Team Tipp ‘telethon’ targets €100,000

Tipperary GAA officials are looking to raise at least €100,000 through a special ‘telethon’ event on Saturday, August 11.

Early details of the venture were revealed at a county board meeting in Thurles. The plan is that 1,000 people contribute €100 each at a time when Premier County top brass admit that cash is at a premium.

Board chairman Sean Nugent revealed last week that €25,000 is being spent each week on inter-county teams. And entering August, Tipp still have five teams involved in various championships – minor, U21, intermediate and senior hurlers, as well as the minor footballers.

Consequently, the Tipperary county board has decided to launch a fundraising drive at its Lár Na Páirce headquarters in Thurles.

Lár Na Páirce will act as the nerve centre for the Team Tipperary Telethon event, with local radio station Tipp FM expected to broadcast live from there on the day.

Leading county players and top personalities will be manning the phonelines and taking pledges from members of the general public.

“People can talk to a county player or to a personality, have a little chat with them and make their pledge,” Nugent explained.

“They will be supporting Team Tipperary – all teams in Tipperary. And those who pledge before September 1 are in a draw for five pairs of All-Ireland final tickets. People can choose between football and hurling.

“A pledge also entitles you to free entry to our county senior hurling and football finals and there will be a 10% voucher for every contributor for use in our merchandise shop at Lár Na Páirce.

Nugent explained that donations will be accepted from inside and outside of the county until October 1.