For the first time, two Ballygunner teams will line out in the Waterford Senior Hurling Championship.
Ballygunner A and B Both Enter Senior Ranks
The reigning All-Ireland champions begin their pursuit of a thirteenth consecutive Waterford senior title against Passage in round one.
Ballygunner B will also compete at senior level and face Roanmore in their opening fixture.
The club confirmed it has volunteered to name 20 players on its Senior A panel.
That decision allows the second Ballygunner team to compete in the senior championship but also places them at risk of relegation.
Relegation and Structural Changes Approved
Three clubs will be relegated from senior hurling this season, including Ballygunner’s second team.
Delegates voted in favour of a motion from Mount Sion that will see ten clubs compete at senior level and ten at Premier Intermediate from 2027.
Councillors rejected a proposal from the Central Competitions Control Committee to introduce a Senior B championship.
Delegates defeated that motion unanimously.
Football Championship Draws Also Confirmed
In senior football, Rathgormack begin their bid for a fourth consecutive Waterford title against Roanmore.
The draws confirm competitive groupings across senior and intermediate grades for the 2026 season.
Waterford Senior Hurling Championship 2026
Group A:
Ballygunner A, De La Salle, Clonea, Passage, Abbeyside/Ballinacourty, Ferrybank
Group B:
Mount Sion, Roanmore, Fourmilewater, Lismore, Dungarvan, Ballygunner B
Waterford Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship 2026
Group A:
Brickey Rangers, Clashmore/Kinsalebeg, Shamrocks, Affane/Cappoquin/Tourin
Group B:
Tallow, An Rinn, Ballysaggart, Portlaw
Waterford Senior Football Championship 2026
Group A:
The Nire, Gaultier, An Rinn, Kilrossanty
Group B:
Rathgormack, Abbeyside/Ballinacourty, Roanmore, Stradbally
Waterford Premier Intermediate Football Championship 2026
Group A:
St Saviours, Tramore, Rathgormack, Brickey Rangers
Group B:
Mount Sion, Modeligo, Portlaw, Clashmore/Kinsalebeg
