Clarinbridge captured only their second ever Galway SHC title after they staged a dramatic late recovery in normal time to deny Loughrea in an absorbing final replay at a heaving Kenny Park in Athenry yesterday.

Clarinbridge 0-18
Loughrea 0-15
(After extra-time)

Despite the involvement of county football champions Killererin in the Connacht club final up the road in Tuam Stadium, a bumper crowd of nearly 10,000 saw Clarinbridge finally better their opponents in extra-time.

Loughrea looked destined for their third title when they led by three points going into the closing stages, but Clarinbridge refused to panic and three frees in the dying moments from Paul Coen, who had earlier taken over the free-taking duties from Mark Kerins, forced extra-time. And they proved to be the better side during the additional 20 minutes as they claimed their first title since 2001 when current manager Micheal Donoghue was captain.

Eanna Murphy gave the maroons the lead for the first time two minutes into extra-time and with Alan Kerins and Barry Daly to the fore, they led by 0-16 to 0-15 at the halfway stage.

And in the second period, Mark Kerins and Eoin Forde added points to seal Clarinbridge's victory.
Loughrea, who have now lost four finals since 2003 and who knocked out three-in-a-row champions Portumna at the semi-final stage, were never headed during normal time and led by four points at one stage in the first half.

But with David Forde and Jamie Cannon outstanding in the half back line, Clarinbridge refused to wilt and never looked back after forcing extra-time. Tweet

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