Loughrea break Tommy Larkin’s heart to secure three in a row

Jason Flynn of Tommy Larkin's in action against Tiernan Killeen of Loughrea. Pic: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile

Galway SHC: Loughrea 0-17 Tommy Larkin’s 0-16 

Clutch. In desperate need of a winner and with three of the four added minutes played, Loughrea’s Gearoid Loughnane picked out Tiernan Killeen at the other end. One final chance and he slotted it.

It secured their third consecutive Galway SHC title and broke a valiant opposition. A considerable crowd gathered in Pearse Stadium with all neutrals as well as the red and white contingent hoping for a romantic result. Tommy Larkin’s, whose sole county title came in 1971, faced a side in search of their first-ever three in a row.

They turned up ready for the battle. Their first four points all came from turnovers. Jason Flynn’s goal effort was saved for a 65. He duly slotted it. Goalkeeper Eanna Murphy boomed over a long-range free from inside his own 45. Colm Flynn had the stand on its feet when he rifled a shot at goal, but it just went the wrong side of the post, pelting an unfortunate umpire in the shin. Anthony Burns hit Loughrea’s only point in the opening eight minutes. With 15 minutes played, Tommy Larkin’s led 0-6 to 0-3.

They were full value for a 0-10 to 0-7 half-time advantage. Flynn had an opportunity to put six between them, however he went for goal with a 21-metre free. At the other end, Murphy made a spectacular double save to deny Tiernan Killeen with his hurl and Vince Morgan with his foot. James Ryan was able to salvage something with the 65.

Jamie Ryan of Loughrea goes for a point. Pic: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile

Come the 43rd minute, it was level. TG4 Man of the Match Ryan produced all kinds of dazzling efforts to pull Loughrea back. He scored frees, a sideline and punished a rare Eanna Murphy error. It was his placed ball that put them in front for the first time with 12 minutes remaining.

A hotly-contested decider boiled over on several occasions, with both management teams clashing at half-time and Shane Morgan shown a yellow card after a flare-up involving Flynn.

Ronan Murphy’s point after 38 minutes was Tommy Larkin’s last from play. They battled manfully until the very end. It will feel like a chance missed. The champions march on to an All-Ireland semi-final.

Scorers for Loughrea: J. Ryan 0-8 (0-4 frees, 1 s/l, 1 65); T. Killeen 0-5; Cullen Killeen, Caimin Killeen, V. Morgan, A. Burns 0-1 each.

Scorers for Tommy Larkin’s: J. Flynn 0-8 (0-4 f, 1 65); K. McHugo 0-2; R. Murphy, E. Murphy (f), A. Moran, C. Daniels, C. Gardiner, C. Slattery 0-1 each.

LOUGHREA: G. Loughnane; P. Hoban, J. Coen, A. Kelly; B. Keary, S. Morgan, J. Mooney; I. Hanrahan, Cullen Killeen; Caimin Killeen, T. Killeen, J. Ryan; V. Morgan, M. McManus, A. Burns.

Subs: Darren. Shaughnessy for McManus (half-time); Dylan Shaughnessy for Hanrahan, J. Shaughnessy for Burns (both 47); S. O’Brien for Keary (56); E. Coleman for Morgan (60).

TOMMY LARKIN’S: E. Murphy; K. Dervan, C. Nevin, E. Nevin; D. Duggan, R. Murphy, K. McHugo; C. Flynn, C. Hanley; J. Flynn, C. Daniels, C. Gardiner; A. Moran, B. Porter, C. Slattery.

Subs: B. Sheil for Slattery (54); C. Tuohy for Porter (57); J. Dervan for Flynn (64).

Referee: C. Quinlan (Salthill Knocknacarra).