Galway champions Loughrea turned on the style in the second half at Parnell Park today to defeat Derry and Ulster champions Slaughtneil to advance to the Senior Club All-Ireland Hurling Final.
Goals in either half from Anthony Burns and Vince Morgan saw Tommy Kelly’s side ease to a 2-22 to 0-15 over the Derry side.
Six points from Galway hurler Tiernan Killeen helped Loughrea set up a date in Croke Park against either Ballygunner or St Martins after Christmas.
Loughrea Talisman Set To Miss All-Ireland Final Due To Ridiculous Red Card
With Loughrea easing to a win, and time ticking down in Parnell Park, referee Johnny Murphy’s eyes were drawn to an off the ball incident between Slaughtneil’s Brendan Rodgers and Loughrea midfielder Cullen Killeen. Killeen who was just after being named as TG4’s man of the match was shown a straight red card for the incident.
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Referee Johnny Murphy made a striking gesture with his arms upon the delivery of the card but the cameras did not pick up the incident. They did catch sight of Rodgers and Killeen grappling but nothing worthy of a red card. Killeen was visibly and understandably distraught.
Tá cárta dearg tugtha do Laoch na hImeartha Cullen Killeen agus ní bheidh sé in ann imirt sa chluiche ceannais 😯
Killeen is shown a red card at the very end of the game and will now miss the final.
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV 📺 #GAABEO pic.twitter.com/IXvk8zzwiR
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) December 21, 2025
Loughrea manager Tommy Kelly approached referee Murphy after the final whistle had blown but his protests and appeals did not get him anywhere. When the final whistle went, the scenes were incredibly subdued, largely owing to the sense of disappointment felt among Loughrea players and supporters alike due to the red card.
Tommy Kelly did not speak on the red card in his post-match interview but he did say that he was not as happy as he should be after an All-Ireland semi-final win.
Loughrea are back-to-back Galway champions but they will be scrambling now to get midfielder Cullen Killeen available for the All-Ireland final in the new year.