As 2025 draws to a close, Maigh Cuilinn stand alone as Galway’s last remaining hope for more provincial glory. To capture the Shane McGettigan Cup, however, they will likely need to deliver their finest hour yet.
Awaiting them on Sunday at Dr Hyde Park (throw-in 1pm ) are St Brigid’s of Roscommon, a club steeped in success and seasoned by countless Connacht campaigns.
When Maigh Cuilinn claimed their maiden Connacht crown in 2022, they dispatched Westport, Strokestown, and Tourlestrane along the way. But none of those opponents possessed the pedigree of the men from Kiltoom, who have lifted five provincial titles since 2006, including their 2023 dismantling of Corofin.
From then, with the addition of former Oranmore/Maree goalkeeper Conor Carroll between the posts, Brigid’s have only strengthened a side already brimming with class and experience.
Maigh Cuilinn’s physicality and aerial power around the middle have long been their calling card within Galway football. Yet, that same area will be fiercely contested on Sunday. The St Brigid’s trio of Ruaidhrí Fallon, Shane Cunnane, and Eddie Nolan are serious weapons and if Maigh Cuilinn are forced to line out without Peter Cooke or James McLaughlin, that could severely restrict Cathal Clancy’s tactical options.
The Roscommon champions are loaded with talent. Brian Stack and Paul McGrath anchor a rock-solid defence and marquee forward Ben O’Carroll brings pace and scoring threat up front. O’Carroll’s uptick in form has coincided nicely with St Brigid's as he now seems to have put his recent injury struggles behind him.
The return of veteran Senan Kilbride only adds to their danger. Yes, that’s the same Kilbride who famously scored 1–3 in Brigid’s All-Ireland triumph over Ballymun Kickhams on St Patrick’s Day 2013.
While Roscommon’s inter-county fortunes have fluctuated, there is little debate that their club championship remains among the country’s elite. This year’s county final between Brigid’s and Pádraig Pearses – decided after a replay - was further evidence of its strength and depth.
Cunningham faces Galway opponents again
Guiding St Brigid’s is Anthony Cunningham, the former Galway hurling boss and an accomplished football manager in his own right. His record speaks volumes: he previously led Garrycastle of Westmeath to the 2012 All-Ireland Club final, where they were narrowly defeated by Crossmaglen Rangers after a replay.
Cunningham knows Brigid’s very well having previously overseen the club in the last decade prior to taking on the Tribes hurling gig and managing the Roscommon footballers.
But Maigh Cuilinn will not be travelling to Hyde Park merely to make up the numbers. On their day, they can trouble any side in Ireland. As they proved with a commanding county final win over a highly fancied Salthill/Knocknacarra.
They possess enough quality throughout their ranks to ask serious questions of Brigid’s. The likes of Seán Kelly, Johnny Moloney, Niall Walsh and Dessie Conneely are all capable of turning a game on its head. Genuine match-winners who will feature prominently in Anthony Cunningham’s pre-match planning.
With Ulster opposition awaiting the Connacht champions in the All-Ireland semi-final, there will be no easing up for whoever emerges victorious on Sunday. The road to a potential Celtic Cross is never straightforward, but both Maigh Cuilinn and St Brigid’s will know that success this weekend would provide priceless momentum.
Regardless of the outcome, the winners will have been forced to pass a proper examination of their credentials. A test that should serve them well for whatever lies ahead in the weeks to come.
No joy for Meelick/Eyrecourt or Ballinasloe
After the highs of claiming county titles in Intermediate and Junior hurling, both Meelick/Eyrecourt and Ballinasloe found the step up to provincial level a bridge too far last weekend.
Facing a seasoned and battle-hardened Tooreen side from Mayo, Meelick/Eyrecourt trailed by seven points at the break and ultimately fell to defeat against opponents who have now captured six of the last eight Connacht crowns.
Meanwhile, Ballinasloe - contesting their third consecutive provincial final - pushed Sligo’s Easkey all the way but came up just short. Their opponents’ remarkable run continues, as Easkey secured a fourth straight Connacht Junior title.
Given the limited hurling representation across much of the province, there can be an understandable hesitancy to tackle the status quo. However, is it time a discussion took place on whether Tooreen, who fully deserve every accolade for their sustained excellence, face Galway’s senior champions in a revived Connacht Senior Hurling Championship? And should Easkey now make the step up to Intermediate level, given their dominance?
Outside of winning an All-Ireland, one wonders how much more these clubs can realistically achieve at their current grades. It’s certainly food for thought for provincial organisers and a discussion that feels increasingly necessary. If not now, when?
