On Sunday, December 21st, Ballygunner charge into battle against St. Martin’s, the newly crowned Leinster champions.

The venue is set, and where better than the Home of Hurling itself, Thurles. FBD Semple Stadium will host another massive occasion, and Ballygunner won’t just arrive there; they’ll embrace it.

Waterford’s kingpins thrive in this legendary arena. Their recent dominance in Munster, combined with the experience many of their players have gained in Thurles with Waterford, gives them a natural confidence on this stage.

Since 2018 — especially from 2021 to 2025 — Ballygunner have transformed Semple into their fortress, winning multiple finals and establishing themselves as the era’s outstanding Munster club. In fact, they’ve dropped only one game on the hallowed turf in the last eight years.

But last Saturday, under the lights in Croke Park, certainly reminded everyone that St. Martin’s cannot be underestimated. The Wexford champions bring a different kind of threat — one that Jason Ryan’s Ballygunner must meet head-on.

Their blend of speed, physicality, power, and precision was on full display when they toppled Kilkenny giants Ballyhale Shamrocks.

AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Semi-Finals will both take place on the 21st of December.

The first of the semi-finals on Sunday, the 21st, sees Slaughtneil (Doire)  take  on Loughrea  (Gaillimh) at 13:30  in Parnell Park, Dublin.

With the later game taking place in Semple Stadium, Thurles, 15:3.0 Ballygunner  (Port Láirge) v St Martin’s GAA Club (Loch Garman)