St. Thomas' 3-11
Loughrea 2-11

Former county star Richie Murray bagged a hat-trick of goals as St. Thomas' upset the odds to capture their first Galway SHC title at a rain-soaked Pearse Stadium.

Lining out at full forward, Murray ran amok as the underdogs - who were appearing in their first ever Tom Callanan Cup decider - inflicted a fifth final defeat on Loughrea in 10 years. It was a special day for St. Thomas' manager John Burke and his six sons Kenneth, Sean, David, Cathal, Darragh and Eanna who all contributed to the historic success.

Murray signalled his intent with a first-minute goal to help the young Kilchreest-Peterswell side to settle. Johnny Maher, who was married on Friday, got Loughrea back into contention when he blasted home a 20-metre free in the 13th minute. Neil Keary had Loughrea level after 20 minutes, but St. Thomas' then took control.

Bernard Burke and Kenneth Burke hit points before Murray grabbed his second major to leave them 2-6 to 1-4 ahead at the break.

The sides traded scores on the restart before the winners increased their advantage thanks to points from David Burke, Bernard Burke and James Regan and Murray's third goal in the 39th minute which made it double scores, 3-9 to 1-6.

Neil Keary kept Loughrea's hopes alive with three points and then Johnny Maher crashed a penalty to the net to set up a grandstand finish. But St. Thomas' weren't to be denied.

St Thomas' - P Skehill; S Skehill, Robert Murray, C Burke; E Tannion, Darragh Burke, S Burke; K Burke (0-1), David Burke (0-2); B Burke (0-3), C Cooney (0-4), J Regan (0-1); G Murray, Richie Murray (3-0), A Kelly. Subs: S Cooney for G Murray, E Burke for Kelly.

Loughrea - N Murray; E Mahony, D McClearn, B Mahony; J Coen, Paul Hoban, S Sweeney; G Keary (0-2), E Mahony; J O' Loughlin (0-1), V Maher, Patrick Hoban; N Keary (0-6), J Maher (2-2), K Colleran. Subs: J Ryan for Patrick Hoban, T Regan for Colleran, J Dooley for Sweeney, N Shaughnessy for E Mahony.

Referee - E O' Shaughnessy. Tweet

Most Read Stories