GAA: Ballygunner defeat Loughrea to win All-Ireland hurling final

Michael Bolton

Ballygunner are senior All-Ireland hurling champions after they defeated Loughrea 1-20 to -1-14 in Croke Park.

In a tight start to the game, it was Ballygunner who started the better of the two sides, with scores from Kevin and Pauric Mahony putting the Waterford side in the lead.

It was Loughrea who scored the first goal of the final through Darren Shaughnessy in the 26th minute, following saves from Ballygunner goalkeeper Stephen O'Keefe earlier in the half.

Ballygunner were able to keep their composure after going behind, and scored three further points to lead 0-12 to 1-8 at half-time.

They had their goal shortly after the restart, with Micky Mahony's goal in the 34th minute giving them a 1-12 to 1-09 lead.

Tiernan Kelly kept the Galway side within touching distance with vital scores, as the gap was four points with six minutes to go

However, it was Ballygunner who ended the stronger as they were crowned All-Ireland champions once again.