Appointment of Liam Cahill as Tipperary hurling manager appears 'popular one'

From the moment that Tipperary’s senior hurlers lost to Kerry in the Munster League early in the season, things seemed to go from bad to worse.

So said John Morrissey, Secretary of the West Tipperary GAA Board, in his report to Convention.

“I think the general Tipperary public as a rule can forgive a loss, provided the team perform as best they can.

“However, the manner of some of our losses this year was fairly woeful, particularly the two defeats at home to Clare and Cork.

“I honestly think that if we had shown a bit of heart/battle against Cork, then Colm Bonnar would have survived and would still be in the hotseat.

“That last performance was probably the final cut and the end for his tenure.

“You would have to feel for him – he gave a lot for Tipperary, both as a player and then in management.

“However, it appeared that his position was more or less untenable in the end, given that the players didn’t seem to be playing for him at the finish – a sad way for what was his first year to manage his own county to end.

“As one journey finishes another begins, with Liam Cahill now at the helm.

“A swift return to management after his initial cut at inter-county management with the Deise, it appears to be a popular appointment.

“He would know the bulk of the younger players within the county, given his success with them at underage, so you would imagine there’ll be a degree of personnel changes when he really gets to work on things in the New Year”, he stated.

The Galtee Rovers clubman also said that the shortage of referees was still an issue.

However, they had been fortunate in the west - “I think I only lost one match over refereeing issues this season.
“However, the problem has not gone away.

“We have recruited a number of new refs over the last year (well done to all concerned there) but I would say more are needed.

“I would say that penalties will be applied going forward to any clubs that do not supply at least one referee.

“It has been discussed at County Board level and to be honest it is something I would broadly agree with – simply speaking, we need referees to continue with our games and clubs need to understand and help with this.

“Unfortunately, there appears to have been a significant amount of issues regarding abuse of referees this season throughout the country.

“It’s hard to tell whether there has been an increase or if it is just being reported more than previously - however there’s no doubt it’s very much in the public eye currently and is being treated seriously by CCCs countrywide.

“Any offenders (and their clubs) will be dealt with accordingly going forward, based on what we are seeing of late.”

The Secretary also paid tribute to Tim Floyd and Michael Power, who have stepped down as County Secretary and County Treasurer respectively.

“I have had the pleasure of dealing with both men over many years and I can honestly say that were both fantastic to deal with.

“Given that Joe Kennedy (Chairman) is entering his final year, there is going to be as big a changing of the guard in Lar na Páirce over the next 12 months, as there has been for many a year.

“I would hope that Tim and Michael won’t be completely lost to Tipperary GAA and may still be involved in some capacity, given the experience that the pair of them have.

“Best wishes to both in whatever the future holds for you going forward.

“At West level, Chairman Tommy Hayes has completed year one of his term and I’m glad to say we survived and didn’t fall out with each other yet!

“All joking aside, Tommy is a pleasure to work with and a very capable hand as chairman.

“Similarly, thanks to (treasurer) Claire O’Brien – she expertly looks after our financial side and has been streamlining things to suit modern needs.

“This includes our current ticketing system and tap-and-go machines, which appear to be working a treat.