There has been a rare development in Waterford where Ballygunner have earned the right to field two teams in the 2026 senior hurling championship.

The dominant force in Waterford hurling for over a decade, the 2022 All-Ireland club hurling champions are currently unbeaten in 62 domestic SHC outings and are just two wins away from a 12th consecutive county crown. They face De La Salle at the semi-final stage of the main competition today.

However, in a rare quirk of fate, the club has the option of fielding two teams in the senior grade next year following their 1-21 to 2-11 victory over Tallow in Saturday’s premier intermediate final at Walsh Park.

The second string has risen phoenix-like to earn the right to line out against the Gunners main team in ’26. If Ballygunner successfully retain the Waterford SHC this year, they’ll have won the minor, junior ‘A’, premier intermediate and senior championships in the same season.

In yesterday's premier intermediate decider, Mark Hartley, who had struck twelve points in the MHC final victory over Roanmore just three nights earlier, slotted 0-10, while Gabin Corbett fired the Gunners goal late on.

Incidentally, to further underline the stranglehold Ballygunner have on Waterford hurling right now, Wednesday’s minor win was their eleventh in twelve years and third in a row.

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