Loughmore Castleiney 2-22 Nenagh Éire Óg 1-22
Back-to-back champions, with the stats to prove the difference
Loughmore Castleiney retained the Dan Breen with a 2-22 to 1-22 win over Nenagh Éire Óg at FBD Semple Stadium, securing their sixth senior title and their first time ever going back-to-back. This was a final played at pace and honesty, where both teams had strong spells, but where Loughmore’s ability to convert scoring chances, use possession smartly, and finish the game stronger was the key difference.
1. Liam McGrath’s Goal Changed the Momentum and the Numbers
The game turned on the 48th minute. With the sides level after Michael Heffernan’s long-range free had found the net, Loughmore needed a moment to reassert control. John McGrath drew in two defenders, recycled the ball, and Liam finished low into the corner.
That goal pushed Loughmore into a four-point swing, and from that score to full-time they outscored Nenagh 5 points to 3, controlling possession, tempo, and territory. It was not just a goal, it was the statistical pivot in the final quarter.
Before the goal: Game level
After the goal: Loughmore +4 on the run to full-time
That is a championship-winning scoring phase.
2. The McGraths Combined for 2-13 of Loughmore’s 2-22
The McGrath influence is not just narrative, it was measurable on the day.
Across the hour, Loughmore had 10 different scorers, which underlines the unpredictability and interchange in their system. Their average scoring spread per championship match this year was 9.1 scorers per game, and they hit that mark again here.
This is not a team built on a single match-winner. It is built on shared scoring responsibility and rotation.
3.Shot Efficiency Cost Nenagh
Nenagh finished with 1-22 and showed great fight, work-rate and movement in the middle third, but their final-quarter shot-to-score ratio told the story.
Mikey Heffernan finished with 1-08 (1-03 frees, 1 65), while Jake Morris contributed 0-05, often carrying the burden of creation as well as finishing. Mason Cawley scored 0-2 and led Nenagh’s best phase after the goal.
Nenagh’s shot creation was good. Their shot selection under pressure was not.
4. The Bench Swing Was Measurable
Loughmore’s finishers added:
- 3 possessions won
- 2 scores
- 3 turnovers forced
- 0 wides
Nenagh’s bench:
- 1 point
- 3 possessions lost
- 2 wides
In a county final, fresh legs are not just energy, they are possession swings. Loughmore finished the game with +4 in turnovers forced in the final 12 minutes.
That is control. That is culture. That is preparation.
5. Back-to-Back Titles Confirm System Strength, not Just Talent
Loughmore’s scoring average across the 2025 championship:
- 2-20 per game
- Concession average: 1-18 per game
- Average scoring difference: +8
They hit almost exactly their championship scoring average in the final.
This is not a team playing above themselves. This is a team playing exactly to plan.
The structure has not changed:
- Fluid lines
- Rotating stations
- Midfielders who play like center-backs when needed
- Forwards who play like midfielders when the game demands it
- Intelligent game control in the final quarter
Loughmore are not just Champions because they were the better team today.
They are champions because they are the best team in Tipperary consistently.
That is the difference.
Final Score
Loughmore Castleiney 2-22
Nenagh Éire Óg 1-22
A final of substance, intensity, and clarity.
Nenagh will feel there was one more burst in them, but Loughmore finished like champions.
And Champions they remain.