Hurling – Galway GAA

Media Release: David Burke retires from Inter-County Hurling

19 December 2025/in Hurling

David Burke, captain of Galway’s 2017 All-Ireland Senior Hurling winning side, has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling after 16 seasons with the Tribesmen.

The St. Thomas’ clubman first emerged at inter-county level with the Galway minors and captained the side against Kilkenny in the 2008 All-Ireland Minor Final.
He progressed to the under-21s and was part of the 2011 All-Ireland winning team that defeated Dublin 3-14 to 1-10, scoring three points in the final.
That same year, he also won a Fitzgibbon Cup title with the University of Limerick.

Throughout his stellar senior career, David served Galway with class and distinction.
In 2012, Galway captured a first-ever Leinster Senior Hurling title with a 2-21 to 2-11 victory over Kilkenny, in which David contributed 1-2. He added two more Leinster titles to his medal collection in 2017 and 2018, captaining the team on both occasions.

On 22 April 2017, he led Galway to the National Hurling League title with a 3-21 to 0-14 win over Tipperary, adding to his first league success in 2010, he later won a further National League medal in 2021.

The pinnacle of his inter-county career came in 2017 when Galway defeated Waterford to end a 29-year wait for the Liam MacCarthy Cup.
David’s outstanding midfield display, landing four points from play, earned him Man of the Match, and his victory speech remains one of the most memorable in recent times.

Over the course of his career, David also received four All-Star awards – in 2012, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

An exemplary leader, team player and captain, we congratulate David on a remarkable career and extend our heartfelt thanks for his years of commitment and loyalty to the Maroon and White.
We wish him every success in the future. #gaillimhabú

Statement from David Burke:

“Galway hurling has been an integral part of my life as far back as I can remember both as a supporter and a player. It has been an honour to represent my county, club and family for sixteen seasons at senior intercounty level. Throughout this time, I have shared a dressing room with great friends, teammates, managers, coaches and backroom personnel, in particular Micheal Donoghue for having faith in me to help lead the county to All Ireland success in 2017. Playing at intercounty level takes a huge level of personal sacrifice and so I wish to take this opportunity to thank my wife, Laura, our two kids, my parents John and Paula, my sister, my brothers, in-laws and the St. Thomas’ community for their unwavering support and understanding of my commitment to Galway hurling. A mention also to the Galway hurling supporters who have always stood by the team along the way, the Galway County Board, longstanding Galway sponsor Pat and Una McDonagh (Supermac’s) and my school St. Brigid’s College Loughrea. There were incredible heights and excruciating lows, but the privilege was never lost on me or taken for granted. Gaillimh Abú! “

Statement from Micheál Donoghue, Galway Senior Hurling Manager:

“In every way, David Burke has represented Galway GAA with the utmost distinction. His career sets the standard for what it truly means to wear the county jersey – defined by elite performance, unwavering commitment, selfless leadership and genuine humility. His influence will endure not only among the players he has shared the field with, but throughout the wider GAA community. An exceptional captain, David possessed a rare ability to inspire belief and trust in his teammates when it mattered most. He will always be remembered for the immense pride and joy he brought to Galway supporters, most notably through the unforgettable All-Ireland Senior Championship triumph of 2017. Throughout his career, he has shown the deepest respect for the maroon and white jersey and for everyone it represents. We wish David, Laura, and their family every success and happiness in the years ahead.”

Paul Bellew, Chairperson Galway GAA said:

“On behalf of everyone in Galway GAA, I want to thank and congratulate David on an outstanding career in the maroon and white. One of our greatest-ever players, he combined exceptional hurling ability with unrivalled leadership qualities, both on and off the field. This culminated in David captaining Galway to the 2017 All-Ireland Senior Hurling title. He holds a unique distinction in being named Man of the Match in both All-Ireland senior inter-county and club finals, a true testament to his consistency and his ability to deliver on the biggest stages. He is a fantastic ambassador for Galway GAA and a pleasure to deal with over the past few years. We look forward to seeing David continue to represent St. Thomas’ in the years ahead, and I have no doubt that he will be involved with Galway teams at all levels in the future too.”

AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Club Semi-Final

16 December 2025/in Hurling

AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Club Semi-Final

Loughrea v Slaughtneil
📆Sunday 21st December 2025
🕚 1.30pm
📍Parnell Park, Dublin

Buy Match Tickets online ⏬
https://am.ticketmaster.com/gaa/buy/25PP2112

📺Watch Live on TG4

Walsh Cup Hurling Fixtures 2026

18 November 2025/in Hurling

GAA County Games Development Coordinator (Hurling), Galway GAA

11 November 2025/in Hurling

Galway GAA is recruiting a County Games Development Coordinator (Hurling) based in Galway City.

If you have a passion for Gaelic Games, experience with clubs & schools, and want to build the future of hurling — we want to hear from you!

Learn more & apply: jobs.ie/job/GAA-County

Closing date: 3pm Friday 21st Nov 2025

Details of Job Description below:

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael is Ireland’s leading sporting and cultural organisation with membership approaching one million people and in excess of 500,000 playing participants at all levels. Inspired by its amateur status and supported by the voluntary efforts of all its members, the GAA devotes its entire resources to the development of Gaelic Games and Culture nationally and in local communities.

Applications are now welcome for the role of GAA Games Development Coordinator (Hurling) in Galway City.

Role Summary:

The role holder will be responsible for the delivery of GAA games development policy and related programmes as contained in the county coaching and games development plan in local clubs and schools (Primary and Post Primary) within a geographic area of a county. The role will also focus on establishing self-sufficient and sustainable clubs by building capacity and capability within the volunteer structure to deliver a games development programme. Please note that this is a hurling games development role in Galway City.

Principle Accountabilities include but are not limited to:

Operations:

Oversee the timely implementation of Association policies, strategies and programmes relating to coaching and games development within a region of a county;
Manage key relations with clubs and schools to support growth and engagement across all Gaelic Games working closely with Camogie, Handball and Rounders within a region of the county.

People Management:

Coordinate and supervise other county personnel e.g., Participation Officers as required to include responsibility for supporting the formulation of weekly/monthly work programmes with the County Head of Games;
Liaise with and support a team of Coach Developers in the County to deliver coach and referee development;
Coordinate the recruitment, training and deployment of Cúl Camp and Club-School Link coaches within a region of the county.

Leadership:

Assist the County Head of Games, County Coaching and Games Committee and key County Officers with the development and implementation of the County Games Development Strategy in the county and associated multi-annual plan;
Ensure the effective use of GAA coaching and games development IT Systems;
Ensure programmes are delivered in line with national games development policy;
Coordinate the delivery of programmes in areas of potential growth and develop strategies to increase engagement in Gaelic Games and specific codes.

Club Support:

Coordinate the delivery of a club support programme in clubs to achieve the GAA’s goal of creating self-sufficiency and sustainability by building capacity and capability (Club Compass);
Liaise, support and provide on-going training and development opportunities to Club Coaching Officers;
With the Club Coaching and Children’s Officer ensure all coaches and volunteers meet the required coaching, vetting and safeguarding requirements;
Assist clubs with the development of player pathways and lead the coordination of participation and retention programmes in the region to help transition as many players and as possible through child, youth and adult stages of the pathway to include coordination and delivery of:
- Club Nursery Programme
- Intra and Inter-Club Go Games
- Camps
- Intra and Inter-Club Super Games
- Diversity and Inclusion Programmes
- Intra and Inter-Club Recreational Games for youths and adults
Assist clubs with the development of coach and referee pathways and coordinate and lead the provision of volunteer, coach and referee education in the region;
Coordinate and lead the provision of learning opportunities to club volunteers, club coaches, referees and teachers required to assist the delivery of games development programmes.

Schools Support:

Coordinate the delivery of the GAA 5 STAR Programme in primary schools introducing and engaging children in all Gaelic Games;
Coordinate and oversee the delivery of participation and retention programmes in primary and post-primary schools to include:
- Intra and inter-school Go Games
- Intra and Inter-school Super Games
- Diversity and Inclusion Programmes
Assist with the delivery of Transition Year and GAA Future Leaders Programme;
Coordinate and provide ongoing training and support to a network of Club School Link Coaches.

Talent Academy/Player Development Support:

Support the County Head of Games in identification of players and coaches to participate in the county talent academy programme;
Coordinate and organise as required regional/divisional games activities to support the programme;
Guide and support clubs and schools on the delivery of player development supports ensuring coherence with talent academy programme.

Stakeholder Management:

Work closely with the relevant Coaching and Games Development Committees at County level;
Work effectively with all key stakeholders (National GAA, Province, County, Clubs, Schools, Third Level, etc) to grow participation and increase retention rates including LGFA, Camogie, GAA Handball and Rounders.

Other:

It is a natural function of the role that the role holder is required to work and attend evening and weekend meetings/activities in line with business needs and undertake any other such projects or duties as deemed appropriate by their manager;
The role holder may be responsible for fulfilling a lead programme function within the county games development operation.

Essential Criteria:

At least 3-5 years’ experience of working in the GAA or similar sporting organisation (Voluntary or Professional Capacity);
Minimum Award 1 GAA Coaching Qualification;
Appropriate third level qualification (Level 7 NFQ);
Clear and detailed knowledge and experience of the GAA’s coaching schemes and initiatives;
Excellent administrative and IT skills with a strong working knowledge of IT related packages and systems;
Exceptional interpersonal skills and a strong ability to work in high-pressure situations;
Excellent communication and presentation skills (verbal and written);
Demonstrably excellent leadership skills and influencing ability;
Excellent ability to manage people/resources and build and sustain good team relationships and manage conflict;
Strong leadership and decision-making skills;
Excellent negotiation skills;
Strong organisational skills and demonstrable ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities; hands-on approach to getting things done;
Ability to clearly present goals and direction.

Desirable Criteria:

Experience in managing/supervising staff;
GAA Tutor/Coach Developer qualification;
Third level sports science qualification;
Strong coach education experience.

Other Requirements:

Own car with a full clean driving license;
Have completed the GAA Child Protection in Sport Awareness/Safeguarding 1 programme;
Ability to work and attend evening and weekend meetings/activities in addition to normal day-to-day activities.

Please note this role is subject to Garda Vetting.

Candidates interested in the above role should apply with an up-to-date cover letter and Curriculum Vitae via this job post on or before 3pm on Friday 21st November 2025.

The GAA is an equal opportunities employer.

Cathal Mannion wins his second GAA/GPA Hurling All-Star Award

6 November 2025/in Hurling

Cathal Mannion has been selected at midfield on the 2025 All-Star Hurling team announced this morning.

After a tremendous year in the Maroon and White, the Ahascragh-Fohenagh clubman will receive his second All-Star award at tomorrow night’s banquet in Dublin.

All-Ireland champions Tipperary lead the way with a magnificent seven places on the PwC All-Stars for Hurling 2025. It is a team full of firsts with 10 All-Star debutants in all, the highest number since the 2013 selection.

Rhys Shelly was the unanimous choice for goalkeeper after a season where he proved himself invaluable to the Premier County and also capable of scoring from long range.

Kilkenny’s high-fielding Huw Lawlor claims a third all-star at full-back and is flanked by Tipp starlet Robert Doyle and Cork’s tenacious Seán O’Donoghue.

After patrolling all over the defence in the Liam MacCarthy Cup winning campaign, Tipperary stalwart Ronan Maher is the anchor of this team, winning a third award, and is joined by teammate Eoghan Connolly and Cork’s Ciaran Joyce after prolific performances.

Darragh Fitzgibbon scored 0-16 in the championship and was hugely influential for the Munster championship winning Rebels and in their subsequent march to the final. He is joined in midfield by Galway talisman Cathal Mannion who scored 2-67 in the Championship.

In attack, Jake Morris is named at wing forward after a prominent season for Tipperary and becomes the recipient of the 1,600^th all-star since the scheme started in 1971 when Offaly goalie Damien Martin was the first all-star.

Tipp’s Andrew Ormond is at centre forward and is another first-timer after catching the eye and scoring 2-15 in the championship. On the left wing, there is recognition for Dublin sharpshooter Cian O’Sullivan, after the St Brigid’s man scored 5-22 from play this season.

At corner forward Kilkenny’s Martin Keoghan joins an exclusive group of family winners as he follows his father Liam who won an All-Star in 1997 and crowns a championship where Martin scored 6-15. At full forward John McGrath is honoured for his incredible season of impacts for Tipperary. He scored 7-16 from play in the championship, including 2-2 in the final. Top of the left then is Cork powerhouse Brian Hayes, with the St Finbarr’s man bagging 5-9 in total.

The breakdown is Tipperary seven, Cork four, Kilkenny two and one each for Dublin and Galway.

A meeting of GAA correspondents from across print, tv, radio and digital media, chaired by Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns, adjudicated yesterday on the elite list of 45 nominees.

Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns said: “To be a PwC All-Star is our highest and most prestigious individual award. It recognises those players who, over the course of a pulsating season, made an impact on our games that helped define a season and will stand the test of time. I congratulate the 15 magnificent hurlers who have been so honoured and salute the clubs and schools and coaches who have helped mould you into the stars you have become.”

Gaelic Players’ Association CEO, Tom Parsons, said: “To be selected as a PwC All-Star is a testament to your individual excellence across 2025 and for that, I want to sincerely congratulate the fifteen players who have been named on the team. Your energy, effort, skill and dedication have been acknowledged by these awards and that’s something in which you can take great pride. Your award should also be celebrated by your family, friends and club who have supported you and given you the tools and time to become one of the country’s top players.”

Enda McDonagh, Managing Partner, PwC Ireland, said: “Congratulations to the 2025 PwC All-Star Hurling Team of the year. To be selected as the top 15 players in the country is a testament to your skill, dedication and impact on the game, and you should feel incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved.”

The PwC All-Stars will be presented at a gala black-tie event at Dublin’s RDS tomorrow, November 7, which will be shown live on RTÉ at 7.30pm. It will be preceded by a special PwC All-Star show on the GAA’s YouTube channel from 6-7pm. The PwC All-Stars for football will be announced live tomorrow evening, as well as the PwC GAA/GPA Players and Young Players of the year in both codes. Those overall awards are chosen by inter-county players themselves.

PwC All-Stars Hurling 2025 – (previous winning years in brackets)

1. Rhys Shelly (Tipperary)

2. Robert Doyle (Tipperary)

3. Huw Lawlor (Kilkenny) (2022, 2023)

4. Seán O’Donoghue (Cork)

5. Eoghan Connolly (Tipperary)

6. Ronan Maher (Tipperary) (2016, 2019)

7. Ciaran Joyce (Cork)

8. Darragh Fitzgibbon (Cork) (2018, 2024)

9. Cathal Mannion (Galway) (2015)

10. Jake Morris (Tipperary)

11. Andrew Ormond (Tipperary)

12. Cian O’Sullivan (Dublin)

13. Martin Keoghan (Kilkenny)

14. John McGrath (Tipperary) (2016)

15. Brian Hayes (Cork)

PwC GAA/GPA Young Hurler of the Year Nominees (to be announced Friday night)

Adam English (Limerick)

Darragh McCarthy (Tipperary)

Robert Doyle (Tipperary)

PwC GAA/GPA Hurler of the Year (to be announced Friday night)

John McGrath (Tipperary)

Jake Morris (Tipperary)

Brian Hayes (Cork)

Galway GAA 1987/1988 Senior Hurling Teams Fundraiser for IMNDA

3 November 2025/in Hurling

Galway GAA All-Ireland Winning 1987/1988 Senior Hurling Team donated €3000 to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease
Association following their recent reunion prior to the County Senior Hurling Final

Pictured L to R: Conor Hayes, Steve Mahon, Claude Geoghegan, Cyril Farrell.

Pictured L to R: Claude Geoghegan, Steve Mahon, Conor Hayes

Galway SHC Final: Loughrea retain title

3 November 2025/in Hurling

Galway SHC Final

Loughrea 1-15 St Thomas’ 1-14

Loughrea retained the Galway SHC title at Pearse Stadium on Saturday evening.

A solid opening period performance was key for Loughrea, who accumulated a 0-11 to 0-6 advantage at the break.

After the restart St Thomas’, who had never previously been beaten in a western senior decider, narrowed the deficit.

A goal from Darren Shaughnessy following an Anthony Burns assist was vital for Loughrea.

Thomas’ thundered back as Conor Cooney crashed home a goal from a free, but Loughrea survived.

Initially, Loughrea spurned plenty of scoring chances, but a burst of points before the break was key as Tiernan Killeen, Shaughnessy, Burns, and Vince Morgan were prominent.

It meant that Loughrea went in five clear at the turnaround, but Thomas’ displayed trademark battling qualities.

Burns, who finished with a five point haul from play, was a significant influence, while Shaughnessy contributed handsomely with 1-2.

Thomas’ relied on Conor Cooney, who clipped 1-10, but Loughrea did enough to prevail.

Senior, Intermediate and Junior 1 Hurling Finals

28 October 2025/in Hurling

Times and Dates for the Senior, Junior 1 and Intermediate Hurling County Finals are confirmed, details of match ticket links below.

All three games will be live streamed on Galway GAA TV.

Visit https://page.inplayer.com/galwaygaatv/ to purchase streaming passes

Forvis Mazars Senior Hurling Championship Final St Thomas V Loughrea

https://www.universe.com/events/forvis-mazars-senior-hurling-championship-final-st-thomas-v-loughrea-tickets-5TW1BH

6:00pm Saturday 1st November 2025 in Pearse Stadium

Adult online tickets €22 – Contactless Adult payment at the gate €25

Student/OAP’s online ticket €15- Contactless Student/OAP’s payment at the gate €20

Students/OAP’s will be required to provide the relevant ID

U16s Free of Charge

Please note that there is no facility to pay by cash at the gate at this game

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Ask Acorn Junior 1 Hurling Championship Final Kiltormer V Ballinasloe

https://www.universe.com/events/ask-acorn-junior-1-hurling-championship-final-kiltormer-v-ballinasloe-tickets-3XKRCW

12:00pm Sunday 2nd November 2025 in Kenny Park

Adult online tickets €22 – Contactless Adult payment at the gate €25

Student/OAP’s online ticket €15 – Contactless Student/OAP’s payment at the gate €20

Students/OAP’s will be required to provide the relevant ID

U16s Free of Charge

Please note that there is no facility to pay by cash at the gate at this game

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Steeltech Sheds Intermediate Hurling Championship Final Kinvara V Meelick-Eyrecourt

https://www.universe.com/events/steeltech-sheds-ihc-final-kinvara-v-meelick-eyrecourt-tickets-VTLH28

2:00pm Sunday 2nd November 2025 in Kenny Park

Adult online tickets €22 – Contactless Adult payment at the gate €25

Student/OAP’s online ticket €15 – Contactless Student/OAP’s payment at the gate €20

Students/OAP’s will be required to provide the relevant ID

U16s Free of Charge

Please note that there is no facility to pay by cash at the gate at this game

————————————————————————————————-

Tickets also available in SuperValu and Centra Outlets,

Please note that there is no facility to pay by cash at the gates

Jason Flynn retires from inter-county hurling

23 October 2025/in Hurling

Tommy Larkins club man, Jason Flynn has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling today.

Jason served Galway senior hurling with distinction throughout his career since making his debut during the 2014 season.

He was a member of Galway’s 2011 All-Ireland Minor Hurling winning side who defeated Dublin in the final on a scoreline of Galway 1-21 to Dublin 1-12; scoring three points from right wing forward in that game.

Jason made his debut for the Galway senior hurlers in 2014 and a year later in 2015 he was nominated for Young Hurler of the Year and an All-Star award.

He reached the pinnacle of his inter-county career when Galway defeated Waterford in the 2017 All-Ireland Senior Hurling final, bringing the Liam McCarthy Cup back west after 29 years.

Coming on as a sub in the final, he made an immediate impact, scoring 0-02 from play in the closing quarter.

During his playing career he also won two Leinster Senior Hurling titles in 2017 and 2018 and two National Hurling League titles in 2017 and 2021.

We congratulate Jason on his wonderful career and thank him for his commitment to the Maroon and White over many years, we wish him all the best in future!

#gaillimhabú