Galway Bay Win AIG Jimmy Bruen Shield

Galway Bay ended the heartache of two previous All-Ireland defeats to claim a first AIG Jimmy Bruen Shield for the Connacht club at Thurles Golf Club.

Ian Folan’s side had reached the All-Ireland semi-final stage in 2024 and 2025 and, having secured their place for the third year in a row, Galway Bay were not to be denied this time around.

The Connacht champions faced Tipperary in the final, with the Munster side themselves chasing a maiden Jimmy Bruen title. The early exchanges were nip and tuck, with Tipperary taking the advantage in the opening two matches while Galway Bay roared ahead in the bottom two.

Sean O’Gallchoir and 15-year-old Callan Dolan were the first to put Folan’s men in front, winning the bottom match 7&6 before Trevor Horan and Garreth Glynn put Galway Bay just a half point away from victory in match four, winning 5&4.

Tipperary held the advantage in match two thru 16 holes, but the title would be decided in the top match as Paul Glynn and 13-year-old Conor Mannion held their nerve to secure the victory on the 17th hole to spark emotional scenes.

“I’m so proud and relieved,” said Folan.

“We were beaten in the last two All-Ireland semi-finals and those lads, they’ve battled and battled and they really deserve it.”

“We knew we had it in us as a club. I am very emotional at the moment. There’s a lot of effort put in. Some of the younger lads came in to the team and they made all the difference. The support was great from our club and our members.”

“This is for everyone in the club and I’m just so happy that we got it over the line.”

For final result click here.

Photo above: Galway Bay celebrate their first AIG Men’s Jimmy Bruen Shield at Thurles Golf Club. (Photo: Dan Clohessy/Inpho).