Seven different Galway clubs – Portumna, Athenry, Sarsfields, St. Thomas’, Castlegar, Clarinbridge and Kiltormer – have climbed the steps of the Hogan Stand to accept the Tommy Moore Cup. Gort and Loughrea are two outliers, in that they are the only ones to have reached an All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship final and been unsuccessful.
This coming Sunday in Croke Park (throw-in 1.30pm ), Loughrea stand on the brink of history as they prepare to face Waterford champions Ballygunner in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Club Championship final.
It is a meeting of two clubs shaped by very different journeys – one a modern powerhouse chasing a second national title, the other a proud Galway club seeking to add a first All-Ireland crown to its storied history.
Loughrea’s long road back to Croke Park
Loughrea’s return to an All-Ireland final, their first since their maiden and only final appearance in 2007, is the culmination of years of persistence. Few clubs in Galway have carried the burden of near-misses quite like them. Multiple county final defeats hardened the club’s resolve, rather than fractured it. And those setbacks have forged resilience and belief in the club as a whole.
That belief was evident throughout their Galway championship run, which peaked with a dramatic county final win over St Thomas’. In a game decided by the finest of margins, Loughrea showed their class and the necessary much-needed composure down the home straight to edge past the reigning All-Ireland champions. In doing so, announcing themselves as genuine national contenders.
Their All-Ireland semi-final performance against Ulster champions Slaughtneil further underlined that status. They had fallen at that juncture last year at the hands of eventual champions, Na Fianna. But this time around, they had far too much class for Derry champions’ resistance, while their defensive unit tightened its grip and suffocated the life of the Slaughtneil threat in the second half.
As good and mature as that performance was, however, that victory was not without cost. The late straight red card shown to man of the match Cullen Killeen leaves Tommy Kelly and management team facing a significant decision in midfield given the appeals process appears to have had little joy for the 19-year-old at the time of writing.
While it’s likely key forward Darren Shaughnessy will come into the attack as a replacement, Killeen’s engine, athleticism and link play have been central to their balance this year, and his likely absence means others will need to shoulder that responsibility on the biggest stage.
Still, the strength of this Loughrea side lies in its collective. Johnny Coen, Brian Keary, Joe Mooney, Shane Morgan and Paul Hoban’s leadership at the back has been immense, while Tiernan Killeen’s scoring threat and distribution give Loughrea a focal point in attack.
Around them, players like Shaughnessy, Vince Morgan, Anthony Burns and Jamie Ryan have stepped forward at crucial moments, ensuring Loughrea are not dependent on one or two individuals alone. And they have plenty of options from the bench to call upon.
Ballygunner the benchmark
Standing opposite them will be a Ballygunner team that has become the benchmark of club hurling in recent seasons. Utterly dominant in Waterford, formidable in Munster and proven at All-Ireland level, “the Gunners” arrive in Dublin with the experience of winning the competition in 2022 and the expectation that comes with it.
Their Munster campaign was emphatic, capped by a convincing provincial final win, while their All-Ireland semi-final against St Martin’s of Wexford showcased their ability to absorb pressure before overpowering opponents with a devastating scoring spell.
Ballygunner’s strength is built on control. They are comfortable with and without the ball, aggressive when pressing and ruthless when opportunities arise.
Dessie Hutchinson remains one of the most dangerous forwards in the club game. His off-the-ball movement is sublime and he’s capable of scoring from distance or bursting through defensive lines.
The former Brighton and Hove Albion player’s predicted match-up with Kieran Hanrahan – without trying to oversell it – has the potential to be match-defining. Hanrahan’s form in Galway has been impeccable but, for his club at least, there’s a strong argument that Hutchinson is one of the best forwards in the land and this will be the young defenders greatest test to date.
Pauric Mahony’s accuracy from placed balls and leadership around the middle third provide a steady hand, while the defensive spine, marshalled by Philip Mahony, rarely gives up soft scores. Paddy Leavy is effective in the middle third while Peter Hogan, Padraig Fitzgerald and Kevin Mahony are all match-winners on their day.
Perhaps most ominously for opponents, Ballygunner have a habit of finishing games strongly. Their conditioning and game management often allow them to turn tight contests into comfortable wins in the final quarter.
From a Galway perspective, the key question is whether Loughrea can disrupt Ballygunner’s rhythm, ala St. Thomas’ two years ago in O’Moore Park. That starts with defensive discipline. Giving away cheap frees within Mahony’s range would be costly, while allowing Hutchinson space to face goal is a recipe for trouble. An extra layer of protection may be required for their full-back and it’ll be extremely interesting to see how Tommy Kelly, Gavin Keary, Shane Cusack and co. rejig things in what is unquestionably their biggest test yet as a team.
Intensity, discipline and nerve
Loughrea’s best chance lies in making this a contest of intensity and turnovers. Their tackling and work rate have been exceptional throughout the campaign, and if they can force Ballygunner into rushed shooting or lateral play, doubt can creep in.
For all their success, they haven’t truly delivered in the All-Ireland series and the weight of expectation for the city men is huge. Especially if you factor in the bookmakers’ odds which have Loughrea down as complete long shots.
At the other end, efficiency will be vital. Chances will be harder to come by than in the Galway championship and against Loughrea, and inefficiency — which crept into Loughrea’s county final and All-Ireland final four performances — must be cut out. If Loughrea are to land the killer blow, goals may be required, and that means early, accurate delivery and Burns, Morgan and Shaughnessy going for the jugular.
Midfield looms as a decisive battleground, particularly if Cullen Killeen is unavailable. But captain Ian Hanrahan is a ferocious competitor and midfield general. Whoever joins him, they must be ready for Ballygunner’s ability to flood the middle third and win breaking ball could dictate territory unless Loughrea can match their physical output.
Still, one can’t help but feel this might be just set up for an ambush. Loughrea, somewhat written off on a national front, are an exceptional and well-balanced team. Putting back-to-back titles in Galway is no mean feat and they are more than capable of causing an upset.
Ballygunner enter the final as favourites, and with good reason. Their experience, depth and proven ability to deliver on All-Ireland final day give them an edge on paper. But finals are rarely decided on paper alone. If Loughrea can impose their physicality, keep the scoreboard ticking along and bring the contest deep into the second half, they have the tools to make this uncomfortable.
Do that and it’s hard not give them a serious chance. There’s this nagging (and hopefully correct ) voice in my head saying that it’s their time – that this Loughrea side has arrived at the point where near-misses no longer matter and history is ready to turn in their favour. Loughrea by the minimum.
Verdict: Loughrea
