Killeen the hero as Loughrea complete Galway SHC three-in-a-row

Tommy Larkins' Eoghan Nevin and Vince Morgan of Loughrea ©INPHO/James Crombie

Loughrea completed a remarkable three-in-a-row of Galway senior hurling championship titles after edging out Tommy Larkins by 0-17 to 0-16 in a thrilling final at Pearse Stadium this afternoon.

Tommy Larkins made the brighter start and carried a 0-10 to 0-7 advantage into the interval, with Jason Flynn among their key scorers as they looked to end a 55-year wait for county honours.

However, Loughrea showed their experience after the restart, gradually eating into the deficit. Jamie Ryan was instrumental in their recovery, landing back-to-back points to bring the sides level at 0-14 apiece in the 43rd minute.

The contest remained finely balanced in the closing stages, with Flynn edging Larkins ahead before Tiernan Killeen restored parity at 0-16. Killeen then produced the decisive score four minutes from time to put the defending champions in front.

Despite a late push from Tommy Larkins, Loughrea held their nerve to secure a memorable one-point victory and make it three Tom Callinan Cups in succession.