Ballinasloe 3-13

Kiltormer 1-12

FOR the first time in their history, Ballinasloe completed an adult hurling three-in-a-row last Sunday as goals from Niall Jennings, Cathal O’Hanlon and Odhran Sheanon saw them successfully retain the County Junior 1 title.

With the new Premier Junior competition to be introduced in 2026, the east Galway town could be the last winners of this title but when celebrations settle, they’ll focus on chasing provincial silverware.

Sligo’s Easkey have twice denied Ballinasloe in 2023 and 2024 but before they get another possible rematch, first they must come through Mayo’s Moytura in next weekend’s semi-final.

Kiltormer will be gutted to fall to their neighbours for the second time this year, after the Junior A quarter-final – the only two defeats in nine games suffered by Mike Ryan’s team in 2025.

For a club with a glorious tradition and record, Kiltomer were appearing in their first county final in 19 years. Goals proved unattainable until Gearoid Markham found the net in injury time. They also forced two major stops from Ballinasloe keeper Cormac Casey.

But the biggest blow for the boys in blue was seeing former Galway senior David Hayes leave injured after just 10 minutes.  His battle with Ballinasloe full back Alan Reynolds was compelling and Hayes was the focal point for their early attacks.

Rory Lyons got the opening free on four minutes. And when a Ballinasloe clearance was plucked from the air by midfielder Mark Kilkenny five minutes later, Patrick Cormican was the beneficiary making it 0-2 to 0-0.

Kiltormer were applying pressure but not doing enough damage. The black and amber struck five wides in the first quarter but were gradually finding their range. O’Hanlon supplied Jason Cunningham for their first white flag 60 seconds later.

And after Hayes departed, his namesake Evan tallied from distance to level. That being said, Kiltormer substitute Martin Mannion had a positive influence and put them back ahead on 13 minutes.

However, that was the last time they led as Ballinasloe’s first breakthrough came on the quarter hour. Their full backs were relishing the battle and overturned a Kiltormer attack.

Immediately, Aodan Connaughton was supplied in the middle and he wasted no time sending play down towards Jennings. The attacker came in from the left before batting to the net to put Derek Frehill’s side 1-2 to 0-3 up.

Pictured: Kiltormer’s Mark Kilkenny attempting to break past the challenge of Ballinasloe’s Aodan Connaughton during Sunday’s County Junior 1 Hurling Final at Kenny Park. Photo: David Cunniffe.