Back in 1956/57 Sarsfields achieved a remarkable grand slam of County Hurling Titles – Senior, Junior and Minor, and it was hurlers these squads which formed the base for the club’s Golden Era, when 10 senior hurling titles were won in 11years – a record unequalled by any other Tipperary club.
Among those to emerge from in that time and who were to become key members of the senior team from the late 50’s right through the successful 60’s were the brothers Patsy and Michael Barton Dorney.
The lads shared in all the championships from 58 through to 65 and also wore the county jersey at minor and junior level. With Patsy winning a Minor All Ireland in 1955.
On the field they will be well remembered for their support for each other—Shouts of - Good Man Barton and - Well Done Patsy were the norm as they played together.
Patsy was a will o the wisp forward, who brought a huge energy to his game in any of the forward positions. In a highly skilled Sarsfields forward line, Patsy stood four square with the best, his pace courage and ability to pick off a score being a vital part of the Sarsfields armoury. Patsy captained the Sarsfields to County Honours in 65 and has always remained a staunch supporter of the club, keenly following the exploits of his sons and grandsons in the Blue jersey.
His other great sporting passions were greyhound racing and athletics, in both of which he enjoyed great success and recently he was he was honoured with a Credit Union Person of the Year award for his contribution to athletics in the town of Thurles.
However he is first and foremost a Blue and will long be remembered as a hugely influential part of that all conquering team of the fifties and sixties.
Likewise Barton. Barton generally hurled in defence and such was his versatility that he could man any of the six backline spots and do equally well at midfield. Barton was a strong aggressive defender but also a most skilful one, who lined out with the Tipp juniors in 59 and 60.
At a time when club hurling was supreme in Tipperary, Barton played and matched the best. Colleagues remember him as a staunch backman who was never found wanting, when the pressure was on and who could always be relied upon to give 100%.
The Dorney Brothers brought great honour and glory to themselves and Sarsfields in their outstanding careers – Much as did other Bands of Brothers in Blue such as the Keanes, Mahers, Murphys, Doyles and many others down the years.
It is entirely fitting that the club should salute the Dorney Brothers with this presentation tonight.
Hall of Fame 2010 - Tim Walsh
Over the years, Sarsfields have been well-served by non-natives, who came into Thurles and threw in their lot with the club. Paddy McCarthy, Paddy Kenny and Clare’s Michael Murphy immediately spring to mind. Right up there with the very best is Tim Walsh, who joined our club in 1960 and who through the sixties, was a key figure as ‘The Blues’ strode to their second five-in-a-row of county senior hurling titles.
A big man, fearless and skilled with the camán, Tim’s sweeping and forceful play added a vital dimension to the Sarsfields formation that swept all before it, at that time. His many sterling performances at midfield and in attack did not go unnoticed by the Lee and he wore the Rebel Red at the highest level also.
In his time with us, he played some great games, but Sarsfields followers and his team-mates will particularly remember his key role, when pitted against Mick Roche as ‘The Blues’ overcame Carrick Davins in the replay of the 1965 county final. Sarsfields were fortunate to draw with the Roche-inspired Davins in the first meeting in Clonmel. Tim was assigned the task of curbing the Carrick stylist in the replay in Cashel. His domination of the Tipp star that day was everywhere acclaimed, as the key to that memorable Sarsfields victory.
Not surprisingly for a Corkman, Tim was also an accomplished footballer and he helped Thurles Crokes, who featured many of the Sarsfields hurlers, to county senior football honours in 1960 – a prelude to his five Tipperary senior hurling medals in subsequent years.
In appreciation of the enormous contribution he has made to our club, in his years with us, we are very pleased to induct him into our Hall Of Fame, joining the elite group of Sarsfields legends, of whom we are all so proud, and who are such an integral part of our club’s great history.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please stand and put your hands together, as we salute Tim Walsh.
Tim Walsh
Hall of Fame 2009 – Benny Maher
Benny Maher comes from a family which has given outstanding service to Thurles Sarsfields. There was no truer "Blue" than his late father, Paddy (Whitehead), whose contribution as a player, selector and club officer was immense. It was no surprise then that Benny and his brothers, Martin (Musha), Paddy (Kinger), Tony, and Noel should follow in his footsteps.
Benny's talents as a defender first came to light on Thurles CBS teams, where he was a key figure on the team which won the Harty Cup in 1956. Sarsfields enjoyed phenomenal success at minor level about that time, with four county titles in a row from 1954-’58, and Benny was hugely involved. The county minor selectors readily recognised his qualities, and he was on the Tipperary team which won the All-Ireland in '56, beating Kilkenny in the final.
The following two years saw him play for the Tipperary juniors, but Cork ensured that no medals were won.
At this time he was also establishing himself in the all-conquering senior Sarsfields side, which won ten county titles from 1955-’65. Benny won an impressive nine county senior medals to add to the county minor and county junior successes of 1956 and ’57, when Sarsfields made a clean sweep of all the county hurling titles.
Benny's hurling qualities, combined with his sting in the tackle, and his great competitive flair, stamped him as one of the outstanding corner backs at club level in the county, for over a decade.
Benny's commitment to Sarsfields epitomises all that is good about club spirit and loyalty, and that interest and dedication has not waned in the intervening years. No one is more worthy to take his place among the greats who have been honoured in Sarsfields Hall of Fame.
Benny Maher
Hall of Fame 2012 - Fr. Ray Reidy
In the 1955-65 period, when Sarsfields dominated Tipperary hurling and boasted some of the greatest names in the game at club and county level, Ray Reidy stood four square with the best.
But Ray’s hurling story starts some years before then, when in 1951 and 52, he was on the Dean Ryan team with Thurles C.B.S. Playing at corner-back; the team lost the ‘51 final but made amends in ‘52, beating Dungarvan in the final.
Ray played County Minor with Tipperary in 1953, ‘54 and ‘55. Won ‘53, Lost ‘54, and Ray captained the winning side in 1955 Minor All Ireland final. He lined out at centre-back in all three years.
On the local scene in those years, Ray won a Minor Hurling County final with Rahealty in 1953. Not so luck with the Harty in Thurles C.B.S. that year, playing at right half back, they lost to St. Flannans in first round. They lost the Harty final in 1954 with Ray at centreback to old rivals St. Flannans.
The following season, Ray was Captain of Thurles C.B.S.Harty team, which Limerick C.B.S. beat by one point, in the semi-final, at Nenagh. There was much criticism of the amount of ‘added time’ played by referee Philly Ryan, Borrisoleigh. The winning Limerick goal was scored in the fifteenth minute of ‘added time’. The referee had to be escorted off the field, having been surrounded by angry spectators.
In 1955-Ray transferred to Thurles Sarsfields and found himself on the senior club panel that beat Borrisoleigh in the County Final that year. He was also captain of Thurles Sarsfields minors that won county final. As Ray Reidy was now a student for the priesthood, at St. Patrick’s, Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow, he was unavailable for selection in the county-final. In his absence, Jimmy Doyle assumed the captaincy of the team.
1956 - Ray was on Tipperary Senior Hurling Panel and on Sarsfields senior Hurling panel and played the early matches in championship.
1957-Ray was on the Tipperary Senior Hurling Panel, and played some games. For Sarsfields, Ray played centre-field in mid Final beside Fr Bobby Harkin and beat Holycross/Ballycahill.In the county final against Na Piarsaigh. Best for Sarsfields were Michael ‘Blackie’ Keane, Tony Wall and Ray Reidy. Ray, now a student at U.C.C., showed great loyalty to Sarsfields by opting to play with Sarsfields rather than U.C.C., who were also contesting the Cork county final that day.
1958-Ray was on the Tipperary Senior Hurling Panel and played some games. He was a substitute on the All Ireland winning team, captained by Tony Wall. Ray had now won his first All Ireland Senior Hurling Medal. He was one of seven Sarsfields players in that Tipperary squad.
Also that year, playing at right half-back beside Tony Wall and Noel Murphy in Mid Final, they beat Moycarkey 4-8 to 1-8. Ray Reidy, Bobby Harkin and Tony Kelly were unavailable for the county-final, as they had returned to college. It was Thurles Sarsfields 21st county title beating Toomevara in Nenagh, 4-11 to 3-3.
1959-Ray was on the Sarsfields team that won the county final against Kilruane McDonagh in Roscrea, 3-12 to 2-6. The half-back line was Michaell Murphy, Ray Reidyand Noel Murphy. Tony Wall played centrefield with Connie Keane. Sarsfields now had five in a row of mid and county titles. Thurles Crokes had been formed. In Senior Football Crokes lost to Loughmore 1-6 to 1-4, with Ray at right half back.
1960-Ray was on the Tipperary Senior Hurling Panel-played some games. Tipp Lost All Ireland to Wexford. Thurles Sarsfields were going for their sixth title in-a-row, but were comprehensively beaten by a determined Toomevara team, by 3-15 to 2-8. Ray among the subs. History was made as Crokes captured their first county title as they triumphed over Clonmel Commercials, by 1-9 to 0-9. Ray played the early championship games.
1961-In the Mid championship Sarsfields showed no signs of decline as they trounced Holycross/ Ballycahill, by 6-19 to 2-7. Sarsfield‘s success was launched from the half-back line of Ray Reidy and both Noel and Michael Murphy. Thurles Crokes won Mid Final with Ray among the substitutes.
1962-Ray played Senior Football with Crokes. They won the mid final with Ray-centre-forward.
1963- We read on the Tipperary Star: -Fr. Ray Reidy S.P.S. Kiltegan and Mill Road, Thurles, was ordained to the priesthood and went on the missions to Nigeria in September.
Despite his commitment to his priestly studies, which curtailed his availability, Ray’s contribution to that golden era for Sarsfields club was immense. Simply, but aptly described by a contemporary as “a class player” and a stylish wingback, Ray’s reading of the game, and the quality of his striking, were of the highest order. He played with an elegance that was a delight to watch and was widely admired, but when the going got tough he was never found wanting. The Cork Churches Tournaments of that period provided him with the perfect stage to showcase his special talents in epic encounters against the elite of club teams from the great hurling counties.
Had he not answered a higher calling, Ray would undoubtedly have amassed much more honours at both club and county level.
Sarsfields are proud to honour Fr Ray with the Hall of Fame Award. It is a fitting recognition of the standing he enjoys in the club and the esteem in which he is held by our members.
Please stand as we salute Fr. Ray Reidy.
L.Ó D
Fr Ray Reidy
Club Person of the Year 2017 - Connie Maher
The name Connie Maher will always be synonymous with Thurles Sarsfields, having hurled across the length and breadth of the county for many years in our famous blue and white jersey.
Although he finished his days in attack, Connie was regarded as one of the finest centre backs in the county for many seasons and his strength and drive singled him out as one of the toughest in the business.
Connie played it hard and tough - but always fair. Perhaps that is why he is so popular with so many players and GAA supporters even outside of the club.
Connie captained the club on many occasions and was an inspiration. He won several awards but the elusive county honour never came his way. Despite having hurled at senior level for almost twenty years, Connie did not manage to get his hands on a county senior medal.
Despite the disappointments, Connie was always the first to return to training and his influence over younger players became very important to Sarsfields in his closing playing days. He was in a position to impart advice to the young guns and they listened intently. Perhaps that is partly why the Dan Breen finally returned to Thurles in 2005 after a 31 year gap.
As a much sought after hurling coach, over the years, Connie has been spreading the hurling gospel at home and abroad. Perhaps Connie’s greatest attributes are his honesty and his sincerity. These are the qualities that make him so popular with colleagues and opponents alike. His excellent disciplinary record as a player illustrates how fair he was on the pitch, and his popularity shows how decent a man he is off it.
Connie Maher’s contribution to this club over the years is up there with the best. He might not have countless county medals, but he has the respect of countless friends and admirers.
Connie is an outstanding Sarsfields man, who takes immense pride in the club’s achievements, and who is never found wanting when there is a job to be done.
His selection as Club Person of the Year is due and fitting recognition for a life-time of commitment to The Blues.
Please stand and salute our Club Person of the Year – Connie Maher
Tribute to Michael Maher - Club Chairman - 2008-2017
It is right that, as we celebrate this evening, we pay tribute and express our thanks and appreciation to Michael Maher, who stepped down from the position of chairman, a post he held since 2008.
Michael - During your years as club chairman, Thurles Sarsfields have gone from strength to strength, both on and off the field.
Hurling has always been your sporting passion, always to the forefront in your dealings with the club and you have done everything in your power to strengthen the game in the club and success has followed.
Your record speaks for itself:
During your years as chairman Thurles Sarsfields won 17 major championships
6 Under 21 County Championships (part of the management for 4 of these) (2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016)
2 Junior B County Championships (2010+2017)
1 Minor County Championship (2010)
Off the field, our magnificent new dressing rooms were completed in 2014 and are now a very important addition to the amenities we offer our players. New Bathrooms, Kitchen and other upgrades to the clubhouse completed November 2017.
As you all know, the club has acquired its own playing field for the first time, with the purchase of 14.8 acres of land at Toor Killinan in November 2014. For years this major undertaking had been spoken of – now it is becoming a reality. Gladly you are staying on to lead this development and with the financial support of club members, supporters and friends we will see the new pitch and facilities providing for the needs of club players, both male and female.
These things don’t happen by accident. You have presided over all these diverse activities and have ensured that everything was done in a proper manner.
As a player, Michael you never gave less than one hundred percent, you never shirked a challenge or was cowed by the immensity of any task.
Hailing from a family, generations of whom have helped make Sarsfields the great club it is today, Michael is not simply following in the footsteps of his illustrious ancestors, but has put his own stamp on this club and its progress, and has carved his own niche in the club’s history.
Thanks to Nora for her support and understanding through all the years. Thanks Michael for your foresight, leadership, and dedication. The club is now well-placed to face the challenges that lie ahead, both on and off the field.
Please stand as we acknowledge the work of our former chairman- Michael Maher
Hall of Fame 2017 - Martin 'Musha' Maher
Martin ‘Musha’ Maher was destined to be a hurler. His father, Paddy ‘Whitehead’ was a noted player with both Thurles Sarsfields and Tipperary in the 1930s and 40s. He was a man described as having ‘great hands’, which in hurling circles is a very high accolade. This gift he passed on to his sons, particularly Musha, who from an early age showed great hurling promise. Hurling in mid Tipperary in the 1950s wasn’t for the faint hearted, as the age-old keen rivalry among the clubs was tested on an annual basis. This was when Musha Maher was coming into his own, as a star forward in Sarsfields blue. Both club and county profited handsomely from his uncanny skill of being in the right place at the right time to shoot a vital score.
Musha was on the winning Tipperary National Hurling League team in 1957 and the following year, 1958, an All-Ireland senior medal came his way. The mid and county titles followed and by the time he retired in the autumn of 1964, he had amassed an impressive ten mid and nine county hurling medals. In 1961, Musha captained Sarsfields to mid and county success. Factory league competitions with his work colleagues at Thurles Sugar Factory were also won as were several tournaments with Sarsfields, particularly the Cork Churches Tournaments of the late fifties.
The big ball was no stranger to Musha who revelled in the advent of Thurles Crokes winning mid senior football titles in 1960, ’61 and ’62 and that unique county title in 1960.
When his playing days were over, Musha still found time for his club as a team selector for several years and as a committee member for decades. It was no wonder that, when the position of club president became vacant on the death of Musha’s great friend, Mickey ‘The Rattler’ Byrne that it was Musha was given the honour he now holds as President of Thurles Sarsfields.
For the many supporters attending matches, Musha is still a familiar face as a gate checker for years with Munster Council, mid and county Tipperary Boards. Musha is always very popular at social gatherings, where his singing talent uplifts many a celebration.
Musha’s wife, Teresa, is an avid hurling supporter, who will, no doubt, be thrilled that Musha’s contribution to the GAA has been recognised and honoured, as he is inducted into the Mid Tipperary Hall of Fame.
LÓD
Hall of Fame 2018 - Paddy Doyle
Since the inception of the Hall of Fame award, many Sarsfields men have been honoured for their contribution to the club and county, particularly as players, but this year’s recipient, Paddy Doyle, has done so over such a wide range of activities that his selection is a particularly apt choice.
Given his family background and the involvement in the life of the club of his late father, Gerry, his uncles Tommy, Mikey, and Danny, and his brother, Jimmy, it was inevitable that Paddy would follow in their footsteps. Paddy’s prowess as a teenager saw him play for Tipperary minors for three years, winning two All-Ireland medals in 57 and 59 and he was also on the Tipperary minor football team in 1959.He won county minor hurling honours with the club in 1957. His elevation to the great club senior hurling ream of the latter half of the sixties followed with the first of his seven county senior hurling medals won in 1959. Five more followed from 61 to 65 as the club equalled its own record of five county senior titles in a row. Paddy was still a key figure when the club next triumphed in the Dan Breen Cup in 1974 – this time as a defender, having previously operated in attack.
He won an All-Ireland senior hurling medal in 1965 and travelled to the United States with that team. Paddy had all the attributes of a top-class player, and while he will be best remembered as a speedy, skilful, free-scoring forward in the great team of the sixties, he was equally at home at half-back, starring in the number six shirt in the ‘74 win over Silvermines, a versatility which reflected his wonderful natural talent for the game. Paddy always had a “grá” for football and won a county senior football championship with Thurles Crokes in 1960, the only time the title came to Thurles. Going on from that he captained Tipperary in the Munster senior football championship in 1961, a slip of a lad at nineteen years of age – probably the only Thurles man to do so, which in itself is a significant achievement.
His playing career over, Paddy continued to immerse himself in the life of the club and took charge of the club’s senior hurlers that reached the county final on a number of occasions. The success he longed for with the club eluded him but in 1984 he steered Moycarkey-Borris to county and provincial honours and three years later he went one better as he led Borris/Ileigh to county, Munster and All-Ireland club titles. His talent was also in big demand at inter-county level and he managed the Tipperary team which reached the 1987 All-Ireland minor hurling final. In the early 90s, he was in charge of the Laois team that won division two of the National Hurling League. He was also a driving force in the revival of camogie in town in the sixties and early seventies when the club won several county and provincial honours and were narrowly beaten in the All-Ireland final in 1971.
Paddy also gave generously of his time to club administration and under his chairmanship the club’s social centre here opened in 1978, a hugely significant event in the history of the club which benefitted immensely from the enthusiasm and leadership he provided to bring it to fruition. He is currently Vice-President of the club.
Outside of GAA matters Paddy was a top-class Badminton player who along with his brother, the late Jimmy, and team-mates in the Thurles Badminton club were regarded as one of the top outfits in the country in their time, with a litany of county, provincial and national titles to their credit. In all of these activities Paddy’s commitment was never less than one hundred percent and it can safely be said that he has few, if any, equals in terms of long and distinguished service to the club – a service that continues to this day. We salute him and thank him for his outstanding contribution and loyalty to Sarsfields and congratulate him on joining the ranks of the other “great’s” in the club’s Hall of Fame.
