Tipp GAA Chairman Minogue lauds underage success in his speech at the recent County Convention

Jimmy Minogue, Chairman of the Tipperary GAA County Board, reflected on 2024 as a mixed year for the county, with setbacks at the senior level but significant achievements at the underage level.

Speaking at the County Convention in The Dome, Semple Stadium recently, the Nenagh Éire Óg clubman highlighted the exceptional progress made by the minor and U20 teams, crediting the academies and dedicated coaches across the county for their positive impact and hard work.

Minogue described the minor All-Ireland Final victory as a milestone that will remain in memory.

He acknowledged that while the U20 team’s journey to the final was commendable, it might have come slightly early in the squad’s development.

With more than 30 players eligible to compete at the same level in 2025, he expressed optimism about their continued growth and future potential.

Turning to senior teams, Minogue admitted that 2024 was a disappointing year for Liam Cahill and his players.

The senior hurlers began with promise but were eliminated early in the league, and their Munster championship campaign ended with just a single draw against Waterford.

Similarly, the senior footballers fell short of their goal to secure promotion from Division 4 of the National Football League and were eliminated by Waterford in the Munster series, leaving them ineligible for the Tailteann Cup.

On a brighter note, Minogue emphasized the importance of the regular matches being played by the minor and U20 footballers, which he believes will aid their development and benefit the county’s future prospects.

Minogue paid tribute to recently retired players Dan McCormack, Patrick ‘Bonner’ Maher, and Conor Sweeney, commending their invaluable contributions to Tipperary GAA over the years.

He expressed hope that they will continue to excel at the club level and noted that their dedication to the blue and gold jersey will always be remembered with pride.

Minogue identified fundraising as the Board’s greatest challenge in 2024, emphasizing the need to support facility development and resource enhancement across the county.

He highlighted the establishment of a finance committee as a positive step forward and expressed enthusiasm for advancing projects like the continued development of Coolmore Morris Park and the addition of more, much needed, playing fields.

He also voiced his disappointment over the lack of national government funding for the redevelopment of Semple Stadium and the proposed 4G pitch project in collaboration with TUS Thurles on Jimmy Doyle Road.

Despite these setbacks, Minogue assured attendees of efforts to secure funding for these initiatives.