Popular Tipperary Association Dublin is set to mark very special 90th anniversary this year

The President of the Tipperary Association Dublin, Tom Sherlock, has announced that the Association is 90 years in existence this year.

The Association has been an important hub for Tipperary people for many decades. It was founded in 1934.

Mr. Sherlock said it is a testimony to many Tipperary people living in Dublin and particularly those who served on the committees over the last nine decades that the Association has reached such a milestone and that it continues to be an active and vibrant Association.

"The commitment and dedication of all these people is something we, the current generation of Tipperary people in Dublin, are most appreciative of and grateful for. A big thank you to all of them."

The Association has plans to mark and celebrate the 90th anniversary. The highlight of the Association’s year and activities is the Annual Awards ceremony – in recent years held in spring.

This year the 2024 Awards will be presented in late November as a key part of marking the 90th anniversary. The Association is currently working on plans for the event including research of the history and development of the Association and publishing a commemorative booklet.

APPEAL FOR HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS
Mr Sherlock went on to say that the Association is endeavouring to gather as much historical data as possible about the Association.

He appealed to members of the public for help in gathering historical information and facts about the Association such as photographs, press cuttings etc of past events which former members (or their families) may have.

Information and documentation may be sent to Pat Ryan, Hon Secretary, Tipperary Association Dublin, 11 Foxfield Grove, Raheny, Dublin 5. 087 6376663 or email proriain@gmail.com.

HISTORY
Looking back over the years the Association, it is clear that when first founded, the main purpose of the Association was to provide a ‘home from home’ for Tipperary people coming to live and work in Dublin.

Historically, the Association provided support for fellow county people if needed and ran many social events for the ‘Tipps’ to meet and enjoy each others company.

While this role has changed over the years, due to easier travel and communications, the central theme of friendship, support and comradeship remains. The Association meets regularly in the famous Palace Bar on Fleet Street where the hosts, the Aherne family, have provided meeting facilities in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

AWARDS
Each year the Tipperary Association Dublin accepts nominations for two awards. They include the Tipperary Person of the year and an inductee into the Hall of Fame.

Previous winners of this award include 2022 inductee Tim Floyd who is a former Secretary of the County Board. The winner in 2019 was Borris Ileigh and Tipperary legend Jimmy Finn. He is one of the last surviving members of the famous three in-a-row All-Ireland winning team of 49 – 51.

Widely regarded as one of the finest hurlers of all time, he was selected on many of the teams made up of sports greats. His crowning legacy was when he was selected in the Hurling Team of the Century in centenary year1984. He was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the GPA in 2015.

Sister Eileen Fahey, a native of Bansha, was announced as the Hall of Fame winner for 2018 in recognition of her lifetime contribution to addiction treatment. She gained national prominence many years ago when she founded Aiseiri in Cahir.

Eddie Dalton, Golden, was the Hall of Fame Award winner for 2016. He was selected in recognition of his groundbreaking research leading to the final granting of a posthumous pardon to Henry (Harry) Gleeson in January 2016.

The 2015 winner was Prof John Ryan, known locally as Johnny, a native of Ardfinnan and from a farm background. He attended high school in Cahir and then UCD on a County Council Scholarship, where he studied Agricultural Science. After graduation he pursued a Doctor of Philosophy degree in soil science.

This is just a flavour of the winners across the past decade. This year’s milestone for the Association is one that will be marked in due course.