For the second weekend in succession, Pearse Stadium will host Galway GAA’s marquee fixtures under the Saturday night lights as the Galway Senior Hurling Championship semi-finals take centre stage.
Galway GAA officials will have been encouraged by how last weekend’s football semis unfolded — strong crowds, ideal conditions, and two tight contests made for an entertaining double-header in Salthill.
Still, moving the hurling showdowns from their traditional stronghold in Athenry has stirred debate among supporters. The switch has been met with both curiosity and frustration, with some wondering whether leaving the sport’s 'spiritual home' could hurt the county board at the gate. That remains to be seen.
For the players, none of that will matter once the sliotar is thrown in. The Pearse Stadium surface was immaculate last weekend, and all four semi-finalists will see this as a golden opportunity — two wins from Tom Callanan Cup glory.
Craughwell v St Thomas’
Saturday – Pearse Stadium @ 5.45pm
Ten years ago, a Niall Healy free sent Craughwell into dreamland and neighbours St Thomas’ crashing out of the Galway SHC semi-final, securing their first county final appearance since 1932.
They ultimately fell short against Sarsfields following a replay and have not returned to the hurling showpiece since — a reminder of how rare these chances can be. In contrast, since then St Thomas’ have built an era of dominance, collecting seven county titles and establishing themselves as Galway’s benchmark club.
Last year, their bid for seven-in-a-row ended at this very stage against Cappataggle. Like Cappataggle then, Craughwell were not widely tipped to reach the last four, while St Thomas’ were always expected to be here. Perhaps Craughwell can draw some inspiration from Cappy’s heroics.
Both topped their groups but were pushed hard in the quarters. Craughwell needed extra-time and a late Adam Clarke goal to edge Sarsfields, while Victor Manso’s stoppage-time strike rescued Thomas’ against a gallant Tommy Larkins.
That win saw Thomas’, who have conceded just one goal all championship, welcome back key defenders Fintan Burke, Cian Mahony, and John Headd. Up front, though, they will want sharper finishing after managing only 1-4 in the second half into the wind.
Craughwell manager, Ian Daniels, will be sweating on the availability of the Tiarnan and Ciaran Leen, both injured last time out. He will be heartened by the showing of Jamie Ryan versus Sarsfields but will also look for a big performance from Tom Monaghan, their key playmaker.
Craughwell’s resurgence has been one of the stories of the season, but St Thomas’, with their know-how, physicality, and in an eighth consecutive semi-final appearance, may simply have too much experience when it matters most.
Verdict: St Thomas’
Turloughmore v Loughrea
Saturday – Pearse Stadium @ 7.30pm
When these sides met at this stage two years ago, goals from Tom Quirke and Matthew Tarpey powered Turloughmore to the county final, where they narrowly lost to St Thomas’.
Loughrea, however, responded to that loss in perfect fashion. Under Tommy Kelly, they defeated Cappataggle in the 2024 final to claim their third county crown and end a run of five successive decider defeats — a huge moment for the Town as a club.
This year has been more uneven, with a surprise group loss to Craughwell, but their rousing quarter-final comeback against Clarinbridge, overturning a seven-point deficit, may have reignited their title defence at just the right time.
Turloughmore had fallen to Clarinbridge earlier in the campaign but have been electric since, brushing aside Castlegar, Ardrahan, Killimordaly and Oranmore/Maree in convincing fashion. Their age profile across the board should mean this is close to this team’s peak and now might be the time for a club chasing a first county senior title since 1985.
Across the field, there are fascinating battles in store — none more so than Daithí Burke’s likely duel with Tiernan Killeen, which could shape the game’s outcome. Killeen’s heroics against Clarinbridge – where he scored twelve points and a whooping six from play - drew deserved plaudits, but he will need more scoring help from his supporting cast this time around to overcome this Turloughmore.
Turloughmore’s attack, by contrast, has shared the load impressively. Barry Callanan, Seán Loftus, Tom Quirke, Jamie Holland, Conor Walsh, and the Whelan brothers have all contributed, giving them multiple threats rather than an overreliance on any one player.
Loughrea, though, remain built on a rock-solid defence. Johnny Coen, Paul Hoban, and Kieran Hanrahan anchor one of the county’s most dependable full-back lines, with Joe Mooney, Shane Morgan, and Brian Keary providing energy and cover from in front.
It is a cop out in a lot of ways but this is a contest with genuine 50-50 potential. Loughrea’s experience and confidence from last year’s breakthrough might just tilt the balance in their favour. But there is nothing to suggest Turloughmore cannot keep this winning run going based on their form. Expect this one to go the distance.
Verdict: Loughrea
