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Form is temporary, but class is permanent — and Ballygunner showed their class when it mattered most.

Ballygunner have been crowned Waterford Senior Hurling champions for a remarkable 13th consecutive year after overcoming Fourmilewater 1-16 to 0-15 in Cappoquin Logistics Fraher Field.

There was little to separate the teams throughout a tense and competitive final, with the sides level at 0-9 apiece at half-time.

Fourmilewater started brightly, with Sean Walsh, Liam O’Brien and Aaron Ryan among their scorers, while Ballygunner kept pace through Dessie Hutchinson, Conor Tobin and Kevin Mahony.

The second half remained tight, with both defences standing firm and the goalkeepers producing crucial saves. Stephen O’Keeffe was particularly impressive for Ballygunner, denying Fourmilewater on several occasions when they threatened to find the net. While Stephen Ryan was outstanding for Fourmilewater.

Aaron Ryan kept Fourmilewater in touch from placed balls, but Ballygunner continued to find scores at the other end through Paudie and Mikey Mahony.

With the game finely balanced approaching the closing stages, Mark Hartley produced the decisive moment, finding the back of the net to put Ballygunner in front.

Fourmilewater pushed for a response, but Ballygunner held on to secure another county title.

The victory means Ballygunner have now won 13 Waterford Senior Hurling Championships in succession and extend their remarkable unbeaten championship run in the county to 73 games.

Fourmilewater gave everything in the final, but once again Ballygunner found a way to get the job done when it mattered most.

Full-time: Ballygunner 1-16, Fourmilewater 0-15.

Our Big Match was brought to you by  George Corbett Motors SKODA

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