Ballygunner’s bite grows bigger when bruised

They’re no strangers to one another. They’ve won 8 of the last 13 provincial championships between them. The Gunners dethroned them once upon a time - revenge in itself for two previous heartbreaks. The men from Waterford have had the upper hand in recent history - but what does that count for come Sunday? Sweet nothing.

Ballygunner versus Na Piarsaigh is a clash of the titans to say the very least. Two clubs in the conversation for All-Ireland club honours before a sliotar is pucked each season. They’ve only won one each; they’d both tell you that’s not enough. The similarities are off the charts—but come teatime on Sunday, there can only be one winner. Best of luck calling it, I suppose I’ll try my best.

FORMIDABLE FOE

Naturally I’ve seen a lot less of Na Piarsaigh than I have of Ballygunner, but I did catch their recent county final demise of Derek McGrath’s Doon. Their most admirable characteristic that day was undoubtedly resilience. This team won’t ever even consider giving up, and as the game grew on, so did the intensity of their efforts. In extra time, they were excellent, and Doon’s tank was well and truly emptied in trying to contain them. They will be a formidable foe for the Gunners - an extremely different quantity to anything they may have faced so far.

The Limerick stars, of course, catch the eye the minute you turn your attention to the team sheet, score threats like Peter Casey, Will O’Donoghue commanding from midfield, Conor Boylan a constant livewire and a defence marshalled by the magnificent Mike Casey with Shane Dowling between the sticks. Kevin Downes, Adrian Breen and Daithí Dempsey all require plenty of minding.

Other than Doon, who themselves gave Ballygunner an almighty battle last season, no one really laid a glove on Na Piarsaigh this year. They cruised through Limerick in a manner they haven’t done for quite some time, and they’ll turn up to the Gaelic Grounds brimming with confidence. Then again, they also haven’t faced a side capable of scoring 2-35 at the click of a finger. Ballygunner’s average winning margins this season were simply sensational and the same case applies.

A POINT TO PROVE

What I would say about Ballygunner this time around is something that’s definitely worth consideration. It’s been a long, long time since the club came into the Munster Senior Club Hurling Championship with a point to prove. There is abundant evidence to suggest that when Ballygunner arrive with a point to prove, they often prove their most potent. Think only of that scare against De La Salle earlier this summer, and how quickly they dispelled any doubts afterwards. With respect to Mount Sion, they had the county final won after 10 minutes.

With Pauric Mahony back fully fit and at the peak of his powers, Dessie Hutchinson on 7-57 and counting for the club campaign, Peter Hogan at his brilliant best and a wealth of young talent coming through the conveyor belt, Ballygunner arrive as fear-inducing an opposition as ever before.

The Jason Ryan era has brought fresh hunger and enthusiasm, new ideas and some sensational scores. Irrespective of what opposition lies in wait, it’s almost impossible not to label Ballygunner as favourites.

Cork and Tipperary clubs have troubled the Gunners in the recent past, but it’s been a while since a Limerick team had the last laugh. Records are made to be broken and all that jazz, but the last four years show wins against Doon, Na Piarsaigh (2) and Kilmallock with an average winning margin of seven points. I know Sarsfields are reigning Munster champions and rightfully command respect, but I’m nailing my colours to the mast and saying whoever wins this weekend lifts The O’Neill Cup. This will be the toughest test Ballygunner will face - and if they end up facing Sarsfields in the semi-final at Walsh Park, revenge coming into play will make for a serious spectacle.

Ballygunner have won the last 12 county finals by a combined margin of 160 points. An average winning margin of 0-13 sustained over a period of twelve years. The previous two county finals were won by an average margin of 20 points. Undefeated in 66 games in Waterford. The statistics aren’t in need of superlatives - they’re self-explanatory.

This season - 2-26 against Abbeyside, 4-26 against the Brickeys, 3-25 against De La Salle, 1-24 against Clonea, 3-24 against Roanmore, 2-27 against Passage and 2-35 against Mount Sion. 2-26 on average, just 0-15 shipped by comparison. Compare this to Na Piarsaigh. They’ve conceded a goal in every game this season, and they average 1-23 by scoring comparison. They’ll need at least 0-30 to beat Ballygunner, in my view. The Limerick men will need to hit new heights, not that that’s not possible.

DEFENSIVE WORRIES?

My only worry for Ballygunner is from a defensive perspective. No disrespect intended to those who have lined out for them so far this year, but with Barry Coughlan and Shane O’Sullivan gone in the last year or two, that’s a lot of experience lost in that department. It’ll be up to Ian Kenny, Tadhg Foley, Ronan Power and company to step up in their absence - while Harry Ruddle has also impressed at wing back. No ill will toward Waterford opposition, but this is a step up, and the stakes are high. The margin for error is smaller and the calibre of opposition is stronger. Still, I trust they’ll rise to the occasion as Gunners so often do.

Ballygunner to prevail, by no means a mauling - Dessie Hutchinson, Peter Hogan and Pauric Mahony to lead the charge as is so often the case. They arrive into this championship with a point to prove, a hunger like no other and all eyes on them to see what they’re made of in Munster. Step by step and no talk of silverware until it’s in their hands - so often they’ve been the masters of this craft, and something tells me we’re in for something good.

Very best wishes to Tallow, Kilrossanty and the one and only Comeragh Rangers also - and let’s hope it’s a weekend to remember for Waterford sport.