8/4/2024 – Junior A Hurling – Fr Toms vs Galway

By Neil McEnaney

 

Full Time Score

Fr Toms: 3-7

Galway: 0-1

 

Fr Toms were 2-1 up coming into this best of 5 series knowing that a win today would secure the Boston Junior A Championship. Torrential rain made for some very difficult conditions to hurl in but Toms were able to cope well with the rain to secure the Championship. The rain eventually turned to thunder and lightning which caused the game to be abandoned. Galway conceded the championship and Fr Toms were the winners.

 

Fr Toms started the brighter with 13 collecting the ball on the left wing and turning to swing it over the bar. John Cooper found space in midfield to double the scores with a well taken long range point.

 

The forwards for Fr Toms were relentless when they got the ball with a strong solo run by Dylan O’Neill setting up Conor Kelly who took a nice point from play. A long clearance by Fran Keenan in nets broke through to O’Neill who lobbed it coolly over the onrushing Kevin O’Grady in the Galway nets for the games first goal.

 

Fr Toms had a free on the 21, which was taken short by O’Neill to his other corner forward Sean Joyce. Joyce made no mistake and buried from close range into the Galway net.

 

The full forward duo of O’Neill and Joyce were dangerous whenever the ball was let into them with Joyce taking on his man and finishing into the net once more. Galway, to their credit, kept fighting and John Moylan scored a nice point from a free from midfield, and but for a few wides would have brought the scores closer.

 

Fr Toms were well ahead when the game was called off due to thunder and lightning in the interest of everyone’s safety.

 

Team and Scorers:

Fr Toms: Fran Keenan, Niall Murphy, Aidan Doyle, Dylan Costello, John Cooper (0-1), Paul Cannon, John O’Riordan, Fiach O’Toole (0-1), Fergus Byrne, Conor Kelly (0-1), Aidan O’Malley, Dylan O’Neill (1-2), Sean Joyce (2-2)

 

Galway: Kevin O’Grady, Mark Bermingham, Aidan Flanagan, Patrick Moylan, Stephen White, Eoin Morrisey, Seanie Whelan, Darragh Lawlor, Brian Conroy, John Moylan (0-1), Brian Cahill, Cormac Kelly, Sean O’Shaughnessy

 

Man of the Match: Dylan O’Neill

 

Referee: Tiernan McHugh

7/28/2024 - Senior Hurling – Galway vs Fr Toms

 Senior Hurling – Galway vs Fr Toms

 

By Neil McEnaney

 

Full Time Score:

Galway: 5-18

Fr Toms: 3-12

 

A comprehensive victory for the Galway Boston hurlers in Game 4 of this best of 5 series saw them clinch the senior championship against Fr Tom’s.

 

A point straight from the throw in by Alex Connaire got the ball rolling for Galway. A long clearance by Cianan Fahy found Niall Collins who turned and struck over his right shoulder to extend Galway’s lead to 2 in the early stages. Fr Tom’s pulled one back through a great turnover by Cian Folan who set up Matthew Power for a well taken point from the right wing.

 

From here, Galway upped their game and started to extend their lead. Niall Collins was dangerous in the Galway full forward line, with lovely stick work to control the ball and stick it over the bar. He turned provider then, setting up Liam Collins for a goal into the open net. Sean Collins for Galway hit two beautiful points in quick succession to extend their lead.

 

A high ball floated into the square by Brian Troy for Fr Tom’s was caught well by Cian Folan who turned on to his left and balsted it into the roof of the net for Toms leaving just 4 points between the sides. Folan was soon in on goal again and was expertly denied by Darach Fahy in goals.

 

Cianan Fahy at center back for Galway started cleaning up a lot of loose ball and his strong solo running and quick release of the ball to the inside forwards helped over straight over the bar himself helped tilt the game in Galway’s favor. The accurate free taking of Matthew Power for Fr Toms kept them ticking over and keeping them in touching distance. Galway went into the half time 12 points up after a very impressive opening 30minutes.

 

Half Time Score:

Galway: 3-12

Fr Toms: 1-6

 

Fr Toms showed some grit and determination in the second half to bring the fight to Galway. Kevin Flynn in goals made a great save from a Galway penalty, diving low to his right and hitting it behind for a 65. Zac Firman converted the 65. Folan replied for Toms with a lovely score from the right wing, before doubling it a minute later from the left wing.

 

A high ball into the square by Toms broke kindly for Firman who pulled on the ball to finish it into the net. This left 9 between the sides. Galway responded immediately, when a sideline cut from Fahy was overhit and received by Flynn in goals. Diaras O’Halloran forced the turnover and finished into the empty net to leave 12 between the sides again.

 

An expertly finished penalty by Ciarmhac Smyth into the bottom corner for Fr Toms gave them some hope but Galway responded well Liam Collins collecting the ball on the endline, taking on his man finishing with a flick over Kevin Flynn in the Toms goal.

 

Toms tried a few high balls into the square as the clock was winding down but were unable to get the goals they needed. The referee blew the full time whistle and Galway were crowned the Boston Senior Hurling Champions of 2024.

 

Man of the Match: Cianan Fahy

 

Galway: Darach Fahy, Ian Fox, Donal Mannion, Michael Moylan, Cianan Fahy, Ronan Glennon, Eoin Morrissey, Alex Connaire, Aidan O’Sullivan, Diaras O’Halloran, Sean Walsh, Liam Collins, Niall Collins

 

Fr Toms: Kevin Flynn, Ciarmhac Smyth, Evan Connolly, Cian Mulqueen, Eoin Lawless, Luke Kavanagh, John Riordan, Matthew Power, Aidan O’Malley, Brian Troy, Zac Firman, Cathal Handiman, Cian Folan, 

7/7/2024 - Senior Hurling - Fr Toms vs Galway

 By Neil McEnaney:

 

Full Time Score:

Fr Toms: 6-16

Galway: 5-19

 

While there was two fantastic All Ireland semi finals happening this weekend at home, the crowd in Canton were treated to an equally entertaining game of hurling on Sunday. Galway came into this game knowing they could wrap up this best of five championship with a win. Fr Toms showed great heart and determination to persevere and grind out a draw after being 11 points down at one stage late in the first half.

 

Galway raced to 3 point lead through the free taking abilities of Aaron Myers. Fiochra Fitz pulled one back for the Toms before a Galway man was pulled down running through on goal. Myers stepped up to take the penalty and buried it high to the keepers right.

 

Toms responded immediately with Chris Nolan squaring the ball to Zac Firman who ended up kicking it into the net to beat Darach Fahy in goals. Toms kept the pressure up with Nolan winning a puck out, solo running with the ball before finishing with a nice point off his left side.

 

Not to be outdone, Galway put serious pressure on the Toms puckouts, forcing turnovers and leading to scores. One turnover led to Ronan Glennon being put through from midfield to go on a solo run and finishing with power from the 21 into the Toms net. This put Galway up by 5 points.

 

 Galway finished the half strongly and started winning a lot of the 50-50 breaking balls. A long puck out was gathered well by Niall Collins who got through one on one with the keeper. It was coolness personified for Collins as he lobbed it over the onrushing Kevin Flynn in goals for a great goal.

 

Myers was accurate from another free before turning provider for Glennon’s second goal of the game. He picked him out with a great cross field pass and Glennon made no mistake when given the opportunity.

 

Fr Toms showed some fight just before half time with an absolute rocket of a goal from the corner of the D from Fitz. Toms went into the break 8 points down and with all the work to do in the second half.

 

 

Half Time Score:

Fr Toms: 2-9

Galway: 4-11

 

Whatever was said at half time in the Toms dressing room definitely got them going in the second half. Flynn opened the scoring with a free from midfield. From the resulting puck out, Luke Kavanagh made a brilliant solo run down the left wing before finding Ciarmach Smyth with a handpass who buried the goal.

 

Galway responded immediately with Myers popping over a free before he went on a solo run of his own and finished with a great goal. Then on the next play, Fr Toms got a goal! Chris Nolan picked up a long puck out and hand passed it through to Fitz who buried it into the bottom corner.

 

Galway came up the field and hit a wide before Flynn found Aidan O’Malley with the puck out. O’Malley hit a great cross field pass into Chris Nolan. Nolan had it all to do, he squared up his marker, took him on and finished with a great goal past Darach Fahy in the Galway nets.

 

After the exchange of all the goals, the score was Galway 5-12, Fr Toms 5-10.

 

Galway hit three points without reply including a monster point from the goalkeeper from the left wing of his own 45. But Fr Toms had a never say die attitude today and a brilliant catch by Nolan was finished into the back of the net again. Back to a 2 point game.

 

Both teams went point for point in the last quarter of the game with the accurate free taking of Flynn keeping Toms in touch. Nolan was denied another goal by a great Fahy save in the Galway nets. The resulting 65 went short to Aiden O’Malley who scored a nice point to narrow the gap to 2 points once more.

 

Nolan found a bit of space to score another point off his left side. A long ball into the full forward line found Nolan once more who went straight for goal but was denied by a great Fahy save once more. Nolan had the advantage and Flynn tipped over the point to level the sides. The referee blew the full time whistle and what a great game of hurling we witnessed.

 

Man of the Match: Darragh Flynn

 

Referee: Niall Malone

 

Team and Scorers:

Fr Toms: Kevin Flynn, Ciarmach Smyth (1-0), Evan Connolly, Brian Troy, Eoin Lawless, Luke Kavanagh, Cian Mulqueen, John O’Riordan, Aidan O’Malley (0-1), Fiochra Fitz (2-1), Darragh Flynn (0-10), Zac Firman (1-0), Chris Nolan (2-3)

 

Galway: Darach Fahy (0-1), Ian Fox (0-1), Donal Mannion, Tiernan Kileen (0-1), Ciaran Fahy, Sean O’Shaughnessy, Ronan Glennon (2-1), Alex Connaire (0-3), Sean Walsh (0-1), Aaron Myers (2-6), Brian Cahill, Niall Collins (1-2), Billy Power (0-2)

6/23/2024 - Senior Hurling - Galway vs Fr Tom's

 Senior Hurling – Galway vs Fr Tom’s

 

By Neil McEnaney

 

Full Time Score:

Galway: 3-23

Fr Tom’s: 2-15

 

Galway got the win a few weeks back and were hoping to make it two from two in this best of five series. Some great hurling by Galway and a strong performance from Aaron Myers at center forward proved to be the difference for the Connacht men.

 

It was Myers who opened the scoring after a strong run and tidy finish. The game was then stopped after a tangle caused Darren Morrissey to pick up a bad shoulder injury. Darren was rushed to the ER. Sources tell me he dislocated his shoulder and we wish him a speedy recovery.

 

The bad injury did nothing to the psyche of the Galway players as they rushed to 1-2 to 0-0 scoreline. Niall Collins capitalized on a turnover to blast the ball into the roof of the Toms net. Fr Toms weren’t long responding with Darragh Flynn scoring a point from a free before Luke Kavanagh broke through from center back on a solo run to score a goal of his own to bring the sides within a point of each other. The skillful Ciarmhac Smyth followed up with a nice point to level the game.

 

Galway started to get a foothold on the game and moved the ball quickly around the middle to create space. They tackled ferociously across the pitch forcing turnovers which they capitalized on to stretch out their lead coming into half time. It could have arguably been more but for a few shots that were just wide of the target.

 

Half Time Score:

Galway: 1-13

Fr Tom’s: 1-6

 

At the start of the second half, Fr Toms started to edge their way back into the game with Darragh Flynn proving to be accurate from the frees and Zak Firman taking on his man and scoring a nice point. Just when they were starting to get a foothold in the game, a second yellow card equaled a red for Luke Kavanagh from the Toms and they were down to 12 men.

 

Galway started using the extra man to their advantage straight away moving the ball quickly and effectively across the middle third. The goal of the game came from the substitute for Galway, Liam Collins. He took on his man with a solo run, flicked it over the defender before finishing with his hurl just before the onrushing Toms keeper got to him.

 

Tom’s had their own chances at goal but an incredible top corner bound reaction save by Darach Fahy in nets denied Chris Nolan a certain goal. At times Fahy proved unbeatable in nets showing great athleticism and reflexes to keep the Toms attack out. At the other end, Billy Power found Myers in space who rounded the keeper and blasted it into the net.

 

Toms kept fighting until the end even with the man down with Cian Folan coming from the bench to kick the ball past Fahy inn nets for a goal.

 

Galway finished comfortable winners in this one and will look to finish the championship in their next outing against Fr Toms on Sunday July 7^th.

 

Man of the Match: Aaron Myers

 

Referee: Ciaran O’Donovan

 

Teams and Scorers:

Galway: Darach Fahy, Darren Morrissey, Ian Fox, Tiernan Killeen (0-3), Cianan Fahy, Eoin Morrissey (0-1), Ronan Glennon (0-3), Alex Connaire (0-1), Sean Walsh (0-2), Aaron Myers (1-8), Brian Cahill (0-1), Billy Power (0-2), Niall Collins (1-0)

Subs: Liam Collins (1-0)

 

Fr Tom’s: Kevin Flynn, Ciarmhac Smyth (0-1), Evan Conolly, Brian Troy, Eoin Lawless, Luke Kavanagh (1-0), Fiachra Fitz, John O’Riordan, Aidan O’Malley (0-2), Luke Elliot, Darragh Flynn (0-6), Chris Nolan (0-1), Zak Firman (0-3)

Subs: Cian Folan (1-0)

6/9/2024 - Senior Hurling Championship - Galway vs Fr Toms

 

By Neil McEnaney

Full Time Score:

Galway: 4-20

Fr Toms: 1-16

The Senior Hurling Championship started with all the fire and excitement that we can expect from these two Boston rivals. The old cliché of ‘it was a game of two halves’ came into fruition in this game, with only a point separating the teams at half time, but Galway really kicked on in the 2^nd half to win convincingly in the end up.

 

Chris Nolan  started the brightest for Toms with Luke Kavanagh setting him up for the game’s first point. A puck out from Kevin Flynn found Nolan again who burst through the middle and finished brilliantly for the first goal of the game.

 

The referee had his work cut out in the first half with the two sides breaking into a lot of pushing and shoving (best described as handbags on multiple occasions). Galway started to edge their way back into the game with some great points taken by Aaron Myers and Alex Connaire.

 

A great switch of the play by Galway’s Alex Connaire found Niall Collins in space who carried it in and finished superbly into the net to put Galway a point to the good.

 

Galway started getting on top with Myers playing at center forward being unmarkable at times. Tom’s kept themselves in touching distance with Darragh Flynn and Chris Nolan doing most of the damage at the other end of the field.

 

Galway struck for a 2^nd goal before half time with a great pass from Collins to set up Myers.

 

Half Time Score:

Galway: 2-10

Fr Toms: 1-12

 

Whatever was said at half time in the Galway camp definitely got their men going as they started to get on top all over the field. Sam Walsh was sprung from the bench and his impact was immediate scoring a point off his left side with his first possession of the sliotar.

 

The goal of the game came from Niall Collins, who collected the ball on the wing, got around his man and the keeper to rifle it into an empty net. Toms continued to battle hard and had a few goal chances themselves but some great goalkeeping by Darach Fahy kept them out.

 

A final goal by Galway substitute Liam Collins after a strong run by Tiernan Killeen at center back ended this thoroughly entertaining game.

 

Galway now lead this 5 game series 1-0 with the next match being on Sunday 23^rd June at 3:30pm.

 

Man of the Match: Aaron Myers

 

Team and Scorers:

Galway Boston:

Darach Fahy, Darren Morrissey, Gavin Fives, Michael Moylan, Tiernan Killeen, Ian Fox, Ronan Glennon, Eoin Morrissey, Alex Connaire (0-2), Aaron Myers (1-9), Ciaran Fahy, Niall Collins (2-1), Billy Power

Subs: Billy Power (1-0), Sam Walsh (0-4)

 

Fr Toms:

Kevin Flynn, Ciarmhac Smith, Eoin Lawless, Brian Troy, Cian Mulqueen, Fiachra Fitzpatrick, John O’Riordan, Luke Kavanagh, Chris Nolan (1-6), Luke Elliot (0-2), Darragh Flynn (0-9), Aidan O’Malley, Cian Folan

Junior A Hurling Semi-Final: Offaly v Fr. Tom Burke's

Offaly 2-16 Fr. Tom Burke’s 2-13

Robert Croft takes off for Offaly

It was a game of 2 halves between Offaly and Fr. Tom’s with Offaly dominating the opening 30 minutes, while Tom’s looked not to be at the races.  The second half was a turnaround with Tom’s keeping the Offaly men on edge and almost pulling off a comeback only to fall short as time ran out. 

Offaly outscored their opponents 11 points to 3 in the opening 30 minutes.  The Offaly men were first to everything and scores came from a few different quarters.  Kevin Larkin was the main threat with the free-taking duties and the wing forward accounted for 6 of the 11 Offaly points.  Robert Croft was not far behind with 3 points from play and the Dubliner fired a couple of impressive scores over the bar.   Tom’s looked like they were severely struggling in the heat and to get some kind of momentum going, and did not get much of a return for their efforts.  It took a long range free from Fran Keenan who had lined out in goal to get them off the mark, followed by seasoned veteran Seamie Higgins with a score.  Enda Keary accounted for the third point for Tom’s, but the way the game was going an easy Offaly victory looked like it was on the cards.

The second 30 minutes was a completely different story, and Tom’s will have been wondering why they left it so long to get going.  Once they did Tom’s looked impressive with the big guns getting into the flow and hitting some great scores.  John O’Doherty came on at half forward and also aided the efforts of the Tom’s men, and the game took on a whole different complexion.

Dylan Costello rises for Tom's

The Offaly lead was shrinking as Tom’s had fired over 3 points to one from the Faithful County side shortly following the restart.  Croft accounted for the Offaly score, and then it was Cormac Joyce-Power, O’Doherty, and Aaron Moore who put three over without reply.   Offaly were under pressure to regain the advantage and a goal from substitute Pat Murray provided relief from the onslaught.  Murray’s low shot sneaked into the inside of the near post and Tom’s good work to begin the second half was undone in one swing of the hurl.

But, back to work went the Tom’s men.  Joyce-Power and O’Doherty had the gap back to 6 points with three unanswered points and again, the tables looked like they could well turn.  A 65 from Aaron Moore made it 5 between the teams but when Offaly had to dig in, they did.  Offaly had a chance to open the gap again after winning a penalty.  James Rigney was the taker, but in the showdown between Kinnity and Camross, it was the Laois man who came out on top and Fran Keenan was equal to the shot, and deflected it over the bar for a point instead of 3.

Offaly got some great play from Home Grown players Sean O’Shaughnessy in the back line and Tom Lind up front.  O’Shaughnessy won a number of balls and cleared well, while Tom Lind at half forward did well to keep the ball moving.  Points from Pat Murray and Croft had Offaly breathing easy again.  But, Tom’s were not done with keeping Offaly nerves on edge as O’Doherty netted to put 4 between the teams and with time still on the clock, it was very much game on.  Offaly got the goal right back though, as Larking hit the net following an assist from Croft.  Tom’s had to go for goal now, and a couple of low attempts resulted in a point.  Joyce-Power netted a late goal and with just 3 points in it, there was still a chance form Tom’s.  Unfortunately for them, and to Offaly’s relief, the whistle blew for full time before there was another chance at goal and Offaly will be meeting Galway in Sunday’s final.

Offaly:  Darragh Kealy, Simon Sinnot, Liam O’Connor, Jack Murray, Cathal Hayes, Sean O’Shaughnessy, James Rigney, Robert Croft, Evan Campbell, Tom Lind, Kevin Larkin, Michael Lennon, Stephen Brown. 

Tom’s:  Fran Keenan, Ciaran Mulhall, Brian Troy, John O’Riordan, Brian Flynn, Paul Cannon, Jack Martyn, Oisin McCormack, Aaron Moore, Seamus Higgins, Enda Keary, Jason Costello, Cormac Joyce-Power.

By Rory O'Donnell

Galway Boston Northeast Senior Hurling Champions

Galway 4-23 Fr. Tom Burke’s 3-13

The ball is there for Cathrach Daly or John Moylan.

Galway secured the title of Boston Northeast senior hurling champions on a brutally hot Sunday afternoon at the Irish Cultural Centre in Canton.   Galway got off to a flying start, but Tom’s reined their opponents in for the middle 30 minutes of the game, however the Galway half back line pretty much had the measure of the Tom’s forwards in the deciding period and with 3 second half goals the Tribesmen ran out comfortable winners in the end.

At the end of the first 30 minutes Galway held a 3 point lead, which would have left Fr. Tom’s feeling pretty good because the men in maroon had opened up a nine point lead inside the first 15 minutes. Within 10 minutes Galway held a 1-4 to 0-1 lead and were dominating all areas of the field.  Tom’s were forced into fouling in danger areas, and when you opponent has a free taker of the caliber of Jason Gillane, most areas are dangerous in which to concede a free.  Warnings were issued to a couple of the Tom’s players by referee Maurice Condon.  Gillane converted 3 frees and Barry McDonagh put one over from the wing before Joe Fogerty got Tom’s off the mark with a point.  Billy Power at corner forward had the ball in the net soon afterwards following a loose pass out of the Tom’s defence.  Power pounced and there was no stopping the Waterford man from putting the ball into the far corner.   Additional points came from Michael Kiely, Gillane and McDonagh before Tom’s got their second score of the game to reduce the gap to 8 points.

Tom’s got a foothold in the game thereafter and pointed two more to start feeling better about themselves.  Mark McCarthy, Fogerty, Liam Moore and Cathrach Daly were on the mark.  After the water break Tom’s got the goal back though a penalty.  Aaron Dunphy was fouled as he bore down on goal and the penalty awarded without hesitation.  Fogerty buried the shot and there was just 2 points in it.  The rest of the half played out even stevens, though Tom’s did need a goal from Ronan Fox to keep touch.  A free from the half back line dropped into the Galway box and Fox got the touch to level the scores at 1-9 to 2-6.  Galway ended the half 3 points to the better with scores from John Moylan, Gillane and McDonagh, while Fogerty frees kept Tom’s within 3 points at the break.  It could have been a 6 point advantage for the Tribesmen as Michael Kiely hit the post after being played in by John Moylan.  1-14 to 2-8 at the half in Galway’s favor.

The second half say Galway open up the lead with points from Gillane and John Moylan as Tom’s were slow out of the blocks again.  Another Tom’s goal reduced the deficit as a mis-hit shot from Dunphy ended up in the hands of Fogerty alone in front of goal, and Fogerty does not miss chances like that.  Dunphy then pointed and there was just 2 points in it.  Galway dominated the last third of the game and their half back line was all over anything that dropped into the area of the field.  Liam Savage, Gavin Fives and Danny Burke time and again came out with the ball to send it into the danger areas.  Before the second half water break Galway had netted twice.  The first was a goal from Billy Power who did not give up on what looked to be a lost cause and kept the ball in play to net from a difficult angle.  Moylan got the second after being left in a man on man situation, Moylan turned his marker and finished well with just the keeper to beat.

The Victorious Galway Senior Hurlers

Galway were 11 up heading into the final 15 minutes and truth be told, it was looking like Tom’s would need a miracle to turn the tables.  The teams canceled each other out in the run in as Galway continued to smother the Tom’s forwards, and a late goal put the icing on the cake.  Back to back titles for Galway who will represent the division at the USGAA finals in Chicago the weekend of August 20.

Tom’s:  Kevin Flynn, Conor Murphy, Mark McCarthy, Jack Martin, Cathrach Daly, Niall Murphy, Cian Wadding, Fergus Byrne, Liam Moore, Cathal Hardiman, Joe Fogerty, Aaron Dunphy, Ronan Fox.  Galway:  John Coleman, Daniel Loftus, Tom Murray, Danny Burke, Liam Savage, Gavin Fives, Eoin Morrissey, Michael Moylan, Barry McDonagh, John Moylan, Jason Gillane, Michael Kiely, Billy Power.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Hurling - Fr. Tom Burke's v Galway

Galway 2-11 Fr. Tom Burke’s 1-18

Tom's Cian Wadding and Galway's Billy Power
vie for possession

Tom’s had to win this game to keep the Senior Hurling Championship alive for at least one more game, they did so with a tiny bit to spare.  Joe Fogerty was a big factor in the game for Tom’s, both from play and from frees as the Tipperary man accounted for 13 of the Tom’s points.  Tom’s established a four point half time lead and in the second period dominated until the final 5 minutes when Galway launched a belated comeback effort.  Tom’s held on to take the win and the teams meet again on Sunday July 24 when Tom’s will be looking to force a fifth and final game.

Toms had the better of matters for most of the first half.  After a scrappy opening the game settled down and the teams started to play some better hurling.  The opening 2 scores for each side came from frees with the first score from play coming from Aaron Dunphy for Tom’s after 10 minutes.   Cian Wadding added another from play for Tom’s, and Fogerty added free as Tom’s opened a lead.  Michael Kiely and Liam Savage kept the scoreboard ticking over for Galway, but it was Tom’s who looked to have more energy and ambition on the day.  At the break it was a 9 points to 5 Tom’s lead.

Tom’s got the second half off to the best possible start with a wonderful goal from Dunphy.  The ball made its way through 4-5 players before Fogerty found the incoming Dunphy who billowed the net with his shot.  The message was sent, Tom’s were tightening their grip on this game.  Tom’s tagged on 4 more points with no reply from Galway and the possibility of the series being extended to at least another game became a probability.  One score was beauty from Fogerty who feigned one way then struck the ball over his shoulder the other.  Tom’s were defending well and Galway hardly had a clear look at the goal until Kiely stemmed the bleeding with a free.

Aaron Dunphy has a shot for Tom's

Billy Power was languishing out on the half forward line and when the Waterford man had the ball in his hand, he was swallowed up by a host of Tom’s defenders.  Tom’s seemed content to try and see out the game at this point and the teams traded scores before Galway mounted a late comeback effort.  Two Tom’s players were yellow carded as efforts to kill the game were deployed.  There might have been a few worried brows on the Tom’s line as Kiely netted for Galway, but Tom’s responded with 2 points on the trot.   Another goal went in for the Tribesmen as the clock hit 30 minutes but it was a little too late for Galway to try and steal a win, and the championship continues.  Next date for these teams is Sunday July 24.

Galway:  John Coleman, Tom Murray, Killian O’Dwyer, Michael Moylan, Daniel Loftus, Gavin Fives, Evan Hunt, Danny Burke, Pat Moylan, Billy Power, Liam Savage, Eoin Morrissey, Michael Kiely.

Tom’s:  Kevin Flynn, Conor Murphy, Mark McCarthy, Jack Martyn, Ceathrach Daly, Niall Murphy, Fergus Byrne, Cian Wadding, Joe Fogerty, Cathal Hardiman, Liam Moore, Aaron Dunphy, Donal Mannion.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Hurling: Galway v Fr. Tom Burke's

Galway 6-20 Fr. Tom’s 2-16

Daniel Loftus keeps Donal Mannion reined in.

Galway had a turnaround of fortunes on the hurling field on Sunday with many players involved on both the football and the hurling clubs.  With a team containing some top tier hurling talent, Galway turned it up in the second half and ran out heavy winners as the forward line were not to be stopped.

Tom’s got off to the better start and went into an early 1-4 to 0-2 lead.  Joe Fogerty who lined out at wing forward was on the mark from the placed ball, and a goal was fired in by Donal Mannion.  Galway soon got a hold of the game and once the full forward duo of Billy Power and Michael Kiely got going, they proved to be an almost unstoppable force.  After Fogerty made it a 6 point Tom’s lead, a flurry of Galway scores turned the game on its head.  Aidan Nolan pointed from play to reduce the gap to 5 and  Galway netted right from the Tom’s puckout.  The ball was sent back in to Kiely who got a hold of it fired the ball into the far corner.  Danny Burke put the next puckout over the bar, and after a slight reprieve for Tom’s with another Fogerty free, it was Kiely again who ran through the Tom’s rearguard for another goal to put Galway into a one point lead.   

Fogerty’s frees were keeping Tom’s in the game, and with the sides swapping points, Tom’s regained the lead with a Fogerty point from play.  The tempo was high and the scores were flying over the bar as each side vied for control.    As half time approached Galway netted a third goal, and it was a peach as the two Waterford men combined beautifully.  It was Power who scored it but the assist from Kiely was a skill that can’t be taught as he let the ball into the box drop off his stick with perfect weight, into the path of the barreling Power, who buried it.  The half ended with a flurry of Kiely points from the dead balls, and Galway had a 3-10 to 1-10 lead at the break.

The second half was dominated by Galway as Tom’s found it hard to come to grips with the Galway’s power house forward line.  Three points added to the gap after the restart, and then two goals, the first from Power who built up a head of steam before firing home, and the second from Aidan Nolan assisted by Power, put all hopes of a Tom’s comeback to rest.  Galway were motoring now, and 5 points without reply underlined their dominance as Tom’s found it hard to gain possession around the middle of the field and launch a meaningful attack. 

Donal Mannion at corner forward eventually found some running space and finished a great solo effort into the net for Tom’s, who continued to battle to the end.  Galway finished with aplomb, however, after Power found Nolan with a lovely ball and it was goal number 6 for the Tribesmen.  Tom’s will be wondering how to turn the tables for the second game in the best of 5 between the teams.  There is time to try and close the gap with the next game in this best of 5 taking place 2 weeks from now on June 26.  But, based on this form, Galway must be hot favourites to retain the senior hurling championship.

Galway:  John Coleman, Tom Murray, Killian O’Dwyer, Pat Moylan, Daniel Loftus, Gavin Fives, Evan Hunt, Danny Burke, Mike Moylan, Aidan Nolan, Barry McDonagh, Billy Power, Michael Kiely.  Tom’s:  Kevin Flynn, Cian Wadding, Padraic O’Neill, Carthach Daly, Conor Murphy, Brian Connolly, Niall Murphy, Matty Duane, Joe Fogerty, Martin O’Connell, Liam Moore, Cathal Hardiman, Donal Mannion.

Senior Hurling - Fr. Tom Burke's v Offaly

Fr. Tom Burke’s 3-22 Offaly 1-11

Offaly and Tom’s met in the second senior hurling match of the season, and Tom’s eased to a convincing win.  In this all home-based season Offaly called upon the services of a handful of Home Grown players from Junior B side, Worcester, who acquitted themselves well.  Although the outcome was pretty much clear after the first 10-15 minutes with Tom’s never in any trouble, to their credit Offaly kept their side of the scoreboard ticking over.

Jason Costello was the man on the sport for
many of Tom's scores.

Within the first 15 minutes Jason Costello had bagged a hat trick as Tom’s were well in control of affairs.  Liam Moore, Fergus Byrne and Fran Keenan also had found the mark before Offaly tallied a score.  The Faithful men stuck to their task however, and started to get things moving on the scoreboard.  Jimmy Rigney banged a few points over the bar and was the main outlet for Offaly’s scores, with Tom Lind also adding to the Offaly tally.  With Tom’s firing the points over almost at will, a goal came late in the half from Andrew Engel to lift Offaly spirits.  At the break it was a 3-14 to 1-8 Tom’s lead.

The second half continued much in the same vein as the first, with Liam Moore and Jason Costello combining nicely for scores on the couple of occasions.  Jack Martyn has developed into a very capable hurler and made a good contribution to the Tom’s efforts.  The scores kept coming for Tom’s as they added a second win for 2 out of 2 in this year’s senior hurling championship.

Tom’s:  K. Flynn, O. McCormack, A Coleman, B. Flynn, D. Higgins, G. Dillon, N. Murphy, J. Martyn, F. Byrne, F. Keenan, L. Moore, C. O’Donoghue, J. Costello.  Subs:  J. Mellick, S. Higgins, J. O’Doherty,

Offaly:  D. Smith, D. Nyland, S. Sinnott, J. Green, S. O’Shaughnessy, D. Williams, T. Lind, J, Rigney, M. Moriarty, J. Murray, A. Engel, C. Lynch, S. Whitty. D. Theriault.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sat Aug 17 - Junior A Hurling Final: Offaly v Fr. Tom Burke's

Offaly 1-19 Fr. Tom Burkes 2-13

It was a to and fro junior A hurling final with each side going on scoring spurts.  At the end of it all it was Offaly with the three point advantage.  The difference in the end was a second half goal from Victor Costello.  Offaly weathered a late Tom’s storm to hold on and capture their second championship in 3 years.

Oisin McCormack accepts the trophy

from Peter Murray.

Offaly got off the better start with 6 unanswered points.  Brian Murray was on song with the frees, while Jimmy Rigney and Stephen Brown also contributed to the tally.  Tom’s weren’t long about getting on even terms.  Two Conor O’Kane points were followed by a Jack Martyn goal.  The home grown player found himself through on goal and tipped the ball past Offaly goalkeeper, Gary Sherlock and into the net.  Tom’s now had the momentum and added three further points from O’Kane, one from a penalty.

Niall Gleeson was bearing down on the Offaly goal and was taken out of his stride with an illegal challenge.  O’Kane took the penalty and his shot one hopped before Sherlock deflected the ball over the crossbar.   Now it was Tom’s up by two points.  The game swung back in favour of the faithful county as the Offaly men wrested back the initiative.  Seven points on the trot restored the initiative.  Rigney, Ronan Coffey, Paul Clifford, Noel Graham and Murray all scored as it was one way traffic in the run up to the break.  Offaly held a 0-13 to 1-6 lead at the break.

Offaly struck with a goal of their own about 5 minutes into the second half.  Ronan Coffey finished expertly into the far corner with just the keeper to beat, and Tom’s had it all to do.  With Tom’s trying to hit Cormac Joyce-Power on the edge of the square, Tom’s dropped Jimmy Rigney back and the Kinnity man swept up the searching balls well.  Offaly built on the lead with scores from Rigney, Murray, and a wonderful point from the wing by Sallins, Co. Kildare native, Paul Clifford.

A second Junior A Championship for Offaly hurlers.

The Offaly lead held at 9 points as the clock ran down and the cup looked destined to be headed for the Offaly men.  The game was set for an exciting finish however.  Tom’s made a final push to try and turn the tables.  5 scores, one a goal, brought them within a goals of their opponents.  A goal from O’Kane came amid a flurry of 4 unanswered points and a game that looked completely lost was back in reach, still with a few minutes left.  Tom’s tried everything to pull back the goal and square up the scored, but Offaly managed to keep the threat at bay until the final whistle.

Offaly:  Gary Sherlock, Andy McRedmond, Seamus Loftus,  Emmet Moran, Jack Lynch, Jimmy Rigney, Oisin McCormack (C), Killian Campbell, Paul Clifford, Stephen Brown, Noel Graham, Brian Murray, Ronan Coffey.

Tom’s: Fran Keenan, Peter Boylan, Sean O’Brien, Paddy Crichley, Jack Hannon, Seamus Higgins, Conor Eddery, Ciaran Mulhall, Jack Martyn, Cormac Joyce-Power, Conor O’Kane, Niall Gleeson, Dylan Costello.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sun Aug 18 - Senior Hurling Final: Galway v Fr. Tom Burke's

Fr. Tom Burke’s 2-18 Galway 0-21

Fr. Tom’s left it late to capture the senior hurling trophy, and that after seeing 3 star players return to Ireland before the final.  Galway looked to be very much the side in control of affairs for most of the game, and while not scoring at will, were able to maintain more or less a 4 point advantage until late in the game.  John Moylan was on form for the westerners, and while taking the frees was also responsible for some great scores, and with Lorcan McLaughlin playing well at center forward Galway seemed destined to take the cup.  Tom’s stuck with it, however, and introduced Cormac Joyce-Power in the second half and the Limerick man set up what was the winning goal for Ali Dooey and Tom’s late in the game. 

Tom's Captain, John Buckley, accepts the Eddie Flaherty Cup

from Nora Flaherty.

It was an evenly contested opening 30 minutes with Galway holding a slight advantage on the scoreboard at the break.  There was little given and each side worked hard for their scores.  Galway had John Moylan on the frees and the Beagh man was on the mark.  Galway were sharp in the back line, Tom Davey was doing a diligent job at corner back and made some good clearances.  Ronan Burke and Lorcan McLaughlin were also on the mark for Galway who looked very much in control.

Tom’s got some fine scores from Aaron Moore and John Buckely early on, but were guilty of misfiring with some good chances missed.  Ali Dooey hit some frees over late in the second half as Tom’s capitalized on some indiscipline in the Galway defence.  At the break it was a 0-8 to 0-6 in favour of Galway.

Galway continued to hold the edge in the second half.  Ronan Burke at wing back was under everything and McLaughlin at center forward tallied a couple of beautiful points.  The lead opened to five as Corcoran Bergin, Moylan and Andrew Casey each found the mark.  Tom’s worked themselves back into it with Dooey proving to be the main outlet for the long ball into the forwards, and Cormac Joyce-Power who played on the edge of the square a target man, though the Galway defence largely had him bottled up.  Dooey pointed 3 and Matt Kenny, who made run from wing back one, to pull Tom’s within 2.

Fr. Tom's waiting to receive their 2019 winners medals.

Entering the final quarter it was Galway who started to pull away again as the game ebbed and flowed.  McLaughlin pointed off a Darragh Lawler sideline and Moylan hit 3 frees to a single score form Darragh McGrath the lone Tom’s score.  Tom’s got the break they needed when Peter Boylan who had entered as a sub got on to a loose ball and his shot took a deflection and wrong footed Galway keeper John Coleman. Galway, however, continued to chip away with the points.  Moyland answered with a fantastic effort over from distance, and Danny Burke another to put Galway four to the good once more.  But that was not all she wrote.

As Tom’s persisted with their attacking plan, Dooey pointed to put a goal in it with 4 minutes left to play.  Joyce-Power put one over from a tough angle on the wing, and another Dooey point had Tom’s just the one behind.  The goal came after Joyce-Power trekked out to the corner to pick up a ball played low in that direction and played a perfect pass to Dooey who got ahead of his man and was running through on goal.  The Dunloy man fetched perfectly and blasted home to send Tom’s supporters, who had watched their team play from behind most of the game, into raptures with time almost up.  Joyce-Power added a point and now it had to be a goal for Galway.  Tom’s packed the defence and did everything they could to prevent a Galway goal that would have tied the game.  Tom’s held on to win their first senior hurling championship since winning two years ago in a best of seven series against Galway.

Galway:  John Coleman, Mark Bermingham, Tom Davey, Corcoran Bergin, Brian Kennedy, Ronan Burke, Danny Burke, Darragh Lawler, Andrew Casey, Lorcan McLaughlin, Niall Walsh, John Moylan, Adam Kenny.

Tom’s:  Kevin Flynn, Ian O’Shea, Damien O’Loughlin, Matt Kenny, Eamon Egan, Brian Flynn, Aaron Moore, Rory Purcell, John Buckley, Darragh McGrath, Sean Downey, Vincent Doyle, Ali Dooey.

By Rory O'Donnell

Boston Norteast GAA Finals - Schedule and Senior Previews

Sunday August 18 - 5:00 PM

This year sees Donegal return to the senior football final, albeit without Diarmuid Connolly, who will be togging out for The Dubs in the All Ireland Final in a couple of weeks.  Connolly’s St. Vincent’s teammate, New York born Shane Carthy, will be lining out in the middle of the field and hoping for a second successive Boston senior championship medal.  Alongside him will most likely be the athletic Westmeath and former Aussie Rules player, Ray Connellan.

Up front Donegal have a powerful one – two strike force in Gary Walsh and Barry John Keane.  In last week’s semi-final the place kicking of Walsh was impeccable, the Laois man hardly missed a kick from any distance or angle.  Keane, the Kerry footballer, is liable to pop up and put the ball over the bar from anywhere and I would not relish the thought of having to mark either as a McAnespies defender.

In defence, Hugh “Yank” Boyle is minding nets, and the home based Donegal keeper is second to none when it comes to stopping those point blank chances.  Continuing on from where he left off last year, Boyle has been a major factor in Donegal’s success.  The back line is solid, with Jason Noctor and there is nothing like a Donegal team when it comes to locking down things at the back.

McAnespies are back in the final after a one-year hiatus and have not lost a game this season.  The team is built on a combination of power and finesse, and has ground down opponents into submission.  The centerpiece of the forward line is Tony Brosnan.  The Dr. Crokes, Killarney, man is a finesse player who can set up his colleagues with well-placed passes, or take his own score when the situation calls for it.  Also in the forward line is Steven O’Hanlon who got his Monaghan call up this year.  The Carrickmacross native adds some speed to the forwards, while also in the forward line is Evan Cronin who has been as consistent a performer for McAnespies as any this year.

Captain, Declan Hughes is a force to be reckoned with in the middle of the field, along with Barry Kerr.  However, it is the half back line that is the key to McAnespies success so far this year.  Daniel Guinness, Pierce Laverty and Oisin McConvey have driven the team forward throughout the season.  The 3 Down men will have a huge role to play in the outcome of this game.  McAnespies will face their biggest test of the year on Sunday, however, one would have to make them slight favourites to continue their winning ways.  One interesting footnote, Sean Cournane, whose brother Anthony starts in the half forwards, is on the panel.  Cournane was corner forward on the 2011 North American winning team that went unbeaten all season.  Will the Caherciveen man be a talisman 8 years later?  Sunday will tell all.  An exciting game to look forward to.

3:00 Senior Hurling Final

Fr. Tom Burke’s v Galway

Fr. Tom’s are the clear favourites in this battle of the westerners. The game will almost be like a Galway club final such are the links between each club and the county of the Tribesmen.  Tom’s topped the senior hurling table and after a slow start to the season, impressed from then on. 

The jewel in the crown is Galway intercounty star, Conor Whelan.  Whelan is a hard working corner forward, who digs in and persists until possession is won and a positive outcome achieved.  In a previous encounter, Galway had their game plan to snuff out the Kinvara dangerman, and were largely successful but in injury time it was Whelan who netted the winning goal for Tom’s.

Alongside is Jack Coyne, another player with top flight intercounty credentials.  Coyne suffered an injury earlier in the season, and may not be 100% but is still likely to be a player that Galway need to plan for in the final.  Tom’s are strong throughout the field.  From Ian O’Shea at corner back to Ali Dooey at corner forward, there is hardly a weakness in the side.  Flying the flag for the USMC (United States Marine Corp.) is Paul Cannon.  The Craughwell Co. Galway native served in the Marines before coming to Boston and joining Tom’s, and is a major addition to the home based ranks of the club.

Tom’s defeated their finalist opponents fairly handily in their last outing, however, it was a game that had nothing riding on it as both teams were already in the final, and playing cards close to the chest no doubt.  Galway gave Tom’s a good run in their last meaningful meeting and were very unlucky not to come away with the win.

A well-coached team, Galway players will be fully aware of their respective jobs and what is required if they are to defeat Tom’s.  The defence will need to work hard for the fill hour to limit Tom’s scoring opportunities.  Last time out the defence, led by Brian Kennedy and Aidan O’Sullivan, did extremely well in executing their task, until the very end of the game when Whelan popped up for that goal.

There is plenty of grit in the team, none more so that with Danny Burke.  The Headford man will need to keep his head though, and focus on the task at hand.  Niall Walsh in the forward line is a goal getter, the Kilkenny native knows where the posts are.  Lorcan McLaughlin is well capable of taking the scores and along will captain, and Carlow man, Adam Kenny will need to take advantage of the opportunities to keep Galway in the hunt.  An entertaining game with some top class hurling is in store.

By Rory O'Donnell

Full Finals Schedule

Sat Aug 17
Field A
2:45 Junior B Hurling:  Worcester v New Hampshire Wolves
4:15 Junior A Hurling:  Offaly v Fr. Tom Burke’s
5:30 Intermediate Football:  Shannon Blues v Cork
Field B
3:00 Junior B Football: Shannon Blues v Donegal

Sun Aug 18
Field A
1:30 Junior A Football:  Donegal v Aidan McAnespies
3:00 Senior Hurling: Galway v Fr. Tom Burkes

4:30 Youth Board Recognition and Parade
5:00 Senior Football: Donegal v Aidan McAnespies
Field B
1:45 Ladies Junior Football: Boston Shamrocks v ISYL