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)

6/9/2024 - 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 Final - Offaly v Galway

Offaly 2-19 Galway 2-13

Offaly won the junior A hurling championship with a convincing performance against a Galway side that really didn’t start playing till the second half when the gap was too great to overcome.   The week leading up to the game saw an objection from the semi-final by Fr. Tom’s that was first upheld, and then thrown out, by the various committee’s involved, and Offaly did not find out whether they would be contesting the final until a day before the final.  It was a game that featured 8 home grown players between the teams as the movement towards developing the locally born talent gains momentum.

Offaly 2022 Junior A Champions

Offaly held a sizeable lead at the break having netted through Galway man, Kevin Larkin, who was followed by Sean Moriarty with a second goal.  Up to that point the teams had been hanging with each other, Offaly held a one point lead.  For Galway Sean Whealan at center forward opened the scoring and midfielder Eoin Kerin added a second.  Offaly got off the mark through stalwart, James Rigney who lined out at corner forward.  Galway added two more, Aidan O’Malley – one of the Home Grown contingent – and Danny Lynch had Galway in an early 4 points to one lead.  Offaly started to get into the swing of things then.

Rigney and Moriarty pointed again for the faithful county, before Lynch had Galway up by two with a great score, but Offaly then stepped up the tempo and for the second 15 minutes started to put Galway farther in the rearview mirror.  Larkin found the mark with three points on the trot for Offaly to take the lead, and then as Galway were seeking a response, hit with a goal.  The scoring flurry continued with another Larkin point.  Lynch pointed for Galway, however, any hopes from the tribesmen of stemming the tide were in vain.  Another goal came from the stick of Moriarty, and Larking went into full swing again with 3 more unanswered points, Evan Campbell capped of the run of scores with a point to make it Offaly 2-11 Galway 0-6 at the break.

The early part of the second half saw Offaly pad the lead by two more points.  Lynch reopened for Galway, and again, Larkin was the man putting the ball between the posts.  A 13 point lead is a mountain to climb, even in hurling, but Galway set about trying to climb it.  The lead was cut by two points as Galway converted to 4 points to Offaly’s two, Aidan O’Malley contributing with 2 of the Galway tally.  Danny Lynch’s goal for Galway was followed by 2 more points, Cormac Kelly getting in on the act and Kerin adding another.  6 points in it now, and, like in the semi-final, Offaly needed to raise their game again to hold their opponents at bay.

Time was on the side of the Offalymen, and although Galway found the net one more time through Kerin, it would not make a dent in the lead as it was matched by 3 points from Mike Lennon, Larkin and Eoghan Fitzgerald.  Offaly junior A hurling champions for 2022 and on to Chicago for the faithful men.

Offaly:  Darragh Kealy, Dan Williams, Liam O’Connor, Jack Murray, Cathal Hayes, Jack Lynch, Evan Campbell, Michael Moriarty, Sean Moriarty, Tom Lind, Kevin larkin, Michael Lennon, James Rigney. 

Galway:  Aidan Joyce, Greg Lundy, Pat Moylan, Aidan Flanagan, Danny Lynch, Eoin Casey, Eoin Morissey, Eoin Kerin, Aidan O’Malley, Sean Whealan, Cormac Kelly, JJ Doyle, Conor Gilligan.

By Rory O'Donnell

Photo Aoife Griffin

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.

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

Sun Aug 4 - Senior Hurling; Inter Football

In what is a preview of the Senior Hurling Championship final Father Toms faced Galway in the final league game. Both teams held their cards close to their chest as they played alternative teams. The last time the teams met, Tom’s were the victors, would they be able to once again be victorious and overcome a strong Galway side.

The game started out evenly as Dunloy native Ali Dooey got two quick frees to open the scoring. The two teams would go back and forth as Niall Walsh and John Moylan for Galway, and Darragn McGrath for the Toms would score for their sides. Galway started to push on for a bit and managed to get a two point lead. However, this would be the start of a scoring drought for Galway,as Tom’s would score a few points. It would go from bad to worse as Cian Salmon former Galway Minor would score a great goal, He received a pass from a sideline cut, and ran in to the square/ His initial shot was saved, then Salmon struck in off the ground. Tom’s would continue to score a number of unanswered points from Ian O’Shea, Darragh Mcgrath, Cian Salmon and Rory Purcell. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t kick into gear for Galway as the Tom’s would power on and shoot for fun as they went on to win the match 4-32 to 1-14.

In what was expected to be a non event, lead to a shockingly dominant victory for the Tom’s as they build the momentum for the Senior Hurling Final in two weeks time. Will Galway be able to work on this loss and push on to turn the tables against the Tom’s? Only time will tell.

Father Tom’s - Kevin Flynn, Brian Flynn, Ian O’Shea, Jason Costello, Eamon Egan, Matt Kenny, Rory Purcell, Saen Downey, Conor Costello, Darragh McGrath, Johnny Buckley, Cian Salmon, Ali Dooey

Galway - John Coleman, Mark Bermingham, Ronan Burke, Niall Walsh, Andrew Casey, Michael Moylan, Danny Burke, Kenneth O’Callaghan, Adam Kenny, John Moylan, Greg Lundy, Cormac Kelly, Aidan Joyce

Intermediate Football

Shannon Blues and Christophers met up in their final league match. Shannon Blues had already qualified for the Finals where they will face Cork.

Christophers started the game strongly, scoring a number of unanswered scores with points from Kenny O’Reilly, Mark Delaney, Fionnan O’Shea and Gerry Bannon. Blues Would get a point from Paddy O’Connor, and then Joe McHugh would get a goal to level the game early on. The game would remain close , with scores from both sides, until the Blues went on a scoring spree, scoring a number of goals and points. The Christophers would respond with scores of their own, however, the damage was too much, and the Shannon Blues were victorious.

With this result, the Christophers end their season on a low, having only won one game in the season. However I’m sure that they’ll regroup, work on what they learned and push on once again in next years Intermediate Championship. The Shannon Blues will face Cork in the Intermediate final in two weeks time.

Shannon Blues: Michael Moriarty, Shane Kelly, Brian Fannon, Conor Mullen, Tom Hannon, Eamon Kilgallon, Pat Murray, Paddy O’Connor, Joe McHugh, Darren Wallace, Conor Fitzgerald, Ger Comer, Michael Moylan

Christophers : Mark Molloy, Gerry Bannon, Martin Coppinger, Gareth Barr, Shane Power, Tom Kinsley, Ian O’Callaghan, Jerry Kenneally, Kenny O’Reilly, Mark Delaney, Bryan Herirly, Fionnan O’Shea, Dan Kenneally

By Evan McDonagh

Sun Jul 28 - Senior Hurling: Galway v Tipperary

In what was ramped up to be a highly intensive match, Tipperary and Galway once again met in the Senior Hurling Championship. Tipperary came into this matchup in need of a victory to have a chance to make it to the Senior Hurling final. The teams were tied with a win each in their previous encounters over the season.

The match started out with a lot of back and forth early on in the game. It was Galway who would begin to build a lead though as points from Walsh and Burke would give Galway the lead. The game would slow down for a bit after this period as both teams were feeling each other out and sending the ball between the defensive lines. It would be James Sweeney who would even the game up for Tipperary with a great goal, and it was soon followed up by another goal from Conor Martin who got his side their first lead of the game. Both sides would go on after this point to have a number of wides, however, Galway would be that bit more accurate during this period and would score a number of points to leave the game level at half time with a score line of 2-7 to 0-13.

Tipperary’s Donal Burke would start the scoring for the second half with a point. However, Galway would reply quickly as John Moylan would score a goal off the rebound off Niall Walsh’s initial shot, which was saved by the Tipperary keeper. Tipperary would stay alive though, as Paddy Fitzgerald was pulled down in the square, and a penalty was awarded, which Donal Burke would take and score. Both teams would go back and foirth with points, and Tipperary would have a number of chances saved by the Galway Defence, one where the Galway keeper was caught off the line, and Aidan O’Sullivan would save the day with a great body stop, and another save from keeper John Coleman to keep them in the Game. Galway would go on to score a number of frees to give them the lead in which got them the victory with a scoreline of 1-23 to 3-15.

With this victory, Galway sealed their spot and Father Tom’s spot in the finals, and the teams meet each other next week for the final league game of the championship in a preview of the finals. Tipperary will be distraught with the loss, but will surely be back next year and be a force to be reckoned with as always

Galway : John Coleman, Aiden O’Sullivan, Mark Bermingham, Criobheann Bergin, Brian Kennedy, Ronan Burke, Danny Burke, Darragh Lawlor, Andrew Casey, Adam Kenny, Lorcan McGloughlan, John Moylan, Niall Walsh

Tipperary : Daragh Perry, Sean McGarr, John Hamilton, Darren O’Donovan, Cronan Dempsey, Kyle FIrman, Colin Currey, Greg Hilimi, Paddy Fitzgearld, Darragh Mooney, Donal Burke, James Sweeney, Conor Martin

Written By: Evan McDonagh

Sat Jul 20 - Junior Hurling: Galway v Offaly, Providence v Seán Óg's

Offaly 3-24 Galway 3-19

It was a high scoring and unexpectedly entertaining affair between the junior  A hurlers of Galway and Offaly on an oppressive Saturday afternoon at the ICC in Canton.  Offaly just about pulled the game out of the fire in injury time.  Galway held the edge for most of the first half and hurled extremely well, with some wonderful points put over the bar.  Offaly came out in the second and visibly lifted their game both in defence and attack, and pulled out the win to maintain their winning record.  Galway fielded 6 American kids who came up through the underage ranks and each gave an excellent account of themselves.

Offaly just edged  out Galway Saturday afternoon.

Offaly were ahead by 2 points early after Gavin Walsh netted.  The man from Kilcock won a ball that was sent in high and fired on the turn off his left side into the net.  Galway soon had the goal, and the lead restored.  Cormack Kelly netted with a goal as well taken as Walsh’s.  Galway proceeded to hurl very well in their half back line, and produced some fine points from distance.  James Burke, Corey Buckley, and Ken O’Callaghan all hit the mark, while youngsters Mike Moylan, Colm O’Malley and Eoin Morissey did well as Galway opened an eight point lead. 

Offaly remained in touch and managed to rein in the deficit, reducing it to four before the break.  Ronan Coffee at corner forward and Victor Costello, who started at center back, pointed as did midfielder Brian Murray. Galway were still able to fire over the scores however, and by the time the half time whistle sounded one might have favoured the westerners and their 4 point lead to end up winners.

The second half saw Offaly turn the tables and gain parity after 8 minutes.  The level of urgency was stepped up and the Offaly men visibly lifted their game.  After two points from Murray and another from Jimmy Rigney, Robbie Croft leveled the scores and then put Offaly ahead with a point from a tight angle.  Rigney was all over the field now and winning ball in the back line and then was to be found up front. 

Galway had the Faithful County on the Ropes Early on.

Galway hit back with a Michael Lennon goal, but Offaly did not get deflated and had the teams level again following points from Ronan Coffee who started to look much more dangerous in the second period.  Cormac Kelly Put Galway ahead again, but after Victor Costello leveled with a wonderful point and was followed by a massive free from Murray inside his own half Offaly took the lead and would not fall behind again.

Rigney netted to put his side five points to the good after Walsh found him with a pass, Rigney and Coffee points had put their side in the lead.  It was Galway’s turn not to catch up, and catch up they did as the final 10 minutes was as exciting as any.  Each side picked off points, and with Offaly up six, Galway halved the deficit with a Lennon goal from an Eoin Morissey pass.   Three quick points on the trot from Burke (2) and Ken O’Callaghan saw the team level with the 30 minutes played, but it was Offaly who won the critical ball in the final stages.  Two Murray frees, followed by a goal with the final puck of the game from Coffee saw the faithful county to the victory and a hard earned 2 points.

Offaly:  Simon Sinnott, Oisin McCormack, Denis Harrington, Chris McMahon, Victor Costello, Emmet Moran, Killian Campbell, Brian Murray, Jimmy Rigney, Robbie Croft, Sean Whitley, Gavin Walsh, Ronan Coffee.  Subs: Sean Kinsella, Mickey Markham.

Galway:  Aidan Joyce, Greg Lundy, Pat Moylan, Colm O’Malley, James Burke, Sean Melville, Ken O’Callaghan, Michael Moylan, Eoin Morissey, Corey Buckley, Cormac Kelly, Stephen Potter, Michael Lennon.  Sub; Aidan O’Malley.

Junior C Hurling

Seán Óg’s 4-13 Providence HC 1-3

Colm O'Malley on the ball.

In their maiden season, the Seán Óg’s hurlers are impressing in the junior C championship.  The youth program graduates recorded another win, this one against Providece Hurling Club on Saturday afternoon at the ICC in Canton.  The result sets up a big game between the young Americans and last season’s champions, the New Hampshire Wolves, for a tie for top spot in the table and a possible automatic place in the final.

In the first half Steven Joyce and Eoin Morissey netted, while there were some impressively taken points by Michael Moylan, Jack Martyn, and Dylan Coyne.  Providence got themselves on the scoreboard with a goal from Mike Walsh, while Arlow Heimer-Bumstead popped over a nice point, with Jimmy Glendenning and Matt Parks adding to the tally.  

By Rory O'Donnell