Flynn says Larkins will embrace first Galway county final appearance in 55 years

Ronan Murphy scored Tommy Larkins' second goal. Pic: ScreenSport

Former Galway hurler Jason Flynn said his club Tommy Larkins will embrace their first county final appearance in 55 years after seeing off Clarinbridge in an extra-time thriller.

Flynn hit 0-13 as they ousted Clarinbridge by 2-26 to 1-27 in a semi-final in Athenry which ebbed and flowed and they will now face reigning champions Loughrea in the final in two weeks.

It’s a first county final appearance for the Woodford-Ballinakill side since they defeated Carnmore to win their only title in 1971.

“It's a real relief to think we're in the county final. You can just see the pride that we had there today. Every man stood up,” said Flynn.

“We've come back time after time, year after year. I think we've put up some big results this year. We backed up again today. Beaten Turlough, beaten Clarinbridge.

“It's huge. You can see the excitement. People might think we're over-celebrating it, but it's absolutely huge for a club like ours.

“I think it was 1982 since we last competed in a semi-final. The hunger is there.” 

A goal from Conor Gardiner helped them lead by 1-12 to 0-12 at half-time but just when it seemed Galway goalkeeper Eanna Murphy had won it with another monster free, Darragh Counihan was the Clarinbridge hero when he sent the game to extra-time with a point in the dying moments as they finished 1-20 apiece with Aaron Niland getting the Clarinbridge goal from a penalty.

A goal from Ronan Murphy in the first period of extra-time proved crucial and they held on for victory despite Evan Niland returning a haul of 0-15 for Clarinbridge.

“Our club suffered for years down in intermediate when I was growing up,” added Flynn. “It's just unbelievable to think we are where we are.

“We've nothing to lose. We're going to go in as underdogs again no matter who we're playing. It's a bit of belief for any small club out there. If you keep at it and keep at it, you'll get your chance. Keep going at it.” Champions Loughrea came with a late surge to deny neighbours Craughwell by 0-20 to 0-15.

Craughwell seemed poised to reach their first final since 2015 when they led by 0-14 to 0-11 six minutes from time. But they only managed two points from play in the contest, one in either half by All Star nominee Tom Monaghan with Ciaran Leen pointing 13 frees.

Loughrea, who led by 0-10 to 0-9 at the break, didn't panic and reeled off seven points without reply when county U-20 player Jack Shaughnessy shooting four from play after coming on.

They are now just 60 minutes away from their third title in a row, having reached eleven in the past 24 years but have only won three of them.

Manager Tommy Kelly hailed his men for the way they stayed in the contest and then came good when it mattered most in game where they had nine scorers to Craughwell’s two.

“They worked really hard, never gave up and that’s in the heart of this team. It was good squad performance,” said Kelly.

“Craughwell are a fine team, they were here on merit. A great club, great neighbours and we knew we would need to play well to beat them.”