Sport « Thurles Information

Thurles Special Olympics Basketball Club.

Thurles Special Olympics Basketball Club – Annual General Meeting.

Club Chairperson Mr Enda Bourke (Secretary) Reports:-

The 2025 Annual General Meeting of Thurles Special Olympics Basketball Club took place on Tuesday 24th March last at the Order of Malta premises, Bohervaroon, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
A good attendance representing athletes, volunteers and family members were present to get an update on Club affairs over the past year.

With a full agenda, reports were given by Club Chairperson Mr Enda Bourke (Secretary), Ms Mary Ryan Maher (Treasurer), Ms Carmel Sammon (Club Safeguarding Officer), Ms Marian O’Reagan and Mr Dennis Jordan (Medical Officer).

The reports confirmed a satisfactory year for the Club and the Chairperson complimented the athletes for their commitment and dedication to weekly basketball and training sessions at the Presentation Convent Sports Hall.

**Pictured following a presentation made to silver medals winner Ms Maureen O’Shea, are L-R**: **Mr Enda Bourke, Ms Catherine Dwan, Ms Maureen O’Shea, Ms Mary Ryan Maher and Ms Carmel Sammon.**

The Club acknowledged the support of family members and carers, Presentation Sports Hall Manager, Mr Martin Hehir, Meitheal 21 staff, Tipperary Co Council, Mr Jim Ryan MC, Mr Paul Scully (Thurles Photo Station), Mr Darren Hassett (Tipp Star) and Mr George Willoughby (Thurles Information).

Officers for the various roles were selected for 2026 and the Chairperson wished the athletes and members success for the year ahead.

At the conclusion of the AGM a special presentation was made by the Chairperson to athlete, Ms Maureen O’Shea, (See image above), to acknowledge the 30th anniversary of her fantastic performance at the 1995 Special Olympics World Games in the U.S. when she won 2 silver medals representing Ireland.
Ms O’Shea is a member of the Thurles Club since its inception in 2004 and is the athlete representative at all Club meetings. There was huge applause for what Ms O’Shea achieved in 1995, and she proudly showed off the medals to all in attendance.

The meeting concluded with refreshments at the impressive Order of Malta premises and our thanks to them for facilitating our visit.

Late Kilkenny Point Denies Tipperary As League Clash Ends Level.

Tipp rally strongly but Cats have final say in Thurles thriller.

Tipperary and Kilkenny produced a high-quality Allianz Hurling League Division 1A draw at FBD Semple Stadium, tonight, with Jordan Molloy landing a dramatic late equaliser to leave the sides deadlocked at 2-27 (33pts) to 3-24 (33pts) in front of over 10,000 supporters.
Kilkenny’s TJ Reid marked his return with 1-8, while Jake Morris hit 1-5 (8pts) and Jason Forde added 0-8 for Tipperary, including two outstanding sideline cuts.

Kilkenny made an explosive start and struck for goal inside 20 seconds when Liam Moore finished off a sharp move, involving Cian Kenny, Eoin Cody and Tom Phelan. Kilkenny quickly built momentum and opened up an early six-point cushion as Kenny, Reid and Mossy Keoghan found their range.

Tipperary responded impressively and worked their way back into the contest through a blend of sharp finishing and composed free-taking. Morris found the net in the 20th minute after being picked out by Forde, and the home side drew level before edging ahead by half-time, with Michael Breen and Forde helping to nudge them into a 1-14 (17pts) to 1-13 (16 pts) interval lead.

The Premier County carried that momentum into the restart and struck again almost immediately, with Darragh McCarthy batting home after Aidan Tallis had made the initial save. Tipp looked in control when they pushed five clear, but Kilkenny responded with determination. Reid’s 52nd-minute goal reignited the visitors, and Keoghan later showed brilliant control before firing another major to swing the game again.

A tense closing spell followed, with both teams trading scores in a gripping finish. Seán Kenneally looked to have won it for Tipperary, only for an injury delay to allow one final Kilkenny attack. The visitors seized that opportunity, and Molloy’s late point ensured the spoils were shared after a lively and absorbing championship warm-up in Thurles.
Tipperary: Rhys Shelly; Brian McGrath, Ronan Maher, Michael Breen; Oisín O’Donoghue, Robert Doyle, Eoghan Connolly; Conor Martin, Darragh Stakelum; Jake Morris, Alan Tynan, Sam O’Farrell; Darragh McCarthy, Gearóid O’Connor, Jason Forde.

Subs: Seán Kenneally for Gearóid O’Connor, Johnny Ryan for Brian McGrath, Noel McGrath for Darragh Stakelum, Andrew Ormond for Conor Martin, Peter McGarry for Jason Forde, and Joe Caesar for Darragh McCarthy.

Referee: James Owens (Wexford).

Walsh Park Wipeout – Waterford Collapse As Tipp’s Storming Revival Sends Déise Down.

Waterford’s Allianz Hurling League survival bid ended in bitter fashion at Azzurri Walsh Park, as they squandered a commanding half-time lead and crashed to relegation, with Tipperary roaring back, on a windy afternoon, to secure their own Division 1A status.

Tipperary won 2-24 to 1-23 after trailing by eight points before the break, with John McGrath starring on his first start of 2026 and Gearóid O’Connor grabbing a crucial second-half goal.

Waterford began with real intent and looked in complete control for long stretches of the opening half. Driven by a dominant display around the middle and sharp attacking movement, the Déise repeatedly found gaps in the Tipp defence. Dessie Hutchinson hit the ground running with a string of early points, while Shane Bennett was hugely influential, surging forward to clip over four superb scores.

By the 24th minute, Waterford had built a powerful platform. Seán Walsh’s goal, taken brilliantly after latching onto a huge delivery, injected even more life into the home crowd and pushed the margin wider. With Reuben Halloran, Darragh Lyons and Mark Fitzgerald all adding scores, Waterford appeared to be cruising as Tipp struggled to cope with their pace and intensity.

Yet the visitors found a lifeline before half-time. A couple of late scores trimmed the gap and offered a hint that all was not lost. That sliver of momentum became a tidal wave after the restart.

Backed by the strong wind, Tipperary returned with purpose and aggression. S. Tobin, impressive throughout, made a big contribution, while Conor Stakelum and Eoghan Connolly also helped swing the momentum. Waterford, so fluent before the break, suddenly found scores far harder to come by. Crucially, neither Hutchinson nor Bennett managed to add to their tallies in the second half.

The turning point arrived in the 58th minute. John McGrath flicked possession into the path of Jake Morris, who burst through the heart of the defence before teeing up Gearóid O’Connor to finish calmly to the net. In one sweeping move, Tipp had turned the contest on its head.

Although Halloran briefly kept Waterford alive with placed balls, Tipp finished the stronger side. Bryan O’Mara produced a vital intervention at the back, and late scores from Oisín O’Donoghue, Andrew Ormond and McGrath ensured the comeback was complete.

For Waterford, it was a collapse that will sting deeply. For Tipp, it was a rescue mission completed in style.

Tipperary: R. Shelly; R. Doyle, R Maher, M. Breen; O. O’Donoghue (0-01), B. O’Mara, E. Connolly (0-02) [1 x 65, 1 x f ]; C. Morgan, C. Stakelum (0-01); J. Caesar, K. McCarthy, J. Morris (0-02); J. McGrath (1-04 (7pts)), J. Forde (0-06), [5 x f ], S. Tobin (0-04).

Subs: A. Ormond for K. McCarthy, G. O’Connor for J. Caesar, D. Stakelum for C. Morgan, D. McCarthy for J. Forde, and S. Kenneally for S. Tobin.

Referee: T. Gleeson (Dublin).

Death Of Olympic Champion Ronnie Delany Marks End Of Irish Athletics Era.

“Ronnie Delany was one of Ireland’s greatest sporting figures, whose unforgettable Olympic success brought pride and inspiration to the nation. His legacy extends far beyond medals, and he will be remembered with enormous admiration and gratitude.”

**Delaney Statue in Arklow, Co. Wicklow.**

The death of Mr Ronnie Delany, at the age of 91years, has prompted deep sadness across Irish sport, as tributes are paid to one of the country’s most iconic and respected athletes.

Mr Delany will forever be remembered for his historic victory in the 1,500 metres at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, where he delivered one of the finest performances in Irish sporting history. At just 21 years of age, he produced a thrilling late finish to win gold in an Olympic record time of 3:41.2 in front of a crowd of 120,000 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

A native of Arklow, Co. Wicklow, who was raised in Dublin, Mr Delany first came to prominence through Crusaders Athletic Club, before continuing his athletics career at Villanova University in the United States. There, he established himself as one of the outstanding middle-distance runners of his era, winning multiple NCAA titles and achieving international acclaim.

His distinguished athletics career also included a bronze medal in the 1,500 metres at the 1958 European Athletics Championships, as well as continued success on the international circuit during a remarkable competitive career.

Beyond his achievements on the track, Mr Delany made an enduring contribution to Irish sport through his lifelong support for the Olympic movement and his commitment to fellow athletes. In later years, he served as President of the Irish Olympians Association and remained a strong voice for the value of sport and the role of Olympians in Irish life.

Mr Delany’s name is woven into the fabric of Irish sporting history. His Olympic triumph inspired generations and his contribution to sport, both on and off the track, will be remembered for years to come.

We extends sincere sympathies to Mr Delany’s family, friends, former teammates and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Derek Kent Elected GAA President-Elect at Congress 2026.

Wexford delegate tops first-count ballot as Ger Ryan and John Murphy fall short.

Verified vote breakdown.
Total votes cast: 277
Quota: 139
Derek Kent (Wexford): 169. (elected on the first count)
Ger Ryan (Tipperary): 76.
John Murphy (Sligo): 32

Wexford’s Derek Kent has been elected Uachtarán Tofa (President-elect) of the Gaelic Athletic Association at GAA Congress 2026, held at Croke Park yesterday evening.
Mr Kent will become the 42nd President of the GAA at Congress 2027, when outgoing President, Mr Jarlath Burns, completes his three-year term.

A total of 277 votes were cast in the presidential election. Mr Kent secured 169 votes, reaching the 139 quota on the first count. Mr Ger Ryan (Tipperary) polled 76 votes, while Mr John Murphy (Sligo) received 32 votes.

Mr Kent, a Taghmon-Camross clubman, brings extensive administrative experience to the role, having served as Wexford GAA Chairperson (2017–2020) and recently completing a three-year term as Leinster GAA Chairperson. He has also chaired the Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) and the Infrastructure, Health & Safety Committee.

In being elected President-elect, Mr Kent becomes the third Wexford native to hold the Association’s top office, following Mr Patrick Breen (1924–1926) and Mr Michael Kehoe (1949–1952).

Tipperary’s Ger Ryan had campaigned strongly to bring the presidency back to the Premier County, with Tipp GAA noting his recent service as Munster GAA Chair (2022–2025) and the county’s previous holder of the office, Mr Séamus Ó Riain (1967–1970).