Ardfinnan man pays tribute to one of Tipperary's all-time GAA greats on birthday milestone

Proud Tipperary GAA supporter Ger Meagher from Ardfinnan has paid tribute to someone who he describes as “one of Tipperary’s greatest- ever GAA figures,” Michael Babs Keating, who celebrated his 80th birthday recently -
“As someone who was born in 1961, an era of Tipp hurling dominance, which obviously I don’t remember, I, along with many others, remember “the famine” too clearly growing up.

“I remember September 5 1971 quite clearly, as I was 10 years old that day. Babs played his part, scoring 0-7 as Tipp beat old rivals Kilkenny 5-17 to 5-14 in the All-Ireland final.

“I can name that team without thinking twice. It included great players like Mick Roche, Tadhg O’Connor, who captained the team, and Francis Loughnane. Those three, along with Babs, were our four representatives on the first All-Star team. Babs was Texaco Hurler of the Year also in 1971.

“Who would have thought we wouldn’t win an All -Ireland again until 1989. All those years when I and my age group starting going to matches, it was fair to say we thought we’d never see our beloved Premier County win another All-Ireland.

“Oh yes, there were signs of hope along the way. Winning the National League in 1979, and getting to Munster Finals in 1984 and 1985, only to be beaten in both by Cork. Of course three Under 21 All-Irelands in ’79, ’80 and’81 gave us hope, as did Minor wins in 1980 and 1982.

“Babs was appointed manager in the autumn of 1986 and it was a brilliant appointment by the County Board, led by Michael Lowry. The Supporters Club was formed in his first year in charge to look after the players, as players from Tipperary deserved to be if we were ever going to come back from the hurling wilderness.

“Readers don’t need me to remind them but three in a row Munster Championships were won, including on July 19 1987, our first in 16 years. It’s still my greatest day ever following the blue and gold. Croke Park in 1989, our first All-Ireland in 18 years, stands out too, with the great Nicky English scoring 2-12, a record to this day.

“The acceptance speech from Bobby Ryan goes down as the best and most welcome of all.

“Bobby, being the gentleman he is, never criticised those who couldn’t win one, praising selectors Babs, Donie and Theo, RIP.

“We waited 18 years to be All-Ireland champions, and in Babs’ time we won five Munster titles, two All-Irelands, two Leagues and for good measure the Oireachtas in 1990.

“From all of us Babs in ‘The Village’, thank you.

“Happy Birthday Babs and good health for years to come”.