McCarthy brings McCarthy to TOOMEVARA GAA 

The heavens parted the clouds on Sunday at St. Michael’s Park just in time for the arrival of the Liam McCarthy cup and local stars, Darragh McCarthy, Paddy O Brien and Michael Bevans. Toome was especially honoured to have super Tipperary Captain, Ronan Maher and super corner back, Michael Breen joining our local stars. 

The gardai escorted the cup and stars to the field and then a guard of honour of our supporters cheered them to the stand and here they were welcomed by Roger Mounsey and chairperson, Denise Hayes, who detailed the pride we all had in the achievements of all. She especially acknowledged the dedication that Darragh has put into his hurling skills since he was a juvenile : regularly in the field summer and winter. Denise acknowledged the key roles played by Michael Bevans and Paddy O Brien in Tipp’s success story. Then Michael Bevans shared his thoughts on the role Hurling in Toomevara has played in his life and the work done by so many in the club over the years promoting and training boys and girls. He spoke of Darragh as a young player who was still developing in his career and there will be ups and downs and we had to give him our support. 

Darragh’s address was cheered to the clouds and as usual spoke of the work done at underage and the support, encouragement and advice of his father, Joe, in the club over the years. He encouraged the growing number of young players gathering around him on the steps to work hard and keep practicing. Every sentence was greeted with cheering and applause. Once finished he was presented with a beautiful watch by Roger Mounsey on behalf of the club. Our vice president, Pat Hennessey, presented vouchers to Paddy and Michael. 

Then the crowd joined Mary Meagher in singing our County anthem, Slievenamon. The players all deserve our thanks for staying around for an additional 3 hours to sign hurleys, jerseys, sliotars and to take photographs. What wonderful hurlers we have. Darragh was like the pied piper as wherever he went he had a row of youngsters following him. Then they came to the clubhouse to enjoy a cup of tea, a chat and more photos and thanks to all those who brought along sandwiches, buns and treats. 

The club with the support of the Camogie club set up several inflatables in the field to entertain the young people and sometimes the ‘not so young’. Others held tug of war battles, connect4 and many others and we thank Nessa and Mairead for supplying these. The Ice Cream van sponsored by Toomevara GAA was also a welcome distraction and very popular. Thanks to the girls who facepainted for hours our young boys and girls.

The music provided by Walter Kennedy from the start was superb and entertaining and added to the great day enjoyed by so many. The ‘gang’ behind the tables who poured gallons of tea and kept the plates filled came in for high praise. 

I was delighted that so many spoke their appreciation of the superb day and that they enjoyed it so much because a lot of work went into the planning, the setting up and delivery of a truly deserved Failte to Liam McCarthy and to Toome’s superstar, Darragh McCarthy. 

The scoreboard showed Darragh’s score of 1:13 in the All Ireland final for all to see and the final was broadcast in the clubhouse. In the clubhouse the photographs sent in were posted up for all to see and will be left up for a few weeks. 

As we come to the end of the hurling season we hope Sunday’s support will continue as we get prepare for U15, U21 and Senior games as Denise mentioned in her speech. Tuaim agus Tiobraid Árann Abú. (Lets do it again next year….no pressure Darragh)