Ballygunner and De La Salle will collide in a mouth-watering JJ Kavanagh & Sons Waterford Senior Hurling Championship semi-final on Saturday evening, with a place in the county final at stake.
The game gets underway at 6 pm in Azzurri Walsh Park, with live coverage on WLR thanks to George Corbett Skoda.
De La Salle manager Ian Flynn is under no illusions about the scale of the challenge facing his side against the reigning Waterford, Munster and All-Ireland club champions.
Ballygunner have established a remarkable record in Waterford championship hurling, having remained unbeaten in knockout championship action in the county since 2013.
Flynn has some fitness concerns ahead of the semi-final, with Daniel Lawlor and Conor Keane both carrying what he describes as “a few niggles”, although he is hopeful that both will be available.
There has been plenty of encouragement for De La Salle from the performances of their younger players, with Flynn particularly impressed by minor star Darragh Keane, describing him as “a revelation”.
The return of inter-county defender Shane McNulty has also provided a significant boost, with Flynn highlighting the standards he has brought to the group.
Versatile player Jack Fagan is another important component of the De La Salle side, with his ability to operate effectively in several positions giving Flynn further options.
The De La Salle manager has great confidence in his defence but accepts they face a huge task when it comes to containing a Ballygunner attack packed with quality, including Deise Hutchinson and the Mahony brothers.
Ballygunner boss Jason Ryan, meanwhile, will be hoping his side can produce a more clinical attacking performance after their victory over Lismore.
Ryan was particularly pleased with the defensive work in that game, with Ballygunner conceding just two points from play during the first half.
However, despite registering more than 40 shots, Ryan felt his side were having an “off day” in front of goal.
There was plenty of encouragement from the return of Pauric Mahony, who came off the bench against Lismore and contributed six points from frees, adding further experience and composure to the Ballygunner attack.
Ryan is also expecting a major test from De La Salle, describing them as a hungry and well-structured side who are improving with every game.
That sets up an intriguing semi-final between the established champions and a De La Salle side determined to prove they can challenge for major honours.
Ballygunner v De La Salle throws in at 6 pm on Saturday in Azzurri Walsh Park.
Match Details – We’ll have live coverage with Kieran O’Connor and Michael Ryan, along with full build-up from 5:50, thanks to George Corbett Motors ŠKODA.
Fixture: Ballygunner vs De La Salle
Competition: JJ Kavanagh & Sons Waterford Senior Hurling Championship 2026
Throw-in: 6:00 pm
Venue: Azzurri Walsh Park
Our Big Match is brought to you by George Corbett Motors SKODA
For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.
