ORANMORE-MAREE 1-24

ATHENRY 3-16

By OISÍN NOONE AT KENNY PARK

GUS Lohan delivered a masterclass performance, scoring an impressive 16 points as Oranmore-Maree took back their Minor A title against Athenry at Kenny Park last Sunday.

Two thrilling semi-finals had already set expectations high for this repeat of last year’s final. Athenry came up just short in their bid to retain the crown, with Lohan leading the charge for an Oranmore-Maree side determined to avenge their 2024 heartbreak.

Key figures from that narrow loss – Stephen Ruane, Barry Keating, Tiernan Grealish, Joey Cullinane, Cillian Costello, Ryan Holland and Lohan – returned to the field, this time ensuring a different outcome.

Former Clare All-Star Frank Lohan oversaw Oranmore-Maree, as his son Gus knocked over eight first-half points to help build a five-point advantage at the interval. Lohan was unplayable, as he helped build, sustain, and protect Oranmore-Maree’s lead throughout this final.

A host of Galway minors featured in this high-quality clash, including five from Athenry: centre-back Shay Brady, all three goal scorers – Cian Hannon, Anthony Poniard and Aodhan McDonagh – as well as goalkeeper Cathal Mannion, who produced a series of fine saves. Oranmore-Maree’s Stephen Ruane, Tiernan Grealish and Lohan also represented the maroon and white this year.

Despite trailing by seven at multiple junctures, Richie Brady’s charges never threw in the towel, refusing to let go of the cup without a fight. They trailed just 2-15 to 1-21 with ten minutes left, but Oranmore-Maree’s push to restore a six-point lead proved decisive – even as Athenry clawed back to within a score by the final whistle.

Oranmore-Maree opened up an early lead as Holland, Jamie Egan and Lohan (twice) all recorded scores. After Niall McCarthy hit two frees for Athenry, Egan added his second before Joey Cullinane struck an early goal for the Seasiders. His ground pull beat outrushing keeper Mannion, who had denied Costello of a similar effort minutes earlier. Lohan made it 1-6 to 0-2 after 13 minutes.

Cian Hannon prevented the scoring run from going any further with a stunning strike for goal mere seconds later for Athenry. After a Lohan free, Hannon and McCarthy added scores to maintain competitiveness.

Pictured: Eoin Healy of Oranmore-Maree gets in his strike against Fionn Atkins of Athenry during Sunday’s County Minor A Hurling Final at Kenny Park. Photo: Joe O’Shaughnessy.