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Ballygunner showed their experience and finishing power to overcome a determined Kilmallock challenge in a thrilling Munster club semi-final at Azzurri Walsh Park.

Kilmallock set the tone with fierce pressure and physicality, swarming Ballygunner in the middle third and forcing turnovers. Pierce Connery kept the Limerick side in touch with accurate frees, while Ballygunner found it difficult to settle into their usual rhythm.

The decisive moment of the first half came when Dessie Hutchinson pounced on a rebound after a superb save by Kilmallock goalkeeper Conor Hanley Clark. That goal helped Ballygunner take a narrow advantage into the break, despite Kilmallock’s hard work and strong defensive performance.

Ballygunner began to move the ball more quickly after half-time, with Mikey Mahony and Hutchinson among those contributing important scores. Hanley Clark also struck a remarkable long-range point to keep Kilmallock within reach.

Kilmallock refused to fold. Connery continued to score, and Oisín O’Reilly found the net to bring the contest back to a one-point game, setting up a tense finish.

But Ballygunner’s composure proved crucial. Peter Hogan and Hutchinson added key scores, while the Waterford champions’ defensive work and strength on the breaking ball helped turn the momentum back in their favour. Two outstanding saves from Hanley Clark kept Kilmallock in the contest, but Ballygunner gradually pulled clear in the closing stages.

Kilmallock’s effort earned them plenty of credit, but Ballygunner’s experience and quality told as they secured a hard-fought victory and advanced in the Munster championship.

Scorers for Ballygunner: Dessie Hutchinson 1-4, Pauric Mahony 0-7 (0-5 frees), Mikey Mahony 0-3, Peter Hogan 0-2, Stephen O’Keeffe 0-1, Patrick Fitzgerald 0-1, Harry Ruddle 0-1, Mark Hartley 0-1.

Scorers for Kilmallock: Pierce Connery 0-7 (0-6f), Oisín O’Reilly 1-2, Shane O’Brien 0-1, Conor Hanley-Clarke 0-1 (0-1 fre

Full-time: Ballygunner 1-20 (23) Killmallock 1-11 (14)

Competition: AIB Munster Senior Club Hurling Championship Semi-Final

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