Another Limerick litmus test for Ballygunner
Pauric Mahony celebrates with Conor Tobin after county final success over Mount Sion. The forward will be a key man for Ballygunner in Sunday's clash with Na Pairsaigh.
For the fourth year in a row, Ballygunner face a November trip to the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick. They have won the previous three (two against Na Piarsaigh and one against Doon), but surely home advantage should alternate every season.
These two have dominated Munster club hurling over the past 15 years with four titles apiece. They have met on six occasions, including in three finals. The head-to-head stands at three wins each! One of Ballygunner’s greatest victories came in 2022 when they fought back from six points down against the Sky Blues.
Eight weeks have passed since the Gunners savaged Mount Sion by 22 points in the county final. If Kevin Mahony has recovered from his hamstring injury, it's hard to envisage any changes. The full forward limped off in the sixth minute of the final. Manager Jason Ryan must have been relieved that Dessie Hutchinson and Patrick Fitzgerald came through the senior football championship unscathed. Hutchinson, who shot 7-57 in the Waterford SHC, could turn up at corner forward or wing forward. Limerick defender Mike Casey may be tasked with a man-marking job. Fitzgerald responded to his semi-final dismissal in style with 1-3 against Mount Sion.
The break will only benefit Pauric Mahony. His introduction in the semi-final against De La Salle was the difference between victory and defeat that afternoon. A week later, he followed that up with eleven points in a Man of the Match performance. In his last three visits to the Gaelic Grounds, he has produced 35 points! Aaron O'Neill's emergence in the full-back line has offset the loss of Barry Coughlan. Harry Ruddle has taken over the number five shirt seamlessly from Shane O'Sullivan.
Na Piarsaigh's ninth Limerick title since 2011 was one of the sweetest as they exacted revenge on Doon. Conor Boylan, back from a broken foot, came off the bench and forced extra time with an injury-time goal. The Sky Blues outscored their opponents by eight points to one over the additional 20 minutes. Manager Shane O'Neill must be tempted to start Boylan this time around and give his team an aerial threat on the edge of the square.
Cathall King, Shane Dowling, Adrian Breen and Kevin Downes all won their ninth medals. Breen shot 2-1 in the semi final and 1-2 in the final. Downes is on frees this season. Peter Casey has returned to full fitness after suffering a broken ankle in 2024. He will ask questions of the Ballygunner defence from centre forward. Warrior midfielder Will O'Donoghue was named Man of the Match.
Ballygunner have won the last three Munster clashes between these two clubs (2018, 2022 and 2023). Twelve months ago, the Gunners turned a five-point deficit into a five-point win against Doon. That was a Doon team coming off their first county title the week before however. Na Piarsaigh have two weeks to recover from their extra time exertions and celebrations. O'Neill's side dealt well with the Doon spare defender by shooting accurately from long distance. They won't be fazed if Philip Mahony sits back and protects Ian Kenny.
This Ballygunner group must feel that they still have a shot at a second All-Ireland. The Munster final loss to Sarsfields last December was a shock to the system. An attacking sextet of Mikey Mahony, Pauric Mahony, Peter Hogan, Dessie Hutchinson, Kevin Mahony and Patrick Fitzgerald is as good as any in the country. Then there’s Eoin Cuddihy, scorer of 4-25 this season, to come off the bench. Time is running out however and the road back to the provincial title is a minefield. The Gunners must beat Na Piarsaigh, Sarsfields and then the winners of Éire Óg and Loughmore-Castleiney. It would be their best provincial title of the lot.
With that explosive front six, they can take the first step on Sunday evening.
