Final Score: Ballygunner 1-20 (23) – Loughrea 1-14 (17)
Ballygunner claimed the All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship title after a thrilling final against Loughrea at Croke Park.
They produced a performance built on intensity, composure, physicality, and tactical discipline. The contest lived up to its billing as a classic.
The Waterford champions started brightly. Dessie Hutchinson opened the scoring inside two minutes and set the tone. Ballygunner controlled the early exchanges and built a small lead.
Loughrea grew into the game and drew level at 0-06 apiece midway through the half. Stephen O’Keeffe made a superb save to deny Burns a certain goal, while Ballygunner’s defence held firm under pressure.
Loughrea struck the first goal in the 26th minute. Darren Shaughnessy met a high ball and flicked it brilliantly to the net. That goal put the Galway men ahead for the first time.
Ballygunner responded immediately. Kevin Mahony and Peter Hogan kept the scoreboard moving. Ballygunner outscored Loughrea by 0-03 to 0-01 after the goal. Mahony added a late free to send his side into the break with a narrow lead.
At half-time, Ballygunner led 0-12 to 1-08, with everything still to play for.
Second Half: Ballygunner Power to All-Ireland Glory
Ballygunner dominated the second half and secured the title with a 1-20 to 1-14 victory.
Loughrea started strongly and drew level through a Tiernan Killeen free after Stephen O’Keeffe fouled Cullen Killeen. Patrick Fitzgerald went close to a goal soon after, but his effort flashed wide.
The turning point came in the 35th minute. Mikey Mahony burst through the defence and buried the ball to the net. That goal pushed Ballygunner three points clear.
Loughrea responded with frees and points from play to cut the gap to two on a couple of occasions. Ballygunner stayed calm and kept control. Kevin and Pauric Mahony led the scoring, while Mark Hartley and Sheahan added key points.
Stephen O’Keeffe continued to marshal his defence. He raced off his line to deny Vince Morgan a clear goal chance. The Ballygunner backline stood strong under late pressure.
In the final quarter, Ballygunner turned the screw. They stretched the lead to five and then further with a series of well-taken frees and long-range points. Loughrea pushed for goals but ran into turnovers and wides.
In injury time, Dessie Hutchinson nearly added a second goal. Loughnane produced an outstanding save, but Ballygunner still scored from the resulting 65.
Loughrea added a late point, but it served only as consolation. The final whistle confirmed a famous Ballygunner victory — their second All-Ireland title and first since 2022.
Peter Hogan lifted the trophy moments later, sealing another historic afternoon for the Waterford club.
