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The Irish Sun
06-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Diarmuid Martin lands late winner as Tyrone stun Kerry to seal first All-Ireland minor title since 2010
TYRONE boss Ger Donnelly said it was no surprise that Diarmuid Martin delivered the HAMMER blow to Kerry. Martin stepped in for the All-Ireland Minor final to replace 2 The Tyrone team celebrate with the cup after All-Ireland Minor Championship final match against Kerry at Cedral St Conleth's Park in Newbridge 2 Diarmuid Martin of Tyrone smashed a late winner for the Ulster men to claim their first All-Ireland title in five years Kerr was contracted to the Hammers from the start of July so couldn't play in the final - despite netting in the semi-final. But it turned out Tyrone trailed by four points with 11 minutes to go in Newbridge and were still a point down deep into stoppage time. But Peter Colton, who'd earlier netted from the penalty spot, tied the game up at 1-15 apiece. READ MORE ON GAA And Martin capped a fine game with the winning score in the dying moments to clinch Tyrone's first title since 2010, their ninth in all. The Red Hands have already claimed back-to-back U-20 titles and their seniors will play Kerry next weekend - so a landmark treble remains on the cards. Donnelly heaped praised on powerful forward Martin for his decisive role in the landmark minor win. Donnelly said: "I knew that he would have a big game. I said, 'Diarmo, you'll come in and you're going to have a big day' - and he scored the winner! You just couldn't script it. Most read in GAA Football "He's had injuries but every week Diarmuid has been getting sharper and sharper and we just unloaded him for the final and he got three points from play." There were reports only hours before the game that Kerr might actually feature - despite his contractual ties to Premier League outfit West Ham. 'Lots of fight' - RTE GAA pundits react to Sean O'Shea's 'very interesting' interview after Kerry dethrone Armagh But Donnelly said: "No, no, we knew straight away. We knew that from the first of July, he was a West Ham player. Me and his father had constant chats. "Joel is a West Ham player, he's away now starting his career. I just chatted to him there. He's the happiest man going. Fair play to him, he's a good lad and fair play to the team, they all stood up." The list of young heroes in red and white was lengthy. Colton finished with 1-2 while Eoin Long struck 0-5. He rattled the woodwork with a shot during Tyrone's late rally too and fired another attempt just over as the Ulster champions turned the screw impressively. James Mulgrew scored three points from midfield, an area where Tyrone dominated in the second-half with Padraig Goodman also excellent. It was a sweet success for boss Donnelly whose reign began with a one-point All-Ireland final loss to Meath back in 2021. He said: "I was asked back after the three-year term was up and I came back in. Had we won this in 2021, maybe I wouldn't have come back. The drive was definitely there to do what we have done now." Current senior goalkeeper Niall Morgan was a happy man too. He's part of a tight-knit Tyrone minor backroom along with former senior star Ciaran Gourley and Sean Murphy. Donnelly is adamant that it's not the last we've heard of his minors, insisting they'll be future seniors. He said: "There's absolutely no doubt about that. These guys are something else. They're special. The only sad thing for us is that the season is over." In fact, when Ben Kelliher nudged them a point ahead with a brilliant solo score on the hour, which still separated them in the 63rd minute, they were in pole position themselves. And even after Martin's winning point for Tyrone, Kelliher pushed for an equaliser to force extra-time but was crowded out close to goal in the very last play. Wing-back Danny Murphy was a strong performer for Kerry as well, scoring a first-half point and playing the ball for Kelliher's goal approaching the interval. Alex Tuohy's GPS unit was smoking also as he put in the hard yards, scoring one point and setting up both Murphy and later Tadhg O'Connell for scores. Gearoid White and Kevin Griffin two-pointers in the third quarter nudged Kerry into that 1-13 to 0-12 lead and suggested great gains. But they couldn't hold on for a landmark win, their first since 2018, as Tyrone came with their late rally. Kerry boss Quillinan said: "I am absolutely heartbroken. But on the flipside, I am so proud of them. That is the overriding feeling I have. Those guys left it all out there. How can you complain about that? You just can't." Tyrone outscored Kerry by 1-4 to 0-2 in all in the closing 15 minutes or so - despite playing into the stiff wind. Quillinan said: "We went four up and Tyrone responded and credit to Tyrone for that. That's the sign of a great team - we came back at them and they didn't die." Tyrone 1-16 Kerry 1-15 Tyrone: R Donnelly; E Kerr, P Goodman, C McCrystal; A Quinn 0-1, J Daly, T Meenan; J Mulgrew 0-3, 1 tp, P Donaghy; C Farley, P Colton 1-2, 0-1f, D McAnespie 0-1, 1f; D Martin 0-3, E Long 0-5, 3f, P McDonald. Subs: MF Daly 0-1 for McAnespie 44, V Gormley for McDonald 48, M Kennedy for Long 59. Kerry: R Kennedy; E Joy, R Sheridan, T O Slatara; D Murphy 0-2, D Sargent, M Clifford; M O Se, J Curtin 0-1; M O'Carroll, G White 0-4, 1 tp, 1f, A Tuohy 0-1; B Kelliher 1-2, K Griffin 0-3, 1 tp, 1 45, T O'Connell 0-2. Subs: N Lacey for O'Connell 44, J Kissane for O Se 52, P O Mainnin for O'Carroll 54. Referee: T Murphy (Galway).
Irish Daily Mirror
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Inside Tipperary star Michael Breen's relationship with Sharlene Mawdsley
Michael Breen has achieved success with Tipperary at every level — minor, U21, and senior — throughout the years. Since making his debut over a decade ago, he has established himself as a key player and dependable presence on the team, collecting multiple All-Ireland and provincial medals along the way. In this feature, we explore his life both on and off the pitch, from his demanding career and club commitments to his recently revealed relationship. Michael Breen enjoyed a standout underage career with Tipperary before breaking into the senior ranks. He captured Munster and All-Ireland Minor Championship medals in 2012, marking an early sign of his potential. He progressed to the U21 team the following year and was drafted into the senior panel in 2014, making his debut in a National Hurling League clash against Clare. His first championship appearance came in 2015 during a Munster semi-final against Limerick. A versatile and reliable performer, the Ballina native has lined out in a variety of positions throughout his career — including full back, corner back, midfield, and centre forward — cementing his status as a key figure for the Premier County. Breen has twice lifted the Liam MacCarthy Cup, helping Tipperary to All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship glory in 2016 and 2019. He also claimed Munster titles in 2015 and 2016. Recognised for his individual excellence, he received All-Star nominations at midfield in both 2016 and 2020. Breen is in relationship with Olympic sprinter Sharlene Mawdsley. The news of their budding romance was confirmed following Tipperary's 1-30 to 1-21 victory over Waterford in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship. Sharing a lovely picture of them together in Semple Stadium in Thurles, Sharlene wrote: "Tippin' on." Michael also commented on their first public picture together, which he wasn't tagged in, and poked fun at his girlfriend, writing: "Any tag nah?" The GAA star also shared the post to his Instagram story and joked: "This fan was following me around all day." Mawdsley attended her first ever match in Croke Park in July when she watched Breen competing for the Premier County in all All-Ireland semi-final against Kilkenny. She revealed in a Q&A on her Instagram story: "Looking forward to it!! I've never been to a hurling match in Croke Park." Michael was born on July 16, 1994, making him 30 years of age. He is from the town of Ballina on the Clare border. He plays his club hurling with the local GAA club. He measure 6 ft 2 in height. Michael works as a secondary school teacher, teaching business and geography at CBS High School in Clonmel. He graduated with Liberal Arts and Science/Liberal Studies degree from University College Cork in 2016, followed by Master's degree in Food Business from the same university three years later. He also completed a Diploma of Education from Dublin City University in 2021. 2 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship - 2016 and 2019 2 Munster Senior Hurling Championship - 2015 and 2016
The Irish Sun
18-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Jake Morris says Tipperary minor heroes inspired senior revival after ‘embarrassing' 2024 collapse
AFTER Tipperary felt 'embarrassed' by their efforts in 2024, the success of the Premier's minor team had a major influence on the seniors' desire to restore pride. Hurling in Advertisement 2 Jake Morris of Tipperary hailed the minor All-Ireland winner for giving their senior side inspiration 2 Tipperary captain Cathal O'Reilly lifts the All-Ireland Minor Championship title after the win over Kilkenny in 2024 However, underage achievements brightened the outlook as the winning of an Under-20 provincial title was followed by a stunning triumph in the Jake Morris was one of the members of the senior set-up in attendance as the Tipp teenagers were forced to play the majority of their showpiece with 13 players due to a pair of first-half red cards. Yet James Woodlock's side displayed remarkable character to pull off an extra-time win over Kilkenny on their own patch. Asked if it was the type of occasion that struck a chord, Morris said: 'It was, in terms of looking at a team that fought on their backs together, a united team, a good battling Tipperary team, that never-say-die attitude and that's what you're referring to. Advertisement read more on gaa "That's what was taken away that day. 'You never mind losing a game as long as you've shown up and you've performed and you've fought on your back and you can come away together on the bus afterwards and you can look at each other. 'The manner of some of the defeats last year wasn't acceptable. I suppose that's where there was a bit of lessons taken from looking at 16- and 17-year-olds performing last year in Nowlan Park.' Morris admits he was 'embarrassed walking around' that day in Kilkenny after Tipperary had been dumped out of the Championship with an 18-point hammering against Cork six weeks earlier. Advertisement Most read in GAA Hurling Nevertheless, the response from Liam Cahill's men can only be admired. Wins over Clare and Waterford, as well as a draw with Limerick, sent them through to this year's knockouts stages. 'Just in time for Father's Day' - Dublin GAA legends welcome the birth of precious baby daughter Having blitzed Laois, another victory over Galway on Saturday would seal Tipp's place in a first All-Ireland semi-final since 2019. Morris explained: 'You can't hide away. "We were in the trenches after last year. We had to deal with it face on, take our constructive criticism and move on and look in the mirror. Advertisement 'There was a lot of soul-searching done over the winter, a lot of hard looks in the mirror and seeing what can be done more. 'To be fair, lads have done it and so have the management team. They've come with us every way in this journey. It hasn't been pointed just at the players. 'They've taken on the flak as well and together as a unit, we've worked hard and we've got ourselves into this situation now where we're still alive in the Championship and that's ultimately what we aim for.' After the year began with boss Cahill calling on fans to get behind his team, the Tipperary public have gradually been coaxed back to the stands and terraces too. Advertisement Morris said: 'Drawing against Limerick probably did plant the seed with a lot of Tipp supporters that, 'OK, these lads mean business, they're competitive again' but I don't think there was exactly one moment. "I think it's just been a lot of hard work since the start of the year.' In-form Morris was one of the stars of a campaign that saw Tipp only miss out on a place in the Munster final on scoring difference. The vice-captain, who debuted in 2018, added: 'I know I only turned 26 there a couple of weeks ago but I've seen a lot. Advertisement 'I suppose leadership is off the field and on the field and we've a lot of good leaders in that dressing room. 'I think for myself, it was just a look in the mirror and to say I need to do more, I need to do more on the field. 'It's not about giving big, massive speeches in the dressing room. It's about leading on the field and that's consciously what I was trying to go after.'
The Irish Sun
05-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘They'll have a bite' – Tipperary legend Patrick Maher backs Cork to bare teeth in Munster final rematch vs Limerick
TIPPERARY great Patrick 'Bonner' Maher has warned Limerick that Cork will be ready to bare their teeth in the Munster final. Twenty days since they suffered a 16-point demolition at the Treaty's hands at the TUS Gaelic Grounds, the Advertisement 2 Former Tipp Patrick Maher reckons Cork have a real chance against Limerick 2 Limerick and Cork face off in the Munster SHC final this weekend Maher, who retired from Speaking at the Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor Championship launch, he said: 'I think Cork should come back. They'll have a bit of a bite after what happened in the last game. 'I'm hoping for a classic Munster final, fire and brimstone, where two teams go hammer-and-tongs at each other. 'It's going to be a hard one to call. Both of them are going to go hard at each other and see where the pieces fall. Advertisement READ MORE ON GAA 'Judging on the last day, you'd say Limerick are one or two points ahead. 'But I wouldn't write off Cork because those boys are well able to play.' Maher came up against Advertisement Most read in Sport But the three-time All-Ireland winner said: 'It's very hard to compare a team in one period to a team in the current period. 'There are so many variables, it's hard to say if they're as good or better than that Kilkenny team. Tipperary GAA star 'had to do live apology on RTE' the day after cursing during All-Ireland interview - 'I was lucky enough, or unlucky enough, to play against both. 'For their time and their moment playing, they're the best team that's there at that moment. Advertisement 'I wouldn't compare against the Kilkenny team because they were a different animal and that was in their time. They're two serious outfits.' l PATRICK 'BONNER' MAHER spoke at the 2025 Electric Ireland GAA All-Ireland Minor Championship launch. This summer, Electric Ireland will use their social channels to spotlight players from across the championships in their 'Parent Point of View' series, highlighting the major impact that playing minor can have on players and their families. #ThisIsMajor.
