Brendan Cummins (Tipperary hurler)
Encyclopedia
Brendan Cummins is an Irish
sportsperson. He plays hurling
with Ballybacon-Grange
and Gaelic football
with Ardfinnan
. A former dual player
at the highest level, Cummins has been a member of the Tipperary
senior hurling team since 1995. He is the current goalkeeper
on the team and is widely regarded as one of the greatest of his generation.
In July 2011 Cummins equalled Christy Ring
's all-time championship appearances record, joining Ring on 65 appearances for Tipperary as they won the 2011 Munster Final
.In August 2011 Cummins broke the record by making his 66th appearance against Dublin
in the All-Ireland semi-final. As Tipperary beat Dublin in that semi-final, he made his 67th championship appearance in the 2011 All-Ireland Final.
, County Tipperary
in 1975. He was born into a family that had a strong association with Gaelic games
, particularly Gaelic football
. His father, John Cummins, played football with Tipperary
in the 1960s and also featured on the Munster
inter-provincial team.
Cummins was educated at the local national school in the village, before later receiving his secondary schooling in nearby Cahir
. He currently works as a bank official with the Allied Irish Bank and is based in Cahir.
with Ballybacon-Grange
. He has had a lot of success at underage level, however, he has yet to win a senior hurling title with the club. Cummins also plays club Gaelic football
with the sister club in Ardfinnan
. He won a senior football county championship with the team in 2005 even though he was on holidays in Australia at the time of the final against Loughmore\Castleiney. His Dad John first trained Brendan by sprinting across the green in Ardfinnan but when Brendan started to beat him he stopped. "In all fairness Brendan".
at minor level. In 1993 he enjoyed his most successful year as a member of the county’s minor team; however, it was his final year in that grade. Cummins was the goalkeeper on the Tipp team that reached the provincial decider against Cork. That game was a close affair, however, Tipp emerged victorious by 1-12 to 1-9, giving Cummins a Munster
winners’ medal in that grade. Unfortunately, Tipperary were subsequently defeated by Galway
in the All-Ireland semi-final.
1993 also saw Cummins line out with the Tipperary minor footballers as that team reached their respective Munster decider. Once again it was Cork who provided the opposition; however, Tipp could not stop ‘the Rebels’ from completing a provincial three-in-a-row. A 2-15 to 2-7 score line resulted in defeat for Cummins.
Two years later in 1995 Cummins was the first-choice goalkeeper on the Tipperary under-21 hurling team that reached the provincial decider in that grade. Clare
, a team that had never won the Munster under-21 title, provided the opposition. Cummins kept a clean sheet in the game, a key factor in helping his county to a 1-17 to 0-14 victory. After collecting a coveted Munster
under-21 winners’ medal, Cummins later lined out in the All-Ireland final. Kilkenny
, the reigning champions, were the opponents in that game, however, Tipp were too strong. A 1-14 to 1-10 gave Cummins a coveted All-Ireland
under-21 title.
, played in April 1994. Later that summer Tipperary continued their football march and qualified for a second consecutive Munster football final, with Cummins lining out in his first. Cork, the reigning provincial champions provided the opposition, however, Tipperary, regarded by some as the minnows of Munster failed to trouble Cork. A 2-19 to 3-9 score line resulted in a victory for ‘the Rebels’ and a defeat for Cummins.
The retirement of Ken Hogan
as first-choice goalkeeper on the Tipp senior hurling team in 1993 meant that the door was now open for a new player to join the starting fifteen. Cummins, who was just out of the minor grade, was overlooked as the position of custodian went to Jody Grace
.
Grace lasted just one season as goalkeeper as Tipperary were dumped out of the championship at the very first hurdle in 1994. Once again, the door was open for a new goalkeeper to take up the mantle of first-choice custodian. Cummins was the lucky one on this occasion and he made his debut in Tipperary’s opening championship game in 1995. The year, however, was an unsuccessful one again as Tipp exited the championship at a very early stage.
In 1996 Cummins’s side reached the final of the National Hurling League
. Galway provided the opposition, however, Tipp lost out narrowly by 2-10 to 2-8. Tipp subsequently booked their place in the Munster hurling final, with Cummins playing in his very first in the grade. Limerick
provided the opposition on that occasion; however, at half-time Tipp took a ten-point lead and looked to be cruising to victory. Limerick fought back in the second-half with Gary Kirby
playing a huge role to secure a draw. The replay which took place shortly after was much more conclusive. Cummins had a nightmare of a game as he conceded four goals to the Limerick forwards. This was a large factor in Tipp’s 4-7 to 0-16 defeat.
The following year Tipperary reached a second successive Munster hurling final. Clare
were the opponents on that occasion and the game turned into a close one. Once again it was the ability to score goals that proved decisive as Tipp were defeated by 1-18 to 0-18. 1997 also saw the introduction of the so-called ‘back-door system’ for the defeated provincial finalists in Munster and Leinster. As a result of this, Tipperary still had a chance to battle for the All-Ireland title. Subsequent defeated of Down
and Wexford
allowed Cummins’s side to advance to the championship decider. That game was a repeat of the provincial decider, as Clare provided the opposition in a unique all-Munster All-Ireland final. The final was regarded as one of the best in decades, with the destination of the Liam McCarthy Cup
remaining unknown until the final whistle. Cummins played a huge role by keeping a clean sheet; however, Tipp trailed Clare by five points with fifteen minutes left to play. Goals by Liam Cahill
and Eugene O'Neill
in a four-minute spell changed the complexion of the game as Tipp took a one-point lead with five minutes left in the game. Clare fought back and only for a missed goal chance by John Leahy
the McCarthy Cup could have been going to Tipp. In the end it was Clare who secured the narrowest pf victories with a 0-20 to 2-13 score line.
1998 saw Tipperary’s hurlers fail to make the provincial decider for the first time in three years. The county’s footballers, however, booked their place in the Munster showpiece with reigning All-Ireland champions Kerry
providing the opposition. Kerry never looked troubled in that game, however, Cummins’s side put up a good fight. In the end, the title went to Kerry by 0-17 to 1-10.
In early 1999 Tipperary seemed to put down a benchmark for the championship when the team reached the final of the National League. In a repeat of the 1996 decider, Galway were the opposition. This time the result was reversed with Tipperary taking a 1-14 to 1-10 victory. It was Cummins’s first National League winners’ medal. This victory proved to be a false dawn for Tipp, as the team failed to make any impact in the championship.
2000 saw Tipperary take on Galway in the final of the National League once again. It was their third meeting in five years at this stage of the competition. Each side had recorded one victory each while Tipp were the reigning champions. Galway, however, were far too strong and won the game by 2-18 to 2-13. Later that year Cummins was back in the Munster hurling decider after a three-year absence. Cork, arguably Tipp’s greatest rivals, were the opponents and an exciting game developed. Cummins kept a clean sheet again as Cork relied on points-scoring to build up a lead. Tipp, however, fought back with three goals to narrow the deficit and set up a grandstand finish. At the long whistle Cork emerged victorious by 0-23 to 3-12. Tipp were subsequently knocked out of the championship by Galway in the All-Ireland quarter-final. In spite of a lack of success, Cummins was recognised as the top goalkeeper of the year and duly collected his first All-Star
award.
In 2001 Cummins enjoyed his best season with the Tipperary hurlers. The team booked their place in a third successive National League final at the start of the year. Clare were the opponents in that game, however, the great Clare team of the 1990s was now heading over-the-hill. Tipperary were the victors by 1-19 to 0-17, giving Cummins a second National League medal inside three years. Tipperary later built on this success by qualifying for the Munster final against Limerick. In a close game Cummins’s side broke back and won the game by 2-16 to 1-17. It was his first Munster
winners’ medal and the premier county’s first provincial championship in eight years. Tipperary’s great run of success nearly came to an abrupt end in the subsequent All-Ireland semi-final when they were held to a draw by Wexford. Cummins’s side easily won the replay, setting up an All-Ireland final meeting with Galway. Mark O'Leary
scored two goals to give Tipperary a reasonably comfortable cushion, just enough to withstand a Galway comeback. Fergal Healy
hit the post twice, however, his goal, Galway’s second, cut the deficit to one point with just nine minutes left in the game. Tipp outscored Galway during that period to secure a 2-18 to 2-15 victory. It was Cummins’s first All-Ireland
winners’ medal and Tipp’s first in a decade. He was later honoured by claiming a second All-Star award as goalkeeper.
2002 proved to be a disappointment for Cummins after the highs of the previous year. Tipperary’s hurlers lined out against Waterford
in the Munster hurling final and looked set for victory. The Decies had not won a provincial title since 1963 while Tipp were the All-Ireland champions. Things did not pan out that way as Tipp failed to score for the last twenty minutes. Waterford powered to a memorable 2-23 to 3-12 victory and a place in the history books. Cummins also linked up with the Tipp footballers that year after a long absence. The Munster football final that year pitted Tipp against Cork. While many people wrote of Tipp’s chances, the men from the premier county held their opponents to a draw and, with a little luck; they could have won the game. The replay was much more conclusive as a 1-23 to 0-7 trouncing gave Cork the title. Both Tipperary’s hurlers and footballers now had to take the scenic route to the respective All-Ireland titles. The footballers were knocked out of the championship in the qualifiers while after overcoming Antrim
the Tipp hurlers booked a place against Kilkenny
in the All-Ireland semi-final. At the final whistle only four points separated the sides; however, ‘the Cats’ took the spoils and brought an end to a disappointing season for Cummins.
After a winter and spring of serious training Cummins regained some of the form he believed he had lost in 2002. He played a key role in helping his team reach the final of the National League in 2003. Kilkenny were the opponents and a high-scoring game ensued. Both sides conceded five goals, however, at the full-time whistle only a point stood between Tipp and a draw. Kilkenny won the game by 5-14 to 5-13, while the concession of five goals tested Cummins’s confidence as a goalkeeper once again. Tipperary exited the provincial championship at an early stage, however, by maneuvering through the newly-expanded qualifiers the team reached the All-Ireland semi-final stage for a third consecutive year. Kilkenny were the opponents once again, however, Tipp were now in decline. A twelve-point 3-18 to 0-15 trouncing resulted in a victory for Kilkenny, however, but for Cummins’s goalkeeping skills the result could have been a lot worse. His save from a combined D.J. Carey-Charlie Carter
effort was enough to earn him a third All-Star award in four years.
After an even more lackluster season in 2004, Tipperary bounced back to each the Munster final in 2005. Old rivals Cork lined out against them, however, the sparkle that had characterized these clashes in years gone by had diminished by the turn of the new century. A 1-21 to 1-16 score line gave Cork the victory; however, Tipp still booked their place in the All-Ireland quarter-final. That game was viewed by many as one that Cummins’s side could easily win, however, eventual All-Ireland finalists Galway dumped Tipp out of the championship by 2-20 to 2-18.
2006 saw the return of Babs Keating as Tipperary manager as Cummins lined out in a second consecutive Munster final against Cork. The result was the same as the previous year as ‘the Rebels’ defeated their greatest rivals by 2-14 to 1-14. The subsequent All-Ireland quarter-final was a repeat of the provincial semi-final with Waterford providing the opposition. While Tipp won the first outing, Waterford turned the tables for the second installment with a 3-13 to 1-22 defeat of Cummins’s side.
In 2007 Cummins endured a frustrating season. A draw in Tipperary’s opening game with Limerick resulted in Babs Keating dropping him from the starting fifteen in favour of sub-goalkeeper Gerry Kennedy
. Cummins remained sidelined for all subsequent games, and saw Tipp exit the championship with a defeat by Wexford in the All-Ireland quarter-final.
Liam Sheedy
replaced Keating as manager for 2008 and Cummins was welcomed back onto the starting fifteen under the new management and selectors. Tipp began the year well by winning the pre-season Waterford Crystal Cup
. The men from the premier county later remained undefeated in their National League campaign before meeting Galway in the final. In an exciting game Tipp emerged victorious by 3-18 to 3-16 and Cummins collected a third National League winners’ medal. In the subsequent Munster semi-final against Cork, Cummins made his return to championship hurling as Tipp secured a 1-19 to 1-13 victory. It was Tipp's first championship victory over Cork in Cork since 1923. The victory also allowed Tipp to advance to the Munster final where they played Clare. Cummins showed a remarkable return to form and gave an exhibition of the full range of his goalkeeping skills on that occasion as he stopped several goal and point chances. Tipperary won the game by 2-21 to 0-19 giving Cummins only his second Munster winners’ medal. In the build-up to the subsequent All-Ireland semi-final against Waterford there was much discussion about Tipp. After an unbeaten run throughout the whole year many viewed the game as a formality as Tipp were seemingly guaranteed a place in the championship decider. Not for the first time Waterford turned the tables on Tipp in the penultimate stage as the Decies won by 1-20 to 1-18. There was some consolation for Cummins as he was rewarded for the revival of his goalkeeping career with a fourth All-Star.
At the start of 2009 Tipperary were regarded as the main challengers to Kilkenny’s assault on the four-in-a-row of All-Ireland championship titles. Both sides lined out against each other in the final of the National League. Tipperary stormed into a decisive lead as they took the game by the scruff of the; however, ‘the Cats’ clawed their way back into the game. At the end of normal time both sides were level. A period of extra-time followed, however, in spite of a 2-26 to 4-17 defeat, Cummins’s side were widely lauded for their performance. The subsequent championship campaign saw Tipp reach the Munster final for a second consecutive year. Including a replay in 1996, this was Cummins’s tenth appearance in a provincial decider. Waterford, the team that had put Tipp to the sword in the All-Ireland semi-final the previous year provided the opposition. Cummins’s side raced into a decisive lead at the interval, however, the Decies fought back to narrow the deficit and maybe cause an upset. In the end Tipp won the game by 4-14 to 2-16. It was Cummins’s third Munster winners’ medal. This victory allowed Tipperary to advance to an All-Ireland semi-final meeting with Limerick in Croke Park
, which they won at a canter. In playing in this game Cummins became Tipperary's most "capped" player of all time. It was his 55th championship appearance for Tipp, overtaking the legendary John Doyle's
record which had stood since 1967. Tipperary and Cummins went on to lose to Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final.
In September 2009, Cummins was nominated for the 2009 All Star Team
.
On 5 September 2010, Cummins scored a point from a long range free (his first ever point for Tipperary) as Tipperary won their 26th All Ireland title
, beating reigning champions Killkenny
by 4-17 to 1-18 in the final
, preventing Kilkenny from achieving an historic 5-in-a-row.
in the inter-provincial hurling championship. He first played for his province in 1996 as Munster trounced Ulster
by 5-13 to 0-7 in the semi-final. Cummins was replaced by Davy FitzGerald
for the final which Munster won.
Cummins was the first-choice goalkeeper for Munster between 1999 and 2004, a period which saw some success on the inter-provincial front. Munster reached the final of the competition in 1999; however, Connacht
proved the better team on the occasion and narrowly won the game by 2-13 to 1-15.
The following year Munster found themselves back in the inter-pro final once again. Arch-rivals Leinster provided the opposition and another close game developed between the provinces finest. Munster just about sneaked a 3-15 to 2-15 win, giving Cummins a coveted Railway Cup winners’ medal.
In 2001 Cummins was honoured by being appointed captain of his province for the series of games. After a defeat of Leinster he led his team out for the final against Connacht. Munster had a rather flattering 1-21 to 1-15 victory, however, Cummins had the distinction of lifting the Railway Cup on behalf of his province while also collecting a second consecutive winners’ medal.
While the inter-provincial series had been dwindling in recent times the players showed no lack of appetite in providing a thrilling final in 2002. Munster did battle with Leinster once again, with the result remaining in doubt until the final whistle. A high-scoring and close game eventually saw Leinster narrowly take the title by 4-15 t 3-17.
After a semi-final defeat in 2003, Munster reached the final again the following year. Connacht were the opponents on that occasion, however, the men from the western province were far too good. A 1-15 to 0-9 trouncing resulted in Cummins losing a third Railway Cup final in five years.
. In 1999 he won the pairs competition with Ian Scallan from Wexford
. Five years later in 2004 Cummins repeated this feat, this time with Albert Shanahan from Limerick
. That year he also claimed the All-Ireland title in his own right, setting an all-time record of negotiating the course in only forty-eight pucks. In capturing this title he followed in the footsteps of other famous goalkeepers: Ger Cunningham
, Ollie Walsh
, Davy FitzGerald
and Tommy Quaid
. After surrendering the title in 2005, Cummins returned the following year to capture a second All-Ireland title in the competition. It was the first of three-in-a-row, bringing his total haul of Poc Fada titles to four.
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
sportsperson. He plays hurling
Hurling
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
with Ballybacon-Grange
Ballybacon-Grange GAA
Ballybacon-Grange GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club with an senior hurling team, located in the areas of Goatenbridge and Ardfinnan in south County Tipperary, Ireland. The club is famous for players Michael "Babs" Keating and Brendan Cummins....
and Gaelic football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
with Ardfinnan
Ardfinnan GAA
Ardfinnan GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club in County Tipperary, Ireland. The club draws its players and support from the small town of the same name. The area comprises three parishes of Ardfinnan, Grange and Ballybacon and their surrounding hinterlands. The club is known by its supporters...
. A former dual player
Dual player
Dual player or dual star is a term used in Gaelic games to describe a player who plays both Men's Gaelic football and Hurling or Ladies' Gaelic football and Camogie. The player doesn't necessarily have to play at the same standard in both sports...
at the highest level, Cummins has been a member of the Tipperary
Tipperary GAA
The Tipperary County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or C is one of over 30 regional executive boards throughout the world. These executive boards are known as County Boards even though some no longer correspond to the area under the jurisdiction of the counties from which their names...
senior hurling team since 1995. He is the current goalkeeper
Goalkeeper
In many team sports which involve scoring goals, a goalkeeper is a designated player charged with directly preventing the opposing team from scoring by intercepting shots at goal...
on the team and is widely regarded as one of the greatest of his generation.
In July 2011 Cummins equalled Christy Ring
Christy Ring
Nicholas Christopher Michael Ring , better known as Christy Ring, was a famous Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with the Glen Rovers club from 1941 until 1967 and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1939 until 1963. Ring is widely regarded as one of the greatest hurlers in...
's all-time championship appearances record, joining Ring on 65 appearances for Tipperary as they won the 2011 Munster Final
2011 Munster Senior Hurling Championship Final
The 2011 Munster Senior Hurling Championship Final was a hurling match to be played on 10 July 2011 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork, between Tipperary and Waterford. The match pitted the 2010 All-Ireland Hurling Champions against the 2010 Munster Hurling Champions...
.In August 2011 Cummins broke the record by making his 66th appearance against Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
in the All-Ireland semi-final. As Tipperary beat Dublin in that semi-final, he made his 67th championship appearance in the 2011 All-Ireland Final.
Biography
Brendan Cummins was born in ArdfinnanArdfinnan
Ardfinnan is a small village in the barony of Iffa and Offa West, South Tipperary in Ireland. It is situated on the River Suir and R665 regional road. The parish of Ardfinnan is made up of three areas: Ardfinnan, Ballybacon, and Grange. The village is located 14 kilometres from the town of Clonmel...
, County Tipperary
County Tipperary
County Tipperary is a county of Ireland. It is located in the province of Munster and is named after the town of Tipperary. The area of the county does not have a single local authority; local government is split between two authorities. In North Tipperary, part of the Mid-West Region, local...
in 1975. He was born into a family that had a strong association with Gaelic games
Gaelic games
Gaelic games are sports played in Ireland under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The two main games are Gaelic football and hurling...
, particularly Gaelic football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
. His father, John Cummins, played football with Tipperary
Tipperary GAA
The Tipperary County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or C is one of over 30 regional executive boards throughout the world. These executive boards are known as County Boards even though some no longer correspond to the area under the jurisdiction of the counties from which their names...
in the 1960s and also featured on the Munster
Munster GAA
The Munster Council is a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Munster.-Constituent counties:*Cork*Clare*Kerry*Limerick*Tipperary*Waterford-Honours:...
inter-provincial team.
Cummins was educated at the local national school in the village, before later receiving his secondary schooling in nearby Cahir
Cahir
Cahir is a town in South Tipperary in Ireland. The town is best known for its castle and the Swiss Cottage. It is in the barony of Iffa and Offa West.-Location and access:...
. He currently works as a bank official with the Allied Irish Bank and is based in Cahir.
Club
Cummins plays his club hurlingHurling
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
with Ballybacon-Grange
Ballybacon-Grange GAA
Ballybacon-Grange GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club with an senior hurling team, located in the areas of Goatenbridge and Ardfinnan in south County Tipperary, Ireland. The club is famous for players Michael "Babs" Keating and Brendan Cummins....
. He has had a lot of success at underage level, however, he has yet to win a senior hurling title with the club. Cummins also plays club Gaelic football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
with the sister club in Ardfinnan
Ardfinnan GAA
Ardfinnan GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club in County Tipperary, Ireland. The club draws its players and support from the small town of the same name. The area comprises three parishes of Ardfinnan, Grange and Ballybacon and their surrounding hinterlands. The club is known by its supporters...
. He won a senior football county championship with the team in 2005 even though he was on holidays in Australia at the time of the final against Loughmore\Castleiney. His Dad John first trained Brendan by sprinting across the green in Ardfinnan but when Brendan started to beat him he stopped. "In all fairness Brendan".
Minor & under-21
Cummins first came to prominence on the inter-county scene in the early 1990s as a dual playerDual player
Dual player or dual star is a term used in Gaelic games to describe a player who plays both Men's Gaelic football and Hurling or Ladies' Gaelic football and Camogie. The player doesn't necessarily have to play at the same standard in both sports...
at minor level. In 1993 he enjoyed his most successful year as a member of the county’s minor team; however, it was his final year in that grade. Cummins was the goalkeeper on the Tipp team that reached the provincial decider against Cork. That game was a close affair, however, Tipp emerged victorious by 1-12 to 1-9, giving Cummins a Munster
Munster Minor Hurling Championship
The Munster GAA Hurling Minor Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Munster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1928 for the youngest competitors in the province of Munster in Ireland...
winners’ medal in that grade. Unfortunately, Tipperary were subsequently defeated by Galway
Galway GAA
The Galway County Boards of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Galway GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Galway. The county boards are also responsible for the Galway inter-county teams.Unlike all other counties in Ireland,...
in the All-Ireland semi-final.
1993 also saw Cummins line out with the Tipperary minor footballers as that team reached their respective Munster decider. Once again it was Cork who provided the opposition; however, Tipp could not stop ‘the Rebels’ from completing a provincial three-in-a-row. A 2-15 to 2-7 score line resulted in defeat for Cummins.
Two years later in 1995 Cummins was the first-choice goalkeeper on the Tipperary under-21 hurling team that reached the provincial decider in that grade. Clare
Clare GAA
The Clare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Clare GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Clare. The county board is also responsible for the Clare inter-county teams....
, a team that had never won the Munster under-21 title, provided the opposition. Cummins kept a clean sheet in the game, a key factor in helping his county to a 1-17 to 0-14 victory. After collecting a coveted Munster
Munster Under-21 Hurling Championship
The Munster GAA Hurling Under-21 Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Munster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1964 for players aged between 18 and 21 in the province of Munster in Ireland...
under-21 winners’ medal, Cummins later lined out in the All-Ireland final. Kilkenny
Kilkenny GAA
The Kilkenny County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland and is responsible for Gaelic Games in County Kilkenny. The county board has its head office and main grounds at Nowlan Park and is also responsible for Kilkenny inter-county teams...
, the reigning champions, were the opponents in that game, however, Tipp were too strong. A 1-14 to 1-10 gave Cummins a coveted All-Ireland
All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship
The All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for players aged between 18 and 21 in the game of hurling played in Ireland...
under-21 title.
Senior
By this stage Cummins had already joined both the Tipperary football and hurling teams at senior level. He first tasted success with the Tipp footballers, who won the delayed final of the 1993 McGrath CupMcGrath Cup
The McGrath Cup is a Gaelic Football competition played between the Third Level Colleges and Counties in Munster.The following Third Level Colleges take part:* University College Cork * Tralee IT* University of Limerick...
, played in April 1994. Later that summer Tipperary continued their football march and qualified for a second consecutive Munster football final, with Cummins lining out in his first. Cork, the reigning provincial champions provided the opposition, however, Tipperary, regarded by some as the minnows of Munster failed to trouble Cork. A 2-19 to 3-9 score line resulted in a victory for ‘the Rebels’ and a defeat for Cummins.
The retirement of Ken Hogan
Ken Hogan
James Kenneth Hogan , better known as Ken Hogan, is an Irish hurling manager and former player. He is the current manager of the Tipperary under-21 hurling team....
as first-choice goalkeeper on the Tipp senior hurling team in 1993 meant that the door was now open for a new player to join the starting fifteen. Cummins, who was just out of the minor grade, was overlooked as the position of custodian went to Jody Grace
Jody Grace
Jody Grace is a former Irish hurling player. He played hurling with his local club Toomevara and with the Tipperary senior inter-county team from 1991 to 1995....
.
Grace lasted just one season as goalkeeper as Tipperary were dumped out of the championship at the very first hurdle in 1994. Once again, the door was open for a new goalkeeper to take up the mantle of first-choice custodian. Cummins was the lucky one on this occasion and he made his debut in Tipperary’s opening championship game in 1995. The year, however, was an unsuccessful one again as Tipp exited the championship at a very early stage.
In 1996 Cummins’s side reached the final of the National Hurling League
National Hurling League
The National Hurling League is an annual hurling competition between the county teams of Ireland. Contested by 35 teams , it operates on a system of promotion and relegation between four different divisions, with Division One...
. Galway provided the opposition, however, Tipp lost out narrowly by 2-10 to 2-8. Tipp subsequently booked their place in the Munster hurling final, with Cummins playing in his very first in the grade. Limerick
Limerick GAA
The Limerick County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Limerick GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Limerick...
provided the opposition on that occasion; however, at half-time Tipp took a ten-point lead and looked to be cruising to victory. Limerick fought back in the second-half with Gary Kirby
Gary Kirby
Gary Kirby is an Irish hurling manager and former player. He is currently the manager of the Patrickswell senior hurling team....
playing a huge role to secure a draw. The replay which took place shortly after was much more conclusive. Cummins had a nightmare of a game as he conceded four goals to the Limerick forwards. This was a large factor in Tipp’s 4-7 to 0-16 defeat.
The following year Tipperary reached a second successive Munster hurling final. Clare
Clare GAA
The Clare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Clare GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Clare. The county board is also responsible for the Clare inter-county teams....
were the opponents on that occasion and the game turned into a close one. Once again it was the ability to score goals that proved decisive as Tipp were defeated by 1-18 to 0-18. 1997 also saw the introduction of the so-called ‘back-door system’ for the defeated provincial finalists in Munster and Leinster. As a result of this, Tipperary still had a chance to battle for the All-Ireland title. Subsequent defeated of Down
Down GAA
The Down County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Down GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Down...
and Wexford
Wexford GAA
The Wexford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Wexford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Wexford. The county board is also responsible for the Wexford inter-county teams.-History:Hurling has been played in...
allowed Cummins’s side to advance to the championship decider. That game was a repeat of the provincial decider, as Clare provided the opposition in a unique all-Munster All-Ireland final. The final was regarded as one of the best in decades, with the destination of the Liam McCarthy Cup
Liam McCarthy Cup
The MacCarthy Perpetual Challenge Cup is a trophy awarded annually by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the hurling team that wins the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.-The trophy:...
remaining unknown until the final whistle. Cummins played a huge role by keeping a clean sheet; however, Tipp trailed Clare by five points with fifteen minutes left to play. Goals by Liam Cahill
Liam Cahill
Liam Cahill was an Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Ballingarry and with the Tipperary senior inter-county team in the 1990s and 2000s. Cahill transferred to play for Thurles in 2007, winning a County Senior Hurling medal with them in 2009...
and Eugene O'Neill
Eugene O'Neill
Eugene Gladstone O'Neill was an American playwright and Nobel laureate in Literature. His poetically titled plays were among the first to introduce into American drama techniques of realism earlier associated with Russian playwright Anton Chekhov, Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, and Swedish...
in a four-minute spell changed the complexion of the game as Tipp took a one-point lead with five minutes left in the game. Clare fought back and only for a missed goal chance by John Leahy
John Leahy (hurler)
John Leahy is a former Irish sportsperson. He played senior hurling with the Tipperary inter-county team from 1988 until 2003. He also represented Tipperary in all grades in Gaelic Football. He is regarded as a great hurler in Tipperary.-Early life & private life:John Leahy was born in...
the McCarthy Cup could have been going to Tipp. In the end it was Clare who secured the narrowest pf victories with a 0-20 to 2-13 score line.
1998 saw Tipperary’s hurlers fail to make the provincial decider for the first time in three years. The county’s footballers, however, booked their place in the Munster showpiece with reigning All-Ireland champions Kerry
Kerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
providing the opposition. Kerry never looked troubled in that game, however, Cummins’s side put up a good fight. In the end, the title went to Kerry by 0-17 to 1-10.
In early 1999 Tipperary seemed to put down a benchmark for the championship when the team reached the final of the National League. In a repeat of the 1996 decider, Galway were the opposition. This time the result was reversed with Tipperary taking a 1-14 to 1-10 victory. It was Cummins’s first National League winners’ medal. This victory proved to be a false dawn for Tipp, as the team failed to make any impact in the championship.
2000 saw Tipperary take on Galway in the final of the National League once again. It was their third meeting in five years at this stage of the competition. Each side had recorded one victory each while Tipp were the reigning champions. Galway, however, were far too strong and won the game by 2-18 to 2-13. Later that year Cummins was back in the Munster hurling decider after a three-year absence. Cork, arguably Tipp’s greatest rivals, were the opponents and an exciting game developed. Cummins kept a clean sheet again as Cork relied on points-scoring to build up a lead. Tipp, however, fought back with three goals to narrow the deficit and set up a grandstand finish. At the long whistle Cork emerged victorious by 0-23 to 3-12. Tipp were subsequently knocked out of the championship by Galway in the All-Ireland quarter-final. In spite of a lack of success, Cummins was recognised as the top goalkeeper of the year and duly collected his first All-Star
GAA All Stars Awards
The All Stars Awards, currently sponsored by Vodafone, are given annually since 1971 by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the best player in each of the fifteen positions in Gaelic football and Hurling in Ireland. Additionally, one player in each code is selected as the player of the year...
award.
In 2001 Cummins enjoyed his best season with the Tipperary hurlers. The team booked their place in a third successive National League final at the start of the year. Clare were the opponents in that game, however, the great Clare team of the 1990s was now heading over-the-hill. Tipperary were the victors by 1-19 to 0-17, giving Cummins a second National League medal inside three years. Tipperary later built on this success by qualifying for the Munster final against Limerick. In a close game Cummins’s side broke back and won the game by 2-16 to 1-17. It was his first Munster
Munster Senior Hurling Championship
The Munster GAA Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1888 for the top hurling teams in the province of Munster in Ireland....
winners’ medal and the premier county’s first provincial championship in eight years. Tipperary’s great run of success nearly came to an abrupt end in the subsequent All-Ireland semi-final when they were held to a draw by Wexford. Cummins’s side easily won the replay, setting up an All-Ireland final meeting with Galway. Mark O'Leary
Mark O'Leary (hurler)
Mark O'Leary is an Irish sportsman. He plays hurling with his local club Kilruane McDonaghs and previously with the Tipperary senior inter-county team.-Club:O'Leary plays his club hurling with his native Kilruane McDonaghs.-Inter-county:...
scored two goals to give Tipperary a reasonably comfortable cushion, just enough to withstand a Galway comeback. Fergal Healy
Fergal Healy
Fergal Healy is an Irish sportsperson. He plays hurling with his local club Craughwell and has been a member of the Galway senior inter-county team from 1997-2009.-Club:...
hit the post twice, however, his goal, Galway’s second, cut the deficit to one point with just nine minutes left in the game. Tipp outscored Galway during that period to secure a 2-18 to 2-15 victory. It was Cummins’s first All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
winners’ medal and Tipp’s first in a decade. He was later honoured by claiming a second All-Star award as goalkeeper.
2002 proved to be a disappointment for Cummins after the highs of the previous year. Tipperary’s hurlers lined out against Waterford
Waterford GAA
The Waterford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Waterford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for all levels of Gaelic games in County Waterford. The County Board is also responsible for the Waterford inter-county teams. The county...
in the Munster hurling final and looked set for victory. The Decies had not won a provincial title since 1963 while Tipp were the All-Ireland champions. Things did not pan out that way as Tipp failed to score for the last twenty minutes. Waterford powered to a memorable 2-23 to 3-12 victory and a place in the history books. Cummins also linked up with the Tipp footballers that year after a long absence. The Munster football final that year pitted Tipp against Cork. While many people wrote of Tipp’s chances, the men from the premier county held their opponents to a draw and, with a little luck; they could have won the game. The replay was much more conclusive as a 1-23 to 0-7 trouncing gave Cork the title. Both Tipperary’s hurlers and footballers now had to take the scenic route to the respective All-Ireland titles. The footballers were knocked out of the championship in the qualifiers while after overcoming Antrim
Antrim GAA
The Antrim County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Antrim GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Antrim. The county board is also responsible for the Antrim inter-county teams...
the Tipp hurlers booked a place against Kilkenny
Kilkenny GAA
The Kilkenny County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland and is responsible for Gaelic Games in County Kilkenny. The county board has its head office and main grounds at Nowlan Park and is also responsible for Kilkenny inter-county teams...
in the All-Ireland semi-final. At the final whistle only four points separated the sides; however, ‘the Cats’ took the spoils and brought an end to a disappointing season for Cummins.
After a winter and spring of serious training Cummins regained some of the form he believed he had lost in 2002. He played a key role in helping his team reach the final of the National League in 2003. Kilkenny were the opponents and a high-scoring game ensued. Both sides conceded five goals, however, at the full-time whistle only a point stood between Tipp and a draw. Kilkenny won the game by 5-14 to 5-13, while the concession of five goals tested Cummins’s confidence as a goalkeeper once again. Tipperary exited the provincial championship at an early stage, however, by maneuvering through the newly-expanded qualifiers the team reached the All-Ireland semi-final stage for a third consecutive year. Kilkenny were the opponents once again, however, Tipp were now in decline. A twelve-point 3-18 to 0-15 trouncing resulted in a victory for Kilkenny, however, but for Cummins’s goalkeeping skills the result could have been a lot worse. His save from a combined D.J. Carey-Charlie Carter
Charlie Carter
Charles "Charlie" Carter born 1970) is a former Irish sportsperson. He still plays his club hurling with his local Young Irelands GAA Club and played with the Kilkenny senior inter-county team in the 1990s and 2000s.-Club:...
effort was enough to earn him a third All-Star award in four years.
After an even more lackluster season in 2004, Tipperary bounced back to each the Munster final in 2005. Old rivals Cork lined out against them, however, the sparkle that had characterized these clashes in years gone by had diminished by the turn of the new century. A 1-21 to 1-16 score line gave Cork the victory; however, Tipp still booked their place in the All-Ireland quarter-final. That game was viewed by many as one that Cummins’s side could easily win, however, eventual All-Ireland finalists Galway dumped Tipp out of the championship by 2-20 to 2-18.
2006 saw the return of Babs Keating as Tipperary manager as Cummins lined out in a second consecutive Munster final against Cork. The result was the same as the previous year as ‘the Rebels’ defeated their greatest rivals by 2-14 to 1-14. The subsequent All-Ireland quarter-final was a repeat of the provincial semi-final with Waterford providing the opposition. While Tipp won the first outing, Waterford turned the tables for the second installment with a 3-13 to 1-22 defeat of Cummins’s side.
In 2007 Cummins endured a frustrating season. A draw in Tipperary’s opening game with Limerick resulted in Babs Keating dropping him from the starting fifteen in favour of sub-goalkeeper Gerry Kennedy
Gerry Kennedy
Gerry Kennedy is an Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Killenaule and with the Tipperary senior inter-county team.-Club:...
. Cummins remained sidelined for all subsequent games, and saw Tipp exit the championship with a defeat by Wexford in the All-Ireland quarter-final.
Liam Sheedy
Liam Sheedy
Liam Sheedy is an Irish former hurler and manager. He played for his local club Portroe and was a member of the Tipperary senior inter-county team from 1997 until 1999...
replaced Keating as manager for 2008 and Cummins was welcomed back onto the starting fifteen under the new management and selectors. Tipp began the year well by winning the pre-season Waterford Crystal Cup
Waterford Crystal Cup
The Waterford Crystal Cup is an annual hurling competition organised by the Munster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 2006 for the top inter-county teams and third-level universities and institutes of technology teams in the province of Munster in Ireland.The series of games are...
. The men from the premier county later remained undefeated in their National League campaign before meeting Galway in the final. In an exciting game Tipp emerged victorious by 3-18 to 3-16 and Cummins collected a third National League winners’ medal. In the subsequent Munster semi-final against Cork, Cummins made his return to championship hurling as Tipp secured a 1-19 to 1-13 victory. It was Tipp's first championship victory over Cork in Cork since 1923. The victory also allowed Tipp to advance to the Munster final where they played Clare. Cummins showed a remarkable return to form and gave an exhibition of the full range of his goalkeeping skills on that occasion as he stopped several goal and point chances. Tipperary won the game by 2-21 to 0-19 giving Cummins only his second Munster winners’ medal. In the build-up to the subsequent All-Ireland semi-final against Waterford there was much discussion about Tipp. After an unbeaten run throughout the whole year many viewed the game as a formality as Tipp were seemingly guaranteed a place in the championship decider. Not for the first time Waterford turned the tables on Tipp in the penultimate stage as the Decies won by 1-20 to 1-18. There was some consolation for Cummins as he was rewarded for the revival of his goalkeeping career with a fourth All-Star.
At the start of 2009 Tipperary were regarded as the main challengers to Kilkenny’s assault on the four-in-a-row of All-Ireland championship titles. Both sides lined out against each other in the final of the National League. Tipperary stormed into a decisive lead as they took the game by the scruff of the; however, ‘the Cats’ clawed their way back into the game. At the end of normal time both sides were level. A period of extra-time followed, however, in spite of a 2-26 to 4-17 defeat, Cummins’s side were widely lauded for their performance. The subsequent championship campaign saw Tipp reach the Munster final for a second consecutive year. Including a replay in 1996, this was Cummins’s tenth appearance in a provincial decider. Waterford, the team that had put Tipp to the sword in the All-Ireland semi-final the previous year provided the opposition. Cummins’s side raced into a decisive lead at the interval, however, the Decies fought back to narrow the deficit and maybe cause an upset. In the end Tipp won the game by 4-14 to 2-16. It was Cummins’s third Munster winners’ medal. This victory allowed Tipperary to advance to an All-Ireland semi-final meeting with Limerick in Croke Park
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation...
, which they won at a canter. In playing in this game Cummins became Tipperary's most "capped" player of all time. It was his 55th championship appearance for Tipp, overtaking the legendary John Doyle's
John Doyle (hurler)
John Doyle was an Irish sportsperson and politician, hailed as one of the best defenders in hurling and his county's most iconic player upon his death. He played hurling with his local Holycross-Ballycahill club from the 1940s until the 1970s and was a member of the Tipperary senior inter-county...
record which had stood since 1967. Tipperary and Cummins went on to lose to Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final.
In September 2009, Cummins was nominated for the 2009 All Star Team
GAA All Stars Awards
The All Stars Awards, currently sponsored by Vodafone, are given annually since 1971 by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the best player in each of the fifteen positions in Gaelic football and Hurling in Ireland. Additionally, one player in each code is selected as the player of the year...
.
On 5 September 2010, Cummins scored a point from a long range free (his first ever point for Tipperary) as Tipperary won their 26th All Ireland title
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
, beating reigning champions Killkenny
Kilkenny GAA
The Kilkenny County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland and is responsible for Gaelic Games in County Kilkenny. The county board has its head office and main grounds at Nowlan Park and is also responsible for Kilkenny inter-county teams...
by 4-17 to 1-18 in the final
2010 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final
The 2010 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final was the 113th All-Ireland Final and the culmination of the 2010 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, an inter-county hurling tournament for the top teams in Ireland. The match was held at Croke Park, Dublin, on 5 September 2010 and was a...
, preventing Kilkenny from achieving an historic 5-in-a-row.
Inter-provincial
Cummins has also lined out regularly with MunsterMunster GAA
The Munster Council is a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Munster.-Constituent counties:*Cork*Clare*Kerry*Limerick*Tipperary*Waterford-Honours:...
in the inter-provincial hurling championship. He first played for his province in 1996 as Munster trounced Ulster
Ulster GAA
The Ulster Council is a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, and handball in the province of Ulster. The headquarters of the Ulster GAA is based in Armagh City....
by 5-13 to 0-7 in the semi-final. Cummins was replaced by Davy FitzGerald
Davy FitzGerald
David Fitzgerald is an Irish hurling manager and former player. He is a former manager of the Waterford senior hurling team....
for the final which Munster won.
Cummins was the first-choice goalkeeper for Munster between 1999 and 2004, a period which saw some success on the inter-provincial front. Munster reached the final of the competition in 1999; however, Connacht
Connacht GAA
The Connacht Council are a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Connacht.-Constituent counties:*Galway*Leitrim*Mayo*Roscommon*Sligo-Special counties:...
proved the better team on the occasion and narrowly won the game by 2-13 to 1-15.
The following year Munster found themselves back in the inter-pro final once again. Arch-rivals Leinster provided the opposition and another close game developed between the provinces finest. Munster just about sneaked a 3-15 to 2-15 win, giving Cummins a coveted Railway Cup winners’ medal.
In 2001 Cummins was honoured by being appointed captain of his province for the series of games. After a defeat of Leinster he led his team out for the final against Connacht. Munster had a rather flattering 1-21 to 1-15 victory, however, Cummins had the distinction of lifting the Railway Cup on behalf of his province while also collecting a second consecutive winners’ medal.
While the inter-provincial series had been dwindling in recent times the players showed no lack of appetite in providing a thrilling final in 2002. Munster did battle with Leinster once again, with the result remaining in doubt until the final whistle. A high-scoring and close game eventually saw Leinster narrowly take the title by 4-15 t 3-17.
After a semi-final defeat in 2003, Munster reached the final again the following year. Connacht were the opponents on that occasion, however, the men from the western province were far too good. A 1-15 to 0-9 trouncing resulted in Cummins losing a third Railway Cup final in five years.
Poc Fada
Cummins has also enjoyed success in the famous Poc Fada competition held annually in the Cooley MountainsCooley Mountains
The Cooley Mountains are located on the Cooley Peninsula in northeast County Louth in Ireland. They consist of two ridges oriented northwest to southeast, separated by the valley of Glenmore with the Big River running through it....
. In 1999 he won the pairs competition with Ian Scallan from Wexford
Wexford
Wexford is the county town of County Wexford, Ireland. It is situated near the southeastern corner of Ireland, close to Rosslare Europort. The town is connected to Dublin via the M11/N11 National Primary Route, and the national rail network...
. Five years later in 2004 Cummins repeated this feat, this time with Albert Shanahan from Limerick
Limerick
Limerick is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland, and the principal city of County Limerick and Ireland's Mid-West Region. It is the fifth most populous city in all of Ireland. When taking the extra-municipal suburbs into account, Limerick is the third largest conurbation in the...
. That year he also claimed the All-Ireland title in his own right, setting an all-time record of negotiating the course in only forty-eight pucks. In capturing this title he followed in the footsteps of other famous goalkeepers: Ger Cunningham
Ger Cunningham
Ger Cunningham is an Irish retired sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club St. Finbarr's and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1981 until 1998. Cunningham is regarded as one of the greatest hurling goalkeepers of all-time.Cunningham's status as one of Cork's...
, Ollie Walsh
Ollie Walsh
Patrick Oliver Walsh , better known as Ollie Walsh, was an Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with the Kilkenny senior inter-county team from 1956 until 1972 and subsequently served as manager of the team from 1990 until 1995...
, Davy FitzGerald
Davy FitzGerald
David Fitzgerald is an Irish hurling manager and former player. He is a former manager of the Waterford senior hurling team....
and Tommy Quaid
Tommy Quaid
Tommy Quaid was an Irish sportsperson. He played hurling at various times with his local clubs Feohanagh-Castlemahon and Effin and was the goalkeeper on the Limerick senior inter-county team from 1976 until 1993...
. After surrendering the title in 2005, Cummins returned the following year to capture a second All-Ireland title in the competition. It was the first of three-in-a-row, bringing his total haul of Poc Fada titles to four.
Ballybacon-Grange/Ardfinnan
- Tipperary Senior Football Championship:
- Winner (1): 2005 (sub)
- Tipperary Under-21 Football Championship:
- Winner (1): 1994
- South Tipperary Under-21 Football Championship:
- Winner (2): 1994, 1995
Tipperary
- All-Ireland Senior Hurling ChampionshipAll-Ireland Senior Hurling ChampionshipThe GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
:- Winner (2): 2001All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2001-Ulster Senior Hurling Championship:-----------------All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship:Note: * = Provincial Champion, = Replay-------------------------Season:-Single game:-References:...
, 2010All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2010The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship 2010 was the 114th staging of Ireland's premier hurling competition since its establishment in 1887. A total of thirteen teams competed in the championship, with Tipperary unseating the four-time defending champions Kilkenny by 4-17 to 1-18 in the... - Runner-up (3): 1997All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 1997The All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship of 1997 was the 111th staging of Ireland's premier hurling competition...
, 2009All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2009-Munster Senior Hurling Championship:---------------------Qualifiers:-------------------------Relegation play-offs:----...
, 2011All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2011The 2011 GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship was the 123rd staging of the All-Ireland championship since its establishment in 1887. The draw for the 2011 fixtures took place on 7 October 2010. The championship began on 14 May and ended on 4 September 2011...
- Winner (2): 2001
- Munster Senior Hurling ChampionshipMunster Senior Hurling ChampionshipThe Munster GAA Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1888 for the top hurling teams in the province of Munster in Ireland....
:- Winner (4): 2001, 2008, 2009, 2011
- Runner-up (6): 1996, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2006
- Munster Senior Football ChampionshipMunster Senior Football ChampionshipThe Munster Senior Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition in the game of football played in the province of Munster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Munster Council and are played during the summer months...
:- Winner (0):
- Runner-up (3): 1994, 1998, 2002
- National Hurling LeagueNational Hurling LeagueThe National Hurling League is an annual hurling competition between the county teams of Ireland. Contested by 35 teams , it operates on a system of promotion and relegation between four different divisions, with Division One...
:- Winner (3): 1999, 2001, 2008
- Runner-up (4): 1996, 2000, 2003, 2009
- All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling ChampionshipAll-Ireland Under-21 Hurling ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for players aged between 18 and 21 in the game of hurling played in Ireland...
:- Winner (1): 1995
- Munster Under-21 Hurling ChampionshipMunster Under-21 Hurling ChampionshipThe Munster GAA Hurling Under-21 Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Munster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1964 for players aged between 18 and 21 in the province of Munster in Ireland...
:- Winner (1): 1995
- Munster Minor Hurling ChampionshipMunster Minor Hurling ChampionshipThe Munster GAA Hurling Minor Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Munster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1928 for the youngest competitors in the province of Munster in Ireland...
:- Winner (1): 1993
- McGrath CupMcGrath CupThe McGrath Cup is a Gaelic Football competition played between the Third Level Colleges and Counties in Munster.The following Third Level Colleges take part:* University College Cork * Tralee IT* University of Limerick...
- Winner (1): 1993
Munster
- Railway Cup:
- Winner (1): 2000, 2001
- Runner-up (4): 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004