Galway Senior Hurling Championship team of the week

Paddy Rabbitte made several crucial saves and interventions during Athenry’s opening-round victory over Turloughmore. His puckouts were also a key feature, with one long delivery in the first half broken down by Jason Rabbitte before Cian Hannon reacted quickest to fire the sliotar into the back of the net.

2. Michael Fallon (Clarinbridge)

Fallon had an impressive campaign for the Galway U20’s earlier this year. The Clarinbridge defender produced a solid defensive display and he even managed to get forward and chip in with a point from corner back against Craughwell.

3. John Cooney (Sarsfields)

Brian Hanley made the decision to deploy John Cooney at full back. Cooney was rock solid at stages under the high ball and the Sarsfields defender had a good battle with Castlegar full forward Greg Thomas on the edge of the square.

4. Johnny Coen (Loughrea)

Although, Loughrea suffered a defeat to Tommy Larkins, Johnny Coen was one of Loughrea’s best performers. Coen finished with 1-1 with his goal coming from a penalty late on but it wasn’t enough in the end.

5. Jack Grealish (Gort)

Jack Grealish last appeared for the Galway senior hurlers in 2025 and Grealish reminded Micheal Donoghue at the weekend that he could still have something to offer in 2026. Grealish’s pace and long runs from deep caused Moycullen problems.

6. Kevin McHugo (Tommy Larkins)

Kevin McHugo’s long-range shooting proved crucial as Tommy Larkins defeated Loughrea. McHugo finished with 0-4, including three points from play, and his ability to score from distance will be a major asset for Tommy Larkins throughout the championship.

7. Fintan Burke (St Thomas)

Fintan Burke’s move out to wing-back was one of the talking points from St Thomas’ comfortable victory over Oranmore-Maree, having been a regular in the number three jersey. Burke adapted well to the switch, getting on the scoresheet with a point from wing-back in an impressive performance.

8. Jack Hastings (Liam Mellows)

Liam Mellows made their return to senior hurling with an impressive victory over Cappataggle. Jack Hastings covered plenty of ground in the middle third for Liam Mellows and he also landed 0-2 for the city side.

9. Cian Daniels (Tommy Larkins)

Cian Daniels has carried his impressive inter-county form into the club championship, with Tommy Larkins deploying him at midfield. Having previously lined out at number six for his club, Daniels proved a handful for Loughrea, finishing with an impressive tally of 1-1.

10. Darragh Neary (Castlegar)

Darragh Neary was a constant threat in attack for Castlegar at the weekend, finishing with an impressive 0-6 in their draw with Sarsfields. His pace caused the Sarsfields defence plenty of problems throughout, and Neary will be hoping his side can navigate their way out of the group of death.

11. Aiden Helebert (Gort)

There was little to separate Gort and Moycullen, but Aiden Helebert’s accuracy in front of the posts stood out. The Gort sharpshooter contributed an impressive tally of 0-15. This win will give Andy Coen’s side confidence heading into their final two group games against Tommy Larkins and Loughrea.

12. Donagh Fahy (Ardrahan)

Ardrahan edged past Kilimordaly in Group Four of the Galway Senior Hurling Championship, with Donagh Fahy standing out in attack. Fahy was on target for 1-6 as Joe O’Leary’s charges got their campaign off to a winning start.

13. Jason Flynn (Tommy Larkins)

After retiring from inter-county hurling last season, Jason Flynn’s sole focus is now on club hurling with Tommy Larkins. Flynn was in fine scoring form, contributing 2-7, with both goals coming from 20-metre frees. He also struck seven points, six of which came from placed balls.

14. Jason Rabbitte (Athenry)

Later this year, Jason Rabbitte could be in line for an All-Star award and will surely be in the conversation for Young Hurler of the Year. Rabbitte orchestrated Athenry’s attacking play in their win over Turloughmore, hitting 1-4.

Cian Hannon was unlucky to miss out on a place in the Team of the Week. His pace caused the Turloughmore defence plenty of problems at times, while he struck 1-3 from corner-forward.

15. Evan Niland (Clarinbridge)

Evan Niland’s accuracy from placed balls kept Clarinbridge in control against Craughwell. Niland was on target for 0-14 of the Bridge’s 1-22, with eight of his points coming from frees and a further three from 65s.

Manager of the week: Niall Kelly (Tommy Larkins) : Niall Kelly guided Tommy Larkins to an impressive opening-round victory over Loughrea. Getting the better of the two-in-a-row county champions, who reached the All-Ireland final in January, underlined Tommy Larkins’ ambitions as genuine contenders for the Galway SHC title. Kelly has also added Offaly manager Johnny Kelly to his backroom team, which looks to be a major addition for Tommy Larkins.