De La Salle and near neighbours Mount Sion will meet in what promises to be one of the most intriguing quarter-finals of the 2026 JJ Kavanagh & Sons Waterford Club Senior Hurling Championship this Sunday.
The two sides go head-to-head at 3.45 pm in Azzurri Walsh Park, with local bragging rights adding an extra edge to a hugely anticipated knockout clash.
Mount Sion have endured a mixed campaign in Group B, recording three wins and two defeats from their five games.
They began with a championship victory over Lismore before suffering defeat to Roanmore in round two. They bounced back with a convincing win over Dungarvan before edging past Ballygunner B in a closely fought encounter.
Their final group game saw them lose out to Fourmilewater, but there were plenty of positives for Mount Sion despite the result. Fourmilewater have been among the standout sides in the championship, and Mount Sion showed that they can compete with the very best.
There is plenty of experience throughout the Mount Sion ranks, with Ian O’Regan, Stephen O’Neill, Mikey Dakin, P.J. Fannin, Jamie Gleeson, Martin O’Neill and Adam O’Regan all capable of making a major impact.
Austin Gleeson has been one of their standout performers, particularly from placed balls and long-range frees, while Stephen Roche continues to provide calmness and leadership.
Tommy Kennedy and Tadhg Corcoran have also impressed, while Mount Sion have further options available from the bench, including Alan Kerwin, Bradley Penkert, Jack Kerwin and John Kennedy.
They will need all of that experience and firepower when they come up against a De La Salle side who entered the championship with many believing they could be the team capable of stopping Ballygunner from claiming a remarkable 13th consecutive title.
De La Salle’s Group A campaign has also been something of a mixed bag.
They opened with victory over Ferrybank before suffering defeat to reigning All-Ireland champions Ballygunner. That result highlighted the gap between the sides on the day, but De La Salle responded with a gritty victory over Passage.
They were then held to a draw by Clonea before finishing their group campaign with a win over Abbeyside/Ballinacourty.
There is considerable quality throughout the De La Salle team.
Sean O’Brien brings experience between the posts, while Daragah Keane and Daniel Lawler have added further youthful energy after coming through the Waterford underage ranks.
Lorcan Dwyer has brought stability to the full-back line, with Waterford’s Jack Fagan another important figure in their defence.
Jake Dillon’s return has strengthened the side, while twins Conor Power and Shane Power, members of Waterford’s All-Ireland-winning minor team, have played influential roles throughout the campaign.
Conor Keane has also returned to the fold, while Jack Twomey has been one of the stars of the championship for De La Salle, providing an important scoring threat and driving his side forward.
Cormac Dawson has shown his versatility, with Brian Cunningham also capable of contributing valuable scores.
On paper, De La Salle may enter the quarter-final as slight favourites, but this is a local derby and Mount Sion have more than enough quality to cause an upset.
With the likes of Austin Gleeson, Stephen O’Neill and Adam O’Regan in attack, alongside the experience of Ian O’Regan, Mount Sion will believe they have the tools to trouble their neighbours.
De La Salle, meanwhile, will be determined to show that they remain genuine contenders for the Waterford club title.
Everything points towards a fascinating afternoon in Walsh Park.
De La Salle face Mount Sion in the 2026 JJ Kavanagh & Sons Waterford Club Senior Hurling Championship quarter-final on Sunday, August 16, with the throw-in at 3.45 pm.
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