A look back at the 1969 county minor winning side, more games released on our YouTube channel and our Facebook page reaches a significant milestone. All this and more in this week’s news on the Blues
Happy Easter
Beannachtaí Féile na Cásca ar chuile dhuine idir óg is aosta sa bhaile is thar lear.
The club wishes all our of members, players, supporters and the wider community a happy Easter. This Easter marks the 104th anniversary of the 1916 Rising when Thomas MacDonagh, the man whom our grounds are named after, and his comrades struck a huge blow for Irish freedom. If you would like to learn a little more about the Cloughjordan native, please see our Easter 2016 newsletter below which contains lots of information about him.
https://www.nenagheireog.com/wp-content/uploads/Easter.pdf
We Are Community
Once again we wish to thank our army of selfless volunteers who have been busy purchasing groceries, fuel, delivering prescriptions and generally helping the vulnerable and over-70s in our community throughout the last three weeks. It is during times of crises that we really see the benefit of a tight and caring community and the people of Nenagh and indeed our club, have been more than willing to put the shoulder to the wheel to help those in need.
Our volunteers will continue to provide these services for as long as is required and if you need any assistance please contact club coordinator Bartley Ryan on 086 735 8359.
Anyone who requires any assistance is asked to contact club coordinator Bartley Ryan on 086 735 8359
MacDonagh Park
Thank You
Once again we wish to thank our senior stars for providing daily fun challenges for our juveniles to help keep their skills sharp. The generosity of adult players in doing this is very much appreciated by the entire club. We also wish to thank Niall Cahill for coordinating all of this and of course Barry Heffernan who kindly donated one of his championship jerseys which will be given to one of the juvenile participants.
Juvenile News
Éire Óg Juvenile club and Camogie club skills challenge continues each day having completed four weeks to date. Our plan initially was to complete a fourteen day challenge programme while schools were closed, the situation has continued however as have our daily challenges and we aim to continue these daily challenges as long as possible to facilitate all underage players that wish to take part involved in club activity on a daily basis.
In addition to challenges which focused on fundamental movement, hurling and football skills this week included some fun activities which made for great fun in the beautiful warm sun.
It is heartwarming to see so many families doing the challenges together and registering their scores each day. It is never too late for individuals or families to begin participating or just dip in and out of the challenges as it suits, just send your score into the group text on the day, all scores are very welcome. If you haven’t already stepped out of your comfort zone and get involved, have a go this week.
Reminder, any child that regularly takes part in the challenge will have their name entered into a draw by their coach once we return to training to win a great prize kindly given by Barry Heffernan of his Tipperary jersey from last years All Ireland campaign. Barry will present the jersey to the winning child at a training session.
A huge amount of thanks must go to all of the adult players in the club who have taken part in the challenge to date. It really is hugely uplifting to see the high level of enthusiasm from them in ensuring the juvenile players skill levels increase throughout this difficult time.
Thank you also to all the parents who encourage and support participation at home each day, this is central to the children maintaining and developing skill levels and to the success of the challenges. There is a huge amount of coaching taking place each day by parents and this will no doubt lead to an increased number of coaches within the club in the future.
Happy Easter to all of our wonderful children and families. Stay practicing, stay safe, stay home and mind each other.
Club App
We would like to remind people that our club app, which was designed by Seán McTiernan, is available to download for those with Android phones. This fantastic communications tool is a brilliant way to stay up to date on all club news and fixtures.
Website
Our website www.nenagheireog.com got a facelift recently and we wish to thank Seán McTiernan for all his hard work in this regard.
1969 County Minor Title
In 1969 our minor hurlers captured the club’s first county minor title after they defeated Moycarkey Borris 8-8 to 1-7 with John Grace scoring 1-7, Denis O’Connor getting 3-0, with Martin Hogan and and Willie Condon scoring 2-0 each while Willie Brennan scored Éire Óg’s other point.
Incidentally we have won county minor hurling titles in the following years: 1969, 1977, 1978, 1991, 1992, 2008, 2012, 2013 while we have won one minor county football title in 1990.
Click on the link to read the Guardian’s match report from November 1st, 1969.
Our club Facebook page reach a significant milestone this week as Emmett Ryan from Clonmel became our 3,000th follower. Thanks to everyone who follows us on all our social media channels. Remember you can follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
YouTube
We have made a number of matches available to view on our YouTube channel recently to help people pass the time. Please visit https://www.youtube.com/c/nenagheireogtipperary to watch these matches. Below is our 2015 county semi final against Drom & Inch which was decided by a last second point by Dáire Quinn, AET.
PJM Fitness
Senior hurler Pearse Morris has set up a brand new Facebook page for his coaching services where he regularly posts updates on positivity, motivation and fitness. You can like his page at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/CoachMorris1/
Lotto
During the current Covid-19 crises our club lotto has been suspended however, you can still play online by clicking here.
This evening Adam Healy and Alanna Morris complete the club’s Q&A session
Adam Healy
Name: Adam Healy
Occupation: Student
Schools/College Attended: Nenagh CBS, LIT
Favourite Position: Full forward
Achievements with club to date: u12 north medal, u14 county medal and u21 north medal
When and where did you first start playing GAA? When I was four years old in my back garden with my brother
Biggest influence on your GAA career: my friends and family
What sporting event would you most like to attend? The Super bowl
To date what is your favourite moment in sport? When Mickey Mac came on against Éire Óg Annacarty with no shorts
What has been your biggest disappointment in sport? 2019 county semi final loss
Favourite Venue: Dolla
Favourite G.A.A. player: Killian Gleeson
What sportsperson would you most like to meet? Ronaldo
What is the hardest part of your sporting life? Organising work and college around training times and matches
Toughest player to mark in training? Bookey (Mark Flannery)
Who is the ‘joker’ on the panel? Philip Hickey
Tell us a joke: why don’t China have a cricket team?
Because they ate the bat
What advice would you give to young players? Enjoy it as much as possible
If you wont the lottery what is the first thing you’d buy? I’d buy a pint for my friend Craig Hilmi
Favourite holiday destination: Boston
Favourite Food: steak tips
Favourite Drink: Coke
Favourite Music: all types could go from rap to country
Favourite Film/TV Show: Friday Night Lights/ One Tree Hill (classics)
Favourite book you’ve read? The Gatsby
In ten-years time I hope to be…..fit and healthy with a few pound in the wallet
One thing you may not know about me……I’m the best FIFA player in the town
One thing you may not know about me…… I hate being out of my comfort zone and can be quite shy.
Our senior players continue to set fun challenges for the juveniles, a plea to shop local while our efforts to help the vulnerable in our community continue. All this and more in this week’s news on the Blues
We Are Community
Once again we wish to thank our army of selfless volunteers who have been busy purchasing groceries, fuel, delivering prescriptions and generally helping the vulnerable and over-70s in our community throughout the last three weeks. It is during times of crises that we really see the benefit of a tight and caring community and the people of Nenagh and indeed our club, have been more than willing to put the shoulder to the wheel to help those in need.
Our volunteers will continue to provide these services for as long as is required and if you need any assistance please contact club coordinator Bartley Ryan on 086 735 8359.
Anyone who requires any assistance is asked to contact club coordinator Bartley Ryan on 086 735 8359
MacDonagh Park
Following a directive from Croke Park we wish to advise our members and the wider community that our grounds at MacDonagh Park are now closed. This includes the use of all pitches and property for recreational purposes, including walking, casual games or gatherings. We once again respectfully ask our players, members and the wider community to respect this directive and not to enter our grounds for any reason whatsoever.
Thank You
Once again we wish to thank our senior stars for providing daily fun challenges for our juveniles to help keep their skills sharp. The generosity of adult players in doing this is very much appreciated by the entire club. We also wish to thank Niall Cahill for coordinating all of this and of course Barry Heffernan who kindly donated one of his championship jerseys which will be given to one of the juvenile participants.
The Late Br. Pat O’Connell
The late Br. Pat O’Connell receives a presentation from former Nenagh hurler, Paul Dolan.
We wish to extend our sympathies to the family and friends of the late Brother O’Connell who has recently passed away. Since 1967, Brother O’Connell worked extremely hard to promote the Rice Cup competition and won it in 1969 when he took charge of Our Lady’s Templemore after they defeated Charleville. He later transferred work to St. Joseph’s CBS, Nenagh and won it for a second time as manager in 1988 when they defeated Ard Scoil Rís, 2-8 to 1-2. The 1988 side featured a number of Nenagh Éire Óg players including Pádraig O’Kennedy, Liam Walsh, Frank McGrath, John Tucker (0-1), Michael Loughnane, Mervyn Scanlon (0-1) and Eddie Guerin who scored 1-3 in the final.
He took on the role of secretary, chairman and president of the Rice Cup committee and coached hurling in Nenagh CBS for many years with countless numbers of our players benefitting from his expertise. In 2017, St. Joseph’s CBS made a presentation to him to thank him for his many years of service to the competition and it was made by former Nenagh Éire Óg player, Mr. Paul Dolan.
Those of us who were taught by Br. O’Connell will remember an enthusiastic, kind-hearted and caring man who always had the interests of the students first. His enthusiasm passed on a love of Science and Religion to all his pupils.
To his brothers Sean and Daniel, sisters-in-law Chrissie and Noreen, his nephews, nieces, Brothers in religion, relatives, the staff and students of Nenagh CBS and his wide circle of friends we offer our sincerest condolences.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
The Nenagh CBS side that won the 1988 Rice Cup
Sympathies
The club wishes to extend its sympathies to the Jones family and in particular to Taff whose mother Megan from Ynysddu, Torfaen in Wales passed away recently.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam
We also wish to extend our sympathies to the family and friends of the late John McKenna, Ballygraigue and Cookstown, Tyrone. John’s grandson Pearse Morris is currently part of our senior hurling panel while his granddaughter Ceri played camogie with us for many years. Jason McKenna, another grandson, is another former player with the club.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
1991 League Final
We have been posting old photographs to our social media channels recently and one which garnered a lot of attention this week was the one above of Michael Cleary accepting the Hogan Cup from North Tipperary board chairman, Borris-Ileigh’s Billy Ryan after we had beaten Borrisokane, 2-12 to 0-13, in the North league final. For our younger members, the North League was a huge competition back in the 1980s and 1990s as the winners got to play the runners up in the North senior championship final for the right to represent the division in the county championship. The finals often attracted well over 1,000 supporters and both Toomevara and ourselves won the Dan Breen Cup coming through this route.
The Nenagh team that day was Seamus Kennedy, Fergal Hynes, Conor O’Donovan, Frank Moran, Denis Finnerty, John Heffernan, Michael Grace, Philip Kennedy (0-2), Jim Nagle, John Kennedy (0-1), Michael Cleary (0-7), Con Howard, Michael Kennedy (1-0), Neilly Corbett (1-1), Eddie Tucker. Substitutions: Paul Kennedy for Grace, Barry O’Brien (0-1) for Howard.
Journalist and clubman Brian McDonnell tweeted that the jersey worn in the photograph should be re-issued and sold as a retro club top, a suggestion that was certainly popular on social media. However, the Nenagh Guardian’s Gerry Slevin had a different suggestion in the paper that week and issued a stinging criticism of the club’s attire and shortly afterwards a new set was purchased, in sky blue and navy and we have been wearing those colours since.
Incidentally, Gerry Slevin was very complimentary of the performance of full back Conor O’Donovan and awarded him the Guardian’s Player of the Week accolade. It is interesting to note that Michael “Babs” Keating, the then Tipperary manager, had no issues with Conor and Michael playing a league match for their club two weeks before a knockout Munster championship semi-final against Limerick. Indeed, it did the lads no harm whatsoever as Tipperary defeated Limerick 2-18 to 0-10 with Michael Cleary scoring 0-5.
If you have any photographs relating to our club, particularly from the 1970s to today, please email them to eireognenagh@gmail.com or alternatively send them via private message to any of our social media channels. People love looking at them and it is a great way to pass the time in these difficult days.
Shop Local
We request that where possible, people shop in our fantastic local businesses to help them through these difficult times. Many of them have been very generous to our club over the years in terms of sponsorship and purchasing advertising signs in our grounds and they will continue to do so into the future if we support them now. We also ask you to purchase the Nenagh Guardian on Wednesday. The local paper has been an extraordinary promotor of Gaelic games for well over a century and its archives are a phenomenon resource when it comes to researching games from the past. It would be a shame to lose any of these businesses so please support them now, when they need our custom more than ever. Many businesses are now selling online so please check their social media and websites for further information.
Juvenile News
Éire Óg Juvenile club and Camogie club skills challenge continues each day having completed three weeks so far. We aim to continue it as long as possible to keep all underage players that wish to take part involved in club activity on a daily basis. This week included some fun activities such as Bin Ball which was a nice throwback to last years Cúl Camp.
Family scores can be registered daily, it is fantastic to see so many families doing the challenges together. It is never too late to begin participating, just send your score into the group text on the day, family scores are very welcome. Reminder, any child that regularly takes part in the challenge will have their name entered into a draw by their coach once we return to training to win a great prize kindly given by Barry Heffernan of his Tipperary jersey from last years All-Ireland campaign. Barry will present the jersey to the winning child at a training session.
Sincere thank you must go to Niall Cahill for running the daily challenge and also to all of the adult players in the club who have taken part in the challenge to date. It is hugely uplifting to see the high level of enthusiasm from them in ensuring the juvenile players skill levels increase throughout this difficult time. Thanks also to all the parental involvement at home each day. There is a huge amount of coaching taking place each day by parents and this will no doubt lead to an increased number of coaches within the club in the future.
Wonderful Artists
We were thrilled to received two wonderful drawings from two exceptionally talented artists and camógs in the club, Amelie and Rebecca, both aged eight, who kindly sent us in these two brilliant pictures of camogie players in full flight. The pictures certainly brightened up our week. Thank you girls for the wonderful drawings.
The Peters Family on RTÉ
Many of our younger members are enjoying their time off school and have been continuing their education watching RTÉ’s early morning educational programme. Imagine their surprise when who should put up on screen cheering on Éire Óg but the Peters family. Have a look in the video below!
GAA Activities for Children
The GAA have added lots of fun activities for children on its website including pages to colour in as well as an educational portal for primary school children.
You can access it here.
Matches on YouTube
This week we have made a number of games from 2013 freely available to view on our YouTube channel. These include the drawn and replayed county semi-final games against Kiladangan. To watch these search Nenagh Éire Óg on YouTube.
The GAA Newsletter
The March edition of the GAA Club Newsletter is now available.
This month’s edition includes the following.
- A message from GAA President, John Horan, and GAA Director General, Tom Ryan, on the Association’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
- GAA Community and Health Manager, Colin Regan, describes how clubs around the country have rallied together to help their communities during the current health crisis.
- Details of the GAA’s partnership with SuperValu and Centra to help feed Ireland’s elderly and the most vulnerable in communities across the island at this most challenging time.
- The importance of looking after your mental health at this stressful time, and the resources that are available should you need help.
- A schedule of upcoming coach development sessions.
- Essays from young GAA members around the country on what their club means to them.
You can read and download the March edition of the GAA newsletter here.
Club Lotto
During the current Covid-19 crises our club lotto has been suspended however, you can still play online by clicking here.
Today in our Q&A sessions we find out a little more about senior stars Dáire Quinn and Rachel Maher
Name: Daire Quinn
Occupation: Chemistry & Biology teacher
Schools/College Attended: Nenagh CBS, University of Limerick
Favourite Position: Half back line
When and where did you first start playing GAA? Five years of age with Nenagh Éire Óg
Biggest influence on your GAA career: Both of my parents and John Heffernan at underage level
What sporting event would you most like to attend? The Olympics
To date what is your favourite moment in sport? Winning an All-Ireland medal 2016, the Fitzgibbon Cup with UL in 2015 and the North senior hurling title in 2014
Favourite Venue: Semple Stadium
Favourite G.A.A. player: Tommy walsh Kilkenny
What sportsperson would you most like to meet? Lance Armstrong. Imagine he has a few good stories to tell.
What is the hardest part of your sporting life? Nothing. Getting to represent your local club and meet your friends three or four times a week is a privilege.
Toughest player to mark in training? Mikey Heffernan
Who is the ‘joker’ on the panel? Conor McCarthy always has something smart to say
Tell us a joke: Paddy Murphy hasn’t trained midweek in ten years.
What advice would you give to young players? Make sure to enjoy every minute of your hurling, whether it be training, practising yourself or getting the opportunity to represent your club in big games. Dont put too much pressure on yourself and have fun .
If you won the lotto what would be the first thing you would buy? New gym equipment for the complex as Shane Hennessy has been promising to organise for the last two years , second thing I’d buy is a flight to Turkey for Mikey and Killian to get their hair transplants
Favourite holiday destination: Indonesia
Favourite Food: Anything spicy
Favourite Drink: Coffee
Favourite Music: U2 live
Favourite Film/TV Show: Men of Honor (film), Stranger Things (tv show )
Favourite book you’ve read? Any of Paul Willliams’ books on Irish crime
In ten-years time I hope to be….. Playing full back pulling and dragging like Noel Maloney
One thing you may not know about me…… I can play the banjo
Name: Rachel Maher
Occupation: Social Care Student
Schools/College Attended: LIT
Favourite Position: Full Back
Achievements with club to date: u12, u14, u16, Junior B, Junior A and Intermediate county finals When and where did you first start playing GAA? Nenagh 2004
Biggest influence on your GAA career: My brother Shane and underage trainers
What sporting event would you most like to attend? UFC
To date what is your favourite moment in sport? Winning u16 All Ireland Final with Tipp
What has been your biggest disappointment in sport? Losing to Gailtír in the Munster Intermediate Final
Favourite Venue: MacDonagh Park
Favourite G.A.A. player: Pádraic Maher
What sportsperson would you most like to meet? Conor McGregor
What is the hardest part of your sporting life? Training and balancing work and college
Toughest player to mark in training? Grace O’Brien
Who is the ‘joker’ on the panel? Ellie Spain
Tell us a joke: Spring is here! I got so excited I wet my plants!
What advice would you give to young players? Train hard, encourage and enjoy!
If you won the lotto what would be the first thing you would buy? Car
Favourite holiday destination: Tenerife
Favourite Food: Chicken curry
Favourite Drink: Mi-Wadi
Favourite Music: Pop/Rap
Favourite Film/TV Show: Peaky Blinders
Favourite book you’ve read? Hunger Games
In ten-years time I hope to be… Employed, happy & healthy
Tomorrow we find out a little more about Alanna Morris and Adam Healy
Today it is the turn of Michael Heffernan and Eimer Ryan to reveal all in the club’s Q&A
Name: Mikey Heffernan
Occupation: Engineering Teacher at Nenagh College
Schools/College Attended: Nenagh College/University of Limerick
Favourite Position: Wing-Forward
Achievements with club to date: U12 north/county, U14 north/county, U16 North, Minor north, 3 senior leagues, 1 All-Ireland 7 a-side, 2 north senior. All Hurling.
U12,U14,U16 north, 1 County Junior A. All football.
When and where did you first start playing GAA? Nenagh hurling field when I was 5/6 I’d say.
Biggest influence on your GAA career: My Mother.
What sporting event would you most like to attend? Wimbledon Final involving Roger Federer.
To date what is your favourite moment in sport? Seeing Tipperary win the All-Ireland final last year with two Nenagh lads playing.
What has been your biggest disappointment in sport? 2018 County Final.
Favourite Venue: Semple Stadium.
Favourite GAA player? Paddy Murphy/ Philip Hickey
What sportsperson would you most like to meet? The Brazilian “Ronaldo”
Sports people you admire? John Brennan, Hugh & Noel Maloney. Have been brilliant role models on/off the field for this generation of Nenagh players.
What is the hardest part of your sporting life? Not much…Enjoy it most of the time.
Toughest player to mark in training? Conor McCarthy (If he’s awake and tuned in)
Best person to train? Conor Ryan
Who is the ‘joker’ on the panel? Pearse Morris
Ladies Man? James Mackey
Fastest on the team? Daire Quinn/Tommy Heffernan, but these few weeks might change that as they’re both doing a lot of comfort eating at the minute.
What advice would you give to young players? Try your best and see where that gets you.
If you won the lotto what would be the first thing you would buy? A chef
Favourite holiday destination: Phi Phi Islands in Thailand
Favourite Food: Home made Bacon and Cabbage
Favourite Music: Not really into music.
In ten-years time I hope to be…..still good enough to play hurling with Nenagh seniors (I’ll be 40) and holder of three county senior hurling medals.
Eimer Ryan
Name: Eimer Ryan
Occupation: Student
School/College Attended: Kildangan NS, St. Mary’s, UL
Favourite Position: Wing Forward
Achievements with club to date: County medals u-12 u14 u16 junior A and Intermediate
When and where did you first start playing GAA? Kildangan U’6s 😅
Biggest influence on your GAA career: My family
What sporting event would you most like to attend? Rugby World Cup
To date what is your favourite moment in sport? Winning the Feile semi-final against Sarsfield and up-ending Siobhan McGrath, Ruth Hassett got the blame 😅
What has been your biggest disappointment in sport? Losing the Feile all Ireland final against Dicksboro/Losing Munster Intermediate final vs. Gailtir
Favourite Venue: MacDonagh Park
Favourite G.A.A. player: Patrick ‘Bonner’ Maher
What sportsperson would you most like to meet? Katie Taylor
What is the hardest part of your sporting life? Balancing college, work and training with other commitments
Toughest player to mark in training? Ruth Hassett, very sticky 😂
Who is the ‘joker’ on the panel? Ellie Spain
What advice would you give to young players? Hard work pays off, trust your abilities and if all else fails, keep running, if you’ve the ball it’s a bonus!
If you won the lotto what would be the first thing you would buy? A house
Favourite holiday destination: Spain
Favourite Food: Pasta
Favourite Drink: Mi Wadi
Favourite Music: Rap/pop
Favourite Film/TV Show: ‘You’
In ten-years time I hope to be….. employed, fit, have travelled the world and still hurling ball with Nenagh
One thing you may not know about me……I am a triplet
Tomorrow it is the turn of Dáire Quinn and Rachel Maher!
Isn’t my mammy just the best? Eimer Ryan receives threatment from her mother Noreen
Today, it is the turn of Sarah Quigley and Philip Hickey to reveal all in the club’s Q&A sessions
Sarah Quigley
Occupation: Biomedical Engineering Student
Schools/College Attended: Gaelscoil Aonach, St. Mary’s Nenagh, CIT
Favourite Position: Goals
Achievements with club to date: u12, 14, 16, Minor, Junior A & Intermediate county titles
When and where did you first start playing GAA? Nenagh 2002
Biggest influence on your GAA career: Family. All the underage management teams with the club would also have been a big influence.
What sporting event would you most like to attend? European Champions Cup Final with Munster playing
To date what is your favourite moment in sport? Winning my first adult title with Tipperary, the league final V Kilkenny in 2019 or playing the Munster senior final V Cork in Pairc Ui Chaoimh in 2018
What has been your biggest disappointment in sport? Losing V Down in the All-Ireland semi final in 2018 or Gailtir beating us in the club intermediate Munster Final 2016
Favourite Venue: MacDonagh Park
Favourite G.A.A. player: Tommy Walsh- Kilkenny
What sportsperson would you most like to meet? Tom Brady/Ronaldo
What is the hardest part of your sporting life? Having a life outside of sport
Toughest player to mark in training? Alanna Morris
Who is the ‘joker’ on the panel? Ellie Spain
Tell us a joke: what’s blue and not very heavy? Light blue
What advice would you give to young players? Always do your best and believe in yourself
If you won the lotto what would be the first thing you would buy? A house
Favourite holiday destination: Donegal or Achill Island
Favourite Food: Nachos
Favourite Drink: Water
Favourite Film: Southpaw/Hacksaw Ridge
Favourite book you’ve read? Legacy – James Kerr
In ten-years time I hope…. to be healthy and successful.
Philip Hickey
Name: Philip Hickey
Occupation: Student teacher/farmer
Schools/College Attended: CBS Primary, St Joseph’s CBS, Nenagh. Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.
Favourite Position: Midfield
Achievements with club to date: Two County u14 medals, two county minor medals.
When and where did you first start playing GAA? I was six, I started when my brother started playing when he was ten.
Biggest influence on your GAA career: John Fitzgerald
What sporting event would you most like to attend? NBA playoffs
To date what is your favourite moment in sport? Winning the Fitzgibbon cup with MIC in 2017.
What has been your biggest disappointment in sport? Losing the County Final in 2018.
Favourite Venue: Semple Stadium
Favourite G.A.A. player: Con O’Callaghan
What sportsperson would you most like to meet? The O’Donovan brothers.
What is the hardest part of your sporting life? Picking myself up after losing an important game.
Toughest player to mark in training? Dáire Quinn, he’s a tactical genius as well as a tidy player.
Who is the ‘joker’ on the panel? Conor McCarthy
Tell us a joke: what’s brown and sticky? A brown stick
What advice would you give to young players? The skills might not come straight away. Keep tipping away, be patient and take your chance when it comes.
If you won the lotto what would be the first thing you would buy? A Farm
Favourite holiday destination: San Diego
Favourite Food: Pizza
Favourite Drink: Lucozade sport.
Favourite Music: It’s a mixed bag, I could go from Luke Kelly to Taylor Swift and back to Garth Brooks.
Favourite Film/TV Show: The Incredibles
Favourite book you’ve read? The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.
In ten-years time…. I hope to be a ten time senior county champion with Nenagh Éire Óg.
One thing you may not know about me: I won Jollyploughboy at the the 2004 ploughing championship.
Tomorrow it is the turn of Michael Heffernan and Emer Ryan
Today, we meet Jake Morris and Ruth Hassett in our Q&A sessions with our senior stars
Name: Jake Morris
Occupation: Student
Schools/College Attended: Nenagh CBS, University of Limerick
Favourite Position: Full Forward
Achievements with club to date: u12, u14, U16 A north hurling winners, u14 county A, u12, u14 north football
When and where did you first start playing GAA? About five in the garden with my brother
Biggest influence on your GAA career: family
What sporting event would you most like to attend? World Cup final (Soccer)
To date what is your favourite moment in sport? Anytime I’ve won a trophy with club or county
What has been your biggest disappointment in sport? County final 2018
Favourite Venue: Semple Stadium
Favourite G.A.A. player: Michael Heffernan
What sportsperson would you most like to meet? Ronaldo
What is the hardest part of your sporting life? Balancing studies, training and socializing
Toughest player to mark in training? Conor Ryan
Who is the ‘joker’ on the panel? Philip Hickey
Tell us a joke: Liverpool haven’t won the league in 30 years
What advice would you give to young players? Practice makes perfect
If you won the lotto what would be the first thing you would buy? A hair transplant for some of our senior players (Conor Mc)
Favourite holiday destination: Florida
Favourite Food: Steak
Favourite Drink: Mi Wadi
Favourite Music: Anything really
Favourite Film/TV Show: Peaky Blinders
Favourite book you’ve read? Brian O Driscoll
In ten-years time I hope to be….. Happy and Healthy and playing at a high level
One thing you may not know about me…… I have a better first touch than Barry Coffey with a soccer ball
Ruth Hassett
Name: Ruth Hassett
Occupation: Student
Schools/College Attended: NUI Maynooth
Favourite Position: Wing back
Achievements with club to date: County medals u-12, u14, u16, junior-A and intermediate
When and where did you first start playing GAA? Nenagh 2007
Biggest influence on your GAA career: My Dad and Grandad
What sporting event would you most like to attend? Rugby World Cup
To date what is your favourite moment in sport? Winning the Junior A county final against Toomevara
What has been your biggest disappointment in sport? Losing the Féile All-Ireland final against Dicksboro
Favourite Venue: MacDonagh Park
Favourite G.A.A. player: Brendan Maher
What sportsperson would you most like to meet? Paul O’Connell
What is the hardest part of your sporting life? Balancing work college and training
Toughest player to mark in training? Grace O’Brien
Who is the ‘joker’ on the panel? Ellie Spain
What advice would you give to young players? Train hard, never give up and enjoy it
If you won the lotto what would be the first thing you would buy? A car
Favourite holiday destination: Portugal
Favourite Food: Lasagne
Favourite Drink: orange juice
Favourite Music: Rap/pop
Favourite Film/TV Show: Suits
In ten-years time I hope to be….. employed, fit, healthy and still enjoying Camogie
One thing you may not know about me…… I have five Munster hockey medals
Tomorrow it is the turn of Sarah Quigley and Philip Hickey
Nenagh Get Second Shot at 1993 County Final
In 1993 Nenagh Éire Óg reached their very first county final when they beat Holycross Ballycahill 0-15 to 0-14 and were rewarded for their efforts with a clash against neighbours Toomevara in the decider however, the Greyhounds prevailed on the day winning out by a solitary point, 1-14 to 1-13.
1993 County Finalists
There was naturally much disappointment surrounding the defeat, but the Blues responded two years later when they defeated Boherlahan Dualla to capture their maiden title. The pain of that 1993 defeat still lingers among the Blues but for the players they are getting a second shot at capturing that title and rewriting the history books.
Last February, GAA historian Joe Cummins, while researching for his PhD, was trawling through the paperwork and discovered that both teams had mistakenly filled out their team sheets incorrectly and brought the matter to the attention of the county board. An investigation was carried out and revealed that under GAA rule 6.44, subsection C part 1, both teams were required to forfeit the game. According to the rule, as both teams were required to forfeit, this means that the game has to be replayed.
Officers from both Toomevara and Nenagh have been meeting with the county board executive in recent weeks via teleconferencing to resolve the matter and it has been agreed that once COVID-19 sanctions are lifted, the game will be replayed in Semple Stadium with the rules of the day enforced except for helmets, with the modern day rule regarding faceguards being applied. Galtee Rovers / St. Pecaun’s Paddy Lonergan refereed the game in 1993 and has been appointed to take change of the re-fixture.
It has also been agreed between all parties that insofar as possible, both clubs will field the same starting fifteen under the same management and will only be permitted to use three substitutions and they must come from the list originally submitted to referee Paddy Lonergan on the day.
The Toomevara players will be requested over the next few weeks to return their medals while Nenagh will recommence training in their back gardens with their coach, Liam Heffernan, communicating to them using Skype, Facetime and the Zoom app so as not to break COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. Once the current sanctions the Nenagh panel will resume training in MacDonagh Park prior to the re-fixed final.
The Late Brother O’Connell
Mr. Niall Cahill, the Thurles CBS Rice Cup winning captain and Brother O’Connell who made the presentation
We wish to extend our sympathies to the family and friends of the late Brother O’Connell who has recently passed away. Since 1967, Brother O’Connell worked extremely hard to promote the Rice Cup competition and won it in 1969 when he took charge of Our Lady’s Templemore after they defeated Charleville. He later transferred work to St. Joseph’s CBS, Nenagh and won it for a second time as manager in 1988.
He took on the role of secretary, chairman and president of the Rice Cup committee and coached hurling in Nenagh CBS for many years with countless numbers of our players benefitting from his expertise. In 2017, St. Joseph’s CBS made a presentation to him to thank him for his many years of service to the competition and it was made by former Nenagh Éire Óg player, Mr. Paul Dolan.
Those of us who were taught by Br. O’Connell will remember an enthusiastic, kind-hearted and caring man who always had the interests of the students first. His enthusiasm passed on a love of Science and Religion to all his pupils.
To his brothers Sean and Daniel, sisters-in-law Chrissie and Noreen, his nephews, nieces, Brothers in religion, relatives, the staff and students of Nenagh CBS and his wide circle of friends we offer our sincerest condolences.
His funeral arrangements can be found here.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Mr. Paul Dolan, along with Mr. Paddy Kelly, makes a presentation to Br. O’Connell in 2017.
Yesterday we published a Q&A featuring Shane Hennessy and Megan Grace which can be accessed here.
Today we meet another two of our senior stars, Seán Phelan and Maeve Coffey.
Name: Maeve Coffey
Occupation: Quantity surveying student
Schools/College Attended: LIT
Favourite Position: Wing forward
Achievements with club to date: County titles U12,U14,U16, Junior A, Intermediate
When and where did you first start playing GAA? Nenagh 2006
Biggest influence on your GAA career: My Dad
What sporting event would you most like to attend? A Katie Taylor fight
To date what is your favourite moment in sport? Winning the under-16 All-Ireland with Tipperary
What has been your biggest disappointment in sport? Losing Munster intermediate club final
Favourite Venue: MacDonagh Park
Favourite G.A.A. player: Joe Canning
What sportsperson would you most like to meet? Katie Taylor
What is the hardest part of your sporting life? Training
Toughest player to mark in training? Alanna Morris
Who is the ‘joker’ on the panel? Ellie Spain
Tell us a joke: Did you hear about the magic tractor? It went down the road and turned into a field
What advice would you give to young players? Never give up
If you won the lotto what would be the first thing you would buy? A plane ticket
Favourite holiday destination: Cape Cod
Favourite Food: Pantry Pasta
Favourite Drink: Capri Sun
Favourite Music: Hermitage Green
Favourite Film/TV Show: Suits
Favourite book you’ve read? Kieran Donaghy – What do you Think of That?
In ten-years time I hope to be….. Employed, fit and healthy
One thing you may not know about me…… I like to draw
Seán Phelan
Seán Phelan celebrates the full-time whistle in the Munster minor championship against Clare
Name: Seán Phelan
Occupation: Student
Schools/College Attended: St. Joseph’s C.B.S Nenagh
Favourite Position: Wing Back
Achievements with club to date: u12 north medal 2013, u16 north medal 2015 and 2017
When and where did you first start playing GAA? Out in the back garden when I was about four.
Biggest influence on your GAA career: My father
What sporting event would you most like to attend? Old Firm derby.
To date what is your favourite moment in sport? Winning the Munster Minor Championship in 2018
What has been your biggest disappointment in sport? Losing the Harty Cup quarter final to a last second goal.
Favourite Venue: MacDonagh Park, Nenagh
Favourite G.A.A. player: Tony Kelly
What sportsperson would you most like to meet? Christiano Ronaldo
What is the hardest part of your sporting life? Balancing study and training
Toughest player to mark in training? Conor Hennessy (watch how he wins a free 🐍)
Who is the ‘joker’ on the panel? Philip Hickey
Tell us a joke:
Picture a restaurant setting.
Customer: “Sorry, my son spilled the water.”
Waiter: “No problem sir, I’ll get you a new one.”
Customer: [grabbing the waiter’s arm] “Make sure this one likes hurling.”
What advice would you give to young players? Practise! And to enjoy it.
If you won the lotto what would be the first thing you would buy? A hair transplant for the seniors who shaved their head for the lockdown!
Favourite holiday destination: Lake Garda, Italy.
Favourite Food: Chicken curry.
Favourite Drink: Lucozade Sport
Favourite Music: Anything from Dermot Kennedy
Favourite Film/TV Show: Suits.
Favourite book you’ve read? Legacy by James Kerr
In ten-years time I hope to be….. Winning county finals for Nenagh.
One thing you may not know about me…… My mother’s a Kilkenny woman!
Tomorrow we meet Jake Morris and Ruth Hassett
Seán celebrates Tipperary’s injury time winning goal with Kevin Hayes (Moycarkey Borris) in the Munster minor championship against Clare
