The Big Match coverage comes with thanks to George Corbett Skoda.
Tipperary champions Loughmore-Castleiney are all that stand in the way of Ballygunner and a place in the Munster Senior Club Hurling Championship Final for the seventh year in a row.
Darragh O’Sullivan’s men take to the field in Walsh Park this afternoon as they bid to make it 11 wins on the spin in Munster, having come out the right side of a 0-25 to 0-20 scoreline against Limerick champions Doon last time out.
A Tipperary side were the last team to lay a glove on the Gunners at provincial level, that coming all the way back in 2019 - when Borris-Ileigh sprung a surprise to see them off by a point in the Munster decider.
Since then, they’ve swatted aside Premier representation as they have most others. Kilruane McDonaghs were left for dust in 2022, as the Gunners motored on with 17 points in hand.
2021 wasn’t as comfortable though, when they took on a certain Loughmore-Castleiney in Fraher Field. A day marred by horrendous conditions and a number of red cards, Ballygunner marched on by 2-11 to 0-12 on that occasion - but if that’s anything to go by, they’re in for a serious test once again this time.
12 December 2021; Ciarán McCormack of Loughmore-Castleiney, 19, leaves the pitch after his side's defeat in the AIB Munster GAA Hurling Senior Club Championship Semi-Final match between Ballygunner and Loughmore-Castleiney at Fraher Field in Dungarvan, Waterford. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Former Hurler of the Year Dan Shanahan counts himself among Ballygunner’s many admirers, and he believes their mental fortitude is what sets them apart from the field.
“Their mentality is unbelievable, willingness to win. They didn’t play well in the first half against Doon, and you see them going in - didn’t panic”, said Shanahan. “I’d love to be a fly on the wall to see how relaxed they were going in and going out. Did Doon tire? They probably did, but that’s down to Ballygunner too, the way they move the ball, the way they move themselves. Dessie Hutchinson, Patrick Fitzgerald - they moved out the field and started clipping over balls. They’ve so much talent. Kevin Mahony came off the field and he wasn’t one bit happy because he thought he played poorly - that’s brilliant to see.”
Goalkeeper Stephen O’Keeffe proved the star of the show last time out as the Gunners saw off Doon, and Shanahan says his mentality and hunger is a sight to behold in itself.
“I think the two goals that he conceded against Abbeyside in the county final were kind of soft - Stephen wouldn’t be happy with that”, noted the Waterford selector. “The save he made against Doon, just at a crucial time - was massive. Credit to him, he’s an unbelievable goalkeeper. He wants to get better. He could by now pack it in and say no I want to go back home and spend time with the family - but no, he wants another Munster, another All Ireland medal. He wants this, and the best of luck to him.”
Ballygunner vs Loughmore-Castleiney is the George Corbett Skoda Big Match on WLR this afternoon.
Join Tomás McCarthy and Michael Ryan for live coverage from 1pm.
The Big Match coverage comes with thanks to George Corbett Skoda.
