Champions Loughrea hold the aces for big final battle with Tommy Larkins

On November 14th, 1971, Tommy Larkins won the senior hurling championship for the first time, beating Carnmore 5-2 to 1-12. Can they return to take the spoils again?

Many of their players have represented Galway in Pearse Stadium but few have won in red and black. Colm Flynn is the only current player to win silverware there with the Minor A team in 2006.

This team has been growing and consistent in selection. They finally broke the quarter-final hurdle (against Turloughmore) and overcame regular tormentors Clarinbridge (in the semi-final). And they have beaten Loughrea this year!

The Loughrea side that show up at Galway GAA headquarters mightn’t be too different in personnel from that day in Duggan Park in August. But after a stuttering start, Tommy Kelly’s charges have found their championship groove.

And they are on course to make history too! Loughrea completed first ever back-to-back titles in 2025. This is the first time they’ve contested three consecutive county finals. And if they deliver again, their case as Loughrea’s greatest ever team will be difficult to question.

Starting with Tommy Larkins, Jason Flynn netted twice from frees when they beat Loughrea (3-16 to 1-17) before securing their quarter-final spot against Gort. Their draw with Moycullen was a dead rubber but gave them a feel of the Salthill surface.

Larkins took down Turloughmore (4-14 to 1-21) to reach a first semi-final since 1982. And even though extra time was required, goals from Conor Gardiner and Ronan Murphy beat Clarinbridge (2-26 to 1-27), who’d knocked them out of five championships in the last decade.

Cathal Tuohy is the only 2025 regular who hasn’t started but is expected to be fit. Cian Duggan is also due back, but Evan Madden (broken wrist) is out.

From Eanna Murphy in goal, there is a settled look. Conor Nevin and Ronan Murphy hold the defensive spine, though the latter can play as a holding midfielder. Eoghan Nevin, Darren Duggan, Kevin McHugo and Keith Dervan should be outside them.

Conor Hanley will play midfield, likely joined by Galway’s Cian Daniels. Jason Flynn (5-40) leads the attack that includes Conor Gardiner (1-10), Conor Slattery (1-8), Adrian Moran and Ben Porter.

Colm Flynn can link defence and attack while manager Niall Kelly, who includes Offaly manager Johnny Kelly in his backroom team, also has Ben Sheil and Tomás Lyons to call upon.

Loughrea’s line-up this year has been anything but settled but for the defending champions, that’s not a bad thing. While injuries have forced manager Tommy Kelly’s hand, it has also created intense competition for places.

Top scorer Jamie Ryan (1-41) got five points off the bench in the preliminary play-off with Castlegar. Second highest Jack Shaughnessy (0-12) landed four upon his introduction to overcome Craughwell in the semi-final.

Ryan accidentally fell into the talisman role when Tiernan Killeen (concussion) was injured in Round 1, and he has driven Loughrea back to Galway hurling’s biggest day.

Kieran Hanrahan’s long-term absence has been a blow, but the squad has evolved gradually. That first day loss was followed by a nervous win over Moycullen. Signs of positively were showing in the Round 3 victory against Gort.

They got through Castlegar (2-21 to 2-17) before an impressive quarter-final second half against Athenry (2-19 to 0-14). Shaughnessy was the hero as they avenged last year’s defeat to Craughwell two weeks ago (0-20 to 0-15).

Gearóid Loughnane has kept two consecutive clean sheets in goal. Even though Shane Morgan returned the last day, he’ll likely form a full back line with Paul Hoban and Johnny Coen. Killeen appears to have taken nicely to his new number six slot.

Brian Keary and Joe Mooney will be outside him while Alan Kelly has grabbed his opportunity to join captain Ian Hanrahan in midfield. The competition for the front six jerseys is intense.

Only Caimin Killeen has started all six games while Ryan will definitely play. Cullen Killeen returned the last day and is favourite for the centre forward position.

That leaves Jack and Darren Shaughnessy, Martin McManus, Anthony Burns and Vince Morgan fighting for three inside slots. Shane O’Brien and Gavin Maher provide cover for defence; Dylan Shaughnessy, Sean Sweeney and Neil Keary are other options.

Tommy Larkins need to find the right balance between closing out Loughrea’s attackers but not at the expense of their own game. They could play a plus 1 in defence with Ronan Murphy, but they’ll need players capable of pushing forward when in possession.

The experience of their half backs (Duggan, Ronan Murphy and McHugo) is critical as they’ll do well to hold par in midfield against Loughrea’s Ian Hanrahan and Alan Kelly. If Daniels and Hanley can hold firm, their chances are greatly enhanced.

At the other end, Loughrea’s experience and discipline is vital. Jason Flynn has scored 4-34 from placed balls and will test Loughnane if the opportunty arises. Morgan or Mooney are likely to follow him in open play.

Gardiner and Slattery can be lethal scorers and they’ll be monitored too. A fascinating prospect is in store for those travelling to Pearse Stadium.

It’ll be a memorable result and story to tell regardless when the final whistle blows. Tommy Larkins have answered every question, and they know one more might performance could repeat their 1971 glory.

While Loughrea’s August form was no where near county championship winning standard, they’ve gotten stronger since. They can’t leave it for a final quarter flourish to prevail. But their place in history as three-in-a-row champions is the safest bet on Sunday.

Verdict: Loughrea