Revenge factor further galvanises Gunners
Before embarking upon their Munster Senior Club Hurling Championship campaign, I wrote that Ballygunner’s bite grows bigger when bruised.
We didn’t get to see a whole lot of evidence of the said ruthlessness when up against Na Piarsaigh, but the resilience shown to power through that war of attrition was testament to the immovable mental fortitude of the Gunners.
With respect to Sarsfields, what happened at Semple Stadium last year wasn’t supposed to happen. They sprung a surprise, they deserved their win, and it was the first time in quite some time that Ballygunner didn’t show up on the big stage.
Sunday represents the third meeting of the sides in as many years - locked at one apiece. A 17-point victory for the Gunners in 2023, followed by a four-point win for Sars in December last. A 21-point swing in 12 months raised eyebrows even in Rebel territories.
While Ballygunner’s tallies in the Waterford Senior Hurling Championship became the source of national attention, Sarsfields’ scores in Cork were equally as impressive. They steamrolled their way to the county crown, with the exception of a semi-final scare. St. Finbarrs and De La Salle could well be the teams we are talking about this weekend, but they’re not - and the final itself was a procession as was the case for the Gunners, the Glanmire men swatted aside Midleton.
Sarsfields thrive upon fast, free-flowing open hurling but in tandem there are few sides that suits as well as their opponents on Sunday. The loss against Sars last year is the only time the Gunners have succumbed to a Cork rival since beginning their dominance of the Deise 12 years ago.
There are many subplots which warrant exploration in terms of who picks up who and what way the teams shape up - but I believe so much will centre upon one particular instance: Does Pauric Mahony start, is he 100% and does he convert all of Sarsfield’s disciplinary lapses into punishments on the scoreboard?
Mahony’s return is worth 0-10 minimum to the Gunners. No disrespect to Dessie Hutchinson whatsoever given the conditions last week and his earlier free-taking displays this season, but you are talking about one of the country’s best free takers here. Few are best placed to punish you like Pauric can. Not to mind his vision, were it not for his interventions in the county semi-final, the golden era would actually be over.
The defence was immense in Limerick. Harry Ruddle played out of his skin at wing back while Aaron O’Neill, Tadhg Foley and Ronan Power showed that they will never be overawed by any sense of occasion. Ian Kenny has been a key component of the clubs’ success since day one, Philip Mahony was an orchestrator extraordinaire as always and when the rearguard is breached - what a luxury it is to have Stephen O’Keeffe to call upon. His deliveries will also have a huge role to play.
Mikey Mahony and Peter Hogan’s work-rate will also be crucial, and if Hutchinson and Patrick Fitzgerald get service - they will do the damage. I would also expect Conor Tobin and Mark Hartley to have major roles to play coming down the home straight.
Jack O’Connor is the chief threat for Sars and James Sweeney and Colm McCarthy will also provide major threats of concern - but winning the midfield battle will be of the utmost importance. I expect it to be high scoring, thrilling and befitting of the occasion.
The visitors are worthy champions, but I see Ballygunner making life hell from minute one. Few defeats in the last 12 years hurt as much as December last, and here’s the perfect opportunity to make them pay.
Ballygunner to make home advantage count and march on to another Munster decider. Regardless of whoever they play, history keeps telling us to write them off at your peril. I’ve learnt to never doubt them, that’s when they deliver.
