douglas (Cork) and South Liberties (Limerick). We wish good luck to both Brian and Seamus and their officials.

 

Good luck also to Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams for their Munster Club Junior Football quarter final against Mountcollins or Glin of Limerick at Newcastlewest at 2pm on Sunday next, November 22^nd.

 

 

TOMMY FLEMING CONCERT IN SEMPLE STADIUM DOME

 

Well done to David Morgan, Manager of the Dome at Semple Stadium, for staging the Tommy Fleming concert on Friday, November 13^th. It certainly was not an unlucky choice of date. The concert, which was held as a benefit night for the Tipperary Senior Hurlers holiday fund, was a great success with Tommy Fleming performing to his usual high standard and giving great entertainment to the large legion of fans who were present. The Dome proved to be an excellent venue and we look forward to more concerts and shows being staged there. During the event, Con Hogan, Chairman of the Semple Stadium Management Committee, presented Tipperary Senior Hurling Manager, Liam Sheedy, with a donation towards the holiday fund from the proceeds of the concert.  Thanks to all who helped with the organising and running of the event.

 

 

FRIENDS OF TIPP FOOTBALL MEMBERSHIP DRAW

 

The Friends of Tipperary Football Membership Draw was held in Hayes Hotel, Thurles on Friday 13th November and the Committee would like to thank everyone who helped to make the draw a great success by selling and buying memberships.  The prizewinners were 5,000 Euro – Andy Maher, Shanakill, Clonmore; 2,000 Euro – Michael Grogan, Thurles; 1,000 Euro – William Ryan, Coolbawn, Drombane; 500 Euro Conor Floyd, Birdhill; 500 Euro Kilsheelan-Kilcash GAA Club.  Congratulations to the prizewinners and a sincere thanks to everyone who participated in the draw.

 

 

COUNTY BOARD MEETING

 

The next meeting of Tipperary County Board will take place on Tuesday, November 24^th at 8pm in the Sarsfields Social Centre.

 

 

MUNSTER GAA AWARDS

 

The full list of Munster GAA Awards for 2009 has been announced. Tipperary received 2 awards. The selection of Brendan Cummins as Hurler of the Year was announced some weeks ago and he is joined as an award winner by Liam Sheedy who has been named Manager of the Year. Congratulations to both Liam and Brendan on their well deserved recognition. The awards will be presented at Gala Banquet in Lawlors Hotel, Dungarvan on Saturday December 5^th next.  The Munster GAA Awards, inaugurated in 1998, honour and acknowledge the achievements of Players, Administrators, Referees as well as a Special Merit Award, while two former greats are inducted into the Munster Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recipients this year are Seamus Durack of Clare for hurling and John O’Keefe of Kerry for football.

 

 

WEST TIPPERARY REFEREES AGM

 

The AGM of the West Tipperary Referees Association will be held in The Venue at Dundrum House Hotel on Tuesday November 24^th at 8pm. All referees in the Division are requested to attend.

 

 

2009 CANON HAYES NATIONAL SPORTS AWARDS

 

The 2009 Canon Hayes National Sports Awards will be presented at a banquet at Ballykisteen Hotel & Golf Resort, Limerick Junction, Tipperary Town on Saturday November 28th, 2009. There will be a Champagne Reception from 7pm with Dinner at 8pm. After Dinner Entertainment will be from Derek Ryan (bass-baritone) followed by Dancing to Pat & Fran. Dress is Black Tie and tickets are €50.

 

Awards to be presented on the night include:

Local Award – the nominees are: Alan Ryan (Athletics), Daniel Fowler (Soccer) and Arravale Rovers Club (GAA) County Award – the nominees are: Tipperary Senior Football Team (GAA), Con Sheehan (Boxing) and Thurles CBS Harty/Croke Cup Team (GAA) There will also be awards in the categories of National and Outstanding Achievement along with Golden Sporting Memory and South Tipperary Sports Partnership Volunteer in Sport Award. To reserve tickets contact Martin Quinn @ 087-6101628 or Canon Hayes Centre @ 062-52022 or E-mail: martinquinns@eircom.net.

 

 

GAA 125 – LAYING OF WREATHs AT MAURICE DAVIN’s GRAVE

 

The final activity in connection with the GAA 125 celebrations in the county will take place at Carrick-on-Suir on Thursday, November 26^th.  It will be a joint venture between the Tipperary County Board and the Munster Council.  Both bodies will lay wreaths at the grave of Maurice Davin in Churchtown at 4 pm. An oration will be delivered by Jack Ryan, son of Seamus who wrote the much-acclaimed biography of the first President and of the Association. All are welcome.

 

 

GAA MUSEUM IN NOVEMBER

 

On November 21^st 1920 events outside of the GAA brought politics into the heart of the Association. The GAA Museum remembers the tragedy of Bloody Sunday with special commemorative guided tours of the Stadium at 1.30pm and 3.30pm on Sunday November 22^nd 2009. One of the people shot dead that day during the game between Tipperary and Dublin was Tipperary footballer, Michael Hogan of Grangemockler after whom the Hogan Stand is named.

 

 

MAP SHOWING LOCATION OF EVERY GAA CLUB IN THE WORLD

 

As part of the 125 year celebrations for the greatest amateur sporting organisation on earth, Baker Security and Networks, which is responsible for managing the GAA’s email system, would like to make a presentation to the GAA museum. As befits a new era for the Association, this presentation will be of the form of an electronic map showing the location of every GAA club in the world. The map will have more than the club location however, we hope it will form part of the living history of the organisation and to make it possible they need your help. They need you to tell them about your club, its past, present and heroes. Put your name at the end of the piece you write, or get some help and put all your names down, and you will forever become part of the history of the GAA. Later on we hope you will be able to upload photographs and other interesting details about your club. To submit your information go to the following website https://sites.google.com/a/gaa.ie/put-your-club-on-the-map/ and follow the instructions. All clubs will have received an email advising them of this very interesting venture.

 

 

Mid Board History – Book 2.

 

The Mid Tipperary Board Centenary Committee wishes to inform Patrons that Book 2 will be available for collection on Saturday 21st Nov. Those who purchased Book 1, the photo history of the Mid Board, can collect their free copy of Book 2 at the following venues:

[1]. People who bought Book 1 on the night of our launch, in the Templemore Arms, can return to the same venue on Saturday night, Noivember 21^st at 8pm to collect their free copy of Book 2.

[2]. Those who purchased Book 1 from Bookworm, Thurles; Lar na Pairce, Thurles; Walshes or Fitzpatricks Newsagents, Templemore; should collect their copy of Book 2 free of charge, from where their purchase was made, anytime on Saturday afternoon November 21st.

[3]. Anyone who joined as a Patron, should contact their club representative to arrange collection. If you have a problem regarding the collection of your copy please contact the Secretary of the Centenary Committee, John O’Donovan on 086 8679701 or PJ Leahy on 086 8828947.

[4]. There are still a limited number of copies of Book 1 available which can be purchased between now and November 21st from the above contact numbers or by contacting a representative of your local club. If you purchase Book 1, which costs €50, you will get Book 2 free of charge. These would make an excellent Christmas present.

 

 

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.

 

Enterprise Board offers opportunity for Craft Makers and Designers to participate in Showcase 2010

Showcase Ireland 2010 takes place at the RDS (Main Hall), Dublin from Sunday 24th January to Wednesday 27th January 2010.

Now in its 34th year, Showcase is recognised as the best place in the world to find unique products from Ireland’s leading craft makers and designers. The four-day initiative attracts more than 450 exhibitors and over 5,000 domestic and overseas buyers. This year Tipperary North County Enterprise Board has provisionally reserved a number of stands in the CEB “Island”.  These stands have a floor area of 2M x 2M and will include shell scheme, lighting etc.  Craft makers will be able to participate at a subsidised rate of just €350 with the Tipperary North County Enterprise Board paying 75% of the costs.

Prior to making an application to participate at this event you are advised to spend some time perusing the Showcase Ireland website www.showcaseireland.ie to ensure that you are fully familiar with the event and to make sure that the exhibitor categories this year are relevant for your product.

If you would like to discuss participating in the designated CEB area at Showcase 2010, why not contact Ms Eleanor Forrest, Assistant C.E.O.  who is the designated contact  for  Showcase 2010. Eleanor may be contacted on 067-33086 or email Eleanor@tnceb.ie

Tipp Tatler, this week’s issue online

This weeks issue of the Tipp Tatler is available to view online by clicking on the image below.

Men, who buys your underwear?

This press release sent into us by Debenhams shows some interesting statistics on men’s underwear buying habits. I’m not sure how, when or where the study was carried out but there are some interesting insights. But whatever happens don’t get your knickers in a twist reading it 😉 Enjoy!

Men’s brief encounter with buying their own underpants

Men only buy their own underpants for 17 years of their entire lives, new research has revealed.

Instead, the duty falls to women – first their mothers and then their wives – the survey shows.

Indeed, the only reason why men ever buy their own underpants is the prospect of being seen wearing them by a partner, says fashion store Debenhams.

Said Debenhams Head of Men’s Accessories Buying, Rob Faucherand: “This is the one issue that feminism has never addressed.

“It’s not who wears the pants in each household – it’s who has to buy them that counts.”

The life time habits of men and their underpants was revealed by Debenhams latest consumer research into men’s shopping habits.

It reveals that men:

●  Only start buying their own underpants at the relatively late of age of 19 years old. By comparison, women often take responsibility for choosing and buying their own knickers from the age of thirteen.

●  They only do so because they believe that wearing new underpants is an essential pre-requisite to beginning a relationship.

●  Their underpants buying activity reaches a peak at the age of 23, but declines gradually until the age of 33 when it falls to zero because many men are in a stable relationship.

●  It picks up again – briefly – between the ages of 38 and 40, when some men are going through relationship break ups and are seeking new partners again.

Alas, the incidence of this new found enthusiasm for buying their own pants is short lived. It goes into a sharp decline and slumps to zero again at the age of 44 when they are in another stable relationship.

After this, the results flat line as men remain strangers to the underwear department for the rest of their lives. Instead, they hand all responsibility for their underwear to women.

The peak of a man’s underpants purchasing power occurs at 23-years-old when they will buy up to 31 pairs, of all styles, tightness and colours every year.

Said Debenhams’ Rob Faucherand: “Our research shows that you can tell when a man is looking for a partner by the number of new underpants they buy for themselves.

“If he buys more than 31 pairs every year then he’s either still trying desperately to impress the woman in his life – or else she’s not The One.

“Conversely, if he seldom goes to the underwear section on his own, and instead assumes that his partner will choose for him, then you can be certain that your relationship is in a very stable phase.

“However it is odd that even the most macho men delegate the duty of buying new underpants – the garment closest to their masculinity – to women as soon as they can.

“I’m sure Freudian analysis of this trait would give us all a clearer insight into human relationships.

“Our findings mean that from now on Debenhams will begin to market men’s underpants in a way which appeals to women, since they are the people who are most often deciding what to buy.”

Debenhams results, showing the frequency with which men buy their own underpants versus age are:

Birth – 19:       Zero as mothers buy the all new pants.

19 – 21:           8 new pairs per year.

21- 22:             14 pairs ever year.

23:                   Up to 31 new pairs per year.

24 – 26:           27 pairs per year.

26 – 29:           14 pairs per year.

30 – 32:           7 pairs per year.

33:                   3 pairs per year.

34 – 37:           Zero.

38 – 40:           12 pairs per year.

40 – 43:           1 pair per year (figure rounded up).

44 – 70:           Zero.

Super tight briefs are the most popular self purchase for men between the ages of 19 and 26. Boxers are most popular between 26 and 33, and Y front and super large size boxers are most popular for the rest of their life time.

Christmas Shoe Box Appeal

Christmas Shoe box appeal

Last December, 5649 Christmas shoeboxes left Nenagh and were delivered to the children of Armenia. For these children this was the only Christmas
present they received;  a shoebox filled with warm clothing, school supplies washing accessories and toys. 2009 will be our ninth year organizing this project in North Tipperary. In these 9 years almost 30,000 Christmas shoe boxes has been sent to needy children of all religious denominations, race and ethic backgrounds. Having being personally involved in all our years of warehousing and checking, I (Joannes) with all our team of volunteers guarantee that no religious items or literature is added to any shoe box.

Our warehouse will open in the coming weeks and is located in Stereame
shopping Centre this year. All completed shoeboxes are checked prior to despatch and as always some are found to be lacking. These boxes are termed sad boxes.

We try to bring all boxes to a balance of gifts. Therefore we need fillers
for these sad boxes.

Fillers include the following

Sweets
Copy books, notebooks.
Pencils, topper, rubber
Colours, paints & Crayons
Soap/ toothpaste & brushes
Caps, gloves and scarfs

If you can help supply us with any of the above we would be delighted.
Please Joannes 086 2606983 with your contribution.

All completed boxes must be dropped off to any of these drop off  points;
Tescos, Specsavers, Spec savers &Hoares in Nenagh, Mulallys in Roscrea, Farm shop  & Borris Auto Parts in Borrisokane TGs in Ballina and Whelans in Killaloe.

If schools or business need boxes to be collected from them, please call
John 087 2222630

There is involvement for everyone at all levels. We look forward to meeting up with last volunteers and adding to the great team we had
We guarantee great fun and a huge sense of satisfaction as we see our North
Tipperary area shoe boxes head off to eastern Europe, sharing with Children the true meaning of Christmas.

Tipperary GAA Scene 10th Nov 2009

TIPPERARY GAA SCENE

BY COUNTY PRO GER RYAN

 

COUNTY FINALS

 

Loughmore Castleiney’s late 1 point victory over Arravale Rovers in the County Minor A Hurling final narrowly prevented a clean sweep by the West Division of the 3 county finals played at the weekend.  Nonetheless it was a good weekend for clubs from the West with Aherlow winning the County Junior A hurling title at the expense of Nenagh Éire Óg and Knockavilla Kickhams winning the Junior A football title with an injury time goal to secure a one point victory over Shannon Rovers. Congratulations to the three victorious clubs. Weather interfered with fixtures at the weekend and both hurling finals had to be postponed form Saturday to Sunday. Well done to those responsible for the venues at Templetuohy, Templemore and Boherlahan for ensuring their grounds were playable despite the appalling weather.

 

Willie Eviston captained Loughmore Castleiney to their first minor A title since 2002 and their 4^th in all. Their previous winning captains were Derek Bourke (2002), Peter Brennan (1979) and Michael McGrath (1976).  Sunday’s victory was Aherlow’s first Junior A hurling title. Cathal Dillon captained the team.  Knockavilla Kickhams won their first Junior A football title since 1992 on Friday night and their third title in all.

 

MUNSTER CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

 

Good luck to the Carrick Swans Intermediate Footballers and the Aherlow Junior Hurlers who will both be in action in the Munster Club Championships this weekend. Aherlow will play Tourin / Glen Rovers of Waterford in Sean Treacy Park, Tipperary Town at 2pm on Sunday November 15^th with Cathal McAllister of Cork as referee. Carrick Swans will travel to Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney to play Spa of Kerry also at 2pm on Sunday with Michael Meade of Limerick taking charge of the whistle.

 

TOMMY FLEMING CONCERT IN SEMPLE STADIUM DOME

 

Tommy Fleming is performing at the Dome at Semple Stadium on this Friday November 13^th to help support the Tipperary Senior Hurlers. One of Irelands biggest selling artists, Tommy will be performing from 8pm. There are still some tickets on sale for €30.00 and they can be purchased at:

–          Ticket Master ( www.ticketmaster.ie)

–          Lár na Páirce, Thurles. (0504 22702)

–          Heart Beat City, Thurles

–          Golden Discs, O’Connell Mal, Clonmel

–          Roxi Records, Dooradoyle, Co. Limerick

–          Empire Music, O’Connell St., Co. Limerick

 

This will be the first major live show in the Dome and hopefully it will be the start of many such events in this excellent venue.

 

INTERPROVINCIAL FOOTBALL

Hard luck to Munster on their defeat by Ulster in the Interprovincial Football final played in Ruislip London last weekend. Tipperary’s Paul Fitzgerald (Fethard) played in goals and Robbie Costigan (Cahir) was also on the panel and came on as a substitute at half time.

 

SCÓR NA NÓG

 

Preparations for Scór na nÓg 2009/2010 are beginning across the county. It is hoped that this year more clubs from the South and West divisions will take part. Scór offers a wonderful night’s cultural entertainment for the whole family with competitions in figure and set dancing, solo and group singing, recitation, instrumental music, quiz and novelty act. If you or members of your club would like to take part in Scór na nÓg this year, please contact Aoife on 086-1761984.

 

Coiste Scór Thiobraid Árann AGM

 

The AGM of Tipperary Scór was held in Lár na Páirce on November 2^nd 2009. In attendance were representatives from all 4 divisions in Tipperary. County Chairman Barry O’ Brien and County Secretary Tim Floyd were also present and both addressed the meeting. The following officers were elected; Chairman, Seamus McGrath; Vice-Chairman, Paddy Kelly; Secretary, Mary Bourke; Assistant Secretary, Breda Ryan; Treasurer, Dan Madden; Assistant Treasurer: Pat Ryan; PRO, Aoife O’Brien, Munster Scór Representatives, Seamus McGrath, Dan Madden. We wish them all well for the coming year.

 

MUNSTER MINOR AND U21 CHAMPIONSHIP DRAWS

 

The draws for the Munster Minor and U-21 Championships 2010 have been made. In Minor Hurling, Tipperary will play Cork in the first round. The winners will play the winners of Waterford and Clare while the losers will go into a semi-final play-off (in effect a quarter-final). In Minor Football, Tipperary will play Kerry in the first round with the winners playing the winners of Limerick and Waterford. The losers will go into a semi-final play-off (in effect a quarter final).

 

In U-21 Hurling, Tipperary have a bye to the semi-final where they will play the winners of Cork and Waterford. In U-21 Football, Tipp also have a bye to the semi-final where they will play the winners of Clare and Limerick.

 

McGrath Cup SF and Waterford Crystal CUP SH

 

In the McGrath Cup Senior Football competition which will start in January, Tipperary will play UL in the first round with the winners playing Limerick IT in a quarter final.  In the Waterford Crystal Cup Senior Hurling which will also start in January, Tipperary have a bye to the quarter finals where they will play the winners of Clare and Waterford IT.

 

TIPP HURLING CLUB NEW YORK HONOURS 1974 CHAMPIONS

 

The Tipperary Hurling Club New York will honour the Tipperary team which won the 1974 New York Senior Hurling Championship in 1974 at its Annual Banquet which will be held this year on December 5^th (more details in next week’s Scene). The team lined out as follows with substitutes and mentors also included (please note it was 13 a side): 1. Henry Condron (Moneygall); 2. Liam King (Lorrha); 3. Brendan Maher (Roscrea); 4. Monty Moloney (Galway); 5. Donal O’Brien (Captain, Knockavilla Kickhams); 6. Jim Keane (Boherlahan Dualla); 7. Seamus Power (Boherlahan Dualla), 8. Liam Condon (Newcastle);  9. Jimmy Doyle (Thurles Sarsfields), 10. John Flanagan (Moycarkey-Borris); 11. Tony Cullinane (Newcastle); 12. Austin English (Marlfield); 13. Johnny Murphy (Cashel King Cormacs). Subs: 14. Paddy Hennessy (Grangemockler); 15. Joe Carey (Moyne/ Templetuohy),  16. Pat Ryan (Cappawhite); 17. Billy McLoughlin (Rearcross);  18. Tom Joyce (Galway); 19. Mike O’Brien (Knockavilla Kickhams); 20. Devere Reynolds (Éire Óg Nenagh), 21 Bill O’Brien (Knockavilla Kickhams). Mentors: Oliver Barrett (Thurles Sarsfielsd), Oliver O’Donnell (Rosegreen, Cashel), Mike Ryan (Cappawhite).

 

OLD GAA E-MAIL SERVER

 

Earlier this year, the GAA introduced a new email system and as a consequence is winding down service on the old email server which will be fully decommissioned on Monday November 30th at 10:00am. In practical terms, from that date any GAA club or officer still using an e-mail address with an extension of @tipperary.gaa.ie will no longer be able to access their account and all e-mails on this account will no longer be accessible. Contact Tipperary GAA IT Officer Ed Donnelly at itofficer.tipperary@gaa.ie or 087-2055642 if you need more details.

 

DINNY CAHILL APPOINTED ANTRIM MANAGER

 

Congratulations and good luck to Dinny Cahill of Kilruane MacDonaghs who has been appointed Manager of the Antrim Senior Hurling team. This will be Dinny’s second stint as Manager of Antrim. He is a very experienced coach at club and inter county level.

 

CLUB PHOTOS FOR ANNUAL PUBLICATIONS

 

Over the next few weeks various publications will be produced including Convention Books and the Tipperary Year Book. Any photographs clubs have which coincided with their GAA 125 celebrations would be appreciated for these publications. In particular photos of Lá na gClub events or photos from Clubs involved in the Munster Final weekend Torch Run would be very desirable. Photos should be sent to Tim Floyd, County Secretary at Lar na Pairce, Thurles or by email to secretary.tipperary@gaa.ie

 

 

MUNSTER CLUBS FORUM

 

Thanks to all the clubs which sent representatives to the Munster Clubs Forum which was held last Saturday in the INEC, Killarney. It was a very useful day and well done to Tipperary speakers, John Ryan (Holycross-Ballycahill and Tipperary Munster Council representative) and Ed Donnelly (Moycarkey-Borris and Chairman Tipperary IT Committee).

 

 

GAA MUSEUM IN NOVEMBER

 

On the November 21^st 1920 events outside of the GAA brought politics into the heart of the Association. The GAA Museum remembers the tragedy of Bloody Sunday with special commemorative guided tours of the Stadium at 1.30pm and 3.30pm on Sunday November 22^nd 2009. One of the people shot dead that day during the game between Tipperary and Dublin was Tipperary footballer, Michael Hogan of Grangemockler after whom the Hogan Stand is named.

 

 

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.

 

Top gear Live World Tour 2009 2010 kicks off

The Top Gear Live 2009/2010 world tour kicked off in spectacular fashion at London’s Earl Court arena last night. Audiences were thrilled by an all-new show, which features more cars, more stunts and – crucially – more fire!

This will undoubtedly be a thrilling, edge-of-their-seat experience for motor enthusiasts and Irish fans of the popular show when Top Gear Live, sponsored by Brown Thomas, comes to the RDS from Thursday, 3^rd December to Sunday, 6^th December 2009.

The Dublin audience can expect to witness Ford Focus RS’ changing colour before their very eyes, constantly burning rally cars, the world’s largest interactive game, the world’s first indoor loop-the-loop, the Stig leading a troupe of world record breaking precision drivers – not to mention the ringmasters themselves; Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May at the head of the motoring mayhem.

Rowland French, executive producer of Top Gear Live, says “Our team of world class engineers and special effects designers have combined to create some incredible cars that are about as far from road legal as you could imagine! There’s some truly ground-breaking machinery that will keep people on the edge of their seats”

Over 350,000 fans will get to see the all-new 2009/2010 show and it’ll take one 747 cargo plane, three ships and 135 trucks to haul all the kit needed around the world. No wonder, when that kit includes almost 100 cars, 600 sets of tyres and enough petrol to fuel a small country!

Tickets for this year’s hottest, fastest, loudest, maddest and possibly even funniest show are running out fast so Top Gear fans around the world should book now!

With tickets starting at €49, Top Gear Live promises to be a great family day out and also the perfect gift for the man in your life! For ticket information log on to www.topgearlive.ie or www.ticketmaster.ie or call 0818 300 800.

Halloween, has it really changed all that much?

A guest post by Gina Byrne of Charisma Cars

Another Halloween over. Masks are put away slowly, while the amassed goodies get put away faster than you can say ‘dental cavity’. Every year the protesting chorus of ‘Americanisation’ rattles around like dungeon chains, as older generations lament the ghost of Halloween past. But has it really changed all that much?

Back in my day, the standard outfit was a black sack and very scary mask of choice. And that was it. No face paint, no accessories, and definitely no non-scary fairies, cowboys, or latest Disney character. Today ‘costumes’ are bought and not created, and aren’t really deemed acceptable unless you look like you’ve just left the Wardrobe Dept at Universal Studios. I can still hear the stinging rebuke of ‘Is that a black sack?’ thrown at my 3 yr old ( by a 7 yr old ) when innocently delivering her to a party last year. She was oblivious of course – didn’t alter the taste of the treats – but I felt like I was learning a HSE lesson (Halloween Sartorial Etiquette).

Then of course there’s the chant. ‘Help the Halloween Party’ (as you shook your noisy plastic bag) was direct and to the point . Saying ‘Trick or Treat’ however, is vaguely threatening to the householder. It’s also pointless, as the invariable receipt of the latter (treat) means the former (trick) is never carried out. We simply all watched too much Simpsons and SouthPark and adopted it sheep-like.

But this year I got a chance to look beyond all those newly adopted differences. My children were always asking – in vain – that I dress up with them. But because I was going to a party later, and because it gets harder to say no every year, I relented. On went my best (home assembled ) witch costume – green hairspray my only purchase. Complete with old rubbery mask – the best kind – off I tromped. With my vampire son by one hand, and little she-devil by the other.

Immediately, I was six years old again. It’s not darker because it’s Halloween, but it sure feels like it. That feeling of trying to see the road, avoid puddles and not trip up, all the while peering though slit holes of eyes. Then there’s that magical anticipation at the doorsteps. The absolute silence as you wait for an answer, when all you can hear is the sound of your own huffy breath inside your mask. That pondering of deciding if/when to ring again, not wanting to annoy your benefactor. Noses press up against glass, trying to see any chink of hopeful light in a dark hallway. Then trying to contain tiny squeals when a switch is flicked, or a handle is turned.

I’m enjoying myself every bit as much as three decades ago. We soon giddily return with the assembled loot, bags all the while being felt and rattled for clues. Contents are instantly poured onto the kitchen floor, sorted and graded. Sweets, chocolate and crisps are of course tops. And although fruit and nuts are still given, they are nonetheless not discarded to the regular fruit bowl but kept in with the haul and will be eaten. This ‘sweetening’ of Halloween is probably the one aspect as a parent I would lament. But it’s so lovely to see that the whole trove is treasured. Hallowed even.

This weekend has brought back to me what a truly wonderful occasion Halloween is in a child’s life. I urge all parents to do the doorsteps next year. And remember that what you wear or what you say can never undo the magic spell that Halloween casts.

Online campaign seeking start-ups for €5,000 donation

Outvesting.org, the online campaign which has raised a €5,000 fund through donations on Twitter is now seeking applications from Irish entrepreneurs. The entire fund will be gifted, no strings attached, to one lucky start-up after a review and voting process.

“We simply asked people to pledge €50 each in the hope that one hundred others would do likewise.  Those pledges came rolling in and in the space of four weeks were converted to donations amounting to the target €5,000”, said John Keyes, one of those behind the project.

Applications can be submitted to the Outvesting.org website until November 21st and the winner will be announced on December 7th. Those who donated to the fund will review applications and vote on the start-up with best potential.

“There’s obviously a groundswell of opinion that entrepreneurs should do more to help ourselves at this time of banking and economic crises. We just tapped into the generosity and goodwill that exists within the start-up community in Ireland”, said James Corbett, the other half of the Outvesting team.

Tipperary GAA Scene 2nd November 2009

CELEBRATION OF GAA 125^TH ANNIVERSARY ON NOVEMBER 1^ST

 

Congratulations to all those involved in organising the events last weekend to commemorate the 125^th Anniversary of the founding of the GAA. The inclement weather of Saturday night and Sunday morning eased to allow the parade take place from St. Patrick’s College to the Dr. Croke monument in the Square where a wreath was laid by GAA President, Christy Cooney and Director General, Padraic Duffy.

 

Well done in particular to Tipperary County Secretary, Tim Floyd and the Tipperaty 125 Committee, chaired by Semaus J King on contributing so much to the organisation of last weekend’s events.  The 125 Committee has had a busy and successful year and will have a couple of more events to announce before this special year ends.

 

 

MUNSTER CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

 

Hard luck to Thurles Sarsfields on their narrow defeat to Newtownshandrum of Cork in the Munster Club Senior Hurling championship quarter final on Sunday last.  The fact that it was a fine game in difficult conditions will be of little consolation to Sarsfields but they certainly put up a fighting performance.

 

Hard luck also to Carrick Davins on their defeat to Whitegate of Clare in the Munster Club Intermediate Hurling Quarter Final last Saturday.

 

 

COUNTY  INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL FINAL

 

Congratulations to Carrick Swans on winning the County Intermediate Football final in Clonmel on Sunday last when they defeated Ballyporeen in a repeat of the South Divisional final which the Swans also won.  Swans were captained by Jamie Sweetman and this was their second title in the grade, having previously won 10 years ago in 1999.

 

 

COUNTY JUNIOR HURLING B FINAL

 

Congratulations to Templederry Kenyons on their victory over Mullinahone to win the County Junior B Hurling title in Holycross last Saturday. The Tim Maher Perpetual Cup, named after the great Boherlahan Dualla Gael and former Tipperary representative on Munster Council, was presented to jubilant Templederry captain, Damien Quinn by County Vice Chairman Sean Nugent and County PRO, Ger Ryan. It was the Kenyons second time to win this title having been previously led to victory in 1996 by Seamus Murray whose son Eanna was on the Tipperary minor hurling team this year. John Leahy made an unexpected second half appearance as a substitute for Mullinahone and while the speed of yesteryear is gone, he showed that the skill remains by scoring a fine point.

 

 

COUNTY FINALS THIS WEEKEND

 

There are 3 county finals to be played this weekend. The County Minor A Hurling Final between Arravale Rovers and Loughmore Castleiney, which was cancelled last Sunday due to bad weather conditions, has been refixed for Boherlahan on Saturday November 7^th at 2.30pm with Noel Cosgrave refereeing. Noel from the Marlfield club will have a busy weekend as he is also on Munster Club championship duty on Sunday when he takes charge of the Munster Intermediate Club semi-final at Dungarvan between Dungarvan (Waterford) and Douglas (Cork) at 2.00pm. We wish him luck for both games.

 

The Junior Hurling A Final between Aherlow and Nenagh Éire Óg will take place in Páirc Shileáin on Saturday at 2pm. Nenagh last won this title in 2000 while Aherlow have never won the title. Keith Delahunty of Moyle Rovers will be the referee.

 

The Junior Football A Final between Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams and Shannon Rovers will take place in Templetuohy on Friday, November 6^th at 8pm with Tom McGrath in charge. Kickhams last won the title in 1992 and Rovers will be seeking their first title at this grade.

 

 

TIPPERARY LAOCHRA GHAEL 2009

 

The Tipperary Laochra Sean Ghael awards ceremony took place in the Dome at Semple Stadium on Sunday evening last. The awards are made to people over the age of 70 years who have given and in many cases continue to give distinguished service to the GAA. Guest of honour was GAA President, Christy Cooney who presented the recipients with their awards. Former GAA President, Sean Kelly was also present. There was a special 125 flavour to the awards with the recipients including ecclesiastical successor to Dr TW Croke, the present Archbishop of Cashel and Emly and Patron of the GAA, Dr. Dermot Clifford; Pat Walsh of Carrick-on-Suir, grandnephew of Maurice Davin, founder of the GAA, and Michael Hogan of Grangemockler, nephew and namesake of the Tipperary Footballer shot dead in Croke Park on Bloody Sunday in 1920. The other recipients were Mid Tipperary – Paddy Wardick (Boherlahan Dualla), Tommy Casey (Drom and Inch), Connie Keane (Thurles Sarsfields), Phil Blake (Moyne Templetuohy), Fr Phil Barry (Upperchurch Drombane), Sean Grey (JK Brackens) and Peggy Gleeson (Loughmore Castleiney); South Tipperary – Jimmy Cleary (Clonmel Óg), Michael Lonergan (Ballybacon-Grange/ Ardfinnan), Tony Newport (Fethard), Bill Martin (Ballingarry), Seamus Leahy (St. Marys) and Tom Walsh (Cahir); North Tipperary – Michael Collins (Newport), Mick Minogue (Roscrea), Tom Lambe (Lorrha), Jim O’Brien (Silvermines), John Joe Maher (Ballina), Jim Madden (Portroe), Mackey McKenna (Borrisokane) and Jimmy Morris (Nenagh Éire Óg); West Tipperary – John Bargary (Golden Kilfeacle), Liam O’Dwyer (Arravale Rovers and formerly Gortnahoe Glengoole), Jerry Fahey (Sean Treacys), Michael O’Dwyer (Cashel King Cormacs), Willie O’Grady (Rosegreen), Paddy Ryan (Kickhams), Hannie Hanley (Aherlow) and John Ryan (Luke) (Glengar); and Handball – Tom Ahearne (Ballina Handball Club) and Paddy Gregan (Youghalarra Handball Cub). Congratulations to all the recipients on their well deserved awards. Well done also to Cumann na Sean Ghael for an excellently organised event and great preparatory work which was acknowledged by both Christy Cooney and Barry O’Brien, County Chairman, when they addressed the gathering. The members of Cumann na Sean Ghael are – John Costigan (Chairman), Micheál O’ Meara (Secretary), Noel Morris, Seamus J King, Pat Moroney and Seamus McCarthy.

 

 

100 YEARS YOUNG – JIMMY BUTLER COFFEY

 

Congratulations to Jimmy Butler Coffey who celebrated his 100^th birthday last week. Jimmy from the Newport club is the last surviving member of the Tipperary team which won the All Ireland senior hurling final in 1937.

 

 

OLD GAA E-MAIL SERVER

 

Earlier this year, the GAA introduced a new email system and as a consequence is winding down service on the old email server which will be fully decommissioned on Monday November 30th at 10:00am. In practical terms, from that date any GAA club or officer still using an e-mail address with an extension of @tipperary.gaa.ie will no longer be able to access their account and all e-mails on this account will no longer be accessible. Contact Tipperary GAA IT Officer Ed Donnelly at itofficer.tipperary@gaa.ie or 087-2055642 if you need more details.

 

 

TOMMY FLEMING CONCERT IN SEMPLE STADIUM DOME

 

We are delighted to announce that Tommy Fleming is performing at the Dome at Semple Stadium on the Friday November 13^th to help support the Tipperary Senior Hurlers. One of Irelands biggest selling artists, Tommy will be performing from 8pm. Tickets are now on sale for €30.00 and can be purchased at:

–          Ticket Master ( www.ticketmaster.ie )

–          Lár na Páirce, Thurles. (0504 22702)

–          Heart Beat City, Thurles

–          Golden Discs, O’Connell Mal, Clonmel

–          Roxi Records, Dooradoyle, Co. Limerick

–          Empire Music, O’Connell St., Co. Limerick

 

This will be the first major live show in the Dome and hopefully it will be the start of many such events in this excellent venue. Well done to David Morgan, Stadium Manager for organising the event.

 

 

COLLEGES FIXTURES

 

In U15 A Hurling (Croke Cup) Our Lady’s Templemore will play Nenagh CBS at Templederry at 2.30pm on Thursday, November 5^th.  In U16½ B Hurling (Kinnane Cup) Nenagh CBS will play Mitchelstown at Ballybricken at 2.30pm on Friday November 6^th.

 

 

MUNSTER CLUBS FORUM

 

The Munster Clubs Forum will be held this weekend in the INEC, Killarney on Saturday November 7^th. All clubs have been invited to send at least four delegates ie. 1 adult administrator; 1 underage administrator; 1 underage coach; 1 other (with a preference for Club Treasurer or PRO).  A club may send other delegates if they wish, but it is important that names be registered in advance with the Munster Council so that they can administer the necessary documentation properly. Registration forms have been emailed to all clubs. Among the speakers will be John Ryan (Holycross-Ballycahill and Tipperary Munster Council representative) who will speak on developing club facilities and Ed Donnelly (Moycarkey-Borris and Chairman Tipperary IT Committee) who will speak on website set-up and design.

 

 

GAA MUSEUM IN NOVEMBER

 

On the November 21^st 1920 events outside of the GAA brought politics into the heart of the Association. The GAA Museum remembers the tragedy of Bloody Sunday with special commemorative guided tours of the Stadium at 1.30pm and 3.30pm on Sunday November 22^nd 2009. One of the people shot dead that day during the game between Tipperary and Dublin was Tipperary footballer, Michael Hogan of Grangemockler after whom the Hogan Stand is named. He was also remembered last weekend in the Senior Football challenge game between Tipperary and Cork in Semple Stadium on Saturday night and in Grangemockler on Sunday morning where GAA President, Christy Cooney,  unveiled a plaque commemorating the events of Bloody Sunday

 

 

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.