Last year, 2025, proved to be an extraordinary and historic year for Oranmore Maree GAA One Club, as the club achieved an unprecedented clean sweep of underage silverware across multiple codes.
For the first time in the club’s history, Oranmore Maree captured the Minor A Football Championship, Minor A Hurling Championship, U20 Hurling A Championship, U19 A Football Championship, and the Minor A Ladies Championship all in the same year.
This remarkable achievement reflects the sustained commitment, coaching standards, and player development taking place throughout the club at underage level.
Minor A Hurling
The Oranmore Maree hurling team’s progression to the Minor A final marked a fifth appearance in five years for the club, which goes to show the work being done at all levels to improve underage teams.
The lads faced Athenry in the final after a highly intense and breathtaking semi-final against Loughrea. In that thrilling encounter, Oranmore Maree trailed nine points at one stage in the first half, highlighting the team’s quality and resilience as they fought back to grind out a remarkable result.
After another tough battle in the final, Oranmore Maree emerged victorious on a scoreline of 1-24 to 3-16.
Minor A Football
Only a week later, the footballers faced tough opposition in Claregalway at Tuam Stadium on Sunday, October 19.
In an end-to-end contest throughout, Oranmore Maree prevailed with a 2-16 to 0-19 victory. Nearly all of the lads were involved in both panels, which highlights the depth of talent across both squads. This marked the club’s second Minor Football title in two years.
A special mention goes to both captains, Ryan Holland (Hurling ) and James Lennon (Football ). Congratulations also to Gus Lohan, who was named man-of-the-match after scoring an impressive 15 points, and to Barry Keating, who topped the football scoring charts with six points.
U20 Hurling
Oranmore Maree faced a strong Loughrea side, many of whom had been involved in recent senior county successes. A thoroughly nerve-wreacking night in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe, ended with the teams deadlocked after 60 minutes following a thrilling contest.
Current Galway senior hurler Rory Burke levelled the sides deep into injury time. With no extra-time option available, both teams prepared to do battle once again the following week.
The replay lived up to the hype in front of a packed crowd, producing a nine-goal thriller with numerous lead changes in the dying moments. Oranmore Maree eventually came out on the right side of a 5-19 to 4-14 victory, helped by a hat-trick from Ryan O’Donnell.
Naomh Mhuire Minor Ladies
To top off the unbelievable year for the club, the ladies Minor A Championship final was played in stormy conditions at a wet Calta GAA grounds, as Naomh Mhuire aimed to stop Salthill Knocknacarra from claiming the Máiread Meehan Cup for the fourth year in a row.
The girls made a strong start, going in at half-time four points ahead after goals from Aisling Jordan and Laoise McDonagh. Facing the wind in the second half, they were up against it but battled hard throughout.
A crucial goal from Lábhaoise Keane proved vital in securing a 3-5 to 1-7 victory. This marked the first time Naomh Mhuire has won the Ladies Minor A Championship — a massive achievement and a significant step forward for the club.
U19 Football
The U19 footballers retained the Flaherty Markets U19 A title with a 2-13 to 0-10 win over Claregalway in foggy conditions at Duggan Park.
Captained by Ciarán McDonagh, the side produced an impressive second-half performance, pulling away after the teams went in level at half-time. Goals from Niall De Paor and Ciarán McDonagh proved decisive, with McDonagh later collecting the man-of-the-match award
Chubb Renville Gaelic Grounds Development
Off the field, Oranmore/Maree GAA One Club has taken another major step forward in its ambitious plans to enhance community sports facilities, with significant development work now underway at the club’s grounds in Renville.
The long-awaited project, years in planning, represents a major investment in the future of Gaelic games and community sport in the area. The development will include numerous pitches, modern dressing rooms, improved parking facilities, and a community walking track.
The state-of-the-art, full-sized 4G astro pitch has now been fully completed, with construction of a further three full-sized pitches planned and expected to be in use by August 2026.
This landmark year stands as a testament to the strength of Oranmore Maree’s One Club model and its commitment to excellence, community, and the future of Gaelic games in the area.
