Defeat for Slaughtneil at the semi-final stage once more and that one is sure to sting for a few months yet.

But it has been a remarkable year as they clinched the Ulster title for only the sixth time in their history and won a record extending 13th Derry title in a row.

Today also brings an end to the GAA action for 2025 and what a year it has been.

Thankfully we don't have long to wait until the 2026 action starts as Armagh host old rivals Tyrone in the first Dr McKenna Cup clash on Friday 2 January.

But for Slaughtneil today, it just wasn't to be.

It's a sixth consecutive All-Ireland semi-final defeat for Slaughtneil and on this occasion they were completely outclassed by a quality Loughrea side.

Slaughtneil competed well in the first half but were outscored 1-12 to 0-5 in the second half.

Loughrea are through to their second ever All-Ireland final losing their first back in 2006.

Image source, Inpho

Ruairi O Mianain lands a late score for Slaughtneil their first in nearly 18 minutes.

Cullen Killeen is shown a straight red card for striking Brendan Rogers with his hurl off the ball right in front of the linesman.

The game is won and that is a really silly, silly move from the Loughrea midfielder.

Image source, Inpho

Neil Keary is definitely making a strong case for starting in the final, that's his third point since entering the action.

Neil Keary lands his second point since coming on as a substitute.

Tiernan Killeen on target again for the Galway men that's his sixth point of the game.

Peter McCullagh and Gerald Bradley come in for Slaughtneil, Mark McGuigan and Shea Cassidy make way.

Alan Kelly replaces Ian Hanrahan on the Loughrea team as Tiernan Killeen lands another free.

Neil Keary has all the time in the world before pointing.

Exhibition stuff from Loughrea now as they are thoroughly dominant.

Another long range effort sails over, this time from Jamie Ryan.

Slaughtneil just can't get their hands on the ball.

Shane Morgan lands a free from inside his own 65 metre line.

Loughrea hit their 12th wide of the game.

Corner back Kieran Hanrahan makes no mistake to extend the gap to seven points.

Ruairi O Mianian lands Slaughtneil's fourth wide from distance.

Third wide for Slaughtneil.

Jamie Ryan lands another score after finding oceans of space on the right wing.

11 wides now for Loughrea.

Eamon Cassidy replies for Slaughtneil.

Neil Keary replaces Martin McManus on the Loughrea team.

Vince Morgan holds of the challenge of Finn McEldowney to point.

Ten wides now for Loughrea.

Brilliant take inside by Eamon Cassidy and he is fouled.

Loughrea are shown a fifth yellow card - this time it's Paul Hoban.

Shea Cassidy taps over the free.