A decade on from collecting his first All-Star award, Cathal Mannion has once again been rightfully recognised among hurling’s elite, earning a place on the 2025 All-Star team last weekend — marking a fitting reward at the end of a superb season for the 31-year-old from Ahascragh/Fohenagh.
Much has flowed under the bridge since Mannion first lifted the prestigious gong at wing-forward. There have been memorable highs and bruising lows for both club and county. Yet one thing has never been in doubt - his supreme talent.
On skill alone, Mannion surely ranks among the finest hurlers Galway has ever produced. Technically, he is every bit as gifted as the Joe Cannings or Cooneys of the game. In his pomp, he is a joy to watch — his striking as pure as anyone’s in the modern era, and his effortless gliding style gives the impression of perpetual fourth gear while eating up ground.
It is a cliché to say a player is worth the price of admission alone, but in Mannion’s case, it is true. Those trademark skills were likely honed at home alongside his brother Pádraic, himself a three-time All-Star.
Yet across the decade between those two awards, there were spells when the former St Cuan’s, Castleblakeney student — now a teacher — didn’t always hit the heights his ability promised. Injuries took their toll, dulling the edge that, as this season proved, never truly disappeared.
Club consistency
In Galway, supporters have been fortunate to witness more of Mannion’s brilliance than most. This year marked yet another outstanding campaign for Ahascragh/Fohenagh, with their star man producing performances reminiscent of the 2016 season when the club were crowned Galway Intermediate champions and went on to reach the All-Ireland final. Even during the Covid years, Mannion was at the heart of their surprise run to a Senior A quarter-final.
For Galway, Mannion has long been seen as a player on the verge of exploding, and in 2025, he certainly did. When Galway needed him most, he stepped up to assume a talismanic role: scorer, creator, leader. He became the team’s chief marksman and guiding light in a campaign where Galway often spluttered rather than soared.
He finished the championship with an astonishing 2-67, second only to Dublin’s Seán Currie, who played two more matches. Remarkably, 1-21 of that tally came from play. His seventeen points against Wexford rank among the great individual displays in maroon and white.
As many will attest, it is easy to shine when a team is flying, but Mannion carried Galway through turbulence. On numerous occasions, he was the difference-maker in a side still in transition and far from genuine Liam MacCarthy contention.
Sadly, given his stage profile, and unless Galway’s fortunes change dramatically, another All-Ireland medal may elude him. Still, his experience and composure will be invaluable to the next generation coming through. And if 2025 is any indication, there is plenty of gas left in the tank yet.
Strong weekend for local clubs
Has there been a better forward in Galway club football over the past five years than Dessie Conneely? If there is, it is a short list. The former Galway captain was on song again last weekend as Maigh Cuilinn brushed aside Shamrock Gaels in their Connacht senior quarter-final.
Next up is a clash with Leitrim Gaels this coming weekend, and should they advance, either Ballina Stephenites or 19-time Roscommon champions St Brigid’s will stand between them and a second Shane McGettigan Cup.
At intermediate level, Caltra pushed Mayo’s Kilmeena to extra time before a Jack Mulchrone goal early in the additional period proved decisive. The former All-Ireland senior champions were spearheaded by marquee forward Alan Naughton, a player who has enjoyed another fantastic season.
At junior level, Galway’s representatives Cárna Caiseal face Aghavas this Sunday in Ballinamore at 1.30pm, aiming to emulate An Cheathrú Rua’s memorable run from last year.
It was a weekend of glory for Galway ladies’ football, with reigning All-Ireland champions Kilkerrin/Clonberne (senior ), Caltra Cuans (intermediate ), and Menlough Skehana (junior ) all capturing provincial titles. Remarkably, all three clubs are within a 20-minute radius — proof, perhaps, that there is something in the water of North-East Galway.
In hurling, Loughrea will not be out again until the All-Ireland semi-finals, given there is no Connacht club championship at senior level, while Meelick/Eyrecourt await the winners of Tooreen (Mayo ) and St Gabriel’s of London in the intermediate final.
Meanwhile, Ballinasloe will enjoy the home comforts of Duggan Park when they welcome Mayo club Moytura to the venue on Saturday. Overcome that test, and they will likely face perennial junior championship challengers Easkey (Sligo ), who are expected to defeat Cluainín Iomáint of Manorhamilton, Leitrim, in the other semi-final clash.
