Ballygunner secured their second AIB Munster Club Senior hurling Championship title after a fully deserved six point win over Limerick champions, Na Piarsaigh in this afternoon's decider at Semple Stadium, Thurles.
Conor Power opened the scoring but it was the Limerick champions who responded swiftly as Kevin Downes weaved his way through the Gunners defence for a brilliant individual goal.
The defending champions added four quick fire points to move 1-4 to 0-2 in front, three scores from Shane Dowling (two frees) and David Dempsey on target.
Fergal Hartley's charges began to grow into the game and hit three scores in succession through Barry O' Sullivan, Brian O' Sullivan (following a stunning save from Padraig Kennedy) and Billy O' Keeffe.
Ballygunner levelled up proceedings three minutes before half-time as Brian O' Sullivan was awarded a penalty following a foul by Mike Casey, goakeeper Stephen O' Keeffe expertly finished to the net to make it 1-6 apiece.
A Pauric Mahony free on the stroke of half-time gave Ballygunner a one point lead at half-time, 1-7 to 1-6.
The Gunners continued where they left off upon the resumption moved five points clear as Pauric Mahony (two fress), along with Barry and Brian O' Sullivan hit points.
Shane Dowling and Pauric Mahony exchanged points before a crucial second Gunners goal arrived as Pauric Mahony's long range free went all the way to the net.
Ballygunner performed heroically in defence as Pauric Mahony and Shane O' Sullivan added points, with Shane Dowling and Ronan Lynch in reply for Na Piarsaigh.
Bronnadh na corn do captean na foirne Shane O'Sullivan ó @ballygunnerHc pic.twitter.com/wtrUxhAbwO
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) November 18, 2018
It finished on an unforgettable afternoon in Semple Stadium, Ballygunner 2-14 Na Piarsaigh 2-8 as joint captains Shane O' Sullivan and Stephen O' Keeffe hoisted the trophy amid scenes of red and black flags, congrats to the Gunners!
Congratulations to @ballygunnerHc who have been crowned AIB Munster Club Senior Hurling Champions 2018 🏆🏆🏆#deiseabú pic.twitter.com/HBxOhdqvzS
— Waterford GAA (@WaterfordGAA) November 18, 2018
