Ballygunner Beat Sarsfields: Semi-Final Rematch Looms
- Ballygunner won the match with the last three points, securing a semi-final spot against Sarsfields, a repeat of last year's Munster final.
- The match, attended by 2,667 people, only became competitive in the final quarter.
- Kevin Downes' free in the 45th minute equalized the score for the first time since the 23rd minute.
Peers (Limerick) 0-15 – Ballygunner (Waterford) 0-18
Ballygunner won the match with the last three points, securing a semi-final spot against Sarsfields, a repeat of last year’s Munster final.
The match, attended by 2,667 people, only became competitive in the final quarter.
Kevin Downes’ free in the 45th minute equalized the score for the first time since the 23rd minute.
Ballygunner led by three at half-time (0-8 to 0-5) and by five early in the second half, thanks to Patrick Fitzgerald.
Na Piarsaigh responded with Daithi Dempsey and Downes, briefly taking the lead in the 42nd minute through Ronan Lynch.
Ballygunner quickly regained control with scores from Harry Ruddle and Dessie Hutchinson. Peter casey equalized in the 55th minute, but Ballygunner then scored three unanswered points (Peter Hogan, Conor Tobin, and fitzgerald from a 65).
Na Piarsaigh struggled to find answers in the closing stages.
Key players missing were Pauric Mahony (Ballygunner, ankle injury) and William O’Donoghue (Na Piarsaigh, hamstring problem).
Both teams had a high number of missed scoring chances in the first half (na Piarsaigh: 7 wides + 4 dropped/post shots; Ballygunner: 6 off target).
Mahony’s free-taking was missed by ballygunner, while Downes also struggled with his free-taking.
Ballygunner led throughout the first half.
