Tommy Kelly enjoying Loughrea journey

“It is all about the kids and the future of Loughrea,” manager Tommy Kelly says ahead of Sunday’s eagerly anticipated Brooks Galway SHC Final against a decorated St Thomas’ outfit at Pearse Stadium.

The past, present, and future of Loughrea have forged a meaningful connection. “That is the way we are looking at it, that the next generation will have a hurl in their hand again, to try to drive it on again,” he adds.

“We had a great U14 team this year, I think our senior team were looking up to them, they have shown us the way.”

Momentum has been generated by Loughrea with Kelly’s backroom sprinkled with players, who were involved when Loughrea last won a county title 16 years ago. “A good few of us have a medal out of ’06 in the backroom staff, and we are very proud of that – there was no guy brought into that management team just because they had a medal in their pocket, they were brought in because they were very, very good coaches, and they are top, top class,” Kelly remarks.

Several of them have operated training teams at inter-county level. “From Shane (Cusack), Greg (Kennedy), Gavin (Keary), and Nigel (Murray) – the hurling coaches – Alan Curley and Mike Quinn in the backroom staff and the medics have been top class too,” he says. “It is a unit with Kelvin our s and c coach too, it is a unit that has come together. I’m delighted because without those guys you have nothing.”

The experienced acquired by Kelly and the coaches matters. The well regarded Kelly has been involved with Clare and Dublin in recent years.

“It makes a big occasion nice and relaxed,” he responds. “I was lucky enough to be involved with Dublin for three years and with Clare for two years before that and with Cuala too winning the couple of All-Irelands with those lads. So it makes a big occasion comfortable for us.

“Gavin has great experience at inter-county level, Shane Cusack – a county minor winning coach, Nigel Murray, a county minor winning goalkeeping coach, Greg was with Dublin, Gavin was head coach with Clare and Dublin too.”

Nuggets of information and advice were gleaned. “100 per cent you pick up things under massive men like Mattie Kenny, a brilliant, brilliant manager,” Kelly replies.

“Donal Maloney and Gerry O’Connor in Clare – fantastic men. You learn so much from those guys.”

Johnny Coen remains a key performer for Loughrea.

Fortunate that so many from the club have been in an inter-county environment, Kelly recalls spending his childhood attending matches throughout the country. For decades his father, Tommy Snr, gave distinguished service to Galway GAA in a plethora of roles.

“We were reared in a GAA house,” Kelly says. “There was never going to the beach on a Sunday, it was always going to matches. If you weren’t going to matches you were training. Straightaway after mass, ‘Daddy where are we going?’

“You were loading up in the car, you could be heading to Monaghan for a National Football League game or you could be heading to Ballinasloe for a National Hurling League game. That was our winters and summers every Sunday.”

Tommy Snr had a significant influence. “He was at nearly every level – an unbelievable man,” Kelly says. “He was let do that, to follow his dream because of my mother. So there is a connection there too.”

Kelly acknowledges the rich contribution made to Loughrea too by his brother Brian also. “Up all along it was Brian, who probably introduced us,” Kelly says.

“He was my oldest brother, he passed away in ‘06, it was him that introduced the hurl to us. We only came to Loughrea in ‘66, within two years he was winning an U12 county final.

“He played for Galway in ‘73, he actually scored a goal and a couple of points in the 1981 intermediate hurling final to bring Loughrea up to senior.
That connection definitely runs deep. When you think back it is lovely.” Matches have been won and lost, but the memories will always linger.
So when Loughrea and St Thomas’ gather this weekend in Salthill there will be no shortage of sub plots. Thomas’ craft is respected by Loughrea.

“Our history in finals percentage wise isn’t what we would like it to be,” Kelly says. “Thomas’ is unbelievable, they haven’t been beaten in one.

“They have six won in the last 10 years, that is three times as much as we have ever won. We only have two – 1941 and 2006.
We have to try to get those numbers a bit better – that is our aim.”

By Cian O’Connell

Junior A & Intermediate Hurling Finals

BROOKS JUNIOR A FINAL

Saturday 15.10.2022

Skehana-Mountbellew/Moylough v Ballygar, Duggan Park, 2pm buy tickets here

INTERMEDIATE HURLING FINAL

Saturday 15.10.2022

Meelick-Eyrecourt v Killimor, Duggan Park,4:15pm, buy tickets here

Both games will be Live Streamed.

Live Streaming Home Pagehttps://page.inplayer.com/galwaygaa/

How can I purchase the available passes?

To purchase the Day Pass €10, click on any game of the day you wish to purchase the pass for.

You can purchase the Hurling Season Pass €120, via the Hurling Season Pass Button on the Live Streaming Home Page.

How to watch after I purchase a pass?

By logging in with your account you will automatically gain access to all games included in your purchase pass.

Simply click on the game you wish to watch and enjoy!

Senior Hurling Championship Fixtures

BROOKS SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP 2022 

Preliminary Quarter Finals

Saturday 15.10.2022

Cappataggle v Moycullen Iománíocht, Pearse Stadium, 3:45pm, buy tickets here 

Portumna v Craughwell, Loughrea, 3:45pm, buy tickets here 

Sunday 16.10.2022

Clarinbridge v Ardrahan, Kenny Park,1:45pm, buy tickets here

Turloughmore v Oranmore-Maree, Kenny Park, 3:45pm, buy tickets here

 

BROOKS SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP 2022  

Relegation Final

Ahascragh Fohenagh v Tynagh – Abbey/Duniry, Loughrea, 2:15 pm, buy tickets here

U20 A Hurling Final Replay

Challoner Trophies U20 A Hurling Championship Final Replay

Digital Match Programme available here

Match Tickets available to purchase here

Live Streaming Senior & Intermediate Hurling

Live Streaming Action coming up this weekend in the Brooks Group Sponsored Senior & Intermediate Club Hurling Championships

INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINALS

Live Streaming Home Pagehttps://page.inplayer.com/galwaygaa/

Digital Match Programmes (Senior) available to download here

Intermediate Semi Final Programme available to download here

How can I purchase the available passes?

To purchase the Day Pass €10, click on any game of the day you wish to purchase the pass for.

You can purchase the Hurling Season Pass €120, via the Hurling Season Pass Button on the Live Streaming Home Page.

How to watch after I purchase a pass?

By logging in with your account you will automatically gain access to all games included in your purchase pass.

Simply click on the game you wish to watch and enjoy!

2022 Electric Ireland GAA Minor Star Hurling Team of the Year

After a thrilling year of hurling action, Electric Ireland have announced the 2022 Electric Ireland GAA Minor Star Hurling Team of the Year!⭐
Galway have 3 Minor Star Award Winners!

Ardrahan GAA keeper Donagh Fahy played an instrumental role for his Galway side throughout the 2022 Electric Ireland GAA Minor Hurling Championship, pulling off numerous sublime saves this season, particularly in the All-Ireland Semi-Final.
Galway Minor Captain Rory Burke dominated the midfield throughout the season. The Oranmore Maree club man had the ability to drive lead his forward, as well as pass and shoot which created a number of scoring chances for side and saw him score 3 points in the All-Ireland Quarter-Final.

Aaron Niland, of Clarinbridge GAA amassed 2-39 across 3 games, including 16 points in the All-Ireland Quarter-Final. His ability to score from play and from free’s proved to be invaluable for Galway GAA as he proved to be a handful for opposition defenders.

Congratulations to all three on their wonderful performances throughout the campaign and well deserved awards!

#GAAThisIsMajor

Shefflin: ‘They are true champions, we really went at them’

Limerick substitute David Reidy was influential with Shefflin highlighting the depth of the Treaty panel.

“To be fair to Limerick they are true champions, we really went at them,” he added.

“It was only that last phase – their bench made a bit of an impact, they pulled away a little bit.

“The shooting, and I haven’t looked at the numbers yet because numbers don’t matter when it is all over. I am sure the shooting efficiency will be low.”

Despite suffering a harrowing defeat Shefflin was proud of Galway’s gritty display.

“We speak a lot about – especially coming up against such hot favourites – about getting a performance,” Shefflin reflected.

“I would have spoken about that myself. That is what was needed. Then you get the performance and you don’t get the result. Sport is cruel and you feel the same gutted nature. It is very disappointing.

“You give it absolutely everything. Then it is just all over and you come up a bit short. There were a lot of what ifs and buts.

“From a management point of view and from a group point of view we said we wanted to do ourselves proud on the field today. I think we achieved that.”

Limerick edge out Galway

All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship semi-final

Limerick 0-27 Galway 1-21 By Cian O’Connell at Croke Park

A compelling contest unfolded at GAA headquarters as Limerick eventually prevailed. Just about.

Galway produced a display dripping with defiance, but Limerick had the depth to locate the answers.

Ultimately stern questions were posed by Henry Shefflin’s admirably spirited outfit, but Limerick were able to absorb Galway’s passionate performance.

In the dying stages when the issue was delicately poised Limerick substitute David Reidy flared to prominence nailing three crafty points.

That was what divided the teams at the end of an absorbing battle. Following a Munster final for the ages, Limerick had to demonstrate grit again.

At the end John Kiely punched the air in delight, fully aware that this was added to a growing list of satisfying triumphs.

Early on the evidence suggested Galway would be in for a demanding afternoon. Trailing 0-6 to 0-1 by the eight minute Galway had squandered a string of opportunities.

It was a theme of the first half, but so to was the gutsy manner in which Galway were competing.

The Tribesmen, though, prompted by Tom Monaghan and Ronan Glennon’s industry and David Burke’s guile, gradually came into the reckoning.

Padraic Mannion and Joseph Cooney were wholehearted too as Galway started to reduce the deficit.

Inevitably Limerick carried a potent threat with Aaron Gillane instrumental for the standard bearers.

Gillane and Kyle Hayes were causing plenty of bother as Limerick edged 0-13 to 0-9 clear in the 29th minute.

Conor Cooney subsequently converted a free with Cathal Mannion adding two from play as Galway trimmed the gap to the minimum.

Limerick finished the opening period strongly with Gillane drilling two scores either side of a Declan Hannon effort.

It meant the green and white side led by 0-16 to 0-12 at the turnaround. In the first 35 minutes Limerick’s efficiency levels were crucial, registering 0-16 from 20 shots, while Galway only scored 0-12 from 27.

When the action recommenced Cathal Mannion rifled over a point before Brian Concannon plundered a 37th minute goal.

David Burke’s pass was gathered by Concannon, who made the Limerick net dance. Joseph Cooney whipped over a gorgeous point and suddenly Galway were 1-14 to 0-16 in front.

Limerick were under duress, but they didn’t panic. Diarmaid Byrnes was mining frees from distance as the game continued to ebb and flow.

A Tom Monaghan point steered Galway 1-19 to 0-21 ahead with nine minutes left. Cian Lynch was introduced, while his Patrickswell colleague Gillane levelled.

Reidy traded scores with Fintan Burke. Kyle Hayes guided Limerick into the lead. Conor Whelan restored parity again in the 66th minute.

Then Reidy returned to centre stage contributing two gorgeous points. Byrnes sealed the deal with a last gasp free.

An All Ireland decider against Kilkenny is next on the agenda for Limerick. Another challenge that will be embraced.

Scorers for Limerick: Aaron Gillane 0-8 (2fs), Diarmaid Byrnes 0-6 (6fs), Kyle Hayes and David Reidy 0-3 each, Séamus Flanagan 0-2, Barry Nash, Declan Hannon, William O’Donoghue, Gearóid Hegarty, and Tom Morrissey 0-1 each.

Scorers for Galway: Conor Cooney 0-5 (4fs), Cathal Mannion and Tom Monaghan 0-4 each, Brian Concannon 1-0, Conor Whelan, Ronan Glennon, and Pádraic Mannion (1f) 0-2 each, Joseph Cooney and Fintan Burke 0-1 ach.

Limerick: Nickie Quaid; Seán Finn, Mike Casey, Barry Nash; Diarmaid Byrnes, Declan Hannon, Dan Morrissey; William O’Donoghue, Darragh O’Donovan; Gearoid Hegarty, Kyle Hayes, Tom Morrissey; Aaron Gillane, Séamus Flanagan, Graeme Mulcahy.

Subs: Peter Casey for Mulcahy (55), Cian Lynch for T Morrissey (57), David Reidy for O’Donovan (61), Cathal O’Neill for Hegarty (62), Conor Boylan for Flanagan (67).

Galway: Eanna Murphy; Jack Grealish, Daithí Burke, Darren Morrissey; Joseph Cooney, Pádraic Mannion, Fintan Burke; Ronan Glennon, David Burke; Tom Monaghan, Conor Cooney, Jason Flynn; Conor Whelan, Brian Concannon, Cathal Mannion.

Subs: Cianan Fahy for Flynn (53), Johnny Coen for Glennon (64), Evan Niland for D Burke (67), Kevin Cooney for C Cooney (70+5).

Referee: Thomas Walsh (Waterford).

Electric Ireland MHC SF: Tipperary win thriller

Electric Ireland MHC Semi-Final

Tipperary 3-24 Galway 3-20

By Shane Brophy at TUS Gaelic Grounds

Tipperary snatched victory from the jaws of defeat to edge past Galway in a thrilling All-Ireland Minor Hurling Semi-Final at the TUS Gaelic Grounds.

Despite forging six points clear at one stage of the second half, Tipp fell behind in the second minute of added time to a fifth Rory Burke point, as Galway looked to be timing their run perfectly.

However, Tipperary weren’t willing to throw in the towel with Adam Daly producing the levelling score before Joe Egan slotted over the lead point, with sub Senan Butler putting the seal on the win with a last ditch goal, all in ninety second spell deep in injury time.

It was a high-quality game, with the sides shooting four points each by the eighth minute, with the latest from Rory Burke following a save from Eoin Horgan. Tipp enjoyed the first purple patch with a four-point run with Conor Martin to the fore.

Galway responded and hit Tipp for a two-goal blast in the 20th minute, with Rory Burke provider in both goals for Aaron Niland and Conor Dolphin. Burke was a real thorn in the Tipperary side with four first half points from play.

However, Tipperary responded well and struck for a goal on 25 minutes with Adam Daly finishing from close range, but Galway enjoyed the better of the play coming up to half time and Niland free gave them a slender 2-11 to 1-13 advantage at the break.

It was Tipperary who took control in the third quarter with Tom Delaney and Paddy McCormack becoming more prominent in attack shooting ten points from play between them, and when Joe Egan goaled in the 43rd minute, it put them in a strong position.

However, they became a little tentative and Galway took full advantage with rising star Aaron Niland top scoring with 2-11, his second goal on 58 minutes setting up a grandstand finish.

It looked as if they were going to snatch victory when Rory Burke scored his fifth from play but as they had done in the Munster Final, Tipperary had other ideas and set-up a final showdown with Offaly in two weeks time.

Scorers for Tipperary: Tom Delaney 0-6; Joe Egan, Adam Daly 1-3 each; Paddy McCormack 0-4; Damien Corbett 0-3 (1 free, 1 65); Senan Butler 1-0; Conor Martin 0-2; Tadhg Sheehan, Cathal English, Ciaran Foley (free) 0-1 each.

Scorers for Galway: Aaron Niland 2-11 (0-7 frees); Rory Burke 0-5; Conor Dolphin 1-2; Cillian Trayers, Orin Burke 0-1 each.

Tipperary: Eoin Horgan; Chris O’Donnell, Aaron O’Halloran, Jack Quinlan; Sam O’Farrell, Tadhg Sheehan, Jack O’Callaghan; Ciaran Foley, Adam Daly; Joe Egan, Conor Martin, Cathal English; Damien Corbett, Tom Delaney, Paddy McCormack.

Subs: Paddy Phelan for English (44); Darragh McCarthy for Martin (49); Jamie Ormond for Foley (60); Senan Butler for Corbett (60+3).

Galway: Donagh Fahy; Luke McInerney, Sean Murphy, Darragh Counihan; Gerry Carr, Oscar O’Gorman, Jack Lonergan; Cillian Trayers, Paddy Mac Carthaigh; Orin Burke, Rory Burke, Conor Lawless; Cullen Killeen, Aaron Niland, Conor Dolphin.

Subs: Ryan O’Donnell for Lawless (HT); Aaron Doyle for Killeen (47); Vince Morgan for Mac Carthaigh (51); Ben O’Donovan for O’Gorman (56); Conor Gilligan for Dolphin (60+2).

Referee: Patrick Murphy (Carlow).

Team News: Galway v Cork All Ireland SHC QF

The Galway Senior Hurling team to play Cork in the All Ireland Senior Hurling Quarter Final on Saturday is announced:

Tickets available via Ticketmaster, click here

Live on RTE Sport, Galway Bay FM & RnaG Radio and updates on our Social Channels via WTS App.

Wishing our Senior Hurlers & Team Management the Best of Luck tomorrow.