I love it when a plan comes together -Tipperary GAA roadmap for the future; Galway un-Cork their form; final countdown for divisions.
Tipperary GAA’s Strategic Plan 2026–2030 launched this week sets out a clear vision for the continued growth and development of Gaelic Games across the Premier County over the next five years.
Developed following more than a year of consultation, research and engagement with clubs, officers, volunteers and key stakeholders, the Strategic Plan provides a focused roadmap for Tipperary GAA. Built around six strategic pillars, it identifies the priorities that will guide the organisation through to 2030: Clubs and Communities; Coaching and Games Development: Participation and Retention: Facilities: Governance, Structures and Operations; and Funding.
At its core, the strategy places Gaelic Games and the people who sustain them at the centre of every decision. Recognising that strong clubs are the foundation of a successful county, the plan is committed to strengthening coaching structures, enhancing player development pathways, increasing participation across all ages and grades, and supporting the volunteers whose dedication continues to underpin every club and community.
A key priority is the continued investment in county infrastructure. It commits to the ongoing development of both FBD Semple Stadium and the Coolmore Morris Park Centre of Excellence, ensuring Tipperary has modern, high-quality facilities capable of supporting players, coaches, volunteers and supporters for generations to come. These developments will provide first-class environments for coaching, games development, education, high-performance preparation and community engagement, while strengthening the long-term sustainability of Gaelic Games throughout the county.
The plan also recognises that strong governance, effective organisational structures and sustainable funding are essential to meeting future challenges and delivering lasting success. By strengthening these foundations, it ensures resilience, progression and strong positioning to support clubs and members.
The Plan was presented by members of the Steering Group, each leading one of the six strategic pillars. The group comprised Liam Sheedy (Portroe), Laurenz Egan (Moycarkey Borris), Tommy Dunne (Toomevara), Conor O’Brien (Éire Óg Annacarty Donohill), Paudie Comerford (Holycross Ballycahill), Joe McGrath (Nenagh Éire Óg), PJ Flanagan (Moycarkey Borris), Mark McLoughlin (Roscrea), Mark Stapleton (Borris-Ileigh) and Tom Flanagan (Moycarkey Borris).
Drawing on extensive experience across coaching and games development, club development, governance, finance, facilities, operations and organisational planning, the Steering Group worked collaboratively throughout the consultation process to produce a strategy that reflects the needs, ambitions and future aspirations.
Over the lifetime of the plan, Tipperary will focus on developing high-quality coaching structures and player pathways across all codes; supporting clubs as vibrant centres of their communities; growing participation and improving player retention at every stage of the player journey; continuing the development of the Coolmore Morris Park Centre of Excellence and FBD Semple Stadium; strengthening governance, organisational effectiveness and financial sustainability; and building partnerships that will secure the long-term future of Gaelic Games throughout Tipperary.
The Strategic Plan is designed to be a living document, supported by clear objectives, measurable actions and ongoing review to ensure meaningful progress is achieved over the next five years. It provides a strong foundation for the future, ensuring Tipperary GAA continues to grow, evolve and serve its clubs, players, volunteers and communities with ambition, purpose and pride.
Rebels routed; Banner robbed?
Which Galway will turn up in the All-Ireland final? That is the question after Galway’s stunning demolition of hot favourites Cork in the All-Ireland semi-final. For Cork, it was another devastating second-half collapse in Croke Park. Once again, the Rebels crumbled when it mattered most, leaving their supporters heartbroken. Few could blame them.
Instead of the hurling dominating the aftermath, the headlines were hijacked by Donal Óg Cusack’s unnecessary swipe at Joe Canning, asking how many All-Ireland medals he had won. Frustration at another Cork failure was understandable. Making it personal was not. Cusack crossed a line, and the controversy overshadowed what should have been the story of the weekend. Because Galway were magnificent.
Disciplined, relentless and clinical, they produced their finest display of the championship. If they are to bring the Liam MacCarthy Cup west, they’ll need to find that level again—and perhaps even surpass it.
The second semi-final was every bit as dramatic. Clare emptied the tank, but they were also left counting the cost of a glaring refereeing error.
Limerick goalkeeper Nicky Quaid should not have finished the game after denying Peter Duggan a clear goalscoring opportunity. Referee Thomas Walsh got it badly wrong. The decision was straightforward. Either award the goal and show Quaid a yellow card, or award a penalty and issue a black card, reducing Limerick to fourteen men and forcing them to reshuffle with a substitute goalkeeper.
Instead, after consulting his officials, Walsh somehow settled on a penalty and only a yellow card—a baffling call that once again exposed the inconsistency surrounding the black card rule.
Limerick escaped when they should have been punished, and champions rarely need a second invitation.
To Clare’s credit, they refused to wilt. But they also played a part in their own downfall, conceding a string of needless frees at crucial moments. They gave Limerick an inch, and the Shannonsiders took a mile.
So, it is Limerick against Galway in the All-Ireland final—a fitting showdown between the favourites and a Galway side that has rediscovered its belief. Limerick arrive without hitting top gear, yet they keep finding ways to win. Galway, meanwhile, reminded everyone of their quality against Cork. If they can reproduce that intensity, composure and cutting edge, they have every chance of ending Limerick’s hopes. But against this Limerick team, ‘every chance’ will have to be earned.
It’s the final countdown.
After another weekend of hectic activity on the club scene we are on the countdown to the divisional finals and what a treat lies in store next weekend. The West final sees Clonoulty Rossmore’s title on the line against a very efficient and fluent Cashel King Cormacs bidding to bridge a gap spanning to the mid nineties, would you believe. This game will have a cup final feel to it and could see Cashel claim their third piece of silverware in the season – with Enda Heffernan ruled out for Clonoulty Rossmore, you would think this game could be just beyond them.
Meanwhile in Mid Tipperary county champions Loughmore Castleiney will take on Holycross Ballycahill after their respective comprehensive victories over JK Brackens and Thurles Sarsfields – a a repeat of last years county semi-final, Holycross Ballycahill will be hoping for a different outcome and a first mid senior title of the new millennium.
Borris-Ileigh and Nenagh Eire Og in the north is a mouthwater prospect – it took the Nenagh lads extra time to get over Roscrea, while the Borris’ boys had no such trouble against an under par Kiladangan. In the south it’s Mullinahone vs St Mary’s – another game to occupy much interest.