The grounds of where Semple Stadium is built were put up for sale in 1910 at the wish of Canon M. K. Ryan. They were purchased by local gaels for £900. To meet the cost of the purchase an issue of shares was subscribed by the townspeople. The grounds remained in the hands of the shareholders until 1956 when they were transfered to the Gaelic Athletic Association.

In 1934 in anticipation of the All-Ireland Hurling Final being held in the grounds, extensive improvements were made to bring the field requirements up to the demands which a crowd of up to 60,000 would make. The embankments around the field were raised and extended and the stand accommodation was also extended.

In 1968, the Dr Kinane Stand was completed and opened. In 1971 the stadium was named after Tom Semple, famed captain of the Thurles "Blues". He won All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship medals in 1900, 1906 and 1908. The "Ardan O Riain" opposite the Kinane Stand and the terracing at the town end of the field was completed in 1981 at a cost of £500,000. This development and the terracing at the Killinan end of the field were part of a major improvement scheme for the celebration of the centenary All-Ireland Hurling Final between Cork and Offaly in Thurles in 1984.