Loughrea remain on course for third consecutive Galway title but St Thomas' knocked out

All four of last year’s semi-finalists have to go through the preliminary quarter-finals this year in Galway

Substitute Jamie Ryan was the hero for Loughrea as he scored five points against Castlegar after entering the action. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Loughrea remain on course for a third Galway SHC title in a row after coming from behind to oust Castlegar by 2-21 to 2-17 in a cracking preliminary quarter-final at Athenry.

Jamie Ryan, who didn’t start because of a hamstring injury, was the hero for Loughrea when he landed five points after coming on during the second half as they came from four points adrift to advance to the last eight.