The Waterford senior hurling championship kicks into life this evening on what looks to be a wet and windy evening.
The all-conquering Ballygunner have their sights set on an 11th straight title following their history-making 10th in 2023 with eleven other sides all hoping to be the one to bring an end to their unbeaten run.
53 games without suffering a loss means their dominance stretches back to 2013 when they last tasted defeat. That loss was to Passage in the county final and the only non-winning result they've seen since then was a draw.
While they have lorded it in the county, the Gunners have impressed outside the Waterford border also, winning four provincial titles and appearing in six consecutive finals, making seven of the last eight.
The kingpins will be able to sit back and soak up the opening weekend of games, as they prepare for their curtain raiser with Dungarvan in a weeks time.
The competition kicks off in Fraher Field at half-seven when Clonea meet Tallow, with three more games to follow on Saturday.
Walsh Park hosts the meeting of Abbeyside/Ballinacourty in Group D at five o'clock with the clash of Mount Sion and Passage ion Group B following at 6.45 pm.
At the same time in Fraher Field, it's Dungarvan versus Lismore in Group C.
Premier Intermediate
Friday: Brickey Rangers v Clashmore/Kinsale Beg in Cappoquin, 7.30 pm.
Saturday: Dunhill v Ballysaggart in Lemybrien, 3.45, & Shamrocks v Ballygunner in Fraher Field, 5.00 pm.
West Intermediate
Friday: Colligan Emmetts v Ballyduff Upper in Ardmore, 7.00 pm & Ardmore v An Rinn in Dungarvan, 7.00 pm.
Saturday: Sliabh Gua/St Marys v Modeligo in Fraher Field, 2.00 pm.
East Intermediate
Friday: Erins Own v Portlaw in Butlerstown, 7.30 pm.
Saturday: Butlerstown v St Saviours in Fenor, 5.30 pm & Ballyduff Lower v St Mollerans in Dunhill, 7.30 pm.
