The Galway U20 Hurling championship finals take place this week in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe.
It starts on Wednesday evening with a double-header. First up, Carnmore will take on Castlegar in the A1 final at 6:30 pm. A thrilling battle is to be expected as both sides are unbeaten in the competition, having won all their group games to advance automatically to the semi-finals. To reach the final, Castlegar overcame a strong Ardrahan challenge by three points. Carnmore also battled to a hard-fought win over Kilconieron in their semi-final. Kerril Wade has been appointed as referee.
In the B final, Rahoon-Newcastle take on Michael Cusacks at 8 pm. The sides have met already in the group stage of the competition, where Michael Cusacks ran out convincing winners. Rahoon-Newcastle are since battle hardened, however, as they had to win back-to-back knockout games away from home to reach the final. They turned over both Ahascragh Fohenagh and Craughwell, respectively. Michael Cusacks got the better of Cappataggle in a home semi-final by three points. Sean Trowell will be the man in the middle for that one.
On Thursday, attention turns to the B1 final where St. Thomas and Portumna lock horns at 6:30 pm. A goal-hungry St. Thomas side put Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry to the sword to reach the final on a scoreline of 5-12 to 2-15. Portumna had convincing wins at home to Ballygar and away to Killimordaly on their route to Duggan Park. Gerry Hurley will oversee proceedings in this one.
The festival of hurling at Duggan Park will conclude on Thursday at 8 pm with the highly anticipated clash of Loughrea and Oranmore-Maree. Both sides topped their respective groups impressively, securing home semi-finals. Loughrea defeated Kinvara while Oranmore-Maree brushed off a Sarsfields challenge. Brian Keon has been appointed to referee this one.
