It was heartbreak for Tommy Larkins as Loughrea's experience told as they sealed a historic third successive senior hurling championship crown.
Tiernan Killeen decided the contest with two last-gap points to ensure his side retained their crown. Tommy Larkins, in their first decider since 1973, were leading going into additional time.
Ultimately, Loughrea's efficiency made the difference. A Tommy Larkins conversion rate of 0-16 from 37 attempts proved costly. Loughrea finished with 0-17 from 33 efforts.
A courageous Larkins side flew out of the traps to sail into a 0-9 to 0-3 lead by the 23rd minute. Jason Flynn was instrumental throughout, ending the contest with 0-8, 0-4 being from placed balls.
A crucial Loughrea burst before the interval kept them within touching distance. Tommy Kelly's team, struck four of the last five points to cut their deficit to three going into the half-time break.
It was similarly dogged contest after the restart. Flynn nudged his Larkins team 0-14 to 0-12 ahead in the 41st minute, but then Loughrea fired home three without reply, all from Jamie Ryan, to take the lead.
Flynn came to the fore once more to restore parity from a free and subsequently guided Larkins in front. Then Killeen supplied the decisive blows in a thrilling finale.
Loughrea are now back into the All-Ireland series where they will look to go one better, after losing last year's decider by 1-20 to 1-14 to Ballygunner of Waterford.
Scorers for Loughrea: Jamie Ryan 0-8 (4fs, 1 65, 1 sideline ), Tiernan Killeen 0-5, Caimin Killeen, Vince Morgan, Anthony Burns, and Cullen Killeen 0-1.
Scorers for Tommy Larkins: Jason Flynn 0-8 (4fs, 1 65 ), Kevin McHugo 0-2, Cian Daniels, Ronan Murphy, Conor Gardiner, Adrian Moran, Conor Slattery, and Eanna Murphy (f ) 0-1.
Loughrea: Gearóid Loughnane; Alan Kelly, Johnny Coen, Paul Hoban; Brian Keary, Shane Morgan, Joe Mooney; Ian Hanrahan, Jamie Ryan; Anthony Burns, Cullen Killeen, Caimin Killeen; Vince Morgan, Martin McManus, Tieran Killeen.
Subs: Darren Shaughnessy for McManus (HT ), Dylan Shaughnessy for I Hanrahan (46 ), Jack Shaughnessy for Burns (46 ), Shane O'Brien for Keary (56 ), Ethan Coleman for Morgan (60+2 )
Tommy Larkins: Eanna Murphy; Keith Dervan, Conor Nevin, Eoghan Nevin; Darren Duggan, Ronan Murphy, Kevin McHugo; Cian Daniels, Conor Hanley; Jason Flynn, Adrian Moran, Conor Gardiner; Conor Slattery, Ben Porter, Colm Flynn.
Subs: Ben Shiel for Slattery (52 ), Cathal Tuohy for Porter (57 ), Tomas Lyons for C Flynn (60+5 )
Referee: Conor Quinlan.
