Sport « Thurles Information

Cork Edge Tipperary After Decisive Second-Half Spell.

Cork opened their Munster Championship campaign with a 0-29 to 1-22 (25pts) win over Tipperary in Thurles, but the margin arguably reflected a key period of control rather than outright dominance across the full 70 minutes.

Tight Contest for Long Periods.
For much of the game, there was little between the sides. Tipperary recovered from an early deficit to build momentum in the first half, hitting a run of scores to move in front. Cork, while seeing plenty of possession, were at times wasteful and relied on late scores to draw level at the break (0-13 each).
Jason Forde’s accuracy from frees and the work rate of Oisín O’Donoghue were central to Tipp’s attacking play, while Cork’s scoring was more spread across their forward line.

Game Swings After Half-Time.
The match turned during a relatively short spell early in the second half. After a fairly even restart, Cork put together a run of eight unanswered points in just over 10 minutes, which created a gap that Tipperary struggled to close. That period coincided with improved puckout control from Cork, resulting in reduced scoring opportunities for Tipp with a growing reliance on frees for the home side.

Tipperary also went a long stretch without a score from play, only ending that drought in the 64th minute, a factor that ultimately proved costly.

Contributions at Both Ends.
Cork’s debutants William Buckley (0-06) and Barry Walsh (0-04) were among their more effective forwards, contributing steadily rather than explosively.
At the other end, Tipp remained competitive with Forde keeping the scoreboard ticking from frees
A late goal from Alan Tynan briefly reduced the gap while substitutes helped bring the margin down late on
However, Tipperary were chasing the game from the moment Cork built their second-half lead.

Late Push Falls Short.
Tipperary did respond in the closing stages and reduced the deficit to a single score at one point after the late goal. But Cork managed the final minutes more effectively, adding a closing score to secure the result without allowing a full comeback.
This was not a one-sided contest with first half, evenly balanced. The key period came with Cork’s second-half scoring burst, and while Tipp rallied in the final stages, same effort came too late.
Cork took their chances during a decisive window, while Tipperary’s lack of scoring from play, after the break, proved very difficult to overcome.

Next Games.
Cork face Limerick next in what should be a more demanding test, while Tipperary will travel to Waterford.

Short-Term Agreement Extends Racing Lifeline At Thurles.

The Molony family, long-time owners of Thurles Racecourse, have agreed to extend a temporary arrangement with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI). This follows a similar agreement that kept the track operational for the previous season after the family signalled their intention to step back from running the venue due to ongoing operational challenges.

The continuation of racing under this framework allows valuable time for discussions around the long-term future of the racecourse, which has been a cornerstone of Ireland’s winter racing calendar for generations.

Operational Continuity Under Ms Jessica Cahalan.
Ms Jessica Cahalan will remain in charge of day-to-day operations at Thurles for the upcoming season. Her continued leadership is seen as key to maintaining stability at the track while the Molony family considers future plans for the venue, located on the Nenagh Road just outside Thurles.

Industry Support Recognised.
Suzanne Eade, CEO of HRI, welcomed the development, highlighting the collaborative effort involved in securing the agreement. She acknowledged the role of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), as well as the broader racing industry, in supporting the continuation of racing at Thurles.

The IHRB oversees approximately 500 fixtures annually across Ireland, covering Flat, National Hunt, and Point-to-Point racing, with around 39,000 runners each year, underlining the scale and importance of the sector.

Strategic Importance to Racing Calendar.
Thurles Racecourse has long been regarded as a vital component of the Irish National Hunt season, particularly during the winter months when its track conditions are highly valued by trainers and jockeys.

The decision to extend operations is also influenced by broader infrastructure factors within the sport. Notably, nearby Tipperary Racecourse is currently closed for a major redevelopment project and is not expected to reopen until October 2027, when it will feature both a new all-weather surface and an upgraded turf track.

Looking Ahead.
While the agreement secures the immediate future of racing at Thurles, it remains a transitional solution. The additional time afforded by this extension is expected to be used by stakeholders to explore sustainable long-term options for the venue.

For now, however, the message is clear: Thurles Racecourse will continue to play a central role in Irish racing for another season, much to the delight of fans and the wider industry.

Warning From An Garda Síochána Tipperary.

An Garda Síochána Tipperary are asking those wishing to attend the Tipperary V Cork match on Sunday next April 19th, to please be aware that there is roadworks around the Semple Stadium, Thurles, which may affect your journey time. Please see image hereunder.

**Image courtesy An Garda Síochána Tipperary.**

An Garda Síochána Tipperary are asking that attendee’s leave plenty of time for your trip to Tipp.

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).