Loughmore Castleiney claim fifth senior hurling crown at Toomevara's expense

FBD Insurance Senior Hurling Championship Final

Loughmore Castleiney 2-19

Toomevara 1-17

Loughmore Castleiney secured their fifth Tipperary senior hurling championship title after defeating Toomevara in the final held at FBD Semple Stadium on Sunday.

This victory keeps the Mid Tipperary club on track for a remarkable third hurling and football double in just eleven years, as they now shift focus to their upcoming football final against Clonmel Commercials, scheduled for next Sunday in Thurles.

For now, Loughmore Castleiney can celebrate their hurling triumph, which capped off an unbeaten campaign. John McGrath was instrumental in their victory, delivering a remarkable man-of-the-match performance by scoring 1-13, including the decisive goal in the final minute of normal time.

McGrath’s late goal extinguished Toomevara's hopes, despite a valiant effort from substitute Conor O’Meara, who scored a brilliant goal that brought Toomevara within two points.

Loughmore Castleiney remained composed in the face of pressure, and McGrath’s goal sealed their second hurling title in four years. The final, a much-anticipated clash between two of Tipperary’s traditional hurling powerhouses, saw both teams trade scores throughout the first half.

Although the game lacked the fire many expected, McGrath and Toomevara’s Darragh McCarthy were flawless with their free-taking.

Scorers for Loughmore Castleiney: John McGrath (1-13 (0-9f, 0-1), Paul McCahey 1-0, Ciaran McCormack 0-2, Brian McGrath, Ciaran Connolly, Ciaran McGrath, Liam McGrath 0-1 each.

Toomevara: Darragh McCarthy (0-9, 0-8f), Conor O’Meara 1-2, Jack Delaney, Kevin McCarthy 0-2 each, Conor O’Farrell, Robbie Quirke 0-1 each.

Loughmore Castleiney: Aidan McGrath; Lorcan Egan, Joey Hennessy, Willie Eviston; John Ryan, Brian McGrath, Ed Meagher; Noel McGrath, Ciaran Connolly; Tommy Maher, Tomas McGrath, Ed Connolly; John McGrath, Liam Treacy, Liam McGrath.

Subs used: Ciaran McCormack for Treacy (38); Ciaran McGrath for Hennessy (40); Paul McCahey for L McGrath for (54); Eoin O’Connell for Ryan (56); Darragh McCahey for T McGrath (61).

Toomevara: Rory Brislane; Seamus O’Farrell, Andrew Ryan, Liam Ryan; Josh McCarthy, Barry O’Connell, Jack Ryan; Robbie Quirke, Conor O’Farrell; Jack Delaney, Darren Delaney, Mark McCarthy; Adam Hall, Kevin McCarthy, Darragh McCarthy.

Subs: Josh Powell for S O’Farrell (42); Conor O’Meara for Hall (44); Jake Hackett for J McCarthy (45); Colm Canning for J Ryan (52); Paul Ryan for M McCarthy (54).

Referee: Alan Tierney (Shannon Rovers)