The wait is almost over as the JJ Kavanagh & Sons Waterford Senior Hurling Championship gets underway this weekend with a series of intriguing ties across all groups.

Friday night’s action sees two games down for decision as reigning champions Ballygunner begin another quest for county honours against neighbours Passage, while Clonea take on Abbeyside-Ballinacourty in what could prove to be one of the most competitive contests of the opening round.

Despite not having their full panel available during the league campaign, Ballygunner once again enter the championship as overwhelming favourites. Their remarkable strength in depth and ability to seamlessly integrate players into their system continues to set them apart from the rest of the county.

Passage will hope that local derby form can bridge the gap, but few would bet against Ballygunner making a winning start to their campaign.

The meeting of Clonea and Abbeyside-Ballinacourty promises to be a much closer affair. Both clubs endured difficult campaigns last season, and both will view an opening-round victory as crucial in avoiding becoming embroiled in a relegation battle later in the year.

Saturday’s action sees Roanmore face Ballygunner B in what could be one of the stories of the weekend. Ballygunner become the first club to field two teams in the senior championship for over 40 years, with their B side entering the competition as an unknown quantity despite boasting several players with senior experience.

Roanmore are regarded by many as one of the clubs best placed to challenge Ballygunner’s dominance in the years ahead and will be eager to avoid an early setback.

Sunday’s fixtures include De La Salle against Ferrybank and Fourmilewater’s clash with Dungarvan, before Lismore and Mount Sion renew one of the county’s traditional rivalries later in the evening.

Mount Sion will be hoping to build on last year’s run to the county final, while Lismore will be looking to rediscover the consistency needed to challenge for honours.

While Ballygunner remain the team everyone is chasing, there is growing belief that clubs such as De La Salle and Roanmore possess the quality required to mount a serious challenge this season.

The championship also carries extra significance at the opposite end of the table, with an expanded relegation battle ensuring that every result from the opening weekend onwards could prove crucial.

The 2026 Waterford Senior Hurling Championship promises to deliver another memorable summer of club hurling.

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