KCLR's Big Game Live

O'Loughlin Gaels Secure All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Final Spot with Convincing Win over Loughgiel

In a game that unfolded with intense competition and strategic plays, O'Loughlin Gaels, the Kilkenny champions, triumphed over Loughgiel Shamrocks, ending the latter's aspirations for a second All-Ireland senior club hurling title. The clash took place at Parnell Park in 2011, and the scoreboard at the final whistle read Loughgiel 0-10, O'Loughlin Gaels 3-10.

The first half set the stage for the unfolding drama, with the Ulster champions, Loughgiel Shamrocks, trailing by three points at the break, with a scoreline of 0-6 to 0-3. However, the turning point arrived in the second half, as O'Loughlin Gaels unleashed a relentless offensive.

On the 41st minute mark, Peter Dowling capitalized on a rebound opportunity, expertly finding the net past Loughgiel's goalkeeper, DD Quinn, extending their lead to eight points. Loughgiel responded valiantly with three unanswered scores, but any hopes of a comeback were dampened when Danny Loughnane, displaying opportunistic skill, found the back of the net on the 50th minute.

The Kilkenny side further solidified their dominance with a third goal, courtesy of Alan Geoghegan, five minutes later. The final score of 3-10 to 0-10 reflected O'Loughlin Gaels' prowess and effectiveness in converting opportunities into points, securing their place in the St Patrick’s Day decider.

For Loughgiel Shamrocks, it was a disappointing end to their campaign, but O'Loughlin Gaels' display of skill demonstrated why they were formidable contenders in the pursuit of the All-Ireland senior club hurling title in 2011. The victory marked a significant milestone in O'Loughlin Gaels' journey and set the stage for an exciting final showdown in the prestigious championship.

The Heineken Champions Cup gets underway this weekend and Leinster begin their campaign in France with European champions La Rochelle welcoming Leo Cullen’s side to Stade Marcel-Deflandre.

Following heartbreaking defeats to Ronan O’Gara’s team in the last two finals, can the four-time champions get their European campaign off to the perfect start?

With thanks to Dan Morrissey and Co, in a league of their own with a full range of concrete, quarry products, roof tiles and macadam, See Dan Morrissey and co dot com.

Thomastown’s journey in the provincial championship concludes this Saturday as they travel to Aughrim to take on Bray Emmetts in the Leinster Club Intermediate Hurling Championship final.

Can Noel Doherty’s side add another piece of silverware in 2023 following their county title win in October or will their season come to an abrupt end at the hands of the Wicklow club?

Dicksboro take on Loughgiel Shamrocks in the semi-final of the AIB All-Ireland Senior Club Camogie Championship.

Following their incredible victory over St Vincent’s in the Leinster final, Donal Carroll’s side now find themselves one win away from a place in the All-Ireland final.

The second finalist in this year’s JJ Kavanagh and Sons Kilkenny U21 A Hurling Championship  James Stephens face Thomastown. 

Will Thomastown continue their journey towards a second consecutive title or will James Stephens join Dicksboro in this year’s final? 

Get ready for an adrenaline-packed showdown as O'Loughlin Gaels face off against Na Fianna in the highly anticipated Leinster Senior Hurling final this Saturday at Croke Park! The stage is set for an epic clash of hurling titans, promising an afternoon filled with heart-stopping moments and skillful plays.

The excitement kicks off at five past 4, and you won't want to miss a single moment. Thanks to Zurich Farm Insurance, Kilkenny, KCLR radio will bring you the action-packed showdown with full live commentary. Join the dynamic duo of Oisin Langan and Michael Walsh as they expertly guide you through every thrilling play, providing unparalleled insight into the game.

Make sure to tune in to KCLR radio to catch all the live action and experience the intensity of the Leinster Senior Hurling final as it unfolds at the historic Croke Park. It's a clash that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat, and with Zurich Farm Insurance on board, you can expect top-notch coverage of this exhilarating battle on the hurling field. Don't miss out on the excitement – mark your calendars and get ready for a hurling spectacle like no other!

Let's have a look back as O'Loughlin Gaels claimed their second Leinster title after a 0-14 to 1-8 win against Oulart-the-Ballagh in the final.

It was the Kilkenny side who took the spoils to continue what’s been a stellar season for Graigue-Ballycallan.

Goals from Eddie Brennan and Aaron Brennan in either half on Saturday afternoon helped the Kilkenny intermediate champions lift the Leinster crown.

The first half played out tight enough, both sides trading scores in the opening exchanges before Eddie Brennan struck in the sixth minute for his side’s first goal.

Conor Murphy’s free-taking was on point, the youngster racking up four dead ball scores before half time with Graigue-Ballycallan 1-8 to 0-7 ahead.

Murphy opened the scoring in the second half, straight off the bat, Graigue-Ballycallan pulling a further five points clear in the opening ten minutes.

The gap was out to eight points midway through the second half before Portlaoise clawed their way back to within four.

However, Aaron Brennan’s strike deep into added time put the icing on the cake for Graigue-Ballycallan.

The greatest rivalry in Irish rugby is renewed this Saturday evening as Leinster and Munster go head-to-head in Round 6 of the United Rugby Championship.

Leo Cullen’s side sit top of the table with four wins from their opening five games and they welcome a Munster side who can go ahead of the hosts if they secure victory. 

Our coverage of the JJ Kavanagh & Sons Kilkenny U21 A hurling championship continues this Sunday.

Join us live at 2pm for full commentary and analysis of Dunnamaggin v Dicksboro, where we’ll also have updates from Kilmacow and Glenmore in the Unnder 21C hurling championship final.

O’Loughlin Gaels continue their provincial journey this Saturday in Tullamore as they face Kilcormac Killoughey in the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship semi-final live on KCLR.

Following their win against Mount Leinster Rangers in the previous round, Brian Hogan’s side will be hoping to take down the Offaly champions who will be roared on by the home crowd. Join us in Glenisk O’Connor Park this Saturday at 1.30pm for full live commentary of Kilcormac Killoughey versus O’Loughlin Gaels in the semi-final of the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship.