Galway GAA are delighted to announce that Padraic Mannion (Ahascragh Fohenagh GAA) will captain the Galway Senior Hurlers in 2020.

Conor Whelan (Kinvara GAA) is appointed as Vice Captain for the season ahead.

We wish Padraic and Conor every success in their roles.

"After 13 years wearing the maroon and white jersey, and after careful consideration, I have made the decision to step away from the Galway senior hurling panel. It’s a massive privilege to play for your county and I feel honoured and proud that I got to play for Galway for as long as I did. I was lucky enough to win everything on offer at least once.

I was blessed to have shared a dressingroom with such brilliant people throughout my career, which enabled me to forge friendships that will last a lifetime. It was an honour to go into battle with all of those Galway players, while it was also a privilege to get the opportunity to play against the very best players from other counties.

I was also lucky to have enjoyed the support of excellent managers, coaches and backroom team members over the years. Special mention must go to the managers I played under – Ger Loughnane, John McIntyre, Anthony Cunningham and Micheal Donoghue.

I’d particularly like to extend huge thanks to Christy O’Connor for being my goalkeeping coach all the way back to before I started with Galway in 2007. Christy opened my mind as to what was required at the top level, and he really lifted my standards.

I’m indebted to my club Kinvara for all their support and loyalty over the years. I want to pay tribute to all the coaches that helped me improve my game, which enabled me progress and go on and play for Galway.

I’d also like to thank the various county board members which looked after us over the years.

Most of all though, I’d like to thank my family. My wife Jen has always provided the amazing support which allowed me to chase my dream for so long. Her patience and understanding facilitated the longevity of my career, especially with our two young kids at home, Ciara and Daniel. I hope I made ye all proud.

I’d also like to pay a special thanks to my parents, Mary & Gerry and my sisters, Colleen and Roisin. It was the best feeling ever to share some of those golden moments with them after matches.

I’m content that I gave everything I had to the Galway jersey for 13 years. I’ve loved every minute of my journey and to have played in front of its dedicated and passionate supporters has allowed me to make memories that I will cherish forever.

I’d also like to thank Shane O’Neill for his understanding and support of my decision. I’m also delighted that the transition will be made easier after accepting a coaching role in Shane’s new backroom team.

Let the next chapter begin! Up Galway! "

Colm Callanan

Galway SHC Final

ST THOMAS’ 1-13 LIAM MELLOWS 0-14

By Cian O'Connell at Pearse Stadium

Those who braved the bitter Salthill cold witnessed a game that went the distance as St Thomas’ eventually shrugged off Liam Mellows’ spirited challenge to retain the Galway Senior Hurling Championship.

That the ultra promising Fintan Burke, who was forced off with a cruciate ligament injury in the AIB All Ireland Club decider on St Patrick’s Day, made some of the decisive plays late on merely added to the sense of satisfaction for the victors.

Thomas’ were being severely tested by a pumped up Liam Mellows outfit, who mined 0-11 from their first 11 shots, but ultimately the standard bearers survived.

Trailing by four at the interval Thomas’ came thundering back after the restart with Fintan Burke’s introduction injecting further substance.

Burke drilled two points and also had the craft to supply the pass for Eanna Burke’s insurance score in additional time.

Mellows’ battled until the bitter end, but just couldn’t recover as the city outfit suffered a second county final defeat on the spin.

Ultimately the critical Thomas’ goal arrived in the 51st minute when Eanna Burke rattled the Mellows net from an acute angle.

Burke’s opportunistic intervention edged Thomas’ in front and suddenly Mellows were in significant bother as the momentum had shifted.

Initially the opening period was about Mellows efficiency as Louis Mulqueen’s charges struck 0-11 from 12 first half attempts.

Thomas’ only managed 0-7 from 16 which showed that chances were being created, but a combination of poor shot selection and Mellows’ passion disturbed the favourites.

Still after the restart Darragh Burke thumped over two frees and Bernard Burke added a point narrowing the gap to the minimum with James Regan and David Burke increasingly influential.

Tadhg Haran guided Mellows two clear with a free, but then Eanna Burke supplied a splendid goal with nine minutes remaining.

Mellows did get back on terms courtesy of Haran, but Fintan Burke was now a central protagonist clipping a couple of important points.

Those efforts ensured Thomas’ led 1-12 to 0-13 in the dying embers before Haran replied with his third second half free for Mellows.

Fintan Burke subsequently turned provider for Eanna Burke, who decorated a delightful display to seal the deal.

It was a disappointing end for Mellows who had been so clinical at the outset, but the fact that only three of their last nine efforts were converted meant Thomas’ prevailed.

These are particularly interesting times for a gifted crop of Thomas’ hurlers, who demonstrated the requisite graft and craft when demanding questions were posed.

Scorers for St Thomas’: Eanna Burke 1-3, Darragh Burke 0-5 (4fs), Bernard Burke and Fintan Burke 0-2 each, David Burke 0-1.

Scorers for Liam Mellows: Tadhg Haran 0-9 (7fs, 165), Conor Elwood 0-2, Ronan Elwood, Jack Forde, and Conor Kavanagh 0-1 each.

ST THOMAS’: James Barrett; Cian Mahoney, Sean Skehill, David Sherry; Cathal Burke, Shane Cooney, Donal Cooney; James Regan, David Burke; Bernard Burke, Conor Cooney, Darragh Burke; Eanna Burke, Brendan Farrell, Oisin Flannery.

Subs: Fintan Burke for Farrell (39), Evan Duggan for B Burke (60+3).

LIAM MELLOWS: Kenneth Walsh; Cathal Reilly, Sean Morrissey, Liam O’Donovan; Stephen Barrett, David Collins, Mark Hughes; Jack Forde, Adrian Morrissey; Jack Hastings, Conor Elwood, Ronan Elwood; Tadhg Haran, Aonghus Callanan, Conor Kavanagh.

Subs: Brian Leen for O’Donovan (HT), Michael Conneely for Callanan (55), John Lee for Forde (60).

REFEREE: Christy Browne.

CUMANN LÚTHCHLEAS GAEL

Coiste Chontae na Gaillimhe

8^th November 2019

Subject:        Galway Senior Hurling Manager Appointed

Having engaged in a robust and comprehensive recruitment process, the Galway Management Committee are delighted to announce the appointment of Shane O'Neill as Manager of the Galway Senior Hurling Team for 2020 & 2021.

The composition of the Management Team is being finalised.

On behalf of all associated with Galway GAA we would like to wish Shane and all involved every success.

Mise le meas,

Séamus Ó Gráda

Runai, Coiste Chontae na Gaillimhe, CLG

Intermediate Hurling Champions 

 The Kinvara Intermediate Hurling team who defeated Kilconieron on a scoreline of 1-10 to 0-12 to win the Galway Intermediate Hurling Championship.

Man of the Match - Conor Whelan is presented with his award by Edel Sylver