Our Big Match was brought to you by George Corbett Motors SKODA
History awaits at Cappoquin Logistics Fraher Field this afternoon as Fourmilewater face Ballygunner in the Waterford Senior Hurling Championship final.
For Fourmilewater, it is their first-ever senior county final in the club’s 100-year history. They are marking their centenary year in style, wearing a special blue and white centenary jersey rather than their traditional blue.
Standing in their way is the dominant force of Waterford hurling.
Ballygunner are bidding for a 13th consecutive county title and are unbeaten in the Waterford Championship for more than 70 games, stretching back to 2013.
Their dominance has also extended beyond the county, with Ballygunner having won the All-Ireland Club Championship twice and claiming more Munster club titles than any other club in the province.
Their attacking numbers in recent county finals are particularly striking. Across their last three final appearances, Ballygunner have scored 2-35, 2-28 and 2-26, a combined total of 107 points.
Fourmilewater, however, have plenty of players capable of causing Ballygunner problems.
Sean Welch, Evan Spellman and Jamie Byrne offer threats in attack, while Pat Walsh, Conor Gleeson and Tom Barron provide plenty of strength in defence. Eoghan Welch and Stephen Ryan will be hoping to keep Ballygunner at bay in goal, while Aaron Ryan provides a major threat from placed balls.
Ballygunner, meanwhile, have experience throughout their team, with Stephen O’Keeffe one of the outstanding goalkeepers of his generation.
Aaron O’Neill anchors a formidable defence, while the likes of Philip Mahony, Ian Kenny, Paddy Leavy, Conor Sheehan, Ronan Power and Harry Ruddle give Ballygunner enormous strength across the field.
Further forward, Mikey Mahony, Kevin Mahony, Pauric Mahony, Conor Tobin, Eoin Cudahy, Jake Foley and Peter Hogan provide an array of attacking options.
Cormac Spain is also back in contention after returning from injury in Wednesday night’s minor county final, where he impressed with four points.
There is still a question mark over Des Hutchinson after his health scare last week. He missed Ballygunner’s semi-final win over De La Salle, although the champions had enough firepower to progress without him.
Today’s final will also be a significant occasion for referee Sean Walsh of De La Salle, who will take charge of his first senior county final at just 25 years of age.
Fourmilewater will have to produce something special to overcome a Ballygunner side that has dominated Waterford hurling for more than a decade.
But their journey to their first senior final means history will be made regardless of the result.
A Ballygunner victory would bring a remarkable 13th consecutive Waterford title. A Fourmilewater win would arguably rank among the greatest upsets in the history of Waterford hurling.
It is a classic David versus Goliath contest — with everything to play for when Fourmilewater and Ballygunner meet at 2:30 pm in Cappoquin Logistics Fraher Field.
Match Details – We’ll have live coverage with Kieran O’Connor and Dan Shanahan, along with full build-up from 3:35, thanks to George Corbett Motors ŠKODA.
Fixture: Ballygunner vs Fourmilewater
Competition: JJ Kavanagh & Sons Waterford Senior Hurling Championship Final 2026
Throw-in: 2:30 pm
Venue: Cappaquinn Logistics Fraher Field
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