Premier plan maps out Tipp targets

CHAIRMAN Barry O’Brien repeated his view that Tipperary can win an All-Ireland senior football title by 2020 as the county board launched a five-year strategic vision and action plan in Thurles last night.

GAA president Christy Cooney was among those present at the Dome in Semple Stadium for the launch of the ‘Premier Plan’, developed in conjunction with the Munster Council, which outlines a five-year road-map for Tipperary GAA.

By 2015, Tipperary chiefs aim to ensure that the GAA’s amateur ethos remains at the heart of the Association.

On the back of recent underage success, and with champions Tipp preparing for another All-Ireland SHC final appearance against Kilkenny at Croke Park on Sunday week, officials are anxious to build on the 2010 All-Ireland senior and U21 hurling successes.

A detailed analysis carried out by the Premier Plan strategic committee, chaired by secretary Tim Floyd, has identified the strengths, threats, weaknesses and opportunities facing Tipperary GAA in the future.

With expenditure on county teams hitting an all-time high of €1,2m in 2010, € ‘financial excellence’ is one of six themes discussed in the objectives of the Premier Plan, along with games, clubs, social issues, planning and communications.

Premier County top brass hope that income will be maximised through a planned series of ongoing programmes and initiatives, with expenditure curtailed in line with available resources.

In the first quarter of 2012, an audit will be carried out on all areas of board administration to evaluate if the county is getting value for money. An audit will also be carried out this year on all team costs in a bid to save money.

To help maximise income, it is envisaged that a commercial plan will be put in place, with a range of products with the ‘Tipperary’ brand to be developed. O’Brien remarked that Tipperary GAA is in rude health at present and next month, the county will be represented on All-Ireland hurling and football Sundays.

He said: “As a county, we are in a very strong position at the moment. We have the Munster senior hurling and minor football cups here, which points to a relatively successful year.

“And I take great pride in the fact that we will be represented on each of the two (All-Ireland) Sundays at Croke Park. It’s not often that happens.

“I set out a vision for Tipperary that by 2020, we would be contesting an All-Ireland senior football final. People didn’t take me seriously at the time but maybe they’ll take me more seriously now. There is talent coming through and this is an achievable goal.”

O’Brien added “hard decisions” must be taken over the next five years, referring to the high number of 32 senior hurling clubs in the county, while also suggesting that the concept of divisional teams should be discussed.

“If we’re serious about giving all players that want to play senior the chance to do so, the only way to do that is to embrace the idea of divisional teams.”

Cooney remarked: “Our brand is extremely strong and our Association is in a very good space. That’s down, primarily, in my view, to the clubs and the strong communities we’re part of. Without strong clubs and the wonderful work going on, we wouldn’t have a Tipperary team here training tonight in preparation for an All-Ireland final.”