By Noel Dundon (Tipperary Media)
John Doyle Cup Presentation
The presentation of the John Doyle Cup to the Munster Council for the minor hurling championship takes place on Tuesday evening in the Horse and Jockey and will finally see ‘The Legend’ commemorated in the province.
The Doyle family and Munster Council has extended an open invitation to all to come along and witness this historic event. And, with a Holycross Ballycahill man currently captain of the Tipperary minor hurlers, wouldn’t it be something really special if a Tipperary Chairman, Ger Ryan, were to present the John Doyle Cup for the first time to Cathal O’Reilly.
Sometimes in sport the stars align perfectly and this could be the scenario where the Munster minor hurling championship is concerned were James Woodlock’s men to make it as provincial winners – they are certainly in good form at the present times, as are the U20 hurlers who have two wins to their name, despite there not being too much pre-commencement optimism about their prospects. Two wins on the road will be followed by two home ties against Cork and Clare – Cork are the fancied side in the championship but with momentum behind Tipperary, who knows what could happen. Best of luck to the minors, the U20’s and the Doyle family as they commemorate one of the greats.
New Book on the Barren Years
Normally a new book celebrates victory but Tom Treacy has penned The hay was saved, but… the Life and Times of a Tipperary Hurling Supporter 1974 – 1986 which will be launched in The Porter House, Tipperary Town on Friday evening where readers are taken back to an era of Tipp hurling not remembered for All Ireland senior hurling or Munster senior hurling success.
Even though defeat was their lot, some of the players who played on those teams between 1974 – 1986 were among the greatest ever hurlers that represented the Premier County and Tom rightly remembers them in a unique publication which features many wonderful photos.
If you cannot get to the launch which boasts an open invitation and céad míle failte to all, be sure to pick up a copy of the book which will certain rekindle memories of a painful time for Tipperary hurling supporters, but which will leave you with a warm glow nonetheless.
Egg on the face after draw debacle
Coming so quickly after the controversy in relation to the counting of votes at the County Convention, the latest mishap with the county hurling draws has once again left the Tipperary Board with egg on the face. It is quite the mess, but actually easy to understand how it could have happened – human error is always possible, but had there been more people present for the draw, perhaps the error would have been spotted earlier. Unfortunately with the advent of streaming and everything being on video these days, the crux has gone viral. Having constant online presence is positive in many ways, but when it goes wrong, it goes terribly wrong.
McGuinness holding the GAA to ransom?
Donegal football manager Jim McGuinness’ refusal to conduct interviews ahead of the Ulster championship unless a particular journalist was removed from the setting, raises a very uncomfortable scenario for the GAA. No manager or coach should wield so much power – Donegal GAA and the Ulster Council ought to have stood their ground on this one. Just because McGuinness had an issue with one journalist should not mean that the rest are sidelined should that individual be present. This matter needs sorting out – it has been going on for nearly a decade and a half now -Jim should fix it. Remember, Derry manager Mickey Harte will not talk to RTE. Are these high profile managers enjoying too much power?
To the hurling
Tipperary will face a different animal in the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday next following Limerick’s first round revival against Clare. Liam Cahill’s men have a chance to face a side which look vulnerable in Ennis, but which still found a way to win the game. Winning in the Gaelic Grounds will be a big ask though.
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