<span class="postTitle">Phil Shanahan - Toomevara</span> Munster Hurling Final program, Semple Stadium, Thurles, July 12, 2009

Phil Shanahan - Toomevara

Munster Hurling Final program. Semple Stadium, Thurles, July 12, 2009

When one mentions Phil Shanahan one is talking about one of the greatest centrefield players that the county has produced down the years. He was a commanding figure, a real Toomevara Greyhound, who could stay going all day, a man with a tremendous workrate. A powerful man, he could hold his own with the best and he was always in tip-top shape. He played at a time when centrefield play was much more vital in the scheme of hurling things than it is today.

He was centrefield on the three-in-a-row teams of 1949, 1950 and 1951, alongside different partners in each year, Sean Kenny, Seamus Bannon and fellow-Toomevara player, John Hough. He was one of eight players who played in the same position for the three championships.

Born in the parish of Toomevara in January 1928, Phil showed early promise making his debut at senior level with his club in the 1945 championship, while still only seventeen years of age. Toomevara were back in senior ranks for the first time since 1938, when they failed to field a team in the first round of the senior championship. In 1946 Phil won his first divisional medal when they defeated Roscrea in the North final, their first victory since 1931.

He made his county debut with the minors in 1946, losing the All-Ireland to Dublin as the result of a disputed goal. Phil’s first entry into senior ranks was to be selected on the 1948/49 National League team at centrefield and won the first of four league medals, the others coming in 1952, 1953 and 1957. 

It was the start of three glorious years with Tipperary during which Phil played a pivotal role at centrefield, winning three Munster finals and three All-Irelands. Other achievements from this period include an Oireachtas medal in 1949 and successive Monaghan Cup medals between 1949-1953. Thomond Feis medals were won in 1949 and 1951. He was on the successful Ireland teams in the Representative Games series in 1952 and 1953, winning the Sports Star of the Week award in 1952 for his display on Joe Salmon of Galway. Four Railway Cup medals were won in 1950, 1951, 1952 and 1953. He was long puck champion of Ireland in 1951.

Early in 1950 Phil left his father’s farm to work in Johnson Mooney and O’Brien bakery in Dublin and play hurling with the Young Irelands club. He continued playing for Tipperary until 1953, moving to centreforward in the latter year. He played for Dublin in 1954 and 1955, partnering Norman Allen in the former and Con Murphy in the latter year at centrefield. Dublin were beaten by Wexford in the 1954 Leinster final and by Kilkenny in the 1955 Leinster semi-final. 

In 1956 he returned to the county when he started working with Esso. He retired from inter-county hurling after returning from the league trip to the U.S. In 1957. Then began a very fruitful period of his career with Toomevara. He played in seven consecutive North finals from 1957-63, winning four and losing in 1957, 1959 and 1963. He captained the team in 1958. There were three county final appearances, with defeats in 1958 and 1961, and a great victory over Thurles Sarsfields in 1960, a victory that prevented the Thurles club winning six in a row.

Phil eventually retired from club hurling in 1966 after a career of over twenty years. He turned his attention to training and coaching. His training career began with Portlaoise, where he helped the club to five senior football titles between 1966 and 1971. He attained a coaching certificate in hurling in 1977. When he retired from Esso in 1982 he trained and coached Killenaule to win three South Tipperary intermediate championships in hurling, in 1983, 1985 and 1986.

During the past number of years Phil has been awarded a number of sporting honours, which are testament to his standing in the field of sport. He was selected on the North Tipperary Centenary Hurling Team in 2001. Early in 2004 he received the Hall of Fame award in the Roscrea Awards and was elected a member of Cumann na Sean Gael at the end of the same year. In March of this year he was given a Special Recognition Award in the Roscrea Awards for his part in the winning All-Ireland team of 1949.

Phil believes that Tipperary should beat Waterford today. They have a young team that's improving. However, he thinks they need more physical presence in the forward line. In fact he would see this lack of physical presence all over the field as the main failing of the team. He wishes every success to the team. He recognises the range of talents in the Waterford side, especially the danger posed by John Mullane.

<span class="postTitle">The First Clare Tipp Match</span> Munster Senior Hurling Semi-Final program, June 21, 2009

The First Clare Tipp Match

Munster Senior Hurling Semi-Final program, June 21, 2009

The first time Clare and Tipperary met in an intercounty game was at Nenagh on September 25, 1887. Clare were represented by Smith O'Briens, a team drawn from Garranboy, Killaloe and Bridgetown, and Tipperary by Thurles, who had a few imports from two neighbouring clubs.

Smith O'Briens, who wore green and gold, had beaten Ogonelloe by 0-3 to 0-1 in the county final, which was played in John McDonnell's place in Broadford, a kind of amphitheatre field, which was a famous venue at the time.

The game was played on July 17, 1887 and the captain of the Smith O'Briens was William Gunning of Kilbane. Gunning was, in fact, one of an estimated four Clare men who played on the Limerick Commercials team that won the first football All-Ireland. Incidentally, the captain of the Ogonelloe team was Dominick Stuart, the father of a later President of the G.A.A., Dr. J. J. Stuart. A grandson of Dominick, of the same name, continues to live in the area.

No Munster Championship

There was no Munster championship at the time but an open draw All-Ireland and Smith O'Briens, now representing Clare, were drawn against Wicklow in the first round, which was fixed for Athlone on July 19, only two days after the county final. Wicklow objected to the venue as unreasonable and were prepared 'at any time to meet Clare or any other county on reasonable terms.' The counties, accordingly, didn't meet and Clare advanced to the next round against Tipperary.

Tipperary also got a walkover. Drawn against Dublin in the first round, they were fixed to play at Mountrath on Saturday, July 30. Dublin looked for a postponement on the ground that a number of players were on holidays but the application was refused. Tipperary came up against Clare in the second round at Nenagh on September 25. They were fixed to play at the Markets Field, Limerick on September 4 but Clare wired that they couldn't field a team and the game was re-fixed for three weeks later.

Green Pantaloons

Earlier Thurles had become county champions of Tipperary when they beat North Tipperary by 3 points and 2 forfeit points to nil at Borrisoleigh. Only eight teams had participated in this first county championship, as against twenty-seven in Clare. Thurles had a definite advantage in the final since North Tipperary had to play their semi-final game against Holycross on the same day as the final. No wonder they began to weaken in the second half!

The Tipp-Clare game at Nenagh was played in a large field on Church Road, given for the purpose by local solicitor Mr. A. Nolan. Thurles wore green pantaloons on the occasion and admission was 6d. There isn't much information about the game except that Tipperary won by 1 goal and 8 points to 4 points.

We don't know the names of the Tipperary team other than the fact they they had fourteen players from Thurles, six from Two-Mile-Borris and one from the Ragg.

The Clare team was as follows: Matthew Crowe (capt.), Ned Scanlan (goal), Michael Crowe, Corney Hayes, Tim Crowe, Thomas Hayes, Paddy Smyth, John Hayes, Martin Crowe, Paddy Vaughan, James Nihill, Little Mike Ryan, Michael Pee-OL Ryan, Paddy O'Brien, Martin Dwyer, Michael Dwyer, Paddy Scanlan, James McKeogh, Michael McKeogh, Jack Molloy, William Scanlan, Jack Sheehy, Edmond Scanlan.

<span class="postTitle">Waving the Tipp Flag 60 Years Ago</span> Munster Senior Hurling Championship Program, Cork v Tipperary, at Semple Stadium, May 31, 2009

Waving the Tipp Flag 60 Years Ago

Munster Senior Hurling Championship Program, Cork v Tipperary, at Semple Stadium, May 31, 2009

Memories play as important a part in the lives of players and supporters as the immediate impact of games and one memory that is as fresh and vital as the day itself in the mind of Austin Crowe, the well-known proprietor of Dundrum House Hotel, is May 29 sixty years ago, when Cork and Tipperary drew in the first round of the 1949 Munster senior hurling championship.

Austin was a young sixteen year old, going on seventeen, in the Agricultural College, run by the Salesians at Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick.

He has fond memories of the year spent there, remembering it as a place where gaelic games were strongly promoted and where the boys were extremely well looked after by the religious order founded by St. John Bosco.

Hurling and football provided the boys with relief from class and study. In fact the Fathers gave the boys plenty of free time to listen to matches broadcast on Radio Eireann by Micheal O Hehir or to attend the games themselves. On these occasions the boys gave vent to their county loyalties

Tipp v Cork

One such game was the first round of the Munster championship between Cork and Tipperary in May 1949. As the game approached the rivalry and excitement between the supporters on both sides got keener. Unfortunately for Austin there were only fifteen Tipperary boys in the college as against about forty from Cork The rivalry found particular expression during practice sessions in the hurling field.

Austin's greatest support, verbally and physically, came from his best friend, Sean O'Brien, who hailed from Grawn, Toomevara. Neither he nor Sean were big men physically and had to take a lot of stick. Another supporter was Jim Lanigan, son of the famous Dick of Bloody Sunday fame, from Grangemockler.

One of the finest supporters of the games in the college was an Antrim man, Fr. Campbell, who tried to steer an impartial path between the Cork and Tipp rivalries coming up to the game. He must have concluded that support had skewed too far in favour of Cork.

On the morning of the match the boys had their usual two-hour study between breakfast and lunch and Austin was sitting in his desk dreaming of the match when next there was a peremptory call from Fr. Campbell, who was supervising.

'Mr. Crowe: Up to the desk!'

He answered the command and was ordered outside the door. Not knowing what he had done he slumped outside like the poor scholar.

Soon Fr. Campbell joined him. 

'You're going to get some doing today,' he said, 'the Cork boys are very well prepared. They have an effigy of Ring and all kinds of rattles and banners.'

'What can I do?' asked the bewildered Austin.

'Up to my room,' replied the priest.

Arriving in the room Fr. Campbell handed him two large curtains, one blue and the other yellow. 

'Here's a needle and thread, Stitch them together,' he said.

Austin set about the task and stitched them into the semblance of a flag. When Fr. Campbell returned he had a sweeping brush with him, from which he took the handle. They tacked the flag to it and rolled it up, leaving it behind the door.

After study the Cork boys started parading round the quadrangle. Austin had drafted in Sean O'Brien and told him of his 'secret weapon' and they bided their time.

The buses came in and as they did Austin and Sean collected the flag and unfurled it. They marched up the quad behind the flag and the other Tipp fellows fell in behind them. Some of the neutrals joined in also, particularly the Kerry fellows.

A Colour Party

They got on the bus and as it moved off they put the flag out the window and it created a great splash of colour along the side of the vehicle. They had another secret weapon, the college bell, which Sean had taken with him.

They arrived at their parking area in Limerick on the Docks and all alighted. They fell into two lines and marched side by side out to the Gaelic Grounds. As they crossed Sarsfields Bridge they made a very colourful sight, one group following the effigy of Ring and the second the large flag of Tipperary. The addition of the college bell gave the latter the edge in the noise stakes..

Austin remembers the excitement still, the beautiful day, the arrival at the pitch. Tipp's victory in the minor game, his pride in the senior team, particularly the four West men, Tony Brennan, Paddy Furlong, Willie Carroll and Jim Devitt. Even though the game ended in a draw he believed that Tipp shaded it on the day because of the victory of the minors.

And, of course, they did win the replay, which set up one of the glorious periods in Tipp's hurling history!

<span class="postTitle">Honouring the 1973, 77, 79 & 83 County Champions of Loughmore-Castleiney</span> County Tipperary Senior Football Final Program, October 26th 2008

Honouring the 1973, 77, 79 & 83 County Champions of Loughmore-Castleiney

County Tipperary Senior Football Final Program, October 26th 2008

In keeping with the practice of the past number of years, the Tipperary county board, in conjunction with the Nationalist and the Templemore Arms, honour the county senior football champions of 1971, 1977, 1979 and 1983, Loughmore-Castleiney, at the county senior football final at Leahy Park, Cashel today. The members of the victorious panel will be given a reception at the Cashel King Cormac's clubrooms at 12:30 pm and will be guests of the county board at the final. At about 3 pm they will be led on to the field by their captains, and introduced to the crowd. After the games they will be taken to Templemore Arms for dinner. Following the meal they will be made a presentation by the Nationalist. The occasion will be a special opportunity for the members of the teams to reminisce about their great exploits on the field of play so many years ago.

The Seventies Were Mighty for Loughmore-Castleiney
 

When the seventies dawned in Loughmore-Castleiney the record of the club in senior football was anything but impressive. Defeats had been their lot more than victories. Clubs from the parish had qualified for twelve county finals since the foundation of the G.A.A. but victory was recorded on only four occasions in 1913, 1940, 1946 and 1955. In fact following the victory over Arravale Rovers in the 1955 final, Loughmore-Castleiney lost four finals in a row. This record was to change dramatically in the seventies.

There wasn't much anticipation of this change in fortunes in the early part of the decade. In 1971 Loughmore-Castleiney were compeltely outclassed by Commercials in the county semi-final. There was the consolation of winning the Mid against Moneygall. They didn't qualify for the semi-finals the following year and it took them a replay to beat Templemore in the separate Mid final. There was a major change in their performances in 1973.

They qualified for the county semi-finals, in which they defeated Moyle Rovers by 2-13 to 1-4. Their opponents in the county final, played at Cashel on October 21, were Ardfinnan. and they won their first final since 1955 by 2-10 to 0-7. Ardfinnan led by 0-5 to 0-3 at the interval. Halfway through the second half the sides were level at 0-7 each but in a dramatic finish Loughmore scored 2-3 to win easily. One of the stars of the winning side was Eddie Webster.

The team was Michael Maher, Eddie Stapleton, Eddie Webster (0-1), Tom Maher, Tom Hayes (capt.), Pat Stapleton, Martin Kiely, Sean Kearney (1-4), Tom Maher (L) (0-3), Tom Treacy, Gerry Stapleton, Martin Hynes, Jack Walsh, John Burke (1-1), Jim Healy (0-1). Subs: Johnny Brennan for Tom Treacy, John Treacy for Jack Walsh, Walsh for Martin Hynes
Referee: George Ryan (Lattin-Cullen).

Loughmore-Castleiney failed to make it to the county semi-final in 1974 and won the Mid final by virtue of a walkover from Templemore. In 1975 Loughmore qualified for the county semi-finals and defeated Ardfinnan by 3-11 to 1-5 at Cashel on August 10. Their opponents in the final were Kilruane MacDonaghs, who had caused an upset when they defeated Kilsheelan in the other semi-final. The game was played at Nenagh and the North representatives showed fitness, dedication, enthusiasm and an unparalleled win to win. Loughmore dominated the first half but Kilruane were tenacious after the interval and had two points to spare on a scoreline of 3-6 to 1-10 at the final whistle. It was the first time that Kilruane had played in a final and the first time in sixty years for a North club team to be victorious. Loughmore defeated Templemore by 0-8 to 2-1 in the Mid final.

Surprised in 1976
 

Loughmore-Castleiney were surprised again in 1976 when beaten by Arravale Rovers in the county semi-final by 0-8 to 1-3 at Cashel on August 8. They had the consolation of winning their twelfth Mid title when they defeated Templemore by 1-11 to 2-5.

Matters were to improve in 1977. Loughmore defeated Golden-Rockwell by 0-11 to 1-7 in the county semi-final at Cashel on September 11 and qualified for the final against Galtee Rovers. This game was played at Thurles on October 23 and resulted in a draw at 2-2 each. Heavy drizzle and a fresh breeze combined to make conditions extremely difficult. Galtee Rovers led by 2-2 to 2-1 at the interval but the sides could manage only one point in the second half.

Loughmore-Castleiney: Michael Maher, Eddie Stapleton, Pat Stapleton, Martin Kiely, Michael Maher, Eddie Webster, Mick Webster, Sean Kearney, Tom Kiely, Jim Maher (1-1), Gerry Stapleton, Jim Sweeney, Jim Healy, Tom McGrath (0-1), Michael Walsh (1-0). Subs: John Bourke for Gerry Stapleton.
Referee: Billy Carroll (Clonmel)

The replay was at Cashel on November 19 and Loughmore won by 2-6 to 0-5. Leading by 0-4 to 0-3 at the interval, they weren't flatterd by their seven-points winning margin. They were very well prepared and were going as well at the finish as they were in the opening minutes.

The team was as follows: Michael Maher, Eddie Stapleton, Pat Stapleton, Martin Kiely, Tom Treacy, Eddie Webster, Michael Webster, Michael Maher, Gerry Stapleton, Tom McGrath, Jim Sweeney, Tom Kiely, Jim Maher, Sean Kearney, Michael Walsh. Subs: Michael McGrath for Tom Treacy, Michael Maher for Tom Treacy, Michael Maher for Tom Kiely, Martin Hynes for Michael Walsh.
Referee: Billy Carroll (St. Mary's).

Loughmore-Castleiney lost the semi-final by 2-13 to 1-10 to Fethard at Cashel on September 10, In the Mid championship Loughmore made it fourteen titles in a row when they defeated Templemore by 1-9 to 2-4 at Thurles on November 12.
 

Another Victory

Loughmore were back with a bang on 1979. They beat Kilruane-MacDonaghs by 3-14 to 2-8 in the county semi-final at Thurles on July 29. Their opponents in the final at Clonmel on August 26 were Galtee Rovers and they won by 2-11 to 1-9. They led by 1-8 to 0-4 at the interval but Galtee put on the pressure in the second half and came within two points of the winners. However, Loughmore got the decisive second goal which put the verdict beyond doubt.

Loughmore-Castleiney: Michael Maher, Sean Fogarty, Eddie Webster, Martin Kiely, Tom Ryan, Pat McGrath, Eamonn Brennan, Gerry Stapleton, Jim Sweeney, Tom McGrath, Sean Kearney, Tom Kiely, Jim Maher, John Treacy, Michael McGrath.
Referee: Billy Carroll (Clonmel).

Loughmore-Castleiney qualified for the 1981 final when they defeated Commercials by 1-10 to 0-8, after leading by 0-5 to 0-3 at the interval, in the semi-final at Cashel on August 3. The final was played at Fethard on August 31 and Galtee Rovers were making their fifth successive appearance in the final, having won their first in 1977. Though the game was close the crowd got little to enthuse about. Loughmore had most of the possession in the first half but wasted much of it and were in front by only a point at the interval. About midway in the second half, Galtee took the initiative and went ahead. They resisted strong Loughmore pressure in the final minutes to win by 0-11 to 0-10. Loughmore had an easy victory in the Mid final when they trounced Moycarkey-Borris by 4-12 to 0-4 in the final on December 6.

In 1982 Loughmore qualified for the semi-final and played Commercials at Thurles on August 29 and the match ended in a draw at Loughmore 0-6 Commercials 1-3. Loughmore lost the replay at the same venue a week later by 0-8 to 0-6. Loughmore took the Mid title when they defeated Moycarkey-Borris by 1-8 to 3-0 at Templemore on November 28.

As a result of the decision of county convention the system of running the county senior football championship reverted to the old one of two teams from each division playing quarter-finals. Loughmore defeated Arravale Rovers by 1-10 to 0-4 at Cashel on August 7 and qualified to play Kilsheelan in the semi-final. This game was played at Cashel on September 11 with victory going to Loughmore by 1-10 to 1-7. They led by 1-6 to 1-3 at the interval.
 

Sensational End to Final

There was a sensational ending to the final played at Cashel on October 8. Loughmore-Castleiney were trailing Fethard by seven points with four minutes to go and had all the looks of a beaten team. However, like Lazarus from the grave, they resurrected their act to score two goals and a point during the final period and grab a draw.

Loughmore-Castleiney: Jim Kiely, Sean Fogarty, Martin Kiely, Richard Stapleton, Tom Ryan, Michael Maher, eamonn Brennan, pat McGrath, Gerry Stapleton, Tom McGrath, Michael McGrath, Pat Treacy, Peter Brennan, John Treacy, Michael walsh; Subs: Jim Gorman for sean Fogarty.
Referee: Paddy Russell (Emly).

Two weeks late the replay was at the same venue and Loughmore won by virtue of a Pat McGrath point from a free three minutes from time. Playing against the wind they were behind by the manageable margin of 0-5 to 1-1 at the interval. A couple of switches, that brought Martin Maher to centrefield and Pat McGrath to centreback, revitalised their challenge and never allowed Fethard to get a grip on the game. In the end they won by 0-8 to 1-4.

Loughmore-Castleiney: Jim Kiely, Tom Ryan, Martin Kiely, Sean Fogarty, Pat Treacy, Michael Maher, Eamonn Brennan, Gerry Stapleton, Tom McGrath, Michael McGrath, Pat McGrath, Jim Cormack, Peter Brennan, John Treacy. Michael Walsh. Subs: Frank McGrath for Jim Cormack, Tom Connolly for Pat Treacy, Jim Cormack for Gerry Stapleton.
Referee: Paddy Russell (Emly).

Loughmore's busy year continued with the Munster Club championship. They beat Croom by 0-9 to 1-4 in the first round at Croom on November 6. Three weeks later they played the Clare champions, Doonbeg, at Holycross and the sides drew at 0-8 each. In the replay at Ennis on December 11 Loughmore were beaten by 1-7 to 1-3 in a game that went to extra time.

<span class="postTitle">Honouring the 1971 Moyne-Templetuohy Players</span> County Tipperary Senior Hurling Final Program, October 19th 2008

Honouring the 1971 Moyne-Templetuohy Players

County Tipperary Senior Hurling Final Program, October 19th 2008

In keeping with the practice of the past number of years, the Tipperary county board, in conjunction with the Tipperary Star and Younge's of the Ragg, honour the county senior hurling champions of 1971, Moyne-Templetuohy, at the county senior hurling finals at Semple Stadium today. The members of the victorious panel will be given a reception at the Thurles Greyhound Track at 12 noon and will be guests of the county board at the finals. At about 3 pm they will be led on to the field by their captain, Jim Fogarty, and introduced to the crowd. After the games they will be taken to Younge's of the Ragg for dinner. Following the meal they will be made a presentation by the Tipperary Star. The occasion should be a great opportunity for the members of the team to reminisce about their great exploits on the field of play thirty-seven years ago.

First County Senior Hurling Final

Moyne-Templetuohy made history in 1971 when they won their first-ever county senior hurling final. The seeds of that success are to be found in a series of Mid minor hurling titles won by the club in 1964, 1965 and 1966, which were the culmination of impressive earlier juvenile success. They went on to collect a county minor title in 1964 and were beaten by Cappawhite for a second in 1966

The breakthrough at senior ranks came in 1970 when they won their first Mid final. This success was heralded when they trounced the great Thurles Sarsfields team in the first round of the league-championship. They went on to record a convincing win over Moycarkey-Borris and met Sarsfields again in the final. This contest was a much sterner one than the first round meeting but they came through by a point, 2-11 to 3-7, to record an historic victory.

According to Willie Butler in the Moyne-Templetuohy Parish History, the historic victory 'was celebrated in grand style in the parish. On Sunday evening bonfires blazed at both ends of Moyne village and captain, Willie O'Grady, was carried shoulder high. There was music and dancing on the streets until midnight and needless to say the cup was filled -and emptied- several times. On Monday night a motorcade of three hundred cars met the team on the Thurles road and escorted them to Templetuohy where bonfires also blazed.'

Moyne-Templetuohy got a reality check in the Mid championship in 1971 but made amends in the separate county championship. They were surprisingly defeated by Moycarkey-Borris in the opening round of the Mid, got back on track with victory over Drom Inch and Na Fianna (Upperchurch, Clonakenny and Clonmore), but had their hopes of retaining the Mid crown dashed when defeated by the Sarsfields.

Their concentration was now on the open draw county championship. They had already won two rounds, with victory over Borrisokane by 7-14 to 1-2 and a second over Clonoulty-Rossmore by 5-13 to 4-7 in the second round. The county quarter-finals were played on August 22 in which Moyne-Templetuohy faced the West champions, Eire Óg. They made no mistake, running out easy winners by double scores on a scoreline of 4-12 to 2-6.

Because of Tipperary's involvement in the All-Ireland championship, the semi-finals weren't played until October 10. Moyne-Templetuohy played Ballybacon-Grange at Thurles. Jim Fogarty, who was a sub on All-Ireland winning team, kept a close rein on the Ballybacon star, Babs Keating, allowing him only one point from play, and Moyne won easily by 4-12 to 3-3. In the second semi-final the following Sunday at Nenagh, Roscrea defeated Thurles Sarsfields by 3-13 to 4-7 in a close contest.

The County Final

The final was played at Semple Stadium on October 31. Roscrea were champions for three years and were very much favourites to make it four-in-a-row with stars like the All-Ireland captain, Tadhg O'Connor, Francis Loughnane, Kieran Carey, Tadhg Murphy and Liam Spooner. The build-up to the game was well-described by Culbáire later in the year in his Ballad of '71;

The bold Roscrea had held firm sway three seasons in a row,

And now the fourth was booked for North, on the latest betting show;

The Punters brash, produced their cash and laid it on the line

At threes and more for a winning score against the lads of Moyne.

Wearing the underdog's tag, Moyne-Templetuohy, right from the start confronted their opponents with almost fanatical intensity and completely knocked Roscrea out of their stride. They won by eight points but the margin didn't flatter in any way their superiority on the day. However,, they made hard work of winning. With over seventy percent of the play in the first half they were ahead by only 0-4 to 0-3 at the interval. At the three-quarter mark they were still only a point, 0-6 to 0-5, in front but in the final quarter they scored 2-1 to secure victory on a scoreline of 2-7 to 0-6. One of the outstanding performers on the day was Martin Esmonde, who held Francis Loughnane scoreless from play. When John Moloney brew the final whistle there was huge joy among Moyne-Templetuohy players and supporters alike, having succeeded at their first attempt to take the county senior hurling championship. For the record they scored the very impressive tally of 22 goals 59 points and conceded 10 goals and 24 points in their five championship matches.

The history-making team were as follows: Tom Russell, Tom O'Grady, Jim Fogarty (capt.), Fr. Tom Fogarty, Mick Coen, Jim Fogarty, Martin Esmonde, Martin O'Grady (1-1), Michael O'Grady, Martin Troy (1-0), Willie Fogarty (0-1), Tom Egan (0-3), Bill O';Grady (0-1), Tom Quinlan, Paddy Sweeney (0-2). Subs: Dick Fogarty, Fr. Joe Egan, Fr. John Egan, Tom Flynn, Martin Costigan, Paddy Everard, Billy O'Grady, Dinny Dunne, Dinny Curtis.

<span class="postTitle">West Senior Hurling Finals - 1930-2007</span> West Senior Hurling final program, August 31, 2008

West Senior Hurling Finals - 1930-2007

West Senior Hurling final program, August 31, 2008

1930  Clonoulty 4-1 Solohead 1-1 Golden  29/06/30 Mick Dargan (Cashel) 

1931  Clonoulty 5-3 Newport 3-4 Cashel   04/10/31 John Hennessy (Emly) 

1932  Clonoulty 6-2 Donohill/Cappa 3-2 Ballydine  10/07/32 Willie O'Dwyer (Kickhams) 

1933  Clonoulty 3-4 Donohill/Cappa 2-2 Tipperary  27/08/33 J.J. Woods (Tipperary)

1934  Cashel 2-5 Clonoulty 0-1 Knockavilla  15/07/34  James Ryan (Hollyford)

1935  Kickhams 7-4  Donohill 4-1 Donaskeigh  25/08/35 John Hennessy (Emly) 

1936  Cashel 6-2 Golden 4-1 Clonoulty 30/08/36 John Hennessy (Emly) 

1937  Cashel 2-4 Clonoulty 1-1 Golden 18/07/37 Willie O'Dwyer (Kickhams) 

1938  Kickhams 3-3 Eire Óg 1-1 Cashel13/11/38 Michael Burke (Cashel) 

1939  Cashel 4-3 Solohead 3-1 Golden 06/08/39 J.J. Woods (Tipperary) 

1940  Cashel 5-1 Clonoulty 3-3 Dundrum 25/08/40 Bill O'Donnell (Golden) 

1941  Eire Óg 4-4 Golden 3-6 Tipperary 19/10/41 John Hennessy (Emly) 

1942  Eire Óg 8-3 Galtee Rvs 3-0 Tipperary 30/08/42 J.J. Woods (Tipperary) 

1943  Eire Óg 8-1 Cappawhite 3-2 Dundrum 15/08/43 J.J. Woods (Tipperary) 

1944  Eire Óg 7-5 Cashel 3-1 Dundrum 24/09/44 T. Hammersley (Clonoulty) 

1945 Cashel 4-5 Eire Óg 1-3 Cashel 07/09/45 T. Hammersley (Clonoulty) 

1946 Kickhams 5-3 Eire Óg 4-2 Golden 20/10/46 T. Hammersley (Clonoulty) 

1947 Kickhams 5-3 Eire Óg 2-3 Golden 17/08/47 C. O'Brien (Tipperary) 

1948 Cashel 3-6 Kickhams 3-4 Golden 05/08/48 Bill O'Donnell (Golden) 

1949 Kickhams 5-9 Golden/K 4-2 Clonoulty 11/09/49 T. Hammersley (Clonoulty) 

1950 Kickhams 2-5 Cashel 2-0 Tipperary 17/09/50 L. Quinn (Bansha) 

1951 Clonoulty 3-2 Kickhams 0-3 Cashel 16/09/51 Bill O'Donnell (Golden) 

1952 Kickhams 4-7 Clonoulty 3-4 Clonoulty 17/08/52 Tom Semple (Thurles) 

1953 Kickhams 2-7 Clonoulty 0-4 Cashel 16/08/53 Tom Semple (Thurles) 

1954 Kickhams 2-8 Clonoulty 0-2 Cashel 25/07/54 Mick Coady (Cashel) 

1955 Kickhams 7-3 Cashel 5-7 Golden 11/09/55 John Currivan (Golden) 

1956 Kickhams 6-5 Golden K 2-3 Cashel 26/08/56 T. Hammersley (Clonoulty) 

1957 St. Nicholas 5-8 Cashel 3-6 Dundrum 18/08/57 Paddy Fraser (Tipperary) 

1958 Kickhams 8-8 Golden K 2-2 Cashel 03/08/58 Jim Stapleton (Solohead) 

1959 Kickhams 3-5 Rossmore 2-7 Cashel 02/08/59 Jim Devitt (Cashel) 

1960 Kickhams 2-8 Solohead 1-6 Golden 24/07/60 Tom Foran (Carrick) 

1961 St. Vincents 4-7 Solohead 1-7 Cashel 06/08/61 Tommy Landers (Golden) 

1962 Cappawhite 1-4 Kickhams 1-4 Golden 09/09/62 Philip Ryan (Boherlahan) 

Replay  Cappawhite 5-8 Kickhams 2-1 Golden 16/09/62 Philip Ryan (Boherlahan) 

1963 St. Patrick's 5-3 Suir Rovers 1-7 Golden 25/08/63 Jim Devitt (Cashel) 

1964 Eire Óg 2-7 Cappawhite 1-8 Cashel 23/08/64 John Moloney (Galtee Rovers) 

1965 Cashel 2-19 Eire Óg 5-3 Golden 15/08/65 John Moloney (Galtee Rovers) 

1966 Arravale R 2-4 Golden K 0-8 Dundrum 07/08/66 John Moloney (Galtee Rovers) 

1967 Eire Óg 5-4 Arravale R 2-7 Clonoulty 10/09/67 John Moloney (Galtee Rovers) 

1968 Sean Treacy's 5-6 Eire Óg 5-4 Dundrum 25/08/68 Billy Sweeney (Moyne) 

1969 Golden K 1-13 Arravale R 2-7 Tipperary 31/08/69 Sean O'Meara (Lorrha) 

1970 Arravale R 1-13 Golden K 1-6 Golden 30/08/70 M. Ryan (Mitchelstown) 

1971 Cashel 5-9 Lattin-Cullen 1-5 Golden 03/10/71 L. Walsh (Golden) 

1972 Golden K 5-8 Cashel 2-6 Dundrum 01/10/72 Paddy Verdon (Solohead) 

1973 Sean Treacy's 1-8 Eire Óg 0-8 Cashel 04/11/73 Bill Hayes (Pallasgreen) 

1974 Sean Treacy's 4-10 Golden K 0-6 Dundrum 20/10/74 Jimmy Collins (Clonmel) 

1975 Cashel 0-18 Sean Treacy's 0-13 Clonoulty 31/08/75 John Moloney (Galtee Rovers) 

1976 Cashel 2-9 Cappawhite 2-5 Emly 19/09/76 George Ryan (Lattin-Cullen) 

1977 Sean Treacy's 4-14 Kickhams 0-9 Golden 21/08/77 George Ryan (Lattin-Cullen) 

1978 Sean Treacy's 3-13 Cappawhite 3-3 Tipperary 06/08/78 Billy Carroll (Clonmel) 

1979 Sean Treacy's 3-16 Cappawhite 2-9 Bansha 05/08/79 John Moloney (Galtee Rovers) 

1980 Cashel 0-15 Sean Treacy's 0-15 Dundrum 03/08/80 Willie Morrissey (Kickhams) 

Replay Cashel 2-13 Sean Treacy's 2-11 Dundrum 31/08/80 Willie Morrissey (Kickhams) 

1981 Eire Óg 0-14 Cappawhite 0-7 Clonoulty 09/08/81 Sammy Ryan (Golden) 

1982 Sean Treacy's 1-15 Eire Óg 1-12 Emly 25/07/82 Paddy Lonergan (Galtee Rovers) 

1983 Cappawhite 4-10 Cashel 1-6 Golden 21/08/83 Liam O'Dwyer (Eire Óg) 

1984 Cappawhite 2-18 Kickhams 3-7 Tipperary 26/08/84 George Ryan (Lattin-Cullen) 

1985 Cappawhite 1-10 Cashel 0-9 Bansha 28/08/85 Paddy Lonergan (Galtee Rovers) 

1986 Eire Óg 2-9 Golden K 1-10 Dundrum 27/08/86 George Ryan (Lattin-Cullen) 

1987 Cappawhite 4-15 Clonoulty R 3-10 Cashel 13/08/87 Aengus Ryan (Cashel) 

1988 Cashel 1-12 Kickhams 1-4 Cappawhite 24/08/88 Paddy Russell (Emly) 

1989 Clonoulty R 3-20 Cappawhite 4-6 Emly 20/08/89 John Moloney (Galtee Rovers) 

1990 Cashel 2-11 Clonoulty R 0-15 Golden 12/08/90 Paddy Russell (Emly) 

1991 Cashel 0-12 Cappawhite 0-8 Clonoulty 22/09/91 John Kennedy (Clonoulty) 

1992 Clonoulty R 2-15 Cashel 1-11 Bansha 26/07/92 Paddy Lonergan (Galtee Rovers) 

1993 Cashel 2-15 Kickhams 1-12 Tipperary 29/08/93 Paddy Russell (Emly) 

1994 Cashel 1-16 Clonoulty R 2-13 Dundrum 14/08/94 Connie O'Sullivan (Arravale R) 

Replay Cashel 2-12 Clonoulty R 1-8 Dundrum 30/10/94 Connie O'Sullivan (Arravale R) 

1995 Cashel 2-11 Kickhams 0-10 Cappawhite 27/08/95 Richie Barry (Cappawhite) 

1996 Clonoulty R 2-13 Cashel 0-6 New Inn 18/08/96 Eamonn Browne (Kickhams) 

1997 Kickhams 0-19 Cappawhite 2-10 Cashel 21/09/97 John Ryan (Cashel) 

1998 Clonoulty R 0-12 Golden K 0-8 Emly 06/09/98 Richie Barry (Cappawhite)

1999 Kickhams 2-21 Eire Óg 0-7 Clonoulty 15/08/99 Paddy Russell (Emly) 

2000 Cappawhite 3-17 Kickhams 1-13 Golden 20/08/00 Paddy Russell (Emly) 

2001 Cappawhite 1-11 Kickhams 1-8 Cashel 07/10/01 Francis Kearney (Clonoulty) 

2002 Clonoulty R 2-12 Kickhams 2-11 Golden 29/09/02 Seamus Roche (Kilsheelan) 

2003 Galtee Rovers 0-11 Kickhams 1-8 Tipperary 07/09/03 Willie Clohessy (Drom Inch) 

Replay Galtee Rovers 2-15 Kickhams 1-11 Golden 13/09/03 Tom Ryan (Kildangan) 

2004 Eire Óg/GK 2-12 Clonoulty R 1-14 Dundrum 22/08/04 Sean Bradshaw (Kickhams) 

2005 Cappawhite 2-20 Cashel 1-10 Golden 07/08/05 Willie Barrett (Ardfinnan) 

2006 Kickhams 1-14 Clonoulty R 0-12 Golden 09/07/06 John Ryan (Cashel) 

2007 Clonoulty R 1-18 Kickhams 0-11 Cashel 15/07/07 David Grogan (Aherlow) 

2008 Clonoulty R 1-13 Eire Óg 0-8   Dundrum 31/08/08   Phil Ryan (Kickhams)

<span class="postTitle">Peter Hayes, Clonoulty Rossmore</span> West Senior Hurling Final program, August 31st, 2008

Peter Hayes, Clonoulty Rossmore 

West Senior Hurling Final program, August 31st, 2008

Peter Hayes was slightly perturbed at being selected 'Player of the Past' by his club, thought it put him in the Gallery of the Ancients, made him feel very much an also-ran. 

In fact he is anything but! Not yet forty-eight years of age he is a very active man, might even be persuaded to make an appearance if the Junior Bs were stuck for a full-forward.

He was chosen in recognition of a life of service to Clonoulty-Rossmore, as a player, as a selector, as a team manager, as a former secretary of the club and as a current member of the executive committee.

Peter started playing senior hurling with the club when they affiliated at senior level for the first time. The year was 1981. Up to then Clonoulty-Rossmore had been affiliating at junior and intermediate level and were getting nowhere. Jim Ryan Hanna convinced them they'd be better off at senior level because they would get at least a number of games in the Crosco Cup.

There was no instant success. The championship was played on a knockout basis and Clonoulty were well beaten by Kickhams the first year, lost out to the same opposition in 1982, were badly beaten by Cappawhite in 1983 and 1984, more narrowly in 1985, and again in 1986.

The only success he enjoyed during these years was captaining Clonoulty to a Crosco Cup victory in 1985, his second year as captain of the senior team. Peter won four more Crosco Cup medals in 1988, 1989, 1991 and 1992.

Clonoulty eventually made the breakthrough by getting to the West final in 1987. Played at Cashel they looked certain winners as they led by nine points at the interval. According to Peter they had the chance to go even further ahead after the interval but then Cappawhite came after them with a dazzling display in the second half and beat them by eight points!

Clonoulty got revenge the following year when they defeated Cappawhite, who were then reigning county champions, by six points in the first round, only to lose by a greater margin to Cashel King Cormac's in the semi-final. 

Peter admits there were great teams in the West in these years with three of them winning county finals in a five-year period. What Cappawhite did in 1987, Clonoulty were to do in 1989. In this year they not only made the long-awaited breakthrough in the West but went all the way to win the county title as well.

Clonoulty won impressively against Golden-Kilfeacle in the first round, against Kickhams in the semi-final, and eventually against Cappawhite at Emly in the final. Peter made a major contribution 

to this victory and it was recognised when he was awarded the Man of the Match Award. He scored one of their two goals in the first half and Clonoulty led by 2-8 to 2-6 at the interval. Peter had a second goal early in the second half and this set them up for a comprehensive 3-20 to 4-6 victory and their first title since 1951. They went on to beat Holycross in the county final, in a game in which Peter scored a crucial goal early in the second half, to record their first victory since 1888.

Cashel knocked Clonoulty out of the West the following year but Clonoulty returned the favour in the final of 1992 when they beat Cashel at Bansha. Peter was the goalscorer in the first half. This was the year of the controversy with the Mid clubs because of their refusal to play as fixed. The county quarter-finals eventually went ahead a month late and Peter is of the opinion that the delay set them back a lot and they were beaten by Thurles Sarsfields. Had the games gone ahead on the original fixture it might have been a different year for Clonoulty and for Peter.

Peter played senior in 1993 for the last time, leving him with two West and one county senior hurling medals. He played junior A in 1994 and junior B for a number of years afterwards but without success.

Peter was a selector on the team when Clonoulty defeated Cashel in the West final at New Inn in 1996. He wasn't there the following year when the club, having lost out in the West championship, got back in by vicrtue of success in the Crosco and went on to win the county final.

While he was still playing Peter trained underage teams, most notably in 1988 and 1989 when Clonoulty won West titles but lost both county finals. More recently he looked after the under-12 team which won the last of of three county A titles in 2005. His son, Paul, was on the team. In the same year he helped Tom O'Brien to coach Clonoulty N.S. Seven-a-Side team to a county final.

Born in Clogher in 1960 Peter went to Clonoulty National School before going on to Thurles CBS, where he won White, Croke and Fitzgerald Cup medals. He won two under-16 medals with the club as well as an under-21 title in 1981. After secondary school he spent a year at Rockwell Agricultural School before he went farming. While at Rockwell he won an All-Ireland 7-aside competition for agricultural schools.

At the inter-county level he didn't feature at minor or under-21 level but was drafted on to the Tipperary senior panel after the drawn Munster final in 1987, and has a Munster medal to show for it. He was retained on the panel the following year and won a National League medal when Tipperary beat Offaly in the 1988 final.

Whereas he never took football too seriously he played it when they were gone from the hurling, and did so with success. He won West and county junior medals in 1985 and West and county intermediate medals in 1986.

Peter served as club secretary for two years in the early eighties and has always had some involvement in the running of the club. At the moment he is a member of the executive committee of the club, which is supervising the redevelopment and transformation of their playing facilities outside the village.

Married to Anne, the couple have two children, Paul and Niamh. Peter will be remembered as a tremendous servant of the Clonoulty-Rossmore club, who always played his heart out when wearing the green and gold. His favourite positions were full-forward or center-forward and, because of his size and strength, was a difficult player to watch. He was an important play-maker on a team, good to lay off the ball. Always having the club at heart when he was on the playing field, Peter continues to serve it with the same enthusiasm in many other capacities. He is worthy of recognition as the Player of the Past.

<span class="postTitle">Peter O'Sullivan's Impressive Sporting Achievements</span> West Senior Hurling Final program, August 31st, 2008

Peter O'Sullivan's Impressive Sporting Achievements

West Senior Hurling Final program, August 31st, 2008

Cork's outstanding performance in the recent hurling qualifier, when they defied the odds to defeat Galway, has a parallel in one of the outstanding performances of Peter O'Sullivan's career. The occasion was the final twenty minutes of the 1970 Munster final after Liam King was sent off and Peter had replaced the off-form John O'Donoghue in goals. His defiant performance inspired Tipperary to an outstanding display and they would have pulled off a stunning victory had a John Flanagan shot gone into the net rather than barely wide.

Peter, who had been understudy to O'Donoghue for a number of years, took over as goalkeeper and went on to win and All-Ireland in 1971. He gave another fine display on the occasion and won Sports Star of the Week for his performance. His hurling career came to a premature end in 1972 when he was badly injured in a severe work accident.

Peter showed early promise and was on the successful Rosegreen juvenile team of 1957. He progressed to minor level, winning three West hurling titles in 1959, 1960 and 1961. In the last year he was also on the Tipperary minor team that won the Munster final but lost to Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final.

He moved up to under-21 level in his final year as minor and won the first of three West medals. The other two were in 1963 and 1964, when the competition progressed to the county for the first time and Cashel were beaten in the final by Roscrea. In the same year Peter was on the county team that won the first under-21 All-Ireland.

In 1963 Peter won a junior hurling All-Ireland when Tipperary defeated London in the final at Thurles. Also on that team were Babs Keating, Mick Roche and Jim Fogarty.

Peter's displays in goals at minor, junior and under-21 led to him being drafted in as sub-goalkeeper for the senior team. He won All-Ireland medals in 1964 and 1965 as well as National League medals in the same years. As a result of the 1965 Home Final victory he travelled with the team to the U.S. to play New York in the final proper. For the journey all the members of the team were outfitted with blazers and slacks, the first occasion that this happened. As well as winning two league medals Peter played in two losing finals, 1966 and 1971.

The Oireachtas was still a major tournament during the sixties and into the seventies and the winners got very attractive medals. Peter won five of these during his career, in 1963, 1964, 1965, 1970 and 1972. He played Railway Cup with Munster in 1972.

Parallel with Peter's successes at the intercounty level were his achievements with Cashel King Cormac's. He has five West senior hurling medals to his credit, won in 1965, 1971, 1975, 1976 and 1980.

Among his other achievements was to hold the position of county junior hurling selector in 1985 when Tipperary won the Munster final but went down to Wexford in the All-Ireland final, which was played at Kilkenny.

Peter was also a referee for about fifteen years. His most important match was the county junior hurling final between Moyne-Templetuohy and Ballina, played at Cashel in November 1990. He never put off a man during his career and continues his association with the job by doing umpire for John Ryan (B)

<span class="postTitle">Lorrha and Moycarkey-Borris Renew Rivalry</span> County Tipperary Intermediate Final Program, Nov. 28, 2007

Lorrha and Moycarkey-Borris Renew Rivalry

County Tipperary Intermediate Final Program, Nov. 28, 2007

Rivalry is probably too strong a word to use when writing about the meeting of Lorrha and Moycarkey-Borris in Sunday's intermediate county final. More likely 'a bit of history' might be a more accurate description since the two clubs haven't met that often coming as they do from different divisions.

But there are two major years in this history, 1946 and 1984, when the clubs met in county finals, one intermediate and the other senior, one victory going to Lorrha and the second going to the men from the Mid.

The first of these years, 1946, is a very important one in the history of the Lorrha club because it marks the first county final victory in the club's history. It should have been a momentous event but in fact it went almost unnoticed. Only in retrospect did it appear a ground-breaking year. The victory in the intermediate championship sent Lorrha into senior ranks, which they were to retain until relegation sent them back to intermediate in 1998.

Having come out of the North, with victory over Eire Óg, Nenagh in the final at Borrisokane on November 3 by 5-6 to 3-5, Lorrha had to wait until the end of 1947 for the county semi-final and final to be played. They overcame the West champions, Galtee St. Peacaun's, in the semi-final and had as their opponents, Moycarkey-Borris, in the final.

This game was played on December 7 and the venue was Gaile. Lorrha supporters always wondered how the fixtures committee could possibly have fixed the match at this venue, which was described as being as close to the parish of Moycarkey-Borris as it was possible to be, without being actually in it!

Maybe, becuase of this and the fact the match was played in the dead of winter that very few Lorrha supporters turned up. The number is estimated to have been seven, although there was a crowd of one thousand at the game. According to rumour the referee let everything run. A number had to go to the doctor after the game. When Paddy O'Sullivan presented himself to the doctor at Thurles and explained how he had got the injury, the latter said: 'I can expect more so!'

Maybe this is the reason Mid president, Mickey Byrne, quipped some years back at the unveiling of a plaque at the entrance to what was Gaile sportsfield: 'I suppose if you searched these trees you would find some skin attached to them!'

At any rate Lorrha won by 4-4 to 3-3 and the team that played was as follows: Paddy Maher, Des Donohue, Mick Donohue, Mick O'Meara (L), Billy Hogan, Paddy O'Sullivan, Tom Lambe, Hubie Hogan, Eugene O'Meara, Tommy Ryan, Dan O'Meara, Jim O'Meara, Paddy Guinan, Mick O'Meara, Vincent Darcy,

So, after 1946, it was 1 up for Lorrha! Moycarkey-Borris got their revenge in 1984 in the senior final that Lorrha would have dearly loved to win. Not only was it Centenary year, but Lorrha had never won a senior final, having lost at this stage in 1905, 1948, 1956 and 1966.

Lorrha strongly believed in their chances going into the final having accounted for Eire Óg, Nenagh in the North final, Eire Óg, Annacarty in the county quarter-final, and Drom Inch, who had beaten Moycarkey-Borris in the Mid final, in the semi-final. Moycarkey, having lost to Drom in the Mid final, defeated Carrick Swan in the county quarter-final, and Cappawhite, in a replayed semi-final.

The final was fixed for October 14 but Lorrha refused to field, claiming multiple injuries as a result of a tough encounter with Drom Inch in the semi-final. The county board conceded and the game was played on October 21. Lorrha started well and were 0-6 to 0-1 in front after 21 minutes. They led by 0-6 to 0-4 at the interval. Lorrha continued to lead after the resumption and were unlucky not to get a goal from a Willie Fogarty shot after ten minutes. Five minutes later Moycarkey got the goal to level the scores, 0-8 to 1-5. A few minutes later John Flanagan got a second goal and try as they might, Lorrha could not get the scores they needed so badly, and Moycarkey won by 2-8 to 0-9. Jack Bergin was the winning captain and he went on to captain Tipperary in 1985. Eamonn Darmody got Man of the Match.

The teams were: Moycarkey-Borris: Tom Doran, John Hackett, Willie Ryan, Tom Mullins, Eamonn Darmody, Jack Bergin (capt.), Jimmy Leahy, Liam Bergin, Liam Dempsey, Timmy Cullagh, John McCormack (0-1), David Fogarty (0-1), Ned Slattery (1-2), Dick Quigley (0-1), John Flanagan (1-3). Subs: Robert Hayes for J. Leahy, J. Leahy for John Hackett, Jim Flanagan for L. Dempsey.

Lorrha: Ken Hogan, Martin Young, Mick Brophy, Padraig Kennedy, Eamonn Sherlock (0-1), John McIntyre, Eamonn Maher, Pat Kelly, Brian Mannion, Joe Kennedy (0-3), John O'Sullivan (0-1), Kieran Hough (capt.), Aidan McIntyre, John Shelly, Willie Fogarty (0-4). Subs: Cathal McIntyre for Eamonn Maher, Donal Donoghue for Aidan McIntyre.

Referee: Willie barrett (Ardfinnan).

And so, the score stands at 1-1 and each side will be striving might and main today to make it 2-1.

<span class="postTitle">Jimmy Hennessy - A Kickhams Man and More</span> West Tipperary Senior Hurling Final program, July 15, 2007

Jimmy Hennessy - A Kickhams Man and More

West Tipperary Senior Hurling Final program, July 15, 2007

With Jimmy Hennessy approaching his 82nd birthday, he can look back to a distinguished G.A.A. career not only with his native club of Kickhams, but in the broader world of divisional and county service.
 
At the present he holds the honorary position of Life President of the West Board, a position held by very few and conferred by the board on those who have given distinguished service. It was conferred on Jimmy as long ago as 1980 in recognition of a life of service that included eleven years as secretary between 1960-1970, three years officially, and thirteen years unofficially, as treasurer from 1960-1973, and forty-six years to date - he is still a member - of the finance committee.  As well he was a divisional member of the county board for twenty-three years between 1960-1983, when there were only four representatives from the divisions.

At the county level he gave many years service as a selector, commencing in 1964 at under-21 level. He had the honour of helping to select the team to win the first All-Ireland in the grade, and he remained as a selector for 1965 and 1966.  He was a junior and senior selector in 1967 and continued as a senior selector until 1973.  He has good memories of the All-Ireland win in 1971, believes we should never have lost to Limerick in 1973, and was the sole selector-manager of the team that made the dream trip to San Francisco in March 1972.  He came back as senior selector in 1975 for one year, in 1979 for the same period, and his last year was 1985, when Tipperary reached the nadir of their fortunes with defeat by Clare in the championship at Ennis.

Jimmy's long association with the G.A.A. commenced in 1936 when as a ten and a half year old he played juvenile, under-15, for the first of five years with the Kickhams.  He was also to play minor for five years, winning two West medals.  He played with the Invincibles in 1941, when three of them went to Golden after Donaskeigh failed to pick any Knockavilla players.  He graduated to senior ranks and played at a time when Kickhams were invincible, winning ten and losing two divisional titles in twelve years.  He played at full-forward or centre-forward and had to mark Tony Brennan in many of these finals. He captained the team in 1956.
 
He started school in Bishopswood where the habit of writing with the left hand, regarded as sinister in those days, was beaten out of him. Afterwards he went to the Abbey School in Tipperary and was about to commence his Leaving Certificate year when he got a job in Tierney's grocery and hardware shop at Dundrum, having been told there was more money there than going to school.  He remained there until 1962, when he opened up his own shop, which he ran until he sold out in 1998.
 
As well as the G.A.A., Jimmy's great interest was greyhounds, getting his first dog, Dundrum Maiden, before he was eleven years old.  His father had kept dogs and had the favourite, Light Mutton, for the Oaks in 1937, but the dog died the Friday before the race. He swore never to keep a dog again, but Jimmy took up where he left off.  He had a number of great dogs during his life such as Come on Lucy, Radical Prince, Supplement and Deer Decision. He used to go dog racing four to five nights a week but has lost all interest now, and never goes to the track.  His attention has turned to horses and he has an interest in a couple with his brother, Paddy, Kneeland Lass and Cumask Lass.

Jimmy married Teresa Lane from Brosna, Co. Kerry in 1964.  She had come to work as a book-keeper in O'Dwyer's, Dundrum a couple of years previously.  They had one son, Donal, who lives in Yonkers, New York.  Sadly, Teresa passed away just two years ago in 2005 and her departure has left a huge vacuum in Jimmy's life.  It is only partly filled by continued interest in the fortunes or Tipperary and Kickhams hurling and he will be at Leahy Park today to cheer on his club to another West Final.

<span class="postTitle">Jack Gleeson - An Extraordinary Memory</span> West Tipperary Senior Hurling Final program, July 15, 2007

Jack Gleeson - An Extraordinary Memory

West Tipperary Senior Hurling Final program, July 15, 2007

When one talks to Jack Gleeson about hurling one is humbled by the breadth of his knowledge. He can name the actual team that started for Tipperary in the 1991 All-Ireland, the team that played for Limerick in the 1934 All-Ireland, the lineout for Waterford in the 1959 All-Ireland, or any other team for that matter, and he can tell you the names of the three Cork players who won twenty-one senior All-Irelands between them.

A man with an extraordinary memory of matters G.A.A., indeed, and even more so when one realises that Jack was eighty-six years old last Sunday. In fact he doesn't look a bit of it, moving agilely about the house, trimming hedges and ditches not only for himself, but for neighbours as well, and as fresh faced as a much younger man. And, he has a fine looking crop of potatoes growing the garden, just waiting to be dug!

He's still living in the house in which he was born, at Moyaliffe, Ballycahill, an important border area, between the parishes of Holycross-Ballycahill and Clonoulty-Rossmore, between the Mid and West G.AA. divisions, and between the North and South Ridings of Tipperary. His land straddles the border also.

This border location is reflected in his hurling history. He went to school in Cloneyharp where his teacher was the famous Tim Gleeson of Thurles Blues fame. He went on to Templemore C.B.S. for secondary school, staying with an aunt in the town until he did his Leaving Certificate. After that he served some time in a garage, went to work in Dwans for a while and eventually ended up in the Sugar Factory, where he worked for thirty-five years.

He didn't play underage hurling as he was living at Templemore during those years, where the game was football. His first team was Holycross-Ballycahill and his first success was a county junior championship with them in 1941, when he was twenty years of age. There's a blurred photograph of most of the team in the Holycross-Ballycahill G.A.A. history and the team includes such notables as Dinny O'Gorman and Dan Mackey.

Promoted to senior ranks the following year, Holycross-Ballycahill hadn't much success until 1947, when they defeated the great Thurles Sarsfields team to take their first divisional senior title. According to the report of the game, Jack Gleeson gave a 'sparkling display' in goal. The winners were defeated by Carrick Swans in the county semi-final.

Jack wasn't involved the following year when Holycross-Ballycahill went all the way to win their first county senior final. He had a blood-poisoned hand and was out of commission.

The following year he came to play with Clonoulty-Rossmore. According to himself he wasn't transferred but simply started playing with his new team. Maybe Clonoulty-Rossmore were looking for a goal­keeper because he played in that position when beaten by Kickhams in 1950.

Success came in 1951 when Clonoulty defeated the kingpins of senior hurling in the West Division at the time, Kickhams, in the final at Cashel's new sportsfield, with Tony Brennan starring, by 3-2 to 0-3. It was the club's first West senior title since they completed four-in-a-row in 1933. Clonoulty upset the county champions, Borrisoleigh, in the county semi-final but the bubble burst in the final when Jack's old team Holycross, defeated them by 5-15 to 1-4. In the same year he won a Munster final with the Sugar Factory team.

Jack continued to play without success until 1954, when the parish split into two teams, Clonoulty and Rossmore. Playing with the former they were beaten by a Rossmore side that included four of his cousins.

Jack was already following the fortunes of Tipperary and other inter-county sides before the end of his playing days arrived. He cycled to Cork in 1942 and 1946 to see Tipperary defeated by Cork and Limerick respectively. He also cycled to Dublin in 1942 - it took him ten hours - to see Cork win one of their four-in-a-row. From these journeys he got to know a lot of players and teams. He first saw Phil Cahill play against Cork at Thurles in 1931 and regards him as one of Ireland's greatest hurlers. He reckons the best game he ever saw was the 1947 All-Ireland final in which Kilkenny defeated Cork by 0-14 to 2-7: 'It was a show to the world!'. The best club game was between Ahane and Sarsfields at Newport sometime in the early forties. He believes that John Doyle was the best player he saw in a long life.

All the memories of those years have been firmly etched in a photographic memory. He has never really forgotten anything and the names of players and teams trip lightly from his tongue. He has known a large number of top intercounty players, including the famous Christy Ring, and has revelled in talking to them about games and incidences in their playing careers.

Almost as impressive is a giant scrapbook compiled by his brother, Matthew, and himself with information on G.A.A. personalities and teams going back to the late forties. It could be called the Book of Moyaliffe and will take on similar historical significance to the Annals of the Four Masters in the course of time, containing as it does so much information on hurlers and footballers from all the counties of Ireland for over half-a-century. Both Matthew and Jack deserve our thanks for the collection.

Thurles Sugar Factory Team - Munster Champtions 1951

Back row, left to right: T. Ryan, D. Loughnane, E. Leahy, L. Keane, M. McElgun, M. Maher, P. Ferncombe, C. Keane.
Front row: left to right: Jack Gleeson, M. Byrne, T. Doyle (capt.), P. Ryan, F. Jordan, T. Barrett, M. Butler.

<span class="postTitle">John Moloney - A Tribute</span> County Senior Football semi-finals program, October 15, 2006

John Moloney - A Tribute

County Senior Football semi-finals program, October 15, 2006

'The rock of the parish is gone', the woman in the pub said to me on Sunday evening as we awaited the arrival of the remains of John Moloney to the Parish Church in Bansha. 

His sudden and most unexpected death two days previously had stunned all who knew him. His physical fitness, good life style and active involvement in the community, not only in the parish of Bansha & Kilmoyler but in the wider world also, belied his years. 

Reactions to his death were many. A fifty-year old man in Cashel recalled games he played as a young man with John as referee. 'We were in awe of the man and considered it a privilege to have him as referee. When he called us by our names we were amazed that such an important man, who had refereed All-Ireland finals would know our names!' 

The man who broke the news of his death to me, Joe Hayes, recalled the famous incident between Cecil Ryan and John at a county championship match in Thurles. 'Was it a shove or an accident?' Joe recalled the 'sensible' way John dealt with it, where another referee might have stood on his dignity and given Cecil the line. 

Such behaviour was typical of the man. 'Tom, I saw that,' was a way he often dealt with infringements of the rules. His authority was rarely questioned, his very presence commanding respect. He could combine courtesy to players with firmness in implementing the rules. The fact that he made it his business to know players and call them by their first names gave him some kind of moral control over their behaviour on the field. 

Most people are familiar with the statistics of his achievements, five All-Ireland football finals, one hurling, eleven Munster finals. Not many referees perform at the highest level in both hurling and football as John did. On top of a busy inter-county career that straddled the period 1965 to the eighties, John refereed numerous games at club level, from the lowliest to the highest, over an incredible period of five decades until he retired in 2002. 

Despite his national profile as a referee, John maintained a close involvement with his club, Galtee Rovers, serving on different occasions as chairman, secretary and treasurer. At the time of his death he was club president. He was a member of the Referees' Association that he helped found, and contributed to the general improvement in refereeing standards. 

Probably one of his involvements in recent years that gave him the greatest pleasure was with Cumann na Sean Ghael. A founder member of the body in the county, he saw the need to recognise those who had served the association well during their lifetimes, and who might not have had their contributions recognised. He took great pleasure out of identifying and recognising these people at the annual awards in Bru Boru. He was already at work on the 2006 awards before his untimely death. 

John has now joined the ranks of the deceased Sean Ghael and his passing from this life has left a big vacuum in his family, in the parish of Bansha and Kilmoyler, in the wider world of the G.A.A, and in the lives of all who had the privilege to be acquainted with this very distinguished man. Ar dheis lamh De a ainm.

<span class="postTitle">Ardfinnan, Senior Football Champions 1962, 1963, 1964</span> County Senior Football Final program, Cashel, October 30, 2005

Ardfinnan, Senior Football Champions 1962, 1963, 1964

County Senior Football Final program, Cashel, October 30, 2005

Ardfinnan senior footballers were threatening for a couple of years before they made their breakthrough in 1962. Two years beforehand they qualified for the South final, only to be heavily beaten by Clonmel Commercials. In 1961 the sides met again in the final but the result was reversed: Ardfinnan defeated their rivals convincingly by 4-9 to 2-4, to take their first divisional final in twenty-two years. On that occasion they had also beaten Commercials and went on to win the county final against a West selection. They didn't have such success in 1961, losing out to a North combination, St. Flannan's in the final.

The year 1962 was to be the start of a period of unrivalled success in the history of the club. They defeated Burncourt-Clogheen by 1-12 to 1-3 in the south final at Clonmel on September 9. They had a close contest with Galtee Rovers in the county semi-final, which was played at Clonmel on September 16. There was only a point between the sides on a 1-6 to 1-5 scoreline. They won their first county final since 1939 when they beat Thurles Crokes by 4-11 1-6 at Thurles on October 7. Ardfinnan led by 2-8 to 0-4 at the interval, and never looked to be in danger. The game was played before the Oireachtas semi-final between Tipperary and Kilkenny.

The Ardfinnan team lined out as follows: Paddy Quinn, Michael Moore, Tony Finn, Alfie McDermott, John J. Lonergan (Capt), Dick Keating, John Byrne, Patsy Myles, Billy Moloney, Pete Savage, Michael 'Babs' Keating, Stephen McCormack, Patsy Savage, John Keating, Michael Byrne. Referee: Sean Twomey (Arravale Rovers).

In the 1963 championship Ardfinnan had a convincing win over Fethard in the South final, played at Clonmel on September 15. They won by 2-8 to 1-2. They were too good for the North representatives, St. Flannan's in the county semi-final, defeating them by 1-10 to 0-3 at Thurles on October 13. The final was played at Templemore on November 3. Ardfinnan retained their title with 1-9 to 1-2 victory over Templemore. They led by 1-5 to nil at half-time. One unusual aspect of the game was that it featured brothers on opposite sides. Dick Keating played for Ardfinnan, while his brother, Benny, turned out for Templemore. The captain of the victorious Ardfinnan team received not only the O'Dwyer Cup, but a second trophy as well. The previous August the county board were presented with a beautiful and artistic trophy by John Fogarty, President of the Tipperary Association of New York. It was intended by the donors to be an incentive-to the efforts at restoring Tipperary football to previous prominence.

Ardfinnan: Paddy Quinn, Luke Hally, Michael Moore, Alfie McDermott, John J. Lonergan, Dick Keating (capt.), Patsy Myles, Stephen McCormack, Billy Moloney, Pete Savage, John Keating, Michael Byrne, Patsy Savage, Michael 'Babs' Keating, Patrick O'Brien.

Ardfinnan made it three-in-a-row in 1964. They had a close-run contest with Clonmel Commercials at Clonmel on September 20, before winning the South final by 1-11 to 2-7. Ardfinnan defeated Templemore by 1-10 to 0-8 in the county semi-final, played at Thurles on October 25.

The county final was played at the same venue on November 8 and resulted in a convincing win for Ardfinnan. They beat St. Flannan's by 5-10 to 3-3. They were the easiest of winners over a disjointed and disappointing North selection, after leading by 4-5 to 1-1 at the interval.
Ardfinnan: James Moran, John J. Lonergan, Michael Moore, Alfie McDermott, Patsy Ryan, Dick Keating, Michael Byrne, Billy Moloney, Stephen McCormack, Pete Savage (0-4), Michael 'Babs' Keating (2-2), Patrick O'Brien (0-1), Patsy Savage (1-2), John Keating (0-2), Tom Ryan (0-1). Subs: John Ryan and Ed O'Dwyer. Referee: Billy Sweeney (Moyne-Templetuohy)

The club championship was inaugurated in the same year. However, the first matches weren't played until 1965. Ardfinnan had a bye to the Munster semi-final, and played Cooraclare at Kilrush on April 25. The match ended in a draw, 1-7 each, and Ardfinnan had hopes of success in the replay at Clonmel on July 4. However, they gave a disappointing performance and were beaten by 0-10 to 1-4.

Perhaps it reflected the decline in this great team. They failed to qualify for the South final in 1965, and they weren't to return to the county winner's enclosure until 1970.
Other County Final Victories

Ardfinnan won their seventh and last county final in 1974. Significantly, Thurles Sarsfields won their last - until this year - senior hurling championship in the same year. Will the victory of Sarsfields' last Sunday week be a good omen for Ardfinnan?

The 1974 county final was played in Cashel also, and the date was October 20. The county championship was played on an open draw system that year, and Lattin-Cullen, Fethard and Silvermines qualified for the semi-finals with Ardfinnan. The two South teams came through for the final. Ardfinnan led by 1-2 to 0-4 at the interval. Fethard dominated the third quarter, but failed to score, and Ardfinnan took their seventh title by 1-6 to 1-4. They lost to Doonbeg in the Munster Club championship.

Ardfinnan won the first of their seven titles in 1935. The final wasn't actually played until April 5,1936. They beat Fethard in the South final by 1-9 to 2-4 on October 20, and had to wait over five months for the final. This was played at Clonmel and Ardfinnan won easily by 3-5 to 0-1 for Templemore.

Having lost to Clonmel Shamrocks in 1937, Ardfinnan won their second senior title in 1939. They had difficulty getting out of the South, taking three games to defeat Clonmel Commercials by 1-3 to 0-1. The final didn't take place until October 1940, and Ardfinnan defeated a West selection by 1-3 to 1-1. Ardfinnan didn't figure again until the sixties when they won the historic three-in-a-row. The period 1965 and 1973 that followed was one in which the club lost much, much more than they won. In the nineteen finals played during these years Ardfinnan qualified for seven of them but won only one!

The roll of honour shows six defeats. In 1966 they lost by a point to Clonmel Commercials, 2-6 to 1-8. In 1968 they lost by a point to Kilsheelan, 1-11 to 2-7. In 1969 they lost by two goals to Clonmel Commercials, 2-13 to 0-13. Having reversed the result in the 1970 final, they were then to lose three more in a row! In 1971 they were defeated by Commercials, 2-8 to 1-9. They were two points behind Kilsheelan, 1-9 to 1-7, when the final whistle sounded in 1972, and they suffered their heaviest defeat in these years in 1973, when they went under to Loughmore-Castleiney by 2-10 to 0-7.

The one bright Iight during these depressing years was the victory in 1970. The open draw was in operation and the four teams to emerge for the semi-finals were from the South. Commercials defeated Moyle Rovers by 1-10 to 0-7, and Ardfinnan defeated Fethard by 2-12 to 2-7. The final was played at Clonmel on November 8 and resulted in a win for Ardfinnan by 1-11 to 2-2. They took the lead in the third minute and led by 1-8 to 1-0 at the interval, after playing with the wind. The game was marred by unseemly conduct on the sidelines. Referee John Moloney had a difficult task and sent two players to the line in the second half. It was an important victory for Ardfinnan, after losing three-in-a-row. 

<span class="postTitle">Corn Ui Shealbhaigh</span> County Under 21 football final, April 24, 2005

Corn Ui Shealbhaigh

County Under 21 football final, April 24, 2005

The trophy for the under-21 A county football championship is Corn Úi Shealbhaigh, called after the Shelly family, Templemore. Paddy, who lives in New York, is a member of the very distinguished family, long associated with the development of the town. His ancestors were responsible for bringing the Christian Brothers to Templemore.

Paddy won an All-Ireland junior medal with Tipperary in 1935, playing at centreback. In the photograph of the team in Tipperary's G.A.A. Story 1935-84 Paddy is conspicuous by his height in the back row. The team were beaten by Sligo in the All-Ireland final. (In the same year the minors were beaten by Mayo in the final, and the seniors by Cavan in the semi-final.)

Paddy emigrated to New York at a later stage and was always prominent in the welcoming parties for Tipperary teams that visited the city in the 1950s and 1960s. He used to come home every year and gear his holiday to coincide with Tipperary's progress in the All-Ireland championship.
The cup is a recognition of the Shelly family's contribution to the G.A.A., as it is of Paddy himself.
The first winners of Corn Úi Shealbhaigh were Holycross-Ballycahill in 1999, beating Galtee Rovers by 2-6 to 1-8 at Boherlahan on May 8. Winners since then were Fethard in 2000, 2001 & 2002, Ballina in 2003 and Loughmore-Castleiney in 2004.

When Corn Úi Shealbhaigh was presented to the county board in 1999, it replaced the Quane Cup, which had been presented to the winners since the commencement of the competition.
The Quane Cup was presented by the Arravale Rovers club in recognition of one of the most distinguished G.A.A. families in the town of Tipperary. There were four brothers, Bob, Davy, John and Tom. Bob won two All-Irelands with Tipperary in 1895 and 1900. Tom, who was the youngest, won two All-Irelands with Dublin in 1906 and 1907, may have been a sub on the victorious side in 1908, emigrated later to the U.S., before returning to live in Dublin later in life.

Apparently he brought back a cup with him, which was presented to the Arravale Rovers club. When the under-21 football championship commenced, the club presented the cup to the county board in memory of a very distinguished family. When it was replaced by the Shelly Cup in 1999, it was in a dilapidated state. The last winners of the Quane Cup were Commercials, who defeated Golden-Kilfeacle in the final, played at Cashel on May 4, 1998. 

<span class="postTitle">Patrick Kavanagh and the G.A.A.</span> Munster Intermediate Hurling Final program at Cashel, July 16, 2003

Patrick Kavanagh and the G.A.A.

Munster Intermediate Hurling Final program at Cashel, July 16, 2003

'Go on, our Mickey. Gut yer man. Bog him.' 

A football match is in progress in my imagination, and I must admit that I am not a spectator but in there, ploughing all around me, making myself famous in the parish as the man that never 'cowed'. even at the risk of a broken neck. 

'Aw Kavanagh, the dhirty eejet.' 

'Ho could he be an eejet and him a poet?' one of our supporters replied, and my traducer had no comeback. 

The battle raged up and down the raging field. 

The team we were playing were a disgusting class of a team, who used every form of psychological warfare. For instance, when one of them was knocked down he rolled on the ground and bawled like a bull a-gelding. 

Then there was the time I pulled the ball over the goal-line and a most useless non-playing member of the opposing team kicked it back into play. We argued and there was a normal row. The referee came up and interviewed the non-playing member of the opposition and the man replied: 'I never even saw the ball. Do you think I'd tell a lie and me at Holy Communion this morning?' 

What could we say to that? 

Of course we had our own methods. We never finished a game if towards the end we were a-batin. We always found an excuse to rise a row and get the field invaded. 

Ah, them were the times. 

For one year I was virtual dictator of that team, being captain of the team, and secretary and treasurer of the club. There was no means of checking up on my cash, which gave rise to a lot of ill ­founded suspicion. I remember I kept the money in an attache ­case under my bed. It is possible that every so often I visited it for the price of a packet of cigarettes, but nothing serious.· 

I once went as the club representative to the county board. We had to defend ourselves from a protest against us being awarded a certain game, on the grounds that the list of players wasn't on watermarked Irish paper. 

I pointed out that the list was written on the inside of a large Player packet and that Player packets were made in Ireland. This did not impress. Nothing I said impressed, as I hadn't the cliches off. 

It took a good deal of conspiring to depose me from my dictatorial post. Members of the team met in secret groups to know what could be done, but as soon as I got wind of the conspiracy I fired every man of them. 

In the end they got rid of me, but it was a job. 

The man responsible for my deposition was a huge fellow, a blacksmith, a sort of Hindenburg, whose word carried weight. He was a great master of the cliche, but sometimes he broke into originality, as the time we were going for the county final and he wouldn't let us touch a ball for a week previous as he wanted us to be 'ball hungry'. 

Ball hungry as we may have been, we lost the match, and I was blamed, for I was 'in the sticks' and let the ball roll through my legs. 

The crowd roared in anguish. 'Go home and put an apron on you'. And various other unfriendly remarks were made such as 'Me oul mother would make a better goalie.' 

Somebody has said that no man can adequately describe Irish life who ignores the Gaelic Athletic Association, which is true in a way, for football runs women a hard race as a topic of conver­sation. 

The popular newspaper has driven out the football ballad, which at one time gave fairly literal accounts of famous matches: 

At half-past two the whistle blew

And the ball it was thrown in, 

The hare Murphy saved it and 

He kicked it with the wind! 

Then there was a ballad singer who used to sing 'The catching and the kicking was mar-veel-e-us for to see.' 

After the ballad came the local paper where we were all Trojans in defence and wizards in attack. I once got a lot of kudos from a report which described me as 'incisive around goal'. No one knew the meaning of the word, incisive, but it sounded good.

<span class="postTitle">Previous West Senior Hurling Finals at Cashel</span> West Tipperary S.H. Final Program, Cashel, Oct. 7, 2001

Previous West Senior Hurling Finals at Cashel

West Tipperary S.H. Final Program, Cashel, Oct. 7, 2001

Today’s final is the seventy-second to the played since the West division was founded. It’s the fifteenth to be played at Cashel and the twelfth to be played at Leahy Park. Prior to then the Cashel Sportsfield was located on the Ardmayle Road and before that on the Dualla Road.

Leahy Park was new in 1951 when the first final, between Clonoulty-Rossmore and Kickhams, was played. Originally fixed for September 9, it was postponed and the delegates heard why at a special meeting of the West board the following night. Board secretary, Jerry O’Dwyer, informed the meeting that the game had been postponed as a result of representations made to him by Canon Fogarty, P. P., Clonoulty and one of the honorary presidents of the board. The Canon pointed out that the game was clashing with a Pioneer Rally at Thurles and the secretary had postponed the match as a result of the representations. After much discussion the final was fixed for the following Sunday.

There was also some controversy over the 1945 final at Cashel, between Cashel and Eire 0g. Originally fixed for Dundrum, Cashel wouldn’t play at the venue. A special board meeting was called and the delegates were informed that Cashel’s objections were to the size of the Dundrum field and its proximity to Eire 0g. They wanted a neutral venue and a neutral referee. The chairman pointed out that the field was in Knockavilla parish and the referee was from Clonoulty. (Timmy Hammersley). Mick Davem, the Cashel delegate replied: ‘The ball was lost three times in the grass in Dundrum, when we played Golden there.’ The Dundrum delegate denied this. It was pointed out to Cashel that they had already won championship matches in the field. Then Jim Devitt, Cashel, came up with another reason for not playing Eire Og there:

‘We were butchered previously in Dundrum by Eire 0g.’ After a lot of discussion Cashel and Eire Og agreed to toss for venue and Cashel won. The match was played on October 7. (I can’t be sure if that was the nearest Eire Og got to hosting a West final: they don’t appear on the list of venues.)

The 1931 final between Clonoulty and Newport was played at Cashel. It was the only time Newport played in the West division and it wasn’t a very happy one. The final was a tense, tough game. Newport accused Clonoulty of adopting over-robust and questionable tactics. They also complained of the leniency of the referee, Jack Hennessy of Emly. It was reported that one of the linesmen, Jack Raleigh, a former Toomevara player then playing with Emly, pleaded with Hennessy at half-time to either referee the game or call it off. In spite of these difficulties Newport’s prospects looked bright when they forged ahead by 3-4 to 3-3 with ten minutes remaining. At that stage a hostile section of the crowd pelted the Newport players with clods of earth, leaving them in no doubt as to their intentions of keeping the title in their own backyard. In the remaining minutes of the game Clonoulty forced through two goals to put the issue beyond the realm of doubt.

There was a sequel. Newport objected on a number of grounds including the legality of Pake Mahony and the fact that Dan English in the Clonoulty goal was wearing his trousers. The latter part led to some humorous exchanges at county board where Killenaule’s, Bob Hall, wanted to know ‘where does knickers end and breeches begin’.

During their great run of success between 1946 and 1960, Kickhams played a number of finals at Cashel. They lost there to Clonoulty in 1951 but were successful in 1953, 1954, 1956, 1958 and 1959. In the 1958 final they recorded their highest score when they defeated Golden/Kilfeacle by 8-8 to 2-2.

Leahy Park was the venue for one of Cappawhite’s finest hours, in the 1987 final. Clonoulty led by 3-7 to 1-4 at half-time and seemed set to dump Cappa, who had been champions in 1983, 1984 and 1985, out of the championship. But there was a remarkable turnaround in the second half as Cappa went from nine points down to an eight-point win — a swing of seventeen points. A Ger O’Neill goal sparked the resurgence. O’Neill also had their third goal and John O’Neill added a fourth as Cappa were rampant. It was a truly dazzling second-half performance from Cappawhite who, in the process, ended Clonoulty’s championship bid for the fifth consecutive year. The winning captain, John O’Neill, accepted the cup from board chairman, Michael Maguire.

Ten years later the venue was the setting for a memorable occasion for Kickhams, when they bridged a thirty-seven year gap to win their first senior title since 1960. Kevin Farrell was team captain and Aidan Butler got the man-of-the-match award. The winners were slight favourites going into the game and by the call of time had justified the tag with a 0-19 to 2-10 success. They came back to win after been rocked by two Cappawhite goals midway through the first half.

<span class="postTitle">Anthony 'Brickey' O'Neill</span> West Tipperary S.H. Final Program, Cashel, Oct. 7, 2001

Anthony 'Brickey' O'Neill

West Tipperary S.H. Final Program, Cashel, Oct. 7, 2001

One of the stalwarts of the Cappawhite defence in Sunday’s West senior hurling final will be Anthony O’Neill. There are so many O'Neills in Cappawhite that they all need a nickname to distinguish them from one another. Anthony O'Neill is known far and wide as Brickey and is probably more recognisable by it than by his real name. He doesn't know the origin of it or its significance. He recalls having it as far back as primary school. He believes he may have been so christened by one of his brothers.

And there are a lot of brothers. The best known is probably Pa, who was reported is the past couple of weeks to be in a secret hideout getting restorative physio in order to be sprung on the unsuspecting opposition sometime on Sunday. As well, there's Mickey, Danny and Seanie. They never all played together for Cappa but Brickey thinks four of them did.

Whether Pa turns out or not today, Brickey will have other relations on the team. The extended family includes his nephew, Thomas Costello, and his second cousin, Eugene. Brickey and Eugene's father are first cousins.

Although living today in Anacarty, where he is married with three children - a son plays with Eire Og - Brickey was born in Clonganhue, a great place for hurlers. The year was 1960, which makes him a fairly ancient forty-one years at the moment. This age qualified him to play for the county masters team, which has resulted in two All-Irelands, this year and last year.

It's belated recognition for a fine player because Brickey never played for the county until now. A close observer of him and his contribution to the Cappa club told me he was probably the best O'Neill who never made the county. He did get a trial at the under-21 level but didn't make it. Perhaps the county's loss was Cappa's gain as Brickey devoted all his time and energy to his club.

He has achievements to show. The highlight has to be the county senior hurling final in 1987 and the qualification for the Munster final against Midleton at Kilmallock. Defeat was his lot that day as John Fenton drilled a 65 between the posts to snatch a one point victory. He has another county medal in intermediate football, which was won in 1990. His other successes include West senior hurling titles in 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 2000. He was on a successful junior 2 side in 1978 after which he played senior, and has been playing it since. He also has under-14 West titles and divisional titles in hurling and football at minor and under-21 levels.

Today we associate Brickey with the corner-back position but he started his senior career at wing-forward. He went from there to wingback, then centreback and finally back to his present position. What is the secret of his success there? He is noted for playing from the front and his motto against more fleet-footed opponents could be summed up in the words of Johnny Ryan Cusack, when questioned how he beat Cork's, Joe Kelly, the 100 yard champion of Ireland, to the ball in the 1945 Munster semi-final at Thurles, said:

'I started in time.' And Brickey does that again and again in spite of his aging limbs.

There must be some secret to his hurling longevity. Not really, he answers. He loves the game of hurling with a great passion. He has played football and soccer but hurling is his first love. If you want to play strongly enough you will get fit enough to play. He puts great emphasis on training and never misses a session. He also looks after himself. He never smoked, takes a few pints but in moderation. He can see himself going forward for another few years. He has been reasonably free from injury and this has been a major help. He has a niggling injury at the moment that's preventing him from giving a hundred percent. If he can overcome that and avoid others, his hurling future is still there.

Brickey has played many fine games. Anyone who was at last year's West final will remember his display as one of the finest he ever gave. He himself looks back through rose-tinted glasses to his contribution to Cappa's victory over Cashel in the 1983 final at Golden. Another display that is remembered with satisfaction was against Patrickswell in the Munster club semi-final in 1987. Playing at centreback, his position at that time, he gave an outstanding display against Gary Kirby.

Brickey can be proud of his achievements and the contribution he has made to his club’s successes. He is a role model not only for his own club mates but for players anywhere. The love of hurling and the success of his club come foremost in his priorities and he gives constant and unswerving expression to these through his dedication to training and preparation for games.

<span class="postTitle">The Effin Ref and All That</span> West Tipperary S.H. Final Program, Cashel, Oct. 7, 2001

The Effin Ref and All That

West Tipperary S.H. Final Program, Cashel, Oct. 7, 2001

On the day of the All-Ireland football final, as we made our way towards the Cusack Stand we came across a pub I hadn’t seen before. What caught my fancy was the name over the entrance, The Blind Referee! It’s situated on Ballybough Road and it must have been newly christened or I would have noted it before.

It immediately sparked off thoughts on the lot of the referee and the kind of language he has to put up with on the playing pitch. ‘You’re blind, ref,’ is a mild form. ‘You’re effin blind.’ is a stronger form. Mostly the language used is much more vicious and insinuating. He is variously an illegitimate person, an effing illegitimate person, a part of the female anatomy, an effing part of the female anatomy, a masturbater, - Paddy Russell, and he was only a linesman on the day, was called one by a notable Meath footballer in last year’s football league final - an effin masturbater.

It’s amazing how a crowd of supporters can focus in on a referee and get high on abuse. In such a situation normally sane people become totally unreasonable. The level of invective rises to a crescendo and if people were to hear themselves the following day the’d be thoroughly ashamed.

John Moloney remembers being called a ‘black curlew’ on one occasion. One would love to know the significance of the term. ‘You long effer,’ was a regular term of abuse. But the abuse occasionally spilled over to physical contact. He recalls getting his hair pulled after a Connacht under-21 football final. There was some problem about the score. On another occasion he was clattered with an umbrella. He even recalls a young lad, presumably from the losing side, pinching him in the leg as he left the field after an underage game! And we all recall the poor referee from Wicklow who was locked into the boot of his car in County Wicklow!

The referee is the focus of attention in a game and the more important the game the greater his position. He is a most important individual. Not only does he implement the rules, he punishes any infringement of them. His word is sacred. The referee’s report is the equivalent of a legal document in that it is unalterable and the last word. When I was chairman of the West board, I stood by these reports rigidly. The board had to back its referees but following the report made life easy for a chairman: if he said it was rough play it was automatically two weeks. If it was worse the penalty was greater and the Treorai Oifigiuil spells out the penalty for every offence. In fact the chairman has little or no leeway. That is why I believe the rule of giving the player the right to appear before the board to defend himself is outdated: regardless of what he says it does not influence the decision of the board. So, why invite the offender along on a vain mission?

The only way matters can be changed is when the referee decides to do so. One recalls the case of the replay of the drawn All-Ireland semi-final between Offaly and Clare in 1998. Offaly objected on the grounds that short time was played and got a refixture only because the referee admitted he had called the game up short. If he had stuck to his guns and said full time was played, nobody could have done a damn thing about it.

The case of Brian O’Meara this year emphasises the point. Regardless of all the bluff and bluster, the representations and appeals, the newspaper columns of support and the backing of players for his reinstatement, the simple fact was that the referee’s report was sacrosanct and until he chose to change it, there was nothing the Association could do about it. In the event Pat Horan did not relent and Brian O’Meara missed the All-Ireland.

While on this particular match, I want to refer to a column by Liam Griffin in the Sunday Tribune around this time. In the course of it he referred to the choice of referees for the All-Ireland quarter- and semi-finals in which Wexford were involved. The two referees, Michael Wadding of Waterford and Pat O’Connor of Limerick, according to Griffin could, by virtue of being Munster men, be biased in favour of Limerick and Tipperary. Ironically Wexford got a Leinster referee, Pat Horan of Offaly, for the replay and we all know what happened! I’m disinclined to believe that referees at this level, or at any level for that matter, follow a partisan line on the field of play.

But there’s also a lighter side to refereeing. A larger-than-life character, Philly Ryan of Borrisileigh, used to referee in the fifties of the last century. There are many stories told about him, many of them more than likely apocryphal. He was a serious referee, who claimed never to have read the rule book! For him the job was a matter of using your head and commonsense. One of the many stories told is alleged to have happened in a game between Knockshegowna and Kildangan. A Knochshie player complained to Philly about the attentions of his opponent. Philly told him he had something in his hand to defend himself. Later in the game the player clobbered his opponent and was sent off. ‘But,’ he protested to Philly as he left the field, ‘you told me to defend myself.’ ‘Yes! replied Philly, ‘I’m sending you off for your own protection! You didn’t hit him hard enough. He’s going to get up and kill you!’

John Moloney was in charge of the Munster football final between Cork and Kerry in the newly reconstructed Pairc Ui Chaoimh in 1976. The game ended in a draw and in the replay, at the same venue, Cork, leading by seven points, looked likely winners with twelve minutes to go. Then Kerry got a goal Cork claimed they didn’t deserve and Cork were disallowed one at the other end. The match ended in a draw and Kerry won in extra time. The Cork supporters blamed the referee for the defeat. It was the time Bishop Casey had been promoted to Galway and the Kerry see hadn’t yet been filled. John Moloney got a series of letters and cards from irate Cork supporters telling him he should become the next Bishop of Kerry! He still treasures some of the communications.

I suppose one of the great stories of refereeing is quite recent. It happened during a West championship game. The referee, who is well-known in the division, got a call on his mobile phone during the game. He duly stopped the game, as car drivers are recommended to do on the road, and took his call. When he was finished he re-started the game and took a blind bit of notice of nobody! I suppose you could call it keeping up with the times and an indication that referees are capable of adapting to the latest technology!

Poets or songwriters have hardly touched on the subject of refereeing but I recall the words of a song that did include a reference. Billy Cotton and his band used to play it back in the fifties of the last century:

Oh! oh, what a referee!

And his little wooden whistle

Wouldn’t whistle

<span class="postTitle">Jim 'Jumbo' Ryan</span> Program for Cashel King Cormac's Benefit Night at Thurles Greyhound Track, August 8, 2000.

Jim 'Jumbo' Ryan

Program for Cashel King Cormac's Benefit Night at Thurles Greyhound Track, August 8, 2000.

Jim, mostly known as Jumbo, Ryan is big, not only in stature but in the greyhound world as well. He believes he must have been a big baby because he’s been called Jumbo as long as he can remember. In fact, so used is he to the name that when he was in the U.S. and was occasionally called Jim, he wouldn’t answer to the name.

A native of the Commons, Cashel he was actually born in Hill House, Cashel which was a nursing home at the time, run by Nurse Rouse. Significantly, he is now living in Bohermore, virtually in the shadow of the house where he first saw the light of day in May 1934.

The family nickname was ‘Jilly’, to differentiate them from all the other Ryans and his father’s people came from Cloneyross, Drombane. The father’s name was Mattie, a farmer, with an interest in dogs. According to Jumbo he made good money out of them ‘when a £ was worth a £.’ He won the Irish Plate at Clounanna about 1943 with Cloneyross Lass.

Jumbo was the third of four boys. Tommy was the eldest and continues to farm the home place. Mickey also lives in the Commons. The fourth boy, Mattie, lives in Lagganstown. The boys played hurling with the Cashel King Cormac’s. Jumbo won west minor medals in 1949 and 1952 and was on the junior hurling team which won the 1953 county final. Mickey was also on the team and Mattie was on the panel. He also played senior football with Rockwell Rovers.

Jumbo grew up with greyhounds. He recalls a daily chore after school of walking the dogs three miles daily. Life was tough and he learned to work hard, which stood him good stead later. But there were relaxations. Pheasant and duck shooting and helping out the local coursing club for their two-day annual meet were enjoyed. ‘I found the hare drives very exciting. To be among sixty or more beaters was great. It was all good, healthy outdoor exercise and great fun.’

He remembers begging his parents for permission to see his first film in 1949 at the Rock Cinema in Cashel. Part of the show was a screen account of the Tipperary-Laois All-Ireland, which Tipperary won by 3-11 to 0-3. Prominent on the Tipperary panel was local hero and super star, Jim Devitt.

Minnesota

He decided to emigrate in 1959 and the place he chose was St. Paul, the twin city of Minneapolis in Minnesota. There was reason for his choice of destination. A shooting buddy, Joe Gould of Rosegreen, was going there and he went along. They later sponsored two friends to follow them.

His first job was in the Northland Ski Company that manufactured snow skis, toboggans, ice-hockey sticks, snow shoes, etc. He worked as a dispatcher. The skis from this place went all over the U.S. Most of the brand names in skis and toboggans originated here. People who bought expensive brands believed they were getting specially made skis whereas all they were getting was a conveyor-belt production with the brand name stuck on. Some of the skis he despatched were used in the winter Olympics at Squaw Valley, California in 1960 by the United States Olympic team.

His next job was also far-removed from farming and greyhounds. He got a job in a factory which made parts for aircraft and worked in this from 1960 to 1972. He made impellers for planes and the only greyhound he saw during this time was one being shipped through Minneapolis airport.

It wasn’t all work. While in Minnesota he started a hurling team. The Cashel King Cormac’s club presented him with a set of jerseys and socks, supplied by E.D. Ryan of Friar Street. When he was returning to Ireland he brought back the jerseys and presented them to Cashel C.B.S. He recalled a game he played in Chicago: ‘Can you imagine driving a 900 miles round trip, play a game in ninety degree heat and be back for a 6 am start at work on Monday morning.’

He also looked after other important matters. He had met Aggie Grant from Bank Place, Cashel, who worked as a nurse in the Miller Hospital, St. Paul, and they got married on Independence Day, 1964. The ‘Miller’ name was to have further significance.

The married couple retired back to Ireland in 1972 and it was to be the first of three retirements! Jumbo had done well in Minnesota but the cold was severe in the winter.

They bought Pine Lodge from Pat Dalton, a house with fifteen acres on the Old Road. It was called Pine Lodge after a horse which won money for Jumbo at 11/1. Here he went into breeding and training in what came to be known as the Minnesota Kennels.

His first bitch was Letesia, which he bought in Scotland for £40. He knew this bitch for some time as it had been owned by his brother, Mickey. It had made the top price of £525 at the Shelbourne sales. Jumbo had been on the lookout for her after he decided to come back to Ireland and go into breeding. She cost £40 as a brood bitch.

Waterloo Cup

The first litter of pups he ever produced was from Letesia and the sire was Bright Lad, which was owned by Mickey. One of the litter was called Minnesota Miller and it was to make Jumbo famous. Born in August 1973 the dog started racing during 1975 and coursing early in 1976. He won a few races on the track at Thurles but really made his name coursing. Between January 4 and February 13, 1976 Minnesota Miller won eighteen successive flags, including the Clarke Cup, the Blue Riband of Irish open coursing in Old Carton, Co. Meath, and the Waterloo Cup, the Blue Riband of English coursing.

He came back to win a 575 on the track at Thurles and then he featured in a triple dead heat for second place in a big stake at the same venue. Only three dogs could go forward and a draw was made for two of the three. Minnesota Miller was last out and Jumbo decided to retire him to stud. He was a good stud dog and produced, among others, an Irish Derby winner, Suir Miller, for his owners, Willie and Betty Flood of Laganstown.

A repeat mating of Letesia and Bright Lad produced, among others the equally famous, Minnesota Yank. It won the Waterloo Cup in 1977, the year after Minnesota Miller. It was the first Irish double to be registered in the event since Master McGrath achieved the feat in 1869. It was also the first time in the history of the classic that two full brothers had triumphed. Minnesota Yank was the first Waterloo winner to return and win a thirty-two all-age stake. In fact, he won two in succession.

Jumbo raced Minnesota Yank once after Waterloo and won at Mullingar. He then sold him to an English owner. At this time he was very busy, had too many dogs and was finding it difficult to carry on a training and a breeding program.

Jumbo hoped to win the Waterloo Cup for a third time in 1978. The dog he had in mind to achieve the treble was a litter brother of Yank, Minnesota Swank, who had been racing in the U.S. and was shipped back to Ireland for the cup. There was a great attraction in winning a treble in the classic. The cup was a very valuable gold trophy and would be won outright with the third victory. However, the Waterloo Cup wasn’t run in 1978 so he never got a chance. However, as he said ‘Two for two wasn’t too bad for a Rookie!’

He continued training and breeding in Pine Lodge for thirteen years. He was a very busy man, in great demand for breeding and training. He recalls having dogs racing at three different tracks on the same night. He had some faithful travelling companions to many meets, especially to Altcar for the Waterloo Cup. These were his brother, Mickey, Dick Walsh of Newinn and John Morrissey of Cashel. Older brother, Tommy, was a great help at local weekend meets. Life was good but he was on the go all the time and decided to retire for the second time, this time to Florida.

He sold out and went to Florida but he didn’t quite give up the dogs. He became an assistant to Pat Dalton, who kept two places with about seventy dogs in each. He prepared the dogs for races and continued to have a good eye for the right dog. One such was Spartan Sun, which he spotted in Pat Dalton’s kennel in Boston in 1985 and bought for $4,000 as a wedding anniversary present for his wife. Within two months he had won the $150,000 Wonderland Derby. Prior to that he had reached the final of the Wonderland Sprint Classic and, only for an error in the final, could have won that as well. It was a wonderful anniversary present even though Aggie had been a bit sceptical when he told her about it.

After thirteen years in Florida Jumbo and Aggie decided to retire again, this time to Ireland. Earlier they had bought a residence in Bohermore and came back there in 1997. It was about their fifteenth change of residence but he believes they are home to stay. As Jumbo reminisces on his years he can look back to major achievements, which include classic victories in three countries, and to a life full of incident and excitement. He can also be sure that wherever dogs are spoken of the names of Minnesota Miller and Minnesota Yank, as well as the bitch Letesia and the sire Bright Lad, not forgetting Spartan Sun, will be remembered.

<span class="postTitle">Born! Not Made!</span> West Tipperary Hurling Final Program, Aug 22, 1999

Born! Not Made! 

West Tipperary Hurling Final Program, Aug 22, 1999

How often have we heard it! Sure, why shouldn't he be a fine hurler when all belonging to him were soaked in the tradition of the game? Or, the opposite side of the same coin. Sure, what could you expect? There wasn't a hurler to be found on either side of the family! 

I'm beginning to doubt this wisdom and the player who put me thinking was Sean Óg Ó'Hailpin. How could he possibly be a hurler? Sure his father was a Fermanagh man and his mother a native of Fiji, and he himself spent ten years of his life in Fiji. Did you ever hear of a Fermanagh man or a Fijian getting on a hurling team? 

So, how come that Sean Óg made it in hurling, and in football also for that matter? I believe the big culprit is environment and in his case it was the environment of North Monastery secondary school, where hurling was a second religion. There he found an opportunity to express his natural athleticism through hurling. 

There are many such examples. Take the famous Bonnar brothers, all three of whom got All-Star awards in hurling. Why should they have been hurlers when both parents came from Donegal and the father played football with Gortahork? The answer is simple: they went to school in Cashel C.B.S. where Brother Noonan taught everyone how to hurl and made a damn fine fist of it as well. 

And, staying in Cashel, another example are the O'Donoghue brothers. There's nothing in their pedigree which would suggest hurlers. What, with the father from Kerry and the mother from Meath, sure 'twas far from hurling they were bred. But, they grew up in the environment of hurling and all five have given sterling hurling service to the Cashel King Cormacs. 

Most of us have heard of that great Cork school, Farrenferris, a great nursery of hurling. It may come as a surprise to learn that over half the boarders there come from west Cork, which is exclusively football country. They arrive in Farrenferris at the age of twelve years hardly knowing the shape of a hurley. And, what happens to them? They became great hurlers like Jim Young became, or Terry Kelly or Tim Crowley, to name a few. Had they stayed at home hurling would have been the loser. 

There are other dramatic examples. Jack Lynch's father was a footballer from Bantry. We know that Jack never lost that part of his inheritance and won a football All-Ireland in 1945. But that success was squeezed in among five hurling AlI-Irelands, which I would hazard a guess, Jack would have never seen had his father not moved his tailoring talents out of the west of the county and into Cork city, where the young Jack fell into the environment of hurling in North Monastery and was snapped up by Glen Rovers at the age of eleven years. 

And, what about the great Eddie Kehir? What would have become of him had his father remained in Roscommon. Would Eddie have made as skilful a Roscommon footballer as the skilful Kilkenny hurler he became? 

Of course, the reverse is also true. Look at the fate of Ger Power. Why should the son of a great hurler like Jackie Power become a great Kerry footballer. And, the answer has to be because he left the hurling environment of Limerick for the football world of Tralee and Kerry. 

So, the moral of the tale has to be, not to scoff at anyone's attempt to wield a caman because his father or mother or anybody else belonging to him, never caught a hurley in his hand. The environment's the important thing. I've said before that had Pierce Bonnar emigrated to some English village, rather than migrating to Cashel, his sons would have become the best cricketers in the area!