Inaugural Johnny Burke Cup

The inaugural Johnny Burke Memorial Cup was played on the 1st February 2025 between Loughrea and Ballinasloe. The cup has been donated by the Burke family in memorial of Johnny Burke – late Loughrea RFC club president and clubman. The fixture has been postponed a number of times due to inclement weather, but was finally played. The girls from Ballinasloe were very deserving winners on the day, and keep the initial cup. Both teams will compete again for the cup in the 25/26 season – scheduled for 11th October 2025, where Loughrea hope to win it back.

Many thanks to the Burke family for donating the cup (shown below with Nicola Burke and Alex O’Grady, grandson of Johnny Burke), as well as fundraising €500, which was presented to the club. The actual cup is one won by Alex in his up and coming Formula Ford career.