Dear Tipperary Supporter

Return to Play

From Tipperary GAA Scene by Jonathan Cullen, County Board PRO

This week sees a welcome return to the GAA fields of Tipperary of all our under 18 players, as we look forward to a summer of training and games it is very important that we all play our part to make sure that all activities are carried out in a safe manner and in line with the protocols and guidelines as set out by both the GAA and Government. The GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association have partnered to provide a Covid 19 education programme to help those involved in clubs return safely to Gaelic Games activities.

The be ready to play programme is a coaching and sports science programme that is being delivered by webinars, website programmes, instructional videos, and live sessions. This is a holistic programme supporting players and coaches during their return to play. All the details have been submitted to clubs and can also be accessed on social media. GAA President Larry McCarthy has also written an open letter to all clubs in which he strongly encouraged our clubs, coaches, games development officers and those responsible for planning and organising fixtures to ensure everyone benefits from a multitude of playing opportunities. “Let us all work towards providing as many games opportunities as possible; including leagues, blitzes and creative festival-type competitions, over a longer season, consider allowing more substitutions – or even unlimited – and provide alternative formats to provide a playing environment that creates the best possible experience for all our young players”. He goes on to say “Those of us with a responsibility for nurturing the development of our next generation of players should be mindful of the fact that the benefit of lifelong participation in Gaelic games is not something that we should measure in terms of cups or medals or competitions won. The GAA is about People. It should be about friendships, positive experience and feeling a valued part of something that belongs to all of us”. So lets all make sure that our actions around return to play will ensure that our grounds remain open going forward so that all our players both young and old can enjoy all that is good about our wonderful association in Tipperary and further afield.

Tipperary Clubs Draw

Last Friday April 23rd saw the resumption of the 2020 – 2021 Tipperary Clubs Draw. Congratulations to James Ryan who is joined with the Solohead club. James won the top prize of car or €15000. Second prize of a €5000 holiday voucher or cash went to Thurles Gaels Michael & Suzanne Holohan. The numbers drawn for the lotto jackpot were 3-4-14-19 and there was no winner. Congratulations once again to all the winners in our sixth draw. The next draw will take place on Friday May 14th and will be broadcast live on Tipp FM at 8.30pm

Philip Austin Announces Retirement

Last Friday afternoon, former Tipperary senior footballer Philip Austin announced his decision to retire from inter county action. During his time in the blue and gold jersey, Philip proved himself to be a top class footballer who’s commitment and dedication to Tipperary football both on and off the field was second to none. Philip made his senior debut in 2006 at the age of 19 and over the following 15 seasons he won three Allianz National Football League medals in 2009, 2014 and 2017. However it was in his final year playing for Tipperary that Philips greatest achievement came when he was part of the Tipperary team that captured the Munster championship after a gap of 85 years. The very best of good luck to Philip going forward and I hope that his involvement in the promotion of football will continue well into the future.

Kellogg’s Cúl Camps 2021

Ireland’s largest kid’s summer camp is expected to be the highlight of summer 2021 with camps offering healthy, safe and fun outdoor activities. Demand is high so keep an eye on https://www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie/ as new camps are added over the next few weeks.

Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps provide primary school boys and girls – between the ages of 6 and 13 – with an action-packed and fun-filled week of activity during the summer holidays which revolves around maximising enjoyment and sustaining participant involvement in Gaelic Games.

Activities are player-centred with a Games Based approach and a strong emphasis on personal development and well-being. Activities are also organised in an age-appropriate manner with a view to:

– Optimising learning

– Enhancing friendships

– Improving physical & psychological wellbeing

– Promote school and club links

We thank all those who’s hard work and enthusiasm makes sure that the camps held in Tipperary each year are among the best in the country.

Health & Wellbeing

Parents and coaches are eagerly looking forward to April 26th when non-contact training for underage members resumes. Best of luck to all clubs who have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure a safe return for players and mentors. As adults it is important to remember that various levels of both physical and mental fitness will return to our facilities. Not every young person might have had the encouragement or the opportunity to participate in online training which many clubs organised during lockdown. It has been a tough twelve months for Irelands young people, and particularly some teenagers might have found other interests to participate in during their time away from GAA or others, might find it hard to make the initial trip back to the pitch. For the latter management teams might consider approaching parents to see why the player has chosen not to return and if there is anything the club can do to help the situation. The role coaches and mentors play in keeping young people involved in sport has never been more appreciated. One Good Coach-Gaelic Games & Jigsaw can now be accessed on the GAA’s e-learning platform. This is designed to help adults have a greater understanding of the importance of their role as One Good Adult in a young person’s life.

As our younger members return to train others are all set to enjoy getting back to the golf course and tennis club. With the 5km rule removed and the weather improving we are getting to travel further to enjoy walks and runs throughout the county. Our waterways are also a source of enjoyment particularly during the coming months with this is in mind the RNLI are urging the public to be safety conscious as we make the seasonal return to waterways.

Ireland is slowly easing out of restrictions, vaccinations the prospect of nice summer weather the meeting of family and friends and enjoying live GAA on the TV is giving our health & wellbeing a deserved lift. We are all part of helping the country come out of this pandemic lets now enjoy the opening of society by following the rules and keeping each other safe.

Well Done Brendan

Well done to Tipperary senior hurling team doctor Brendan Murphy who was heavily involved in Offaly GAA’s recent fundraising drive. Brendan raised a staggering €15000 which saw him lead the way in a very successful event. Brendan along with his wife have a GP practice in Roscrea and received great support from the people of Roscrea and beyond during the course of the fundraiser.

Ar aghaidh le Tiobraid Árann

John Coman

Public Relations Officer

Tipperary Supporters Club

Supporting Tipperary Hurling