Thurles Information

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).

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).

Ursuline Thurles had to settle for runners-up honours after being beaten by Loreto Kilkenny in the Allianz Corn Sceilge All-Ireland Senior A Schools Camogie Final, played at Gortnahoe on Saturday last, February 21st.

A scoring burst at the start of both halves proved decisive, with Lucy Boyd striking 2-4 and earning Player of the Match, as Loreto powered to a 4-13 (25pts) to 0-9pts victory.

Loreto led 2-7pts to 0-6pts at half-time, with Ursuline captain Caoimhe Stakelum keeping her side in touch by scoring all six of their first-half points. But Loreto’s early second-half pressure told; Boyd goaled again on 34 minutes, and Leah O’Donovan added a fourth major on 42 minutes to put daylight between the teams.

In all, different Loreto players found the net; Boyd (2), Emma Hogan and O’Donovan, while Ona Kennedy chipped in with three frees and Shauna Mahoney contributed from play, as Loreto retained the title and continued their strong run at senior level.

Despite the result, Ursuline had positives, with Stakelum finishing on 0-8pts, six from frees and Alice Butler, adding their other point, but Loreto’s defensive structure limited the Thurles side’s opportunities for goals.

Scorers

Loreto Kilkenny: Boyd 2-4 (10pts); Hogan 1-0 (3pts); O’Donovan 1-0 (3pts); Kennedy 0-3pts (frees); Mahoney 0-2pts; others 0-1pt each.

Ursuline Thurles: Stakelum 0-8pts (6 from frees); Butler 0-1pt.