Upperchurch Drombane GAA will be holding a championship preview night in Pa's Bar, Upperchurch on Friday 10th May at 9pm. A panel of experts have been chosen to look ahead to the summer's action including Galway All Star hurler & selector Tom Helebert, All Ireland winner, All Star and former Tipperary captain Shane McGrath and former All Ireland winning player and manager Michael Ryan with more to be announced. Tipp FM's Stephen Gleeson will be asking the tough questions on the night as Tipperary face Cork in their opening game just 2 days later.
On the night we will also be carrying out the draw for our recent fundraising campaign with a top prize of a trip for 2 to New York, 2nd prize of a trip for 2 to Madrid plus many other prizes.
Tickets are still available priced at €10 each or you can buy a book of 6 tickets for €50 and these can be bought from any of the players or committee members.
All are invited for what should be a very interesting evening.
Guest panelists:
Tom Helebert: Tom played senior hurling with Galway for 7 years during which time he won a league title and was wing back in the 1993 All Ireland final. He won an All Star award in 1996 at corner back. Tom was also a selector on the Galway team that took Kilkenny to a replay in the 2012 All Ireland final and was involved with Clarinbridge when they claimed the 2011 All Ireland club title.
Shane McGrath: A native of Ballinahinch, Shane wore the blue and gold with distinction for 10 seasons and participated in 4 Al Ireland finals including the victorious campaign of 2010. In addition he also has 5 Munster championship medals, a league title, 2 railway cups and 2 Fitzgibbon cups.. Shane's exploits were recognized with 2 All Star awards, in 2008 & 2014 and in 2013 he was chosen as Tipperary captain.
Michael Ryan: Our own clubman Michael Ryan has done it all in intercounty hurling. He hurled at corner back for Tipperary for 10 seasons with the pinnacle being 1991 when they claimed the Liam McCarthy cup. On the playing field he also won 2 league medals, 2 Munster titles and 2 railway cup medals. In 2007 Michael joined Lim Sheedy's management team as selector which culminated in 2010 when they claimed the All Ireland title. He was back again as assistant manager of Tipperary under Eamon O'Shea when Tipp took Kilkenny to a replay in the All Ireland final of 2014. In 2016 Michael took the reigns as manager and led the Premier County to the All Ireland title.