De La Salle's reign as Waterford and Munster champions was ended by city rivals Ballygunner in an ill-tempered county semi-final at Walsh Park yesterday.

The holders had wing forward Paidi Nevin sent off on a straight red card after an early melee, but in spite of this, they led by 0-4 to 0-1 after 20 minutes, thanks largely to the dominance of Dean Twomey at midfield. However, a goal late in the half by David O'Sullivan gave Ballygunner a slender lead at the break.

The 'Gunner's extended their advantage through JJ Hutchinson's goal early in the second half, but the impressive Twomey continued to keep De La Salle in touch. But Ballygunner were not to be denied and after winning two crucial frees which Paudie Mahony converted, substitute Andy Moloney added a late point to secure a 2-10 to 0-11 victory.

Ballygunner: S O'Keeffe; B Coughlan, Philip Mahony, W Kiely; R Cunningham, W Hutchinson, S Walsh; B Mullane, D O'Sullivan (1-1); JJ Hutchinson (1-0), S O'Sullivan, P Mahony (0-7, fs); Brian O'Sullivan (0-1), S Power, H Barnes Subs: A Moloney (0-1) for B Mullane, Barry OSullivan for S Power.

De La Salle: J Coady; C Sheehan, I Flynn, M Doherty; B Phelan, K Moran, S Daniels; E Barrett, D Twomey (0-3); P Nevin, J Keane (0-2), D Green; E Madigan (0-3, 1 sideline), J Mullane (0-2), J Dillon (0-1) Subs: C Watt for C Sheehan, L Hayes for D Green. Tweet

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