Ballygunner’s stranglehold on Waterford hurling shows no sign of loosening after they powered past Mount Sion with a blistering 2-35 to 1-16 victory to secure their twelfth consecutive county senior hurling title.

The champions produced a performance of both efficiency and flair, with scores coming from all over the pitch. For manager Jason Ryan, the scale of the win was secondary to the attitude shown by his players.

“What we’re most proud of is the way the lads approached it,” Ryan said. “It didn’t matter if it was the first ball or the last, they gave the same intensity. You can’t coach that kind of hunger — it comes from within.”

Captain Pauric Mahony, central once again with his accuracy and leadership, was quick to credit the collective over any individual display.

“Look, it’s a privilege to be part of this group,” Mahony reflected. “We’ve lads pushing standards every single night in training. To go out and perform like that in a county final, it’s a reflection of all the unseen work.”

Mahony, who lifted the News & Star Cup once more, admitted that the team’s insatiable drive is what sets them apart.

“Winning never gets old,” he said. “You only get out of it what you put in, and the effort this group makes is phenomenal.”

Wing-forward Peter Hogan, one of Ballygunner’s most industrious performers, said the scoreline doesn’t tell the full story of the challenge Mount Sion posed.

“They came at us hard early on,” Hogan explained. “We knew they’d throw everything at it, and you could see their intensity. But we stuck to our hurling, kept moving the ball, and eventually the space opened up. We don’t take any win for granted, especially not in a final.”

7 September 2025; Ballygunner supporter Nicky Kennedy celebrates with the cup after the Waterford County Senior Club Hurling Championship final match between Ballygunner and Mount Sion at Walsh Park in Waterford. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Asked about what keeps the fire burning after more than a decade of dominance, Hogan pointed to the culture within the squad.

“You see the young lads coming in, eager to make their mark, and that keeps everyone sharp. Nobody is guaranteed their jersey — you have to earn it. That’s what drives us on.”

Dessie Hutchinson, who was a constant threat inside with his pace and movement, struck a balance between celebration and focus on the road ahead.

“It’s brilliant to win another county title, but our eyes are always forward,” Hutchinson said. “We’ll enjoy tonight, sure, but straight away the mindset is about Munster. We’ve learned over the years you can’t dwell on what’s behind you.”

For Hutchinson, playing in front of a packed Waterford crowd was particularly satisfying. “These are special days,” he added. “When you look around and see so many young kids in Ballygunner colours, that’s what it’s about. We want to inspire them, give them memories, and hopefully they’ll be the ones out here in a few years’ time.”

Ryan reiterated that maintaining standards is no easy task despite Ballygunner’s dominance. “It’s a challenge every year to keep pushing, to not let complacency creep in,” he admitted. “But this group is relentless. They don’t want to just win; they want to get better. And that’s what makes them special.”