Statue honouring Tipperary's historical GAA links unveiled

A brand new statue has been unveiled outside the gates of Semple Stadium in Thurles.

The statue, titled ‘Ár gCluichí Féin’, was unveiled on Thursday morning, in front of a large crowd of elected representatives, Tipperary sports icons, and fans, as well as GAA President Jarlath Burns and Archbishop of Cashel & Emly Kieran O’Reilly.

Designed by renowned sculptor Aidan Harte, the cover came off the statue to a thunderous applause from those in attendance.

Tipperary County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Fiona Bonfield opened the proceedings by stating that it was a great pleasure to see the crowd gather for something so special, marking a milestone in the celebration of Irish sporting, cultural and social history.

She highlighted the growth of the GAA since its founding in Thurles in 1884, saying it has grown exponentially beyond what the founders could have thought it would achieve.

She recognised the importance of female players in Irish life, and spoke of her pride in being able to display the first ever female player represented in a permanent artwork commemorating Gaelic games.

Cllr Bonfield commended Aidan Harte’s artwork and commitment to his craft, stating that his work on this project will inspire future generations of artists.

She commended the current stars of Tipperary gaelic games that were in attendance, Roisin Howard of the Tipperary senior Camogie team, Ronan Maher, Jake Morris and Noel McGrath of the Tipperary senior hurling team, Niall Fitzgerald of the Tipperary senior football team, and Geraldine Carey, County Secretary for Ladies Gaelic Football Association.

Cllr Sean Ryan, Thurles Municipal District Cathaoirleach spoke next.

He spoke with delight to welcome President Burns to Thurles, stating that he is someone who will leave an indelible mark on the GAA following the conclusion of his tenure.

He spoke of this marking a turning point in the future development of the town, as it strives to become more connected, accessible and welcoming.

He stated that by commissioning artists, it gives Thurles the ability to forge a unique character, making it an attractive location for locals and visitors.

Concluding, Cllr Ryan spoke of his great pride in being able to unveil the statue as Cathaoirleach of the Thurles Municipal District, in the same fashion that his grandfather felt great pride in being able to represent Tipperary on their way to two All-Ireland victories.

Director of Economic and Cultural Services, Damian Ginty spoke next, celebrating the advancement in the development of towns and villages across Tipperary.

He spoke of the idea of placemaking, encouraging people to live, work, and invest in certain locales, and that developments such as the statue go to further the placemaking efforts being made in Thurles.

He mentions how public art can serve as a means to frame a place’s story, amplify local identity, and create public places for residents and visitors.

Aidan Harte took to the rostrum next to speak of the honour he felt in being commissioned to craft the sculpture.

A Kilkenny native, Harte spoke of his great understanding of the hallowed grounds of Semple Stadium, with his father having played there for Kilkenny.

He mentioned how the piece does not depict any player in particular, as Gaelic games belong to everyone.

GAA President Jarlath Burns was then welcomed to speak at the podium.

He spoke of the great honour he felt in being involved in the development of the project and its unveiling.

He highlighted the importance of Thurles in the story of the GAA, speaking of how Michael Cusack chose Thurles as the location for the first meeting, stating that it was chosen due to its rich and thriving Gaelic games culture, and also due to its train station.

He spoke of Thurles’ Tom Semple at great length, highlighting his achievements on the pitch, and saying that he could have easily taken a step back from Tipperary GAA following his retirement, but decided to remain involved, eventually being involved in the purchase of the grounds which now bear his name.

He spoke of the great importance the GAA has on Irish culture and its natural spread, noting the great influx of curiosity that has come from abroad since the All-Ireland football final, stating that what people are seeing is the Irish people simply expressing their culture.

President Burns concluded by stating his great love for Semple Stadium, claiming that in the last months of his tenure, he will work to ensure that it receives the necessary funding required for its modernisation and upkeep to bring the grounds to the level it deserves to be at.

At the conclusion of his speech, President Burns, along with Aidan Harte, and Cllrs Bonfield and Ryan, lifted the cover from the statue, to the applause of all in attendance, before players, supporters and representatives stood to have their photos taken with the monument.