By Shane Brophy
Despite little on-field success in 2023, Tipperary GAA is in “a healthy state” according to Tipperary County Board CEO Murtagh Brennan in his annual report which will be presented to County Convention which takes place in The Dome, FBD Semple Stadium next Saturday evening.
In what is his first report since succeeding Tim Floyd in the role, the Loughmore/Castleiney clubman admitted his first year was very much “transitional” in many areas of Tipperary GAA, including his role in he was learning and understanding the dynamics and challenges facing the county and the GAA as a whole.
In a comprehensive report where he looks at the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for Tipperary GAA going forward, on the field, he points to the success of the county’s underage teams in 2023 in winning the Tony Forristal (U14) and Arrabawn Cup (U15) and Celtic Challenge (U17) which “indicate steady progress through a capacity to compete.”
With the appointment of Sean O’Meara as new games manager and three new GDA’s to bring the number in the county to seven, there is an increased focus on underage player development with exposing more players to higher levels with the target going forward to field, 4 teams in the Tony Forristal annually, 3 teams in the Arrabawn & John Doyle Cups annually, and 2 teams in the Celtic Challenge along side the minor team while there will also be a new Under 19 Development squad being launched.
In terms of aiding that underage preparation, it will see a decentralisation of training from Thurles to four divisional hubs to reduce travel time on players, parents and coaches, which Brennan hopes will “create an environment that fosters a culture of high performance in our underage teams.”
From this, it is hoped adult success will follow and in commenting on the first year of Liam Cahill’s tenure with the Tipperary senior hurlers, Murtagh Brennan said the team “made huge progress in a short space of time.”
He added: “The age profile of the team was significantly reduced through the introduction of ten debutants, and this contributed to an energy, intensity and work rate that brought with it big performances and encouraging results.”
