Championship Shake-Up Looms

Ballygunner will make history in the 2026 Waterford Senior Hurling Championship by fielding two senior teams. The move could shake up the entire county.

The Déise giants won their second All-Ireland title on Sunday, beating Loughrea 1-20 to 1-14. They also lifted the Waterford Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship this year, defeating Tallow 1-21 to 2-11 in the county final.

Ballygunner won the Premier Intermediate crown in 2022 but did not move up to senior ranks then. This year, their second team—the 2025 Premier Intermediate champions—will compete as a fully separate senior side.

The Waterford County Board said the two teams cannot be separated in the group stage. They also cannot schedule fixtures to avoid clashes on the same day or time. A previous proposal to ban two teams from the same club at the same level went to a rules advisory committee last November.

The motion will be voted on at Croke Park this Saturday. Ballygunner may get some flexibility in managing the two squads, but not as much as when the teams played in different grades. At this time, the Waterford County Board has no comment available.

Ballygunner’s depth raises big questions for other senior clubs. Their two squads could compete with almost any team in the county. Other clubs may face tougher battles for players and county glory.

What This Means for the Championship:

• Higher Competition: Ballygunner’s second team could match established senior sides, raising the overall standard.

• Scheduling Issues: Fixtures may clash, creating challenges for the county board and teams.

• Championship Drama: Two Ballygunner teams could shake up group results, promotion/relegation battles, and the race for the county title.

Ballygunner’s move confirms their dominance in Waterford hurling. It also sets the stage for a season full of clashes, surprises, and upsets. The 2026 Senior Hurling Championship will be unlike anything the Déise has seen before.