Burgess GAA - Players of The Past

Players of The Past

Donie Nealon

Donie Nealon is Burgess' most successful inter-county hurler ever. Son of Rody, Donie first hurled with Duharra as a juvenile and went on to play with Burgess with his brothers, Sean and Patsy. In his career, Donie won 5 All-Ireland senior medals for Tipperary in the years 1958, 1961, 1962, 1964 and 1965. After the conclusion of his playing career, he became trainer of the Tipperary senior side and was involved with the 1971 All-Ireland winning side. He later went on to become Tipperary selector and, along with Babs Keating and Theo English, oversaw the All-Ireland victories of 1989 and 1991. At club level, Donie has held all officer positions. He also captained Burgess to their first ever county title in 1964, when they captured the Junior (now Intermediate) crown. Donie has now retired from teaching in Newtown. He is currently Munster Council secretary and was a selector of the Burgess intermediate team last season.

Connie Whelan

Connie Whelan was one of Burgess' most tireless workers ever in the Burgess club. He held the post of club treasurer for 18 years from 1950 to 1968, but worked for the club far beyond that brief. As a player, he helped Burgess capture 5 North Intermediate titles in the years' 1951, 1953, 1956, 1959 and 1963. He spent many years as a selector in the club and was extremely dedicated to the juveniles of the parish. He represented Burgess for many years at North Board meetings. Connie was President of Burgess GAA club.

Jack Maher & Dinny Maher

The Maher twins from Gortmore were two of Burgess' finest clubmen. Both worked incessantly for the club and gave their time generously, especially in the development of the facilities in Kilcolman. Even in recent years, Dinny would still cut the pitch and Jack gave great time on the building of the juvenile pitch. Jack hurled with the Tipperary senior side in the Munster championship in 1947 against Limerick. He played at corner back that day. He also collected Miller Shield medals with North Tipp. Jack also held the position of club chairman during the 70's. Both men won numerous North Intermediate medals with Burgess and were players on first ever team to win a north championship in 1941. Jack and Dinny were Presidents of Burgess GAA club.

Pat Murray

Pat Murray hurled for the Tipperary senior side in goals. He is the holder of numerous North Intermediate medals and was also a member of the first team from the parish to win a north championship in 1941. He played in 5 decades for Burgess, from the 1930s to his last game in 1970. He is the holder of 3 Miller Shield medals with North Tipp, which he won in 1942, 1943 and 1944.

Con Ryan

Con was former treasurer of Youghalarra club. He played in the Youghal team that won 1942 North Intermediate championship. His brothers, Mikey, Paddy and Tom also played with Youghal. He is President of Burgess GAA club.