Aidan Butler

Born in 1974, Aidan was identified as a future star at a young age and went on the make his debut for the Clonoulty Rossmore team in 1992, quickly establishing himself a key member.

Aidan emulated his father TJ by winning an All-Ireland U21 title in 1995, playing at midfield in a 4 point win over Kilkenny. (Remarkably, Aidan’s brother Thomas would go on to win an U21 All-Ireland also in 2010).

Aidan made his Senior Championship debut for Tipperary in 1997 in the Munster Hurling Championship vs Limerick and played at midfield in the Munster final defeat to Clare. Tipperary eventually lost the All-Ireland to the same opposition by a point.

Aidan played in the pivotal centre back position in 1998 in a Tipperary team that was captained by his first cousin Declan Ryan. Tipperary were beaten by Waterford in the opening Munster Championship fixture in Cork. Aidan won his Senior All-Ireland medal in 2001 as Tipperary defeated Galway in the final.

It was with the club team that Aidan really excelled, an ever present at no.6 for well over a decade, the highlight possibly his masterful display against Mullinahone in the 1997 as the club won just its third ever County Senior Championship. His booming ’65 and long range free taking also became a trademark. Aidan continued to star for his beloved club team until 2012.