What could the sprawling urban surrounds of Salthill and Knocknacarra and the rural uplands of the Slieve Aughty Mountains possibly have in common?
On the face of it, very little. One boasts enormous playing numbers, while the other draws its strength from the expansive but sparsely populated communities of Woodford and Ballinakill, nestled in one of Galway’s more isolated corners.
Yet there is one common thread this week. Both enter county finals as underdogs against defending champions, with Salthill/Knocknacarra demonstrating last weekend that reputations count for little once the ball is thrown in.
Recreating history
Now it is Tommy Larkins’ turn to attempt something similar against a Loughrea juggernaut chasing a third successive Tom Callanan Cup.
There is certainly no shortage of anticipation in either community. Loughrea and the Woodford-Ballinakill hinterland have been awash with their respective colours, while a sign on the road through Kylebrack informs passing motorists: “You are now entering Tommy Larkins country.” Just in case anyone from Loughrea tries to sneak behind enemy lines this week.
There are echoes of 1971 about it all. Back then, a Tommy Larkins club just four years in existence were regarded as the surprise packet of the senior championship before overcoming Carnmore 5-2 to 1-12 in front of more than 7,000 spectators at Pearse Stadium. Fifty-five years on, another generation returns to the same venue, hoping to emulate the club’s only senior county champions.
While their remarkable journey has surprised plenty this year, there is nothing fluky about Tommy Larkins’ presence on the biggest stage.
Having already accounted for Loughrea 3-16 to 1-17 in the groups, Niall Kelly’s charges subsequently eliminated Turloughmore and Clarinbridge, two sides with genuine championship ambitions.
Indeed, this column has been left with a fair degree of egg on its face after backing against Larkins in both of their knockout ties. They have made a mockery of those predictions, with the hurt of last year's cruel quarter-final elimination to St Thomas' seemingly providing additional motivation throughout their remarkable run.
Their 2-26 to 1-27 extra-time semi-final victory over Clarinbridge was particularly revealing.
Jason Flynn was immense, contributing 0-13 after his extraordinary 3-8 against Turloughmore, while goalkeeper Eanna Murphy’s influence extended beyond his three points to the pinpoint puckout that created twin brother Ronan’s decisive extra-time goal.
There is considerable substance to this Larkins outfit. Flynn’s scoring prowess, Cian Daniels’ physicality and powerful running, Ronan Murphy’s leadership and the contributions of Conor Gardiner and Conor Slattery make them a formidable proposition. That’s without adding in Kevin McHugo, Conor Hanley and the Nevins.
Chasing history
Yet Loughrea represent the ultimate examination of those credentials within county boundaries.
Tommy Kelly’s charges have developed a knack for navigating difficult championship situations, with their 0-20 to 0-15 semi-final victory over Craughwell another example.
Trailing by three after 50 minutes, the champions appeared in difficulty before producing nine of the closing 10 scores to secure a fourth county final appearance in five seasons and move within one victory of a historic three-in-a-row.
Substitute Jack Shaughnessy was the catalyst, contributing four points in a match-defining cameo, while Jamie Ryan, Tiernan Killeen and Cullen Killeen helped turn the contest in Loughrea's favour when things were looking perilous.
There was considerable defensive resolve too. Alan Kelly restricted Tom Monaghan to two points from play, while Craughwell’s attack was heavily dependent on Ciarán Leen’s placed balls. Johnny Coen and Paul Hoban also delivered assured performances, making light of any veteran tags attached to their names.
However, Flynn presents a different challenge with the Larkins talisman able to punish opponents from frees, sidelines and goal opportunities. Even if Loughrea contain him in general play, avoiding unnecessary fouls in dangerous positions will be crucial given his tendency to go low.
Loughrea’s injury situation has improved. Shane Morgan and Anthony Burns both started against Craughwell, while Darren Shaughnessy returned from the bench. There is also speculation that key defender Kieran Hanrahan may be close to return.
Larkins have already demonstrated they can trouble the champions. Their five-point group-stage victory was clearly no flash in the pan, with Flynn striking two goals from placed balls and Cian Daniels also finding the net on that occasion.
That result will provide confidence, although Loughrea improve as championships progress and, having reached another decider without quite hitting top gear, are arguably due a complete 60-minute performance.
Not that it will bother them, but they must also contend with neutral support likely to favour the underdogs, with the champions cast as the ‘big bad wolf’ standing between Larkins and their fairytale ending.
For this scribe, much could hinge on Larkins’ ability to manufacture goals. They struck four against Turloughmore, another two against Clarinbridge and three against Loughrea in the group stages. However, the champions have since demonstrated a priceless ability to deal with variety of attacking threats and Gearoid Loughnane has kept back-to-back clean sheets.
Tommy Larkins’ supporters have helped turn Kenny Park into something of a cauldron in recent weeks. But generating that same atmosphere in the more spacious surroundings of Pearse Stadium will be a different challenge. That may well suit Loughrea, who are no strangers to the venue and, of course, lifted the Tom Callanan Cup there 12 months ago.
Loughrea’s greater experience of county final occasions, cuteness and multitude of match-winners earn them the nod to complete a historic three-in-a-row. Then again, given this column's record of predicting Tommy Larkins' supposed downfall, Niall Kelly’s men might well be delighted to hear that.
Prediction: Loughrea
