Tipperary Hills Re-Opened

Michael Brennan stood on the first tee and welcomed over one hundred people who had turned out to support this event.
Archdeacon McGrath blessed the fields behind him and all those who had worked so hard to recreate the beautiful pitch & putt grounds. The Mayor of Tipperary Cllr.Mary Swords, officers of the County Pitch & Putt Board and members of the County Team were all present to give their full support.

Myles McMorrow, County Board Chairman and PPUI Vice President, gave a welcoming speech and congratulated everyone on their hard work and paid special mention to the Tipperary Hills Club who have fought so valiantly to get the Club back up and running.

Michael Brennan addressed all who were present and outlined the history of the club. The club was originally formed when Noel McInerney, in April 1970, put forward the idea that The Hills should be developed as a town park. The idea of a pitch & putt course was proposed in November that year and the first committee was formed. The first committee comprised of Archdeacon Ryan as President, Michael Dermady as Chairperson, Noreen Cullen as Secretary and Treasurer Michael Ryan.

The original course went along the old road and came back to the 18th which is now the first green but due to insurance problems the course was moved to its now present layout. Over the years many County Provincial and Nationals Competitions were held on the Hills and for some years it was one of the best supported in the County. The Mazda Scratch Cup attracted the top players from all over the country and was an event not to be missed.

Some excellent players were produced by Tipperary’s Pitch & Putt Club; Christeen Glasheen & Richard O’Halloran were the first to bring a national title to the club in 1981, when they won the National Foursomes at Waterford Glass. Seamie O’Halloran followed in 1986 and Edward Lonergan in 1987 when they won the National Juvenile Strokeplay. In 1988 Breda Lonergan won the Ladies Title and in 1995, Willie Collins and Anthony Cuchane, who were leading members of the club, won the All Ireland.

Many members have represented the club on county teams over the years.

In 2005, after 35 years, due to numerous reasons the club closed down. This was a big loss to the people of Tipperary at that time but fortunately, in November 2008, a public meeting was called and a new committee was formed. Driven by Sean Keane who had been a founding member, work commenced in February 2009. Sods were ordered for 18 greens and with help from neighbouring club in Cashel, Brian Webster, Jimmy O’Neil and Shane Hoare the greens were laid. The Tipperary Credit Union donated j25,000 to the project and Cavanagh Brothers, Rite Price Kitchens all donated equipment to furnish the clubhouse. All Tee Boxes were sponsored and FAS workers were used to help with the hard work.

Michael Brennan, on behalf of the committee, offered a huge thank you to all those who had worked hard and had sponsored the club .

“I would also like to call on a man who has given his heart and soul to the club since 1970.

It was his vision and drive that got us reformed as a club and in recognition of his hard work and dedication for the last 39 years, it was unanimously decided to reward him with the highest honour of becoming our new Club President." Michael called forward Sean Keane as the new Club President and asked him to cut the ribbon with Mayor Mary Swords and Myles McMarrow. Sean gave an emotional speech and was honoured to receive the great thanks and appreciation from the club.

With the club officially opened, members of the county team tee'd off after the offical opening and then everyone was invited back to the club house for refreshments.

Earlier in the day large crowds attended a Tipp Hills Appreciation Day which was a marvellous success.

People of the town celebrated the re-opening of The Hills and
the official re-launch of the Tipperary Hills Pitch & Putt was part of the day long ceremonies.