After dethroning the All-Ireland champions in an epic semi-final, Cappataggle go on the hunt for a first ever Galway senior hurling title when they take on a strong Loughrea side in Kenny Park, Athenry on Sunday afternoon (throw-in: 145pm ).
Years of semi-final anguish was swept away when Cappataggle held on for a 1-15 to 0-15 victory over St. Thomas’ to claim a place in the senior final for the first time in the club’s history. They had a late let-off when a thundering strike by Eanna Burke rattled a post seconds before the final whistle was blown, but few could deny Cappataggle, who lost four consecutive semi-finals from 2017 to 2020, their moment in the sun.
The game’s key score, which decisively turned the game in Steven Creaven’s side’s favour, was Oisin Finn’s magnificent goal on 54 minutes, when Liam Collins threaded a pass into the centre of the field from the right corner and Finn blasted a shot into the top corner. A score fit to win any contest, it proved the difference as Cappataggle upset the odds and knocked out the title favourites.
For the likes of James Skehill, Declan Cronin, James Garvey, Eanna Garvey, Micheal Garvey, Darragh Dolan, Ronan Garvey, Niall Collins and Jarlath Mannion, who all played in the 2020 encounter at the same stage, this must have been a sweet victory, but they will know that there is no silverware under the table yet and the toughest hurdle of their campaign is probably ahead of them.
Underdogs against both Sarsfields and St. Thomas’, Cappataggle are again classed as rank outsiders by the odds compilers, as they take on a Loughrea side who have been knocking on the door in recent years, none more so than in 2022 when it took two games before St. Thomas’ edged them out by a single score.
Loughrea have remarkably only ever won the senior title on two occasions, in 1941 (v Army ) and 2006 (v Portumna ) and have the unenviable record of losing more senior finals than any other club in the county. On six occasions between 2003 and 2013 they fell at the last hurdle and Tommy Kelly and his highly experienced backroom team will not want to add another to that list.
Loughrea saw off the challenge of Clarenbridge in their semi-final, running out 3-16 to 1-16 winners. Two goals late in the first half by Darren Shaughnessy gave Loughrea a sizeable lead so that they could withstand an inevitable Clarenbridge surge led by Cian Salmon’s goal that left only three between them, but when Anthony Burns fired to the net late on the victory was sealed.
With 37 players named on their extended panel, the competition for starting and substitute places must be intense, and with seasoned campaigners like Johnny Coen, Sean Sweeney, Joe Mooney, and Neil Keary in flying form they, much like Cappataggle in fairness, seem to have a potent mix of youth and experience.
Their consistent levels of performance over the past few years will have them as strong favourites in most observers eyes, but Cappataggle should take great confidence from their two knockout wins and could be a tough nut to crack. The average margin of victory in the last ten years is less than three points if including the two drawn finals, expect another close one on Sunday.
