Tipperary SFC Final: Loughmore-Castleiney defeat Clonmel Commercials

Tipperary SFC Final

Loughmore-Castleiney 0-15 Clonmel Commercials 0-13

By Stephen Barry at FBD Semple Stadium

Loughmore-Castleiney are back in the winner’s circle, claiming their fourth Tipperary senior title of the past three seasons with a two-point SFC final triumph over Clonmel Commercials at FBD Semple Stadium.

The 2024 dual winners and 2025 hurling champions ground out the victory with late scores from Joey Quinn and John McGrath proving the difference.

Their 17th football title crowned them the first winners of the Philly Ryan Cup. With GAA president Jarlath Burns watching on, Philly’s wife Anna presented Brian McGrath with the new trophy after a final which fell upon the first anniversary of the Tipperary football manager’s untimely passing.

Liam McGrath was named man of the match, scoring 0-7, while Noel McGrath collected his 11th senior medal (six football, five hurling).

This was Loughmore’s third consecutive final victory over Commercials, following their 2021 and ‘24 successes. These great rivals have now shared 14 of the last 15 titles.

Loughmore will now travel to meet the Cork champions, Nemo Rangers or St Finbarr’s, in the Munster quarter-final on Sunday, November 8th. Half of the Commercials team will be back in action for the St Mary’s hurlers in their Munster intermediate campaign.

Commercials got off to the brighter start. Cian Smith popped over a brace and assisted another for Seán O’Connor, who also added a free for a 0-4 to 0-2 lead.

In between, both sides skewed early goal chances wide, with Philip O’Connell and James Morris missing at either end.

Loughmore were reliant on Liam McGrath’s frees, kicked off left and right, for their first three points. Having failed to score from play until the 17th minute, they got the upper hand on the Commercials kick-out with a ravenous appetite for breaking ball and soon found their range.

Ed Connolly converted a smart dummy effort before Quinn pointed. Liam McGrath then swung over a two-pointer after exchanging a one-two with John McGrath to create the space.

Peter McGarry’s solo run provided a quick response, but Tipp full-back Eoin O’Connell powered forward for Loughmore’s second orange flag. A Smith free made it a one-score game, 0-9 to 0-6, at half-time.

Commercials captain Séamus Kennedy had the opener before Eoin O’Connell had three bites of the cherry as Loughmore sought a killer blow.

He punched Noel McGrath’s dropping delivery onto the upright, saw his follow-up blocked on the line by Tadhg Sheehan, and sent the rebound into the sidenetting. Ed Connolly soon sent another opening wide.

Each side kicked stylish outside-of-the-boot points in succession. Tommy Maher’s was launched from just inside the arc. McGarry’s effort from just outside brought the sides level for a fourth time.

The Loughmore crowd were incensed as a big hit on Liam McGrath went unpunished, with Ross Peters countering for the lead point.
Ed Connolly fisted the leveller and Liam McGrath shook off his knock to convert the lead free. Commercials corner-back Tadhg Condon pulled them back level.

Quinn, playing with advantage, nudged Loughmore back ahead before John McGrath had the final say. The 2025 Hurler of the Year was black-carded in stoppage time, but Loughmore held out.

Scorers for Loughmore-Castleiney: Liam McGrath 0-7 (1 2pt, 4fs), Eoin O’Connell (2pt), Joey Quinn, Ed Connolly 0-2 each, Tommy Maher, John McGrath 0-1 each.

Scorers for Clonmel Commercials: Cian Smith 0-4 (2fs), Peter McGarry (1 2pt), Seán O’Connor (1f) 0-3 each, Tadhg Condon, Séamus Kennedy, Ross Peters 0-1 each.

Loughmore-Castleiney: Shane Hennessy; Ed Meagher, Daragh McCahey, Lorcan Egan; Tommy Maher, Eoin O’Connell, John Ryan, Noel McGrath, Brian McGrath; Ed Connolly, John McGrath, Ciarán Connolly; Liam McGrath, Philip O’Connell, Joey Quinn.

Sub: John Meagher for E Meagher (28, inj).

Clonmel Commercials: Shane Ryan; Tadhg Condon, Ross Slattery, Jamie O’Keeffe; Kevin Fahey, James Morris, Tadhg Sheehan; Darragh O’Connor, Joe Higgins; Cathal Deely, Séamus Kennedy, Ross Peters; Peter McGarry, Seán O’Connor, Cian Smith.

Subs: Thomas Charles for Slattery (39), Rory O’Dowd for Sheehan (47).

Referee: Willie Fitzharris (Kilsheelan-Kilcash).