Ballygunner began their defence of the Munster title with an emphatic 2-20 to 0-9 win over Sarsfields at a rain lashed Walsh Park. This is the third year in a row that Darragh O'Sullivan's side have enjoyed a 17 point victory in their provincial opener.
Peter Hogan and Kevin Mahony goaled in either half for the ten in a row Waterford champions. The inside line of Patrick Fitzgerald, Kevin Mahony and Dessie Hutchinson shot 1-10 from play between them. Dessie Hutchinson was named man of the match after striking four points and assisting both goals. Fitzgerald ran him close after producing five from play. Philip Mahony played the role of spare defender to perfection. He dictated the game in the first half.
The team chasing three Munsters in a row led 1-12 to 0-6 at the break. Seven different Ballygunner players contributed to the scoreboard including all six forwards. Despite the eight week lay-off, the home side looked hungry and razor sharp. Three Pauric Mahony points and one from Dessie Hutchinson put them four up inside ten minutes. Cathal McCarthy got Sarsfields off the mark in the eleventh minute. Off the next puckout, Dessie Hutchinson set up Peter Hogan for a Ballygunner green flag. Two goals in two games for the in-form wing forward.
The gap widened to eight by the eighteenth minute. The route one deliveries into the full forward paid dividends. Hutchinson completed the half with three points to his name as the men in red and black led by nine at the break.
The rain bucketed down throughout the second period as supporters in the open stand ran for cover. It was still one-way traffic as Patrick Fitzgerald added three points to his tally. At the other end, Stephen O'Keeffe saved from Colm McCarthy and Aaron Myers.
Four minutes from time, Hogan and Hutchinson set up Kevin Mahony for a goal. The leaders emptied the bench and substitute Billy O'Keeffe became their eighth different scorer of the afternoon. Business as usual for Ballygunner.
Next up is a Munster semi final rematch with Limerick champions Na Piarsaigh on November 19 at the TUS Gaelic Grounds.
