‘History’ – All-Ireland champions Ballygunner are honoured with prestigious Civic Reception
Ballygunner Senior Hurling Team honoured with Civic Reception at City Hall. Photo: Noel Browne
Yesterday, history-makers Ballygunner GAA received the most prestigious honour that can be afforded to the public by the Mayor, a Civic Reception.
The reception was held at City Hall in recognition of the club claiming the AIB All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship title in January.
Under the management of Jason Ryan and co-captained by Peter Hogan and Michael Mahony, the gunners defeated Loughrea 1-20 to 1-14 to lift the Tommy Moore Cup for the second time in their history, becoming just the 13th club to win multiple All-Ireland senior hurling titles.
(Read our full coverage of the final here)
The reception was attended by Council officials, councillors, Waterford Ministers Mary Butler and John Cummins, and Senator Joe Conway.
In his opening remarks, Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr Seamus Ryan, described the Gunners as "a powerhouse of Waterford hurling."
The Mayor reflected on the history of the club, all the way back to its foundation in 1954 by local schoolteacher Jimmy McGinn.
"Jimmy McGinn believed that there was enough talent in the parish to take Waterford hurling by storm, and his aspirations were correct" Mayor Ryan said.
Congratulating the club on their most recent success, the Mayor added: "To the players, you continue to contribute to Ballygunner's and Waterford’s sporting history. You inspire the younger players coming through the ranks to follow in your footsteps and keep that winning streak going."
Speaking at the reception, manager Jason Ryan thanked the players, staff, supporters and families for their sacrifice and dedication.
"It is an honour for us to be here today representing the Ballygunner community, and after winning the Waterford County Championship, to also represent Waterford. It caps off an incredible season that we filled with experiences and memories that we will never forget."
Quoting legendary American football coach Vince Lombardi, Ryan said:
He added: "Togetherness is the strength of the Ballygunner senior hurlers. Our committee, under the guidance of Dave Sheahan, our support team of analysists, doctors, physios, coaches, selectors, trainers, kitmen, secretaries and psychologists, they all work together with a clear focus to perform on the pitch."
Cllr Adam Wyse, who proposed the motion to the Council, celebrated the team's efforts in community engagement and their strong partnership with local schools and the wider community.
"To the players and management on behalf of the Council and the people we represent I'd like to congratulate you. Your victory is an inspiration and a reminder of what can be achieved with belief, teamwork and determination" Cllr Wyse said.
Cllr Declan Barry, seconding the motion, said: "This Civic Reception is a prestigious occasion and rightly so, because what we are celebrating here is another victory for one of Waterford’s most decorated clubs.
In his speech, Cllr Barry reflected on the extraordinary growth of the club, from the acquirement of their permanent playing field in 1994, to the construction of their first clubhouse in 1996.
"Now, the club has expanded to include astroturf, all-weather pitches, spectator areas, as well as an indoor arena which has indoor astro pitches and multi-functional rooms" he said.
Cllr Barry congratulated the eight players who were included in the 2026 AIB GAA club hurling team of the year, an achievement which further cements Ballygunner’s status as the dominant force nationally in club hurling.
Also speaking during the reception was the Whip of each party represented in the Chamber, including Pat Nugent (FG), John O’Leary (FF), Pat Fitzgerald (SF), David Daniels (Ind), Mary Roche (SD) and John Pratt (Lab).
The councillors said that Ballygunner have become a household name across the country and are now viewed as being the most consistent club in all of Ireland.
(Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme)
