'Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations': Tipp CEO hails 2025 as pivotal year

Ronan Maher of Tipperary kisses lifts the Liam MacCarthy Cup alongside Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Tipperary GAA is on the right path after taking major steps this year to address financial, infrastructural and strategic challenges, according to its chief executive Murtagh Brennan.

Following a major fundraising drive and the acquirement of land to develop its centre of excellence in Thurles, Brennan hailed 2025 as a pivotal year for Tipperary GAA as the developments complemented their senior and U20 All-Ireland triumphs.

“Last December, I concluded my secretary’s report by emphasising the significant work that lay ahead for Tipperary GAA,” Brennan wrote of 2024 when the board reported a €126,000 loss. “I stated that through honest discourse, close cooperation, and unwavering dedication, we had the ability to overcome obstacles and lay the foundations for future growth and success. 

“Is minic a thagann bóithre deacra go dtí cinn scríbe álainn” – Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.

“I believe 2025 represents one of those destinations for Tipperary GAA. This was the year we mobilised every part of our organisation – our clubs, divisions, committees, sub-committees, players, management teams, volunteers, and members. United in purpose, we travelled that difficult road together.” 

Brennan revealed the county’s “Win A House” fundraiser brought in over €453,000, “becoming the most successful infrastructural fundraising campaign in the history of Tipperary GAA. These funds now stand ring-fenced within the infrastructural account, dedicated to delivering our state-of-the-art centre of excellence.” 

A new financial advisory council has been established, while the Loughmore-Castleiney man acknowledged the “extraordinary” generosity of John Magnier who has provided the county board with 14 acres to expand Coolmore Dr Morris Park as Tipperary GAA’s training hub where five playing pitches will be incorporated.

“This project is a landmark moment for our organisation, establishing a clear North Star for facility development in the county,” Brennan commented. “It provides a solid foundation for sustained growth, development, and success across all codes and ensures that Tipperary GAA will be well-equipped to serve our players, clubs, and communities for generations to come.” 

"The importance of a larger Coolmore Dr Morris Park can’t be understated," said Brennan. “Despite the continued goodwill and support of our clubs, schools, and civic partners, the shortage of suitable training and playing venues has remained a persistent and pressing issue.

“This deficit has had a long-standing impact on our player development pathway, limiting our ability to host academy blitzes and to provide our inter-county squads with the consistency their training programmes require.” 

A new five-year strategic plan will also be launched in the first quarter of 2026 and former Tipperary manager Liam Sheedy has been involved in the formation of it. Brennan remarked: “At the heart of this strategy is our responsibility to the next generation: ensuring that every young Tipperary player has access to a clear development pathway, supported by high-quality coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and robust governance structures.” 

On the All-Ireland SHC success led by Liam Cahill, Brennan hailed it as an achievement that “reflects the collective commitment of players, management, and support staff, and represents the culmination of a three-year rebuilding process". 

"The 2025 season stands as a testament to belief, development, and renewed ambition within Tipperary hurling.” 

Brennan acknowledged an otherwise memorable year for Tipperary GAA was also marked by “profound loss” when senior football manager Philly Ryan passed away on October 18. “His loss is immeasurable, felt most deeply by his family.

“On behalf of the entire Tipperary GAA community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Anna, Amy, Katie, Shane, and the wider Clonmel GAA family. Philly’s dedication, integrity, and service to Tipperary GAA will forever be remembered with immense gratitude.”