The Big Match is with thanks to George Corbett CUPRA

December 1st, 2024. They swatted all aside in Waterford, and they looked nailed on to march on to a fourth successive Munster title – but along came Sarsfields to hit them for 3-20. Broken and bewildered Ballygunner bodies were strewn across the pitch in devastation at Semple Stadium. The script torn asunder. 

Fast forward almost one year later, and the same side awaits in the semi-finals. Talk of revenge will dominate on terraces but it won’t creep into the mindset of the men who take to the field. Disappointment will add fuel to the fire, but the fire itself is in no need of any accelerants.

Victory against Na Piarsaigh was hard-earned for the Gunners – “a battle that won’t do us any harm” as coined by Dessie Hutchinson. For manager Jason Ryan, it’s step by step before any thoughts of grander goals come into the fray. 

“That takes massive concentration, effort and focus. The idea of looking ahead to a Munster final or anything else — we don’t have that luxury. It’s just this one game, and that’s all.” 

Reflecting on that win in Limerick, the Ballygunner boss admitted that it was a different type of challenge, but one that showed the necessary characteristics for success.

“Both teams had a lot of bodies around the middle of the pitch, by design in some cases and maybe not in others. That leads to a lot of attrition, a lot of contact, a lot of pressure on the ball. And when that level of pressure is there, an open game of hurling doesn’t really happen. There were far more rucks in that game compared to ones played in the Waterford championship, and that’s purely down to the conditions. Hurling in summer and hurling in winter have similarities, but they also have big differences.”

Those differences will of course be factored in come throw-in on Sunday, and while defensive solidity was the hallmark of that victory last time out – it’s far from a case of one size fits all. 

“Sarsfields have lots of quality, but whatever game you’re approaching, you do your due diligence on the opposition. You do your research, you check out the details. Whether it’s Na Piarsaigh last week or Sarsfields this week, we prepare in the same way — set up to give ourselves the best chance of winning, to defend in a structured manner and attack in a way that can score enough to win.”

Talk of revenge will naturally be played down, but Ballygunner with a point to prove does tend to up the ante. 

“The lads were devastated after losing last year — and part of that was the feeling that maybe as a group they didn’t quite play to their potential on the day. That gives them even more reason to be enthusiastic and really look forward to this match.”

1 December 2024; Shane O’Regan of Sarsfields shoots to score his side’s second goal during the AIB Munster GAA Senior Club Hurling Championship final match between Ballygunner and Sarsfields at FBD Semple Stadium in Thurles, Tipperary. Photo by Tom Beary/Sportsfile

For Ryan, the boots of Darragh O’Sullivan, David Franks and company were big ones to fill. The transition has been seamless to date, new ideas and fresh enthusiasm adding further weapons to an already enviable arsenal. Has anything surprised the new man in the dugout in respect of the group’s professionalism? The truth, not one bit.

“I’ve known quite a few of the lads for years. I coached some of them when they were in first year in De La Salle College, and through sports camps I’ve seen them grow up into really good people and fantastic athletes. So it didn’t surprise me how good they are. Between what I knew of the people, what I’d seen, and what I’d heard from David Franks when we were together in Wexford, I knew I was getting involved with a really good group. I knew the standards and the commitment — that’s what made it so appealing. Nothing has surprised me in that sense.”

Having won the last 12 News & Star Cups on the spin, the chance awaits on Sunday to reach a 9th provincial final since that golden era began. Ballygunner are no strangers to this stage, but should they dethrone Sarsfields come the sound of the final whistle – it could well prove to be one of their most impressive victories yet. 

The Big Match is with thanks to George Corbett CUPRA

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