Premier county well represented in New York's All-Ireland success in Croke Park

Tipperary's influence continues to stretch far beyond its own borders, and nowhere was that more evident than in Croke Park on Saturday when New York claimed the Nickey Rackard Cup title for the very first time.

The Exiles secured a 2-22 to 2-17 victory over Tyrone to capture the competition, completing another remarkable chapter in the growth of hurling in the Big Apple, with a distinctly Tipperary flavour to the success on and off the playing pitch.

A sizeable Premier County contingent played key roles throughout New York's campaign and were central to the victory at headquarters. Among those celebrating on the Croke Park turf were Conor Kinane (Borris-Ileigh), John O'Meara (Kiladangan), Tommy Kavanagh (Borris-Ileigh), Bill Maher (Kilsheelan-Kilcash), Tom O'Meara (Kiladangan), AJ Willis (Portroe), Cian Mullane (Clerihan), Conor Hammersley (Clonoulty Rossmore), Paudie Gill (Burgess), and Colin O'Brien (Silvermines).

Tipperary's involvement extended beyond the playing ranks, with Portroe's Mikey Sheedy also part of the New York management team.

Several of the Premier men made major contributions during the final itself. AJ Willis finished with 1-1 from wing forward, Tom O’Meara hit 0-2 from midfield, while former Tipperary senior footballer panellist Bill Maher was among the standout performers as New York pulled away in the closing stages to seal a famous victory.

The success marks another significant milestone for New York hurling. After winning the Lory Meagher Cup in 2025, they have now added the Nickey Rackard Cup to their growing list of achievements, underlining the progress made by the county in recent seasons.

For Tipperary supporters, there was added satisfaction in seeing so many familiar club names represented on one of the biggest stages in the game. From Kiladangan to Portroe, Silvermines, Clerihan, Clonoulty Rossmore and Kilsheelan Kilcash, clubs from across the county were represented in New York's historic triumph.