Tipperary added to their plethora of underage titles this season when they beat Kilkenny 2-17 to 3-12 after extra time in a classic Electric Ireland All-Ireland minor hurling final last weekend.
Tipp won their second Electric Ireland minor hurling All-Ireland in three years afteer an absorbing content in which The Premier County overcame the setback of losing two players to red cards before half-time.
The county - which won the U20 Munster Hurling Championship by a single-point in May - added more silverware at Nowlan Park with GAA president Jarlath Burns in attendance.
There is plenty of cause for optimism when it comes to their junior ranks after a tough campaign for the senior side in Munster.
Jarlath Burns broke GAA role to allow Tipp minor captain to make speech
One of the highlights of the afternoon came in the form of a speech from Tipp minor captain Cathal O'Reilly, although it was unique for one reason in particular.
A rule brought in by the GAA to relieve the 17 and 18-year-olds of the burden of making a speech was introduced back in 2010, meaning that winning speeches had effectively been phased out.
It is not the only change to the minor protocols, with finals being moved out of Croke Park and Man of the Match awards no longer being handed out.
As per HoganStand.com, Kilkenny and Mayo captains didn’t make speeches after their minor provincial final title wins last weekend after a reminder of the protocol from the GAA.
It had also been reported that broadcasters TG4 has been reminded that players were not permitted to conduct interviews after games.
However, with Burns in attendance, that protocol was overlooked in order for O'Reilly to make his brilliant speech following their win.
Burns - who was stood next to the winning captain as he made his speech - was praised on social media for his decision.
Nach iontach an rud é go thug Uachtarán an @officialgaa deis do chaptaen @TipperaryGAA Cathal O’Reilly óráid don scoth a thabhairt tar éis an bua iontach a bhí acu inné. Ba cheart go mbeimis ag tacú leis na daoine óga seo bláthú in áit cosc a chuir ortha. pic.twitter.com/GgkfaMIsyS
— Maidhcí (@maidhci) June 30, 2024
As Maidhci of Nemeton TV explained: "Isn't it amazing that the President gave the opportunity to Tipperary captain Cathal O'Reilly to give a great speech after their great win yesterday.
We should be supporting these young people to flourish instead of preventing them."
One response read: 'You're right! Isn't that great? GAA President, doing a great job!'
A move in the right direction, that is for sure.
