BREAKING: Tipperary GAA announces big land acquisition for brand new Centre of Excellence

Tipperary GAA has confirmed plans for a major new Centre of Excellence following an extraordinarily generous donation of 14 acres of land from Coolmore Stud’s John Magnier.

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The new development, located beside the existing Coolmore Morris Park, represents one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the county’s history.

The announcement was made at an official event organised by Tipperary GAA at the Horse & Jockey Hotel on Wednesday afternoon, with the project, estimated to cost €12 million, to be delivered in four phases over four years.

Phase 1 will involve the construction of three full-size sand-based pitches, providing a world-class surface for hurling and football teams at all levels.

Phase 2 will deliver a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence building, featuring four full-size dressing rooms, a referee changing room, three physio rooms, and a cutting-edge gym capable of accommodating more than 40 players.

The upstairs level will include a dining area, briefing rooms, and office space that will also allow for the relocation of Lár na Páirce, the county’s administrative headquarters.

Funding for the project is expected to come through a combination of private donations and support from Munster Council and Croke Park.

Tipperary GAA extended its deep gratitude to Mr Magnier for his remarkable generosity, and also acknowledged the support of TD Michael Lowry and Professor Peter Murchan in bringing the project to this stage.

County board officials described the development as “an investment in the future of our county, our players, and our sporting community.”

Described as a “game-changer" by Tipperary GAA CEO Murtagh Brennan, he explained that the expansion represents a major step forward for the organisation and a powerful reflection of the county’s shared values.

“It's our Centre of Excellence. It's the embodiment of our values, our core values, community and identity.”

“It's the place where you walk in and you'll find a footprint of all 71 clubs in Tipperary. You'll find a footprint of all 137 of our primary schools, of our 23 secondary schools, and of our 347 members of our academies, from members of the LGFA and members of the Camogie, as well as our six inter-county teams.”

Brennan said the facility has served Tipperary well but that space constraints have become a growing issue in recent years.

“It has served us fantastically. I suppose in recent years we've been faced with a challenge, like most county teams, and that key challenge is a shortage of space.”

“The first step to mitigating this was a fantastic partnership with Fethard Town Park, which is working really well and is serving Tipperary currently and will serve us well into the future.”

“But to maximise our potential, and in terms of progression, we needed additional help. We needed to expand our Centre of Excellence.”

He said the county reached out to key figures for support.

“With that in mind, we asked for the help of our community. We've asked Michael Lowry and Peter Murchan to explore possibilities.”

“I'm delighted to announce today that down in Coolmore Stud, Mr. John Magnier has agreed to gift Tipperary GAA 14 additional acres adjacent to Coolmore Morris Park.”

Brennan paid tribute to the Magnier family for their generosity.

“I want to take this time to really appreciate and acknowledge the generosity of the Magnier family in doing this. This is a game-changer.”

“This allows Tipperary GAA to deliver on a level of ambition. This allows us to take the steps to create a Centre of Excellence that will serve Tipperary GAA, serve the Tipperary community, and serve the people of Tipperary long into the future.”

He said the new facility will provide a modern and inclusive home for players across the county.

“The new facility will provide a world-class environment for players and a modern, inclusive space for the next generation of hurlers and footballers.”

Brennan concluded by thanking those who helped make the development possible.

“I'd like to thank Michael Lowry and Peter Murchan for their work in enabling us to make this happen.”

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