'They showed great character. We'll be ready to rock next week.'- Loughrea boss Kelly

St Thomas’ manager Kenneth Burke was satisfied with a draw after a dreadful opening quarter saw them trail by five.

CUT ABOVE; Loughrea’s Jamie Ryan takes a sideline cut. ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Ten years after the clubs met in the infamous 2012 final, Johnny Maher in the role of Michael Myers, Loughrea and St Thomas’ could not be separated after a cracking county decider in Pearse Stadium.

It finished 0-20 to 1-17. A youthful Loughrea landed in Salthill as underdogs, were hit by a controversial red card after a second yellow for Darren Shaughnessy and conceded a late goal in the closing ten minutes yet still persevered to muster a late equaliser thanks to Tiernan Killeen.