Dromcollogher-Broadford score extra-time Limerick U20 ‘A’ final win over Galtee Gaels:
By Joel Slattery Limerick Leader Sports
THE last trophy on offer in Limerick GAA for 2025 went to Dromcollogher-Broadford, who defeated Galtee Gaels 3-8 to 1-13 in the county U20 A’ football final on Sunday afternoon in Kilmallock.
It took extra-time, but the cup is heading west after a dogged battle where both sides produced some fine football in cold, post-Christmas conditions.
This U20 ‘A’ final drew the curtain down on the 2025 program of fixtures for Limerick GAA as the last match to take in the county this year.
While Gaelic football talk was dominated by the new rules throughout the year, it was the oldest words of wisdom in the sport – ‘goals win games’ – which proved itself true once more.
The green flags raised by Ryan Sheehan (2) and Rory O’Dell ensuring Drom-Broadford withstood a determined Galtee Gaels comeback and ended up triumphant, adding to the U21 ‘B’ title the club won in 2023.
Just days after re-signing for Treaty United for the upcoming season, Robbie Lynch was the provider for two of the goals – his playmaking ability across codes evident for those in attendance in Kilmallock.
Drom-Broadford also had powerful performances from midfielder Brian O’Callaghan, while joint captains Tommy Ryan and Micheal Fahy both led by example.
For Galtee Gaels, it was a disappointing end to an encouraging campaign, the Kilbeheny and Anglesboro men falling just short, despite 0-10 from Conor McNamara.
McNamara opened the scoring from a third minute free before Tommy Ryan replied with the game’s only two-pointer.
Goals from Sheehan and O’Dell – where Robbie Lynch was part of both attacks – gave Drom-Broadford a healthy advantage.
McNamara and Cian Ryan got late scores just before the interval to reduce the gap to five at the change of ends.
Gaels started the second half the better team and when Ryan blasted the ball to the roof of the net in the 38th minute, the gap was down to just one.
But Drom-Broadford responded like champions. Lynch – provider for so much throughout the game – got his first point before the west club netted for the third time.
John Lenihan’s point attempt drop short and Sheehan reacted quickest to get his second major of the final.
When Lynch added his second point 60 seconds later, his side were six up and in control.
However, remarkably, this was their last score of normal time. Point by point Galtee Gaels clawed the deficit back. Sean Gallahue, McNamara and Cian Ryan combining for the 0-6 which forced extra time.
McNamara opened the scoring in extra time as it looked like Galtee Gaels had all the momentum. But there was another twist in this tale.
Micheal Fahy – brother of Limerick captain Cillian – scored the next two points, one from a free, the other from play, to get his side back in front.
Leading by one at half time in extra time, an early second period free from Ryan Sheehan doubled their advantage.
But there was still fight in Galtee Gaels. A McNamara free, his 10th point of the game, reduced the gap to the minimum with 90 seconds to play. However, the Gaels couldn’t work another clear-cut opportunity, with Drom-Broadford holding out for a famous win.
SCORERS: Dromcollogher-Broadford: Ryan Sheehan 2-1; Rory O’Dell 1-0; Robbie Lynch, Micheal Fahy (2f), Tommy Ryan (2pt) 0-2 each; Adam O’Kelly 0-1. Galtee Gaels: Conor McNamara 0-10 (4f); Cian Ryan 1-2; Sean Gallahue 0-1.
DROMCOLLOGHER-BROADFORD: Naoise O’Connor, Diarmuid Reidy, Shane Geary, Conor O’Brien; Gerard O’Callaghan, Tommy Ryan, Jack Noonan; Brian O’Callaghan, Diarmuid Curtin; Ronan O’Sullivan, Robbie Lynch, Ryan Sheehan; Adam O’Kelly, Michael Fahy, Rory O’Dell. Subs: John Lenihan for Rory O’Dell (half-time); Oisin Noonan for John Lenihan (half-time in extra-time); Brendan Geary for Gerard O’Callaghan (77 mins).
GALTEE GAELS: Cathal Maher; Liam O’Donnell, Declan Moriarty, Tommy English; William Fitzgeald, Olin Ryan, Sean O’Donnell; Sean Gallahue, Paddy English; Paul Quane, Conor McNamara, Cian Hogan; Eoin Fitzgerald, Cian Ryan, Robbie Ryan. Subs: Scott Reidy for Robbie Ryan (41 mins); Padraig Cronin for Cian Hogan (59 mins).
REFEREE: Jonathon Hayes (St Senan’s).